immigration to new zeland

New Zealand became one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world because of its breathtaking scenery and many outdoor activities that has become famous for. It is not surprising that New Zealand immigration is increasing, especially with the reputation that its people friendly.

New Zealand Ministry of Immigration is similar to many other immigration policies by offering a range of visa options for those seeking to enter. Similar to the Australian visa policy, the categories include skilled migrant visas, visas and family visas for business investment. Thank you to the country's growing economy, skilled migrants visa is the most popular way to immigrate to New Zealand.

With the skills and experience, migrants may enter the skilled migrant visa program. New Zealand Immigration points are judged on candidates skills and qualifications and award points based on their past achievements. If the applicant receives a certain number of points, they are considered eligible and entered in a pool of workers abroad. The immigration department then select the most qualified from this pool of candidates to fill the gaps in the work that the country is experiencing

According to New Zealand Immigration records,there are intense competition in skilled migrant program. So, perfecting an application before sending it to the department of immigration is essential. A well presented application can make the difference between winning entry or not, but many migrants are still completing the forms themselves. Immigration consultants providing a service of filing the application and years of experience behind them in filing the application forms of success. 

A professional immigration consultant help will streamline the immigration process and provide a greater chance of success for those who wish to start a new life in New Zealand, without the stress of the person completing an application form.So, apply before New Zealand Immigration Policy 2011 changes.

usa student visa

Hundreds of thousands of people come to the United States from around the world to study and improve their skills. Numerous programs provide a wide variety of learning opportunities. Students interested in studying in the United States must be admitted to a U.S. school or university before starting the visa process. For additional information about higher education opportunities in the U.S., see the Department of State Education USA website.

How to Apply for a Student Visa

• Download the F-1 Student Visa Application Guide.
• Select where in the Unites States of America you would like to live and study.
• Choose the type of school you would like like to attend, such as: University, College, Graduate School, ESL (English as Second Language) or Vocational School.
• Contact the school and start the admission process.
• Upon acceptance by school, the school will issue you an I-20 form (the required document you need to apply for F-1 student visa).
• With the I-20 form and the F-1 Visa Application Guide you can apply for a student visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are already in the Unites States you may be allowed change your immigration status to student.
• You may be legally authorized to work in the United States while on a F-1 student visa.
• How long may I stay on my F-1 student visa?
  
  
  When you enter the United States on a student visa, you will usually be admitted for the duration of your student status. That means you may stay as long as you are a full time student, even if the F-1 visa in your passport expires while you are in America. For a student who has completed the course of studies shown on the I-20, and any authorized practical training, the student is allowed the following additional time in the U.S. before departure:
  
  
  • F-1 student - An additional 60 days, to prepare for departure from the U.S. or to transfer to another school.
  • M-1 student - An additional 30 days to depart the U.S. (Fixed time period, in total not to exceed one year). The 30 days to prepare for departure is permitted as long as the student maintained a full course of study and maintained status. An M student may receive extensions up to three years for the total program.
  • As an example regarding duration of status, if you have a visa that is valid for five years that will expire on January 1, 2001, and you are admitted into the U.S. for the duration of your studies (often abbreviated in your passport or on your I-94 card as "D/S"), you may stay in the U.S. as long as you are a full time student. Even if January 1, 2001 passes and your visa expires while in America, you will still be in legal student status. However, if you depart the U.S. with an expired visa, you will need to obtain a new one before being able to return to America and resume your studies. A student visa cannot be renewed or re-issued in the United States; it must be done at an Embassy or Consulate abroad.

