Since 1989 Sullivan Festeryga LLP has helped individuals, institutions and businesses obtain permanent residency and temporary visitor, student and employment status for non-Canadians. We also represent clients in appeals to the Immigration Appeal Division, the Federal Court and any type of hearing or interview held before Immigration authorities.
In general terms, there are five main ways in which to obtain Canadian permanent resident status:
- As a “skilled worker”;
- Through a sponsorship under the “family class”;
- As an “entrepreneur”;
- As an “investor”; or
- As a refugee claimant
“Skilled workers” represent the majority of successful permanent resident applications. “Skilled workers” are assessed on an artificial scale which weighs their potential benefits to Canada based on a variety of factors. These include:
- Education;
- Work experience;
- Age;
- Ability to speak English and/or French; and
- Whether a close relative resides in Canada
In addition to assisting you through the entire process we also provide preliminary consultation to determine whether the application will be successful and/or point you to alternative immigration options.
We also assist many clients with “family class” applications. Professional legal advice is particularly important if questions arise as to the nature of the relationship between the Canadian and non-Canadian, whether adequate steps have been taken to support the non-Canadian once he/she arrives or the applicant’s admission is challenged due to an unforseen medical problem. Professional legal assistance is likewise important when considering an “entrepreneur” application. It is necessary that the issues of whether the non-Canadian’s education, experience and work history indicate that the non-Canadian will be able to successfully establish or promote a profitable business in Canada once they arrive.
Most applications for temporary visas such as student or visitor visas, are successfully made by non-Canadians without any legal assistance. Complications, however, can arise, especially when applying for employment visas. We can guide you through the application process when problems arise. We can also help obtain advance permission from the Federal Government (called an “employment validation”) for the issuance of employment visas, when required.
To arrange for an appointment please contact Robert W. Young at ryoung@sullivanfesteryga.com or Matthew J. Wells at mwells@sullivanfesteryga.com.