Where do we go from here?

Well this will vary a little depending on where you are applying and what comes through with the application kit. Whatever you do follow the instructions in your kit. If it conflicts with what you read here, don't worry. Do what they are telling you to do. Also, and I cannot stress this enough, tell the truth! If you make a mistake on the form and realise later, let them know. Remember to quote your file number. They will not penalise you for honest mistakes. They are not looking for ways to trip you up. Remember Canada needs immigrants. They want you to be successful and happy. They need to assess if you will be able to make it here. They can only do that if they have all the facts. There is no point in claiming to be a rocket scientist just to get extra points if you find yourself unemployable after you get here because you don't know which end of a rocket points up. :o)
If you do lie and they catch you then you may not even be able to visit Canada for two years let alone apply again.

While waiting for the forms to arrive....

If you have requested forms by mail it will speed things up if you get some things together. You will need birth certificates for everyone who will be included in the application. If married you will need a copy of your marriage certificate. If divorced you will need those papers too. You need copies of educational qualifications and certificates. If these documents are not in English or French then you need to get certified translations. Try to get references from past and present employers. If you don't want your present employer to know that you might be leaving and disappearing off to another country then just leave it. The Canadian Immigration authorities understand this. Provide proof of employment by getting copies of pay slips and a job description if possible.

You need to get together evidence of your finances. There are minimum amounts depending on the number of people included in your application. At the point of application evidence of finances can be in the form of cash or in the form of possessions - house, car, investments. However it must be your money and not loaned to you. If you have a job arranged you do not need to show proof of funds BUT arranging any kind of employment before getting a visa and landing is extremely difficult so don;t bank on that. I will talk about money later but just as a word of warning, don't underestimate this. You are going to need quite a bit when you first arrive.

Which forms to use. The Canadian Immigration department is in the process of completing country specific forms. It is in your best interests to use the forms for your own country, failing which you can also use the generic forms that I describe below. The advantage of using country specific forms is speed, they will include country specific background check information and forms etc.

Quebec hs its own rules and regulations. Click here tp go to the Quebec site.

Filling in the forms. (Generic)

IMM 0008

This is filled in by the Principal Applicant. This is relatively straightforward. The forms have improved enormously since we applied. They are still government forms of course but if you think they are confusing now just imagine what they used to be like. Hang on to that thought as you fill it in, it will help you feel better. Fill in the boxes as indicated. If you need more space - for instance if you have been divorced a number of times fill in the most recent, make a note beneath that and then attach a piece of paper to the application form outlining the details of the rest. If you have moe than three dependents (Family Members) just print that page off several times and fill in as many as needed. Eligible dependents include spouse, common law partner, minor children. You have to fill in their educational and professional information. This will not count towards the self assessment points but it will be considered as part of your overall suitability score.

Background Declaration Schedule 1

In the words of the late, great Douglas Adams Don't Panic! This form must be completed by you, the principal applicant, spouse or common law partner and any dependent children over the age of 18 who are part of the application. You must declare if you have been convicted or or are presently charged with any crime. This includes drunk driving.

They want your work/life history for the past ten years or since the age of 18 whichever is longer. Do not leave any gaps. If you went backpacking round Europe, say so. If you were unemployed, say so. If you sat in the cupboard under the stairs for a year studying the mating habits of spiders, say so. If you need more paper to fill it all in then start with the form and then attach a follow up on a piece of paper. Make sure you mark your name and the question number on the paper. You will not be penalised for gaps, time out, holidays or just dropping out. If you spent time away At Her Majesty's Pleasure however that could have an impact on your application even if it was a low security prison complete with golf course. Stays in hospital will not damage the application unless the illness itself disqualifies you on medical grounds. More of that later.

Schedule 3

This is filled in by the Principal Applicant. Fill in your work experience. You will need to look up the National Occupational Classification Code. Don't worry if not all of your previous positions have a code. However it is essential that at least one does during the past 10 years and for a period of at least one year.

IMM 5406

This must be completed by the principal applicant, spouse or partner and all dependent children aged 18 or older whether they are accompanying the principal applicant or not. This includes step-children. If you do not know your parents details just fill in what you do know and put 'not known' in the rest of the boxes.

IMM 5476

Authority to Release Information to Designated Individuals. You may be asked to fill in this form if you are using a lawyer or consultant or a sponsor.

Background Checks - Police Certificates

These vary from country to country. We had to be checked by New Scotland Yard (for the UK check) and the FBI (for the USA check). Read the forms carefully. If you need to do the check yourself then get this going as quickly as possible. The FBI can take weeks to get back. Some countries take months.

Unless instructed otherwise in your application package, do not attempt to get police certificates from the following countries, the Canadian authorities will enquire on your behalf:

Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cape Verdi, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Cuba, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Guam, Guinea, Haiti, India, Irag, Ivory Coast, Kampuchea, Korea, Laos, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Mexico, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, Niger, Pakistan, Rwanda, Sao Tome E Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Togo, Venezuela, Zaire.

OK - now what's next? Having fun yet? I told you it wasn't easy, or cheap. But hang in there, it's worth it.

The Medical whether you are applying through an office that has a one-step process or your medical is delayed til after the interview, sooner or later you have to have one.

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