Overseas students applying for permanent residence in Australia

Can I stay in Australia after I finish my course?
	In many cases, you still can. The latest changes to the Skilled Occupations List and the priority processing system have certainly made it a lot harder to make the transition from student to permanent resident, but there are still "pathways" available, to use the government's term.
Who is eligible?
	Generally speaking, you may be eligible if you have, in the past six months, completed a professional or trade course in Australia over a period of two academic years, or if you hold a subclass 485 (see below) or 476 visa. Other information you may need to know is whether your occupation is on the "Skilled Occupations List" (SOL) and how many points it is worth: Failure to comply strictly with all of the application requirements could mean that your application is treated as invalid and will be sent back to you, although this may take several weeks and by the time you get it back it could be too late for you to apply again.
How do I apply?
	You will need to apply for your skills assessment, medicals and police checks as quickly as possible and then lodge an application for one of three types of permanent visa: Skilled - Independent(subclass 885) Skilled - Sponsored (subclass 886) Skilled - Regional (subclass 887) If you do not satisfy the criteria for a permanent visa immediately, you may also apply for a Skilled - Graduate (subclass 485) visa. This will give you up to 18 months to complete the requirements or gain any necessary work experience.
Can I stay in Australia while the application is being processed?
	Yes, if you satisfy the requirements for applying onshore you can stay in Australia while the permanent visa is processed. You can also work and travel in and out of the country.
What if I don't meet the requirements for an onshore application?
	There are several other possibilities open to students who are studying in Australia, before and after finishing their courses. You may be able to lodge a skilled migration visa as an offshore applicant even while you are physically in Australia, providing you have some other legal visa that allows you to stay here -- such as another student visa or a temporary resident visa. When the visa is ready for approval you will have to make a short trip overseas, either to your home country or somewhere else like New Zealand, to collect it.
Where can I get help?
	You might be excused for thinking that the rules about applying are deliberately made so complicated in order to ensure that only people with a high IQ can work them out. Unfortunately, just getting one detail wrong in the application can be disastrous.

Why Study in Australia

In Australia, you have the freedom to choose a path that suits your particular goals. There are thousands of courses on offer.

Whichever course you choose, you’ll experience a unique kind of education. Studying in Australia promotes innovative, creative and independent thinking. You’ll learn to work as part of a team, to communicate effectively with others and to develop the practical skills and intellectual abilities you need for global success.

Most importantly, you’ll learn how to use your initiative. Your teachers will encourage you to think of original, practical solutions to real-world problems. Upon graduation, your qualification will make you highly sought after by Australian and international employers.

The Australian education system has a strong international reputation and is known for its effective structure and innovative policy developments. Many other countries, eager to improve their own education systems, turn to Australia for advice.

Australia is also one of the best places to live. It is a young, vibrant and friendly country in which students can live, learn and grow. So if you want a quality education and a good lifestyle, Australia’s the place to be.

Have a look at our interactive map and see where Australia is in relation to the rest of the world. You can also see how close we are to your home country.

The relationship of education to migration policy

You should undertake study in a field in which you intend to work once you graduate. You are strongly advised not to undertake studies in Australia with the sole purpose of obtaining a migration outcome. The student visa process is an entirely separate process to skilled migration and there is no guarantee that you will be eligible for skilled migration purely on the basis of having undertaken a course related to an occupation on the Skilled Occupations List (SOL).

The SOL is a list of skilled occupations that are in need in Australia comprising of four major groups: managers and administrators; professionals; associate professionals; and tradespersons and related workers.

The SOL can, and does, change in light of labour market needs in Australia. There is no guarantee that an occupation listed on the SOL at the time you begin your studies will still be on the SOL when you graduate.

The Australian Government wants a targeted, high-value, demand-driven, skilled migration program that is responsive to the needs of the Australian labour market. As these needs change rapidly, the skilled migration program will be adjusted accordingly.

Living in Australia

Introduction

Australia is so big and diverse that it could never merely be the sum of its icons. The stunning architecture of the Sydney Opera House, the glow of Uluru (Ayers Rock) at dusk, a wave curled above a colourful reef – these are only part of the experience that unfolds once your feet touch the soil of this awesome country-continent.

Australia's natural beauty is one of its biggest attractions. The landscape varies from endless sunbaked horizons to tropical rainforests to chilly southern beaches. Its cities blend an enthusiasm for art and food with a love of sport and the outdoors. Visitors will have to re-think their grasp of geography in this huge country. The sheer vastness gives Australia – and its diverse population – much of its character.

