Visiting Canada
Canada is a very welcoming country. It is easy to go as a visitor and tourists are treated very kindly. As is the case with many countries, there are problems with illegal migration, so the border guards are concerned that any visitor have enough funds for their trip and have the intention of returning to their country of residence following their stay in Canada.
Several nationalities, including UK and Irish citizens, have the right to stay in Canada for up to 6 months a year. For a list of nationals who need a visa and those who do not, please visit the
Citizenship and Immigration website(opens in a new window).
Please note that many members of the EU still require a visa to enter Canada as a visitor.
If you would like to extend your stay while there, this may be possible. You will need a reason to extend and must make an application to do so. Generally speaking, proof of funds and return air transport home (with proof of ties to your home country) are sufficient to extend a stay.
You cannot apply for residency if you are in Canada as a visitor. You would need to leave the country and then apply.
Emigrating to Canada
Canada is a nation of immigrants and has a reputation for welcoming large numbers of immigrants. There is a misconception that it is very easy to emigrate there, this is not so. That being said, certain people will fall into the desired criteria for residency and will encounter no problems at all in obtaining residency.
Generally speaking, individuals looking to start a business, invest or continue to practice in a specialist profession have the easiest time in obtaining residency.
Please refer to the
Citizenship and Immigration Canada website for more information.
Immigration Lawyers
An immigration lawyer will not be able to help speed up an application for residency. An immigration lawyer can only assist in completing applications and advising on supporting documents and the application process.
It is worthwhile doing the immigration research and application one's self and only contacting a lawyer if any problems arise or if you find the application too difficult. These lawyers are not cheap, so it is worth saving a bit of money by doing things one's self. The Immigration Department does not advise people to consult with lawyers.