Our ServicesOne of the most critical processes for an immigrant is to apply for permanent residency (PR). Regardless of whether the individual is completing their application using Express Entry, family sponsorship, or a provincial nominee program, it is an application that needs to be prepared and followed to the letter. One error, lost document, or false statement can cause a delay in an application, or even a refusal.
That is why most applicants prefer to collaborate with seasoned immigration lawyers. Prior to the PR application being filed with the Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), lawyers undertake a comprehensive examination of the application to ascertain that all the matters are correct, complete, and in line with the immigration rules.
Understanding the Applicant’s Immigration Pathway
When lawyers are examining a PR application, they first ensure that the applicant is on the right route to immigration. Canada has several PR programs, including Express Entry programs (Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades), Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and family sponsorship.
To avoid taking the wrong route, an immigration lawyer will thoroughly review the applicant’s background, including education, work experience, language test results, and eligibility criteria. There are other instances where the applicants might be eligible for more than one program, and the selection of the most suitable program can significantly change the processing time and the probability of being approved.
Before the application is finalized, lawyers also ensure that the application meets the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score or program eligibility requirements.
Reviewing All Required Documents
Documentation is a critical part of any permanent residency application. Immigration lawyers meticulously check every supporting document to ensure it meets IRCC’s requirements.
This includes reviewing:
- Passports and identification documents
- Educational credentials and ECA reports
- Language test results (IELTS or CELPIP)
- Employment reference letters
- Proof of funds documents
- Police clearance certificates
- Medical examination records
Legal practitioners ensure that documents are authentic, properly formatted, and translated where needed. If a document is lost or incomprehensible, they can instruct the applicant to obtain additional evidence and present it.
This will avoid the time wastage associated with pending applications or document requests by immigration officers.
Verifying Employment History and Work Experience
Employment documentation is one of the most widespread problems in PR applications. Work experience is vigorously scrutinized by immigration officers to ascertain that it projects the National Occupational Classification (NOC) code that the applicant has purported to have.
Immigration lawyers critically study employer reference letters, making certain that they contain all the requisite information that includes:
- Job title
- Detailed job duties
- Salary and working hours
- Employment dates
- Employer contact information
If the job duties do not align with the selected NOC code, the lawyer may recommend revisions or additional documentation. This step is essential because discrepancies in work experience can lead to application refusals.
Ensuring Consistency Across the Application
A consistency check is another significant component of a lawyer review, involving the inspection of all forms and documents. Even minor irregularities, such as discrepancies in dates of employment or the use of multiple addresses on the forms, can arouse the suspicion of immigration officers.
Lawyers will cross-examine all parts of the application to ensure that the information provided is true and consistent throughout the package.
They also examine past visa or immigration applications filed by the applicant to ensure there are no discrepancies that could be construed as misrepresentation.
Reviewing Forms and Legal Declarations
An application for permanent residence involves a number of forms that should be duly completed. Immigration lawyers scrutinize every form meticulously to ensure that the answers to the questions are correct and that they have not omitted any required information.
They also describe the legal statements contained in the application. Applicants will be required to affirm the fact that they have been truthful and complete. Even when it is unintentional, misrepresentation may have severe repercussions.
Lawyers will go through the forms line by line, preventing errors that could lead to a case being rejected.
Preparing a Final Legal Review
Immigration lawyers review the entire application package before submission. Such a step is necessary to ensure that the application clearly shows the eligibility for the selected immigration program.
Another thing lawyers can include is a legal submission letter that outlines the applicant’s qualifications and how he fulfills the program’s requirements. This letter helps immigration officers quickly recognize the applicant’s eligibility and reinforces the entire application.
When the review is finalized and all the documents are checked, the application is prepared to be submitted to IRCC.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is a lawyer necessary when applying for permanent residency in Canada?
No, it is not obligatory to hire a lawyer. Nonetheless, most applicants prefer to hire immigration lawyers to minimize the chances of errors and enhance the accuracy of their application. - What are some of the mistakes made when applying for PR?
The most frequent are incomplete forms, wrong NOC codes, missing documents, inconsistent information and incorrect employment letters. Such problems may result in delays or refusals. - What is the average time to prepare a PR application?
The time required for preparation is different based on the situation of the applicant and the accessibility of the documents. Submission of documents may require weeks of compilation and inspection in most instances. - Is a lawyer helpful in case my application has been rejected before?
Yes. Immigration lawyers can study the causes of rejection, find flaws in the earlier application, and assist in preparing a more solid re-application. - What will occur when the information in the application is wrong?
Delivering misleading or wrong information can contribute to misrepresentation results. This can lead to rejection of the application and possible exclusion from subsequent applications to immigrate.
Conclusion
An application for permanent residence is a major event, and thorough preparation should be done beforehand to prevent mistakes that can cause delays and disappointments throughout the process. Immigration lawyers also play a central role in screening applications, examining documentation, and ensuring that everything contained in them meets Canadian immigration standards before they are delivered.
For applicants who need professional advice, ImmigrationWay provides the services of experienced lawyers during the immigration process. We assist individuals and families in making proper, well-organized PR applications and in finding their way through the mazes of Canadian immigration statutes.
When equipped legally and professionally, applicants can tackle the PR process more confidently and have a better understanding of the way to a future in Canada.