Many things about this faraway island are different, even the things that sound familiar. You may have visited remote places, but not the sublime isolation of the outback, with its dazzling salt pans and sandstone towers. You would have encountered wildlife, but when did you last ride a camel among desert oak trees or have your camp site visited by a Tasmanian devil? Perhaps you've enjoyed seafood, but here you'll taste barramundi fish and delicious Moreton Bay bugs (a shellfish).

From rainforest trails to fascinating museums, vibrant multicultural cities to a love of sport, Australia is unique.

The People

Australia's population in mid-2005 was 20,265,000. Population density is among the lowest in the world, with an average of 2.5 people per square kilometre – no-one’s within cooee (shouting distance) in the outback. Most people live along the eastern seaboard, with a smaller concentration on the southwestern coast. Living in one of the world's most culturally diverse countries – 23% is foreign-born – Australians incorporate a wide variety of influences into the way they live and play.

The Places

Australia's states and territories each have unique characteristics. Explore one at a time or, when your studies have finished, visit them all in one big loop! This would mean over 14,000km of highway, not including side trips to beaches, forests, mountains, country towns... If you'd rather not go far from where you're studying, you'll still find there's plenty to keep you entertained.

The Potential

Australia offers a unique experience for students. Apart from a world-class education system, the opportunities to get involved in daily life are endless: whether you're into the arts or sport, partying or book clubs, the great outdoors or cosy cafés, you’ll find many ways to join in and have fun. So if you want to get an education and have a life, it really is the place to be.

New Australian Student Visa Policy Effective from 24th march 2012

From Saturday 24 March 2012, student visa applicants enrolled in Bachelor, Masters or Doctoral degrees at participating universities, regardless of their country of origin, will be treated as though they are lower risk, similar to the current Assessment Level 1. 

This change will only affect participating universities and their pathway providers (where nominated). All other education providers, including VET and ELICOS providers and the Schools sector, will remain the same. A full list of participating universities will be included on DIAC's website

 

Other measures that will commence from 24 March include:

• the current work restriction of 20 hours per week for all Student visa holders will change to 40 hours per fortnight (from 26 March 2012); 
• Postgraduate Research (subclass 574) visa holders will no longer be limited in the number of hours that they can work once their course has commenced (from 26 March 2012); 
• the maximum period of English language study for Schools Sector (subclass 571) visa holders subject to Assessment Level (AL) 3 and above will be increase to 50 weeks;
• Student Guardian (subclass 580) visa holders will be able to undertake ELICOS study on a part-time basis (less than 20 hours per week) for the duration of their visa; and
• the English language requirement for Schools Sector (subclass 571) visa applicants subject to Assessment Level (AL) 4, and the associated waiver for applicants from China, will be removed.

Changes to Australian student visa living cost requirement from 1 July 2012

This is to inform you all that the Australian Government, Department of Immigration and Citizenship has increased the student visa living cost requirement from $18 000 to $18 610 per year and is applicable for all the visa applications lodged on or after 1^st July 2012.

Applicants may have to demonstrate sufficient funds to cover these expenses for the first one or two years in Australia, depending on their assessment level. And so below is the detailed financial requirements per year for Australian student visa.

Expenses	Per Person	Amount required in AUD
Travel	Applicant	Return air fare to Australia
	Family Members	One return air fare to Australia per person
Tuition	Applicant	Course fees
	School-age children aged 5 - 18	AUD 8000 per year
Living	Applicant	AUD 18610 per year
	Partner	AUD 6515 per year
	First child	AUD 3720 per year
	Each other child	AUD 2790 per year

Best Universities in Canada

Canada’s Top 5 Universities? Look for the Best University for You

What are the best universities in Canada? The answer usually depends on what degree you want. Some universities find their way onto almost every list. But for specialized studies, other schools pop to the top.

For a change, instead of pitting Canadian schools against each other, I’ve looked at where Canadian schools stand in global rankings. This list of best universities in Canada is compiled from these ratings of universities worldwide:

* Thompson-Reuters 2011-2012 rankings of the world’s top universities for The Times Higher Education. This includes rankings by specialized areas of study.

* The Financial Times 2011-2012 Global MBA rankings.

* US News and World Reports list of Top 400 World’s Best Universities, 2011.

