Answers to the questions we hear most often about visiting, studying, working, and immigrating to Canada. If you do not see your question here, book a consultation and we will walk you through your options.
How do I know which Canadian immigration program is right for me?
Canada has more than 100 immigration pathways, including Express Entry, the Provincial Nominee Programs, family sponsorship, study permits, and work permits. The right program depends on your age, education, work experience, language ability, and goals. The fastest way to find out is to book an assessment with a licensed consultant who can match your profile to the programs you actually qualify for.
What is the difference between a visitor visa and an eTA?
A visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa) is a document placed in your passport that most travellers need to enter Canada. An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is a simpler online approval available only to citizens of visa-exempt countries arriving by air. Your citizenship determines which one you need, and you can check the requirement for your country on the IRCC website.
What is Express Entry and how does it work?
Express Entry is the online system Canada uses to manage applications for its main economic immigration programs. You create a profile and receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on your age, education, work experience, and language test results. IRCC holds regular draws, and candidates above the cut-off score receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence.
Do I need a job offer to immigrate to Canada?
Not always. Express Entry’s Federal Skilled Worker program accepts candidates without a job offer if their overall profile is strong enough. However, a valid job offer can add significant points to your score, and many provincial programs and employer-driven streams do require one. A consultation can clarify whether your profile is competitive without an offer.
Can I work in Canada while studying?
Most full-time international students at a designated learning institution can work off campus without a separate work permit, up to the weekly limit set by IRCC during academic sessions and full time during scheduled breaks. Your study permit must include the work condition, and eligibility rules change, so always confirm the current limit before taking a job.
How long does it take to process a Canadian visa application?
Processing times vary widely by application type, country of application, and time of year. IRCC publishes current estimates on its processing times tool, which is updated weekly. As a rule, apply as early as possible and make sure the application is complete and well documented, because incomplete applications are a common cause of delays and refusals.
What should I do if my application is refused?
A refusal is not necessarily the end of the road. The first step is understanding exactly why you were refused, which may require requesting the officer’s notes. Depending on the reason, options can include reapplying with a stronger application, responding to a procedural fairness letter, or seeking judicial review. Acting quickly matters, because some remedies have strict deadlines.
How do I verify that an immigration consultant is licensed?
Anyone who charges a fee to represent you in a Canadian immigration application must be licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) or be a member of a Canadian law society. You can verify any consultant by name on the CICC Public Register. Kari Davis, the principal consultant at Bison Immigration Consulting, is a licensed RCIC regulated by the CICC and can be verified there.
Why should I use a licensed consultant instead of applying on my own?
You are allowed to apply on your own, and many people do. A licensed consultant adds value by selecting the right program, presenting your evidence the way visa officers expect, and avoiding the errors that lead to refusals, which can hurt future applications. If your case involves a prior refusal, a complicated history, or tight deadlines, professional representation is a worthwhile investment.
How do I book a consultation with Bison Immigration Consulting?
You can book a consultation online at tidycal.com/bisonimmigration/general-discussion, or contact us by email at info@bisonimmigration.com. During the consultation we review your goals and history, identify the programs you qualify for, and give you a clear plan with honest advice about your chances.