What benefits do I have if I become a permanent resident of Canada?
Permanent residents enjoy almost the same rights and privileges as Canadian citizens. Permanent residents may not vote, but can receive free health care service, free public elementary and secondary school education. Permanent residents may be deported if convicted of a serious criminal offense, whereas Canadian citizen may not be deported.

Once I become a permanent resident of Canada, do I have to stay in Canada forever?
Permanent residents are required to spend at least 730 days (two years) in every five year period in Canada. However, time spent abroad in the following cases will be treated as time spent in Canada; outside Canada, accompanying a Canadian citizen, who is their spouse or common-law partner; outside Canada, employed on a full-time basis by a Canadian business; or outside Canada, accompanying a permanent resident who is their spouse or common-law partner who is employed on a full-time basis by a Canadian business.

When can I become a Canadian citizen?
If you spend 1,095 days(three years) in Canada as a permanent resident, he/she may apply for Canadian citizenship. Half the amount of time spent in Canada before becoming a permanent resident will be credited up to maximum one year. Canada allows multiple citizenship. Therefore, renunciation of prior citizenship is not required before or even after becoming a Canadian citizen.

I can't find my job title in NOC skilled worker occupation list....
It is not necessary to match your title to the occupation name in the list. More importantly, your experience has to consist of a substantial number of duties described in the Main Duties section of the NOC list.

My score is over 67 points in self-assessment. Can I understand that I will be issued a permanent resident visa?
Unfortunately, self-assessment can not promise you anything with regards to your application. More often than not your understanding on requirements can be wrong. Even if your understanding is correct, the supporting documents you prepare might be insufficient. In fact, in some cases, even if your score is high enough, your case could be still denied if immigration officers judge that you are inadequately capable of establishing your life in Canada.

According to QLSeeker's Free Assessment, I can barely get 67 points. Should I apply right away or try to increase my score on the safe side before applying for PR status?
If you obtained a positive assessment result in our free assessment or consultation, it might be better to apply for a visa immediately because the pass-mark can be changed anytime as can the selection criteria and the eligible occupations.

What is the difference between QLSeeker's Free Assessment and Consultation Service?
Free Assessment will give you only the possibility of you getting permanent resident status based on the information you have provided on-line while with QLSeeker's consultation service, we will communicate with you on your current status as well as your past history to analyze and seek the best possible option to let you apply for PR status.

If I avail myself of your free assessment or consultation service, am I obliged to submit my application through your firm?
No, you are not. After receiving our consultation service, you are free to retain our service or to seek professional assistance elsewhere or to apply on your own.

Does QLSeeker guarantee the success of my application?
It is impossible to give any guarantee to our clients in a situation where the final decision on a specific immigration matter can be made only by an immigration officer. In addition, we are strictly prohibited by CSIC from providing clients with bold and confident assurance. We always undertake our client's representation only after a careful preliminary assessment of the client's case and tell the client how the chances of success are. We never take on unrealistic cases because it is against the clients' interests.

What is all this I hear about immigration consultants that must be members of Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants?

On April 13, 2004, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Canada amended regulations related to immigration consultants. As of that day, only members of Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants, lawyers and Quebec Notaries may represent clients before any institution of CIC. Those consultants that had files already submitted may continue to represent clients.
What is CSIC?

CSIC is a self-regulatory body. They make sure that consultants are qualified and carry Error and Omission Insurance. Every member of CSIC has to have passed English or French language test and Competency test before they become full members.
Why should I care if the consultant is a member of CSIC?

Consultants who choose not to become members of CSIC are operating outside the regulatory framework. They can help you prepare the application but if something goes wrong, you are the one who will have to deal with the problem - there is nothing and nobody that can force the consultant to help you or take responsibility for the problem.
Why should I hire a consultant or a lawyer when CIC claims that the guides are self-explanatory and that everybody can do it?

The guides are far from self-explanatory. Visa officers are often looking for much more than indicated in the guides. It is easy to make a mistake, to forget important document or get the document in proper form. The paperwork is often prohibitive and many applicants simply do not have the time to deal with it. Behind every application and all the forms is legislation and regulatory requirements that need to be interpreted properly in order to comply with them.
What is the difference between a lawyer or an immigration consultant?

The only difference between a CSIC accredited immigration consultant and a lawyer is that a lawyer can appeal to the Federal Court in case your application is refused with an unlawful reason. However, as you can imagine, generally, this kind of case is extremely rare unless you have such a complicated situation. Therefore, the quality of the service you get should not depend on whether the service provider is a consultant or a lawyer.

How long does the application process take?

Nobody can answer this question precisely. Because there are many variables that could affect the processing time such as the number of files already in the process or the projected number of immigrants which the Minister commits every year. In addition, the processing time depends on the class under which you apply, whether your interview is waived, or the complexity of your case.
Where is my application submitted?

You must submit your application to a visa office which is responsible for the country of your nationality or the country in which you are currently residing and have been lawfully admitted for at least one year.
Where do I have an interview and take a medical exam?

You may take the examination anywhere in the world so long as an approved physician conducts the examination. The immigration office will inform you where to have an interview.
Under what circumstances are interviews waived?

If, on the basis of the supporting documents, the immigration officer is convinced that you meet selection criteria, the interview may be waived. If your interview is waived, total processing time will be significantly reduced.
I visit Canada while my application for a permanent resident visa is still in process?

Yes. However, you must have a bona fide reason to stay temporarily in Canada.
What happens after I obtain a permanent resident visa?

When you are granted a permanent resident visa, you will receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR). You have to show COPR to an immigration officer at the port of entry in Canada. If there is no issue with your documents, the immigration officer will authorize you to enter Canada as a permanent resident. Permanent Residence Card will be sent to you by mail later.
How much do I have to pay the government for your processing fee?

The following is the fee you have to pay the government for your application:

PROCESSING FEE (Non- refundable)

Skilled Worker Class, Live-in Caregiver Class

Principal applicant: Cd$550
Accompanied family members excluding their dependent children under 22 with no spouse or common-law partner: Cd$550
accompanied dependent children under 22 with no spouse or common-law partner: Cd$150

Family Class

Sponsor: Cd$75
Principle applicant excluding his or her dependent children under 22 with no spouse or common-law partner: Cd$475
Principle applicant who is a dependent child under 22 with no spouse or common-law partner: Cd$75
Accompanied family members excluding their dependent children under 22 with no spouse or common-law partner: Cd$550
Accompanied dependent children under 22 with no spouse or common-law partner: Cd$150 

Business Class

Principal applicant: Cd$1050
Accompanied family members excluding their dependent children under 22 with no spouse or common-law partner: Cd$550
Accompanied dependent children under 22 with no spouse or common-law partner: Cd$150

RIGHT OF PERMANENT RESIDENCE FEE (Refundable)
Principal applicant: Cd$490
Accompanied family members excluding their dependent children under 22 with no spouse or common-law partner

Quebec Immigration Program

You have to pay the following fee to Quebec government.

Principal applicant: Cd$390
Accompanied family members: Cd$150