* Top 500 World Universities, Institute of Higher Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China.

The Best Universities for Engineering in Canada

Thompson-Reuters ranks engineering schools worldwide. Four Canadian schools earned spots on their Top 100 list of engineering schools:

18. University of Toronto
33. University of British Columbia
47. McGill University
48. University of Waterloo

The Best Science Universities in Canada

When you consider science more broadly, Thompson-Reuters rates universities separately for Pre-Clinical and Health Sciences, Life Sciences, and Physical Sciences. The list below “ranks” each university according to its top score in any of the science disciplines.

* McGill University (11 in Pre-Clinical and Health Sciences, 24 in Life Sciences)
* University of British Columbia (14 in Life Sciences, 24 in Physical Sciences
* McMaster University (16 in Pre-Clinical and Health Sciences)
* University of Toronto (17 in Pre-Clinical and Health Sciences, 18 in Life Sciences, 22 for Physical Sciences)
* University of Montreal (47 in Pre-Clinical and Health Sciences)

The Best Business Universities in Canada

The Financial Times rates universities globally on their MBA programs. This list has seen some churn in the past few years, particularly as well-regarded US and UK universities have opened branch facilities in Asia and the Middle East. So a little slippage in a Canadian university’s rank is no cause for concern.

All of this makes the Desautels school’s 18-place upward jump since last year especially striking. Here is where The Financial Times’ global list of business schools ranks the Best MBA Universities in Canada.

44. University of Toronto Rotman
59. York University Schulich
61. McGill University Desautels
68. University of Western Canada Ivey
82. University of British Columbia Sauder

Best University in Canada

When professionals try to identify the best universities, factors can include the academic breadth and depth of many programs, faculty research impact, student success post-graduation, and more. US News uses QS Top Universities to assess the Top 400 World’s Best Universities. Thompson-Reuters does its own ratings. A third scale, more inclusive of institutions in Asian and Middle Eastern countries, is produced by the Institute of Higher Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China. Here’s how 11 Canadian universities that made at least one global Top 200 stack up in the three schemes (Thompson-Reuters is listed first / US News second/ Jiao Tong University third.)

19 / 23 / 24 University of Toronto
28 / 17 / 61 McGill University
22 / 51 / 36 University of British Columbia
100 / 100 / (101-152*) University of Alberta
65 / 159 / 88 McMaster University
104 / 137 /(153-201) Université de Montréal
173 / 144 /(153-201) Queens University
(201-225** ) / 157 / (202-301) The University of Western Ontario
(201-225) / 160 / (153-201) University of Waterloo
177 / 292 / NA University of Victoria
185 / NA / (202-301) University of Ottawa

*After 100, Jiao Tong University ranks by groups only.
** After 200, Reuters-Thompson releases ranks in groups only.

So what is the best university in Canada? If the professionals don’t always agree on how to rank our universities, make sure you count factors that matter to you. One professor in one discipline could make all the difference. In the end, the best university is always the best university for you.

Who Qualifies for Canadian Permanent Residence

Skilled Worker Class

Skilled Workers are persons with suitable education, work experience, age and language abilities under one of Canada’s official languages and who are selected as permanent residents under six selection factors which demonstrate their likelihood to become economically settled in Canada.
The Federal skilled worker class is point based. Applicants are assessed under 6 factors and numerous sub factors of assessment providing for 100 points. Individuals with at least one year of continuous full-time employment experience, or the equivalent in part-time employment in one or more “open” occupations, within the 10 years preceding the date of their application and who possess the required settlement funding, may qualify for assessment.
To qualify for admission to Canada as a skilled worker, applicants must meet the following conditions:

1. Eliminatory conditions:
   1. Possess at least one year of applicable experience in one of 29 major high demand occupations (health, skilled trades and finance) listed here; OR
   2. Possess an approved offer of employment “Arranged Employment”; OR
   3. Legally living in Canada for a minimum of one year either as a temporary foreign worker or an international student.
   Applicants who meet one of the above eliminatory conditions will be eligible for continued processing as a skilled worker and must also meet each of the following essential selection conditions:
   
2. Essential selection conditions:
   1. Possess one-year, within the previous 10 years, of suitable continuous full-time paid work experience or the equivalent in part-time continuous employment; AND
   2. The work experience must be classified within Skill Type 0 (Managerial Occupations), Skill Level A (Professional Occupations), or Skill Level B (Technical Occupations and Skilled Trades) within the meaning of the National Occupational Classification system; AND
   3. Score sufficient points under the skilled worker point grid comprising of six selection factors. The current pass mark is 67 points; AND
   4. Possess suitable settlement funding; AND
   5. Undergo a successful security background and medical examination.

