Our immigration lawyers in Toronto have encountered many misconceptions and myths about relocating to Canada. These misunderstandings can lead to confusion, frustration, and even legal issues. Therefore, it is essential to debunk these immigration law myths and provide accurate information.
At Nanda & Associate Lawyers, we employ some of the top criminal lawyers and real estate lawyers in Ontario. When it comes to immigration, we know how integral it is that our research and strategy is top-notch. Sometimes the most important part of our jobs is ensuring clients comprehend the full range of options and the implications of each one. Even the best lawyers aren’t effective if they can’t break things down for the client and dispel any rumours they’ve heard.
Here are some of the most common falsehoods we’ve had to check:
It’s Easy
One of the most common misconceptions is that it is easy to immigrate to Canada. While we’re known for a welcoming attitude towards immigrants, the reality is that the process is complex, time-consuming, and often difficult to navigate.
There are many different programs available and committed streams for corporate immigration, and each has its own eligibility criteria, application requirements, and processing times. In many cases, immigration lawyers find that candidates struggle to find the right visa stream.
Moreover, the Canadian government has strict regulations regarding who can enter the country. One must meet certain requirements such as having a clean criminal record, being in good health, and having sufficient funds to support themselves and their family.
Immigrants Take Jobs Away
Studies have shown that immigrants actually create jobs and contribute to the economy. Our corporate lawyers have seen that many immigrants start their own businesses, which creates employment opportunities for locals. Moreover, they fill labour shortages in industries such as healthcare, technology, and construction, which can lead to a better GDP and increased job opportunities for all.
Canada Only Accepts Highly Skilled Immigrants
While Canada does have programs that prioritize highly skilled workers, such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Global Talent Stream, there are also programs available for more diverse candidates. If you can show that you’re qualified to become the top wills and estate lawyer in Toronto, then you’ll have your choice of business visas, but if not, there’s something for everyone. For example, the Canadian Experience Class is a program that allows individuals with Canadian work experience to apply for permanent residency.
Moreover, Canada has a family and spousal sponsorship program that allow citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their family members. This program is open to common-law partners, dependent children, parents, and grandparents.
Immigrants Receive More Benefits than Canadians
While Canada does provide certain benefits to newcomers, like access to healthcare and education, these benefits are available to all Canadians, regardless of their immigration status.
Moreover, newcomers may not be eligible for certain benefits until they have lived in Canada for a certain amount of time. For example, most provinces require newcomers to wait for a certain period before they’re eligible for government-funded healthcare.
It’s Expensive To Immigrate To Canada
Application fees and processing fees aren’t prohibitively expensive. Moreover, there are programs available for those who cannot afford the fees, like the fee waiver program for refugees.
Additionally, many applicants are eligible for government-funded settlement services, which can assist with finding housing, employment, language classes, and other necessities. These services can help newcomers adjust to their new and reduce their financial burden.
It’s Easy To Obtain Refugee Status in Canada
This is a highly problematic immigration law myth. The reality of seeking asylum is that the refugee determination process is complex and often difficult to navigate. To be granted refugee status, an individual must prove that they have a well-founded fear of persecution in their home country based on factors such as their race, religion, political beliefs, or membership in a particular social group.
Moreover, the government has strict regulations regarding who can be considered a refugee. In recent years, Canada has become more selective in its refugee intake, focusing on resettling those who are most vulnerable, like women and children at risk, LGBTQ+ individuals, and victims of human trafficking.
Immigration lawyers can also help you access online resources that outline the criteria. For example, there’s a designated list of countries that are considered to have strong human rights protections and a fair justice system. Individuals who arrive from safe countries aren’t eligible for refugee status in Canada. Individuals who arrive at the Canadian border without proper documentation may be detained and deported if they don’t have a litigation lawyer to make a case for them.
Once You Receive Permanent Residency, You Can Leave Canada
While permanent residents of Canada are allowed to travel outside of the country, they need to meet certain requirements. If you’re abroad for extended periods, you may be deemed to have abandoned your residency status.
Therefore, you need to maintain strong ties to Canada, such as owning property, maintaining a bank account, and paying taxes. Of course, if there are extenuating circumstances, a civil litigation lawyer can help you justify your absence.
You Can Apply for Citizenship as Soon as You Receive Permanent Residency
While permanent residents are eligible to apply for citizenship, they must meet certain requirements to be granted citizenship. To be eligible for citizenship, a permanent resident must have been physically present in Canada for a prescribed period. Moreover, they must also pass a citizenship test, which assesses their knowledge of history, government, and values.
You Must Be Fluent In English and French
While Canada is officially a bilingual country, most of the population speaks English as their first language. Therefore, knowledge of English is typically more important than knowledge of French for most immigration programs.
However, knowledge of French can be an asset for certain streams, such as the Quebec Skilled Worker Program, which places a strong emphasis on French language proficiency. Furthermore, if you’re applying for business immigration, it’ll only help your case if you show that you can speak the primary language in your place of work, be it English or French.
If you’re hoping to start a new life in The Great White North, then Nanda & Associate Lawyers can cover all your legal needs, as well as lend professional insight and experience to strengthen your application. Our team includes commercial real estate lawyers and personal injury lawyers, so click here to book a consult and take advantage of our skilled and empathetic lawyers in Ontario.
Disclaimer: This article is only intended for educational purposes and shouldn’t be used as a substitute for legal advice.