Successful applicants must receive a minimum of 67 points with at least one year of experience within the past 10 years in one of the occupations listed in either Skill Type 0 or Skill Level A or B of the National Occupational Classification (NOC). The Regulations enumerates the factors and allocates the maximum number of units as follows:

Factor	Your Score	Final
EDUCATION		25
LANGUAGE		24
EXPERIENCE		21
AGE		10
ARRANGED EMPLOYMENT		10
ADAPTABILITY		10
TOTAL		100

Factor		Your Score	Final
EDUCATION			Max. 25
University Degrees
PhD, or Master's, AND at least 17 years of full-time or full-time equivalent study			25
Two or more university degrees at the Bachelor's level AND at least 15 years of full-time or full-time equivalent study			22
A two-year university degree at the Bachelor's level AND at least 14 years of full-time or full-time equivalent study			20
A one-year university degree at the Bachelor's level AND at least 13 years of full-time or full-time equivalent study			15
Trade or Non-university Certificate or Diploma
A three-year diploma, trade certificate or apprenticeship AND at least 15 years of full-time or full-time equivalent study			22
A two-year diploma, trade certificate or apprenticeship AND at least 14 years of full-time or full-time equivalent study			20
A one-year diploma, trade certificate or apprenticeship AND at least 13 years of full-time or full-time equivalent study			15
A one-year diploma, trade certificate or apprenticeship AND at least 12 years of full-time or full-time equivalent study			12
Secondary School Educational Credential			5
LANGUAGE (Abilities: Speak, Read, Write, Listen)			Max. 24
1st Lang.	High proficiency (per ability)		4
	Moderate proficiency (per ability)		2
	Basic proficiency (per ability)		1 to max. of 2
	No proficiency		0
	Possible maximum (all four abilities)		16
2nd Lang.	High proficiency (per ability)		2
	Moderate proficiency (per ability)		2
	Basic proficiency (per ability)		1 to max. of 2
	No proficiency		0
	Possible maximum (all four abilities)		8
EXPERIENCE (NOC Skill Level O,A,B)			Max. 21
One year			15
Two years			17
Three years			19
Four years			21
AGE			Max. 10
Max. 10 points for:			21-49
Less two points for each year:			over 49 or under 21
ARRANGED EMPLOYMENT IN CANADA			Max. 10
HRDC-confirmed permanent offer of employment			10
Applicants from within Canada holding a temporary work permit that is:
Validated by HRDC, including sectoral confirmations			10
Exempt from HRDC validation under international agreements (e.g., NAFTA) or significant benefit (i.e., intra-company transferee)			10
ADAPTABILITY			Max. 10
Spouse's or common-law partner's education			3-5
Minimum one year of full-time authorized work in Canada			5
Minimum two years of full-time authorized post-secondary study in Canada			5
Points received under the Arranged Employment factor			5
Family relationship in Canada			5
Total			100

IELTS requirement for student visa of Canada

You must take IELTS or any other Enlish Language Proficiency Test if you want to get admission in any of Canadian Universities. Although there are some exceptions if you have been proved that you have taught in English medium at higher school level for at least two years.

Almost all universities of Canada requires a minimum of 6.5 overall Band in IELTS. In addition Universities of Canada only accept IELTS Academic Module for admission. All information about canadian universities can be found at http://www.aucc.ca

A guide to study visa of Canada

Obtaining a study permit of Canada is a quick and easy method to get Canadian Immigration. If you are thinking to apply for a study permit for Canada, you have to read following steps for submission of appication for study permit in Canada.

First of all you have to obtain study permit forms in your country of origin at the Canadian Embassy, High Commission or Canadian Education Centre. The application for a student visa is also available online at cic website

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/student.asp

Necessary documentation for student visas canada:

It is critical that students submit all necessary documentation along with their applications of study permit to Canada. Missing documentation will cause delay the approval process of canadian student visa.

The documents listed below are generally needed bearing your application, local requirements may also apply for study permit in Canada.

1. Proof of identity:

This includes photocopies of a valid passport two recent passport-size photos (2" x 2.5") for each family member, with the date of birth and full name written on the backside of each photo.

2. Proof of financial support:

You have to prove that you have enough funds to fulfill your tuition and living costs in Canada. The living costs in Canada are approx $10,000 CDN (extra funds are required if there are other family members going with you).
You can prove your financial position by showing your own bank statements for the past four to six months, a Canadian bank account or a bank draft in convertible currency, or proof of payment of tuition and residence fees. (Tip: $10,000 CDN in addition to tuition fees per academic year are normally viewed as enough)

3. Medical examination:

Medical exams are necessary if your stay in Canada as a student is longer than six months and you come from a country with far above the ground health risks. The processing of medical will add quite a few weeks to the time essential to obtain a study permit. In rare cases, you may require a medical examination although your course is less than six months in duration.

4. Acceptance letter by an approved educational institution:

You have to add a proof of an acceptance letter from a recognized institute of Canada. The following information ought to be included in letter of acceptance:
· Name of the student.
· Date of Birth of the student.
· Mailing address of student.
· The course in which the student has been enrolled.
· The estimated duration of the course.
· Date on which the course begins.
· Last date on which the student must register for the course.
· The academic year which the student will be entering.
· Whether the course is full or part-time.
· Tuition fee.
· Any conditions of acceptance.
· Clear classification of the educational institution.
· Licensing information (In case private institutions)

This letter has to be signed by an official representative of the institution.

5. A proof of custodianship in Canada:

If you are a minor (less than 18 years of age), you must provide a notarized statement signed by your parents or legal guardian in the country of your origin in addition to a notarized statement signed by the guardian in Canada stating that sufficient preparations have been made for the guardian in Canada to act on behalf of a parent in times of urgent situation, for instance when medical attention is required.

Once you have finished the application forms and have collected the necessary documentation for student visa canada, go on to the visa office nearby you and submit the required information along with a fee of student visa canada.

After evaluation of your study visa application, a visa officer must be convince that you meet the requirements of the Canadian Immigration Act and Regulations and that your intension to get a student visa canada is just for study and live in Canada temporarily.

Once the visa officer is contented that you are a genuine student and all legal requirements are met, you will be issued a document which is required to be shown to an immigration officer at the port of entry in Canada in order to get a study permit there.

As your study permit will usually be valid for the period of your course, please make sure that your passport is also valid for that same period of time.

Biometric Scanning for Canada Visa Applicants

ederal Immigration Minister Jason Kenney's office has confirmed Canada will soon roll out biometric scanning for travellers seeking visas to Canada, but it won't say which country will be first.

On Friday, the Toronto Star reported the federal government is planning to roll out the first phase of the $200-million electronic fingerprinting program in India because of ongoing concerns about widespread immigration fraud on applications from that country.

But spokeswoman Celyeste Power said the story isn't true and there has been no decision yet on which countries are going to get the biometrics.

"There hasn't actually been a decision yet on which countries are going to be involved in biometrics," she said. "There are countries in discussion right now ... No one's being leaned towards."

Power wouldn't say which countries are being considered for the program, but said the ministry expects to make a decision in early fall, or sometime in 2012.

The government announced in 2008 it was moving to biometrics, which is considered more reliable than the use of subjective photo identification by immigration agents, because it uses digital measurements that can be stored on computers and magnetic strips.

In the 2008 budget, the government said, “Border security remains a priority for Canadians. Criminals are increasingly more sophisticated and well funded, including those who engage in document fraud to illegally move people or goods across borders," according the immigration ministry's website.

"Further to biometric field trials in Canada that were successfully completed in 2007, the government will introduce the use of biometric data, such as fingerprints and live photographs, in its visa-issuing process to accurately verify identity and travel documents of foreign nationals who enter Canada," says the website.

Canada’s postal service is on strike. Find out how this affects you.

The Canada Post Corporation and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers failed to reach a deal on negotiating a new collective agreement. As a result, the postal workers began a strike effective 11:59 PM EDT Thursday, June 2, 2011. 

This will affect you if:

Submitting an application for temporary residence or extending your status

If you are already in Canada and wish to apply for a Study Permit, a Work Permit, an Off-Campus Work Permit or a Post-Graduation Work Permit, or you wish to Extend Your Stay as a Visitor, you are strongly encouraged to submit your application online. Find out how to complete an online application.

Submitting a new application (permanent residence or citizenship) or missing documents

All application forms and guides can be downloaded and most forms will need to be couriered to us.

If you choose to use a courier, please make sure to submit your completed application to the address provided in the application package, ensuring that you include the fee receipt and all the necessary documents. 

Ensure you provide an e-mail address when you fill out your application form so that Citizenship and Immigration (CIC) may communicate with you by e-mail.

Your status is about to expire during the strike

If your temporary resident status (e.g., as a worker, student or visitor) is about to expire, you should ensure that your application to extend your status is received by CIC before your status expiresas shown on your immigration document. If you do this, your period of authorized stay as a temporary resident will be extended by law until a decision is made and you are notified. In this case, you are considered to have implied status as a temporary resident during that time, as long as you stay in Canada. 

Note: “Implied status” only applies if your conditions do not change. For example, if you apply to renew your study permit and the permit expires before you receive an answer, you can continue to study in Canada until you receive a decision. If you hold a work permit, you may continue working under the same conditions as your previous work permit while on implied status if you have applied to extend your stay in Canada as a worker. 

As a temporary measure, if your status is about to expire during the postal strike and you cannot use online applications or courier services to extend your status as a temporary resident, CIC will grant you animplied status for the length of the strike. In that case, you will be given a one-month grace period after the strike to submit an application to extend your status without having to restore your status.

You have lost your status

You may apply to restore your status only if you have not been out of status for more than 90 days.

After you apply to restore your status, you may stay in Canada until a decision is made on your application, but you are not allowed to work or study until your status has been restored. There is no guarantee that your application will be approved.

 

Applications to restore status must be made from within Canada – restoration cannot be granted at ports of entry. If you leave Canada, you will be deemed to be seeking a new entry on your return and will not be eligible for status restoration.

You have already sent your application but it might not have arrived before the strike

If you have submitted an application and you are concerned that it might not be received because of the postal strike, you should keep all of your receipts, which will be an indication that your application is in process. If the application is urgent and it meets CIC’s criteria for urgent processing, you are advised to re-send your application via courier and request a refund on your original payment after the strike is over.

Processing times and application status

Please note that the estimated application processing times in Canada available on the website may be longer than expected given the interruption in mail services. You may be able to view your application status online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please be aware that our automated voice response system at the CIC National Call Centre may also be able to provide you with information about the status of your application.

Fee payment

For your application to be considered complete, you must include the correct fee payment. Due to the postal strike, you are encouraged to pay the fees online. This service is available for mostimmigration and citizenship applications.

 

You may also pay fees at a Canadian financial institution. If you cannot or do not want to pay online, you must get an original receipt of payment form IMM 5401 so that you can pay at a financial institution (such as a bank or Western Union). You must include a copy of this receipt when you apply. Normally, the HPM receipt (IMM 5401) is ordered online or through the CIC Call Centre and mailed to the applicant. However, due to the postal strike, if you want to pay the fees at a Canadian financial institution, you may go to your local CIC office and request the IMM 5401 in person. You may consult the CIC website for information on offices open to the public and their operating hours.

 

Please note that application fees will not be accepted at local offices.

 

Incorrect or missing fee payments or incomplete applications may result in additional delays in processing your application.

If you are applying from overseas and you have not already sent your application, you can send it by courier or wait until the end of the postal strike.