Frequently Asked Questions

A Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) is a licensed professional authorized by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) to provide immigration advice and represent clients before Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). RCICs must pass rigorous qualifying exams, maintain ongoing education requirements, and adhere to the CICC Code of Professional Ethics. Only CICC-licensed consultants, lawyers, and Quebec notaries are legally permitted to provide immigration advice for a fee in Canada.

While it is possible to apply for many immigration programs on your own, working with a licensed RCIC significantly reduces the risk of errors, omissions, or misrepresentation — any of which can result in refusals, delays, or bans. An RCIC understands the full legal and procedural requirements of each program, knows how to present your profile in the strongest way, and can advise you on the best pathway given your specific circumstances. Immigration law changes frequently — a licensed professional stays current on policy changes that could affect your application.

You can verify any RCIC's license status on the CICC public register at college-ic.ca. Search by name or member ID — our consultant's name and CICC member ID are listed on our About page so you can look us up directly. Always verify your consultant's credentials before paying any fees or signing any agreement. Unauthorized representatives — sometimes called ghost consultants — are illegal and can cause serious harm to your immigration file.

A retainer agreement is a legally binding contract between you and your RCIC that outlines the scope of services to be provided, the fees payable, and the responsibilities of both parties. CICC regulations require all authorized representatives to have a signed retainer agreement before providing any immigration services. The retainer protects both you and your consultant by clearly defining what is included in the engagement and what is not.

No. No licensed immigration consultant, lawyer, or any other authorized representative can legally guarantee the outcome of an immigration application. Visa decisions are made solely by IRCC officers based on the evidence presented and the applicable regulations. Any consultant who guarantees approval is violating CICC regulations and should be avoided. Asteco's commitment is to prepare the strongest possible application based on your circumstances and to give you an honest assessment of your prospects before you apply.

Government fees are charges set by IRCC that are payable directly to the Government of Canada as part of your application. They are completely separate from Asteco's professional consulting fees. Government fees vary by application type and are subject to change by IRCC at any time. Asteco will always provide you with a clear breakdown of both government fees and professional fees before you commit to any service.

Yes. A refusal does not mean the end of your immigration journey. Asteco can review your refusal letter, identify the grounds cited by the officer, and develop a strategy for a stronger reapplication. In some cases, an appeal or judicial review may also be an option. Every reapplication must genuinely address the concerns raised — simply resubmitting the same documents will almost always result in another refusal. Asteco provides honest advice on the realistic prospects of a reapplication before you invest further.

Yes. Asteco handles immigration applications for all provinces and territories in Canada except Quebec-specific programs. Quebec has its own immigration selection system managed by the Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration (MIFI). Federal programs — including Express Entry, work permits, study permits, and family sponsorships — apply across all provinces including Quebec, and Asteco handles these for clients regardless of where they plan to live.

A visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa or TRV) is a document placed in your passport that allows you to travel to Canada. It is required for citizens of countries that do not have a visa-exempt agreement with Canada. An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is a separate entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada by air. An eTA is linked electronically to your passport. Which document you need depends on your country of citizenship and how you are travelling to Canada.

Most visitors are authorized to stay in Canada for up to 6 months per entry. However, the actual length of your authorized stay is determined by the border services officer at the port of entry — they may allow less or more than 6 months depending on your circumstances. If no specific date is stamped in your passport, you may stay for 6 months from your date of entry or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Super Visa holders who enter after June 22, 2023 can stay for up to 5 years per entry.

Yes — you can reapply, but simply resubmitting the same application with the same documents will almost certainly result in another refusal. A successful reapplication requires understanding exactly why the officer refused the application and addressing those concerns directly with stronger evidence. Common refusal grounds include insufficient ties to home country, financial concerns, unclear purpose of visit, and limited travel history. Asteco specializes in refusal analysis and reapplication strategy.

Yes. If you are already in Canada and want to stay longer than your authorized period, you must apply to extend your visitor status before it expires. You can apply online through your IRCC secure account. Applying before expiry allows you to remain in Canada on maintained status while your extension is being processed. The extension processing fee is $100 CAD. Do not let your status expire before applying — if it expires, you will need to apply for restoration instead.

If your visitor status has expired and you are still in Canada, you may apply to restore your status within 90 days of expiry. You must apply while you are still in Canada — you cannot leave and re-enter once your status has expired. Restoration requires paying both a restoration fee ($229 CAD) and a visitor record fee ($100 CAD). Restoration is not guaranteed — you must still meet all visitor eligibility requirements. Contact Asteco immediately if your status has expired, as time is critical.

It depends on your nationality. Some nationalities require a transit visa (also called an Airport Transit Visa) even if they are only connecting through a Canadian airport without entering Canada. The requirement is based on your country of citizenship and travel document. Always check the IRCC website or consult Asteco before booking connecting flights through Canada to avoid being denied boarding.

A Super Visa is a special multiple-entry visa for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. The key difference from a regular visitor visa is the length of stay — a Super Visa allows stays of up to 5 years per entry (compared to 6 months for a regular visitor visa) and is valid for up to 10 years. Applicants must have private health insurance with minimum $100,000 coverage and the host in Canada must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirement.

No. A visitor visa does not authorize you to work or study in Canada. If you want to work, you need a valid work permit. If you want to study for more than 6 months at a Designated Learning Institution, you need a study permit. Studying or working without authorization is a serious immigration violation that can result in removal from Canada and affect your future immigration applications.

The documents required vary depending on your country of residence and personal circumstances, but generally include a valid passport, proof of financial support (bank statements, employment letter, income documents), proof of ties to your home country (property, employment, family), a letter of invitation if visiting family or friends in Canada, travel history, and photos. In some cases, a medical exam or biometrics may also be required. Asteco prepares a customized document checklist based on your specific situation.

Yes — previous refusals must be disclosed in all future applications and can influence the officer's assessment. However, a previous refusal does not automatically result in another refusal if the concerns from the previous application have been properly addressed. Hiding a previous refusal is considered misrepresentation, which carries a 5-year ban from Canada. Asteco will help you disclose previous refusals correctly and build a stronger application that addresses the earlier concerns.

Yes. US citizens do not need a visitor visa or eTA to enter Canada by land, air, or sea. They must present a valid US passport or other accepted travel document. US permanent residents (Green Card holders) also do not need a visitor visa to enter Canada by land or sea, but may need an eTA if travelling by air. Always carry your valid travel documents when crossing the border.

Most international students need a study permit to study in Canada. You generally need one if your program is longer than 6 months or if you are attending a post-secondary institution even for a shorter program. Some exemptions apply — for example, minor children in primary or secondary school in most situations, or students taking short courses of 6 months or less that will be completed before their authorized stay expires. When in doubt, apply for a study permit.

A Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL) is a document issued by a Canadian province or territory confirming that your study permit application falls within the national cap for international students. Most study permit applicants need a PAL. Key exemptions include Master's and doctoral students applying on or after January 1, 2026 at degree-granting public institutions, exchange students, and certain scholarship recipients. Your institution obtains the PAL on your behalf after you accept your offer and pay the required deposit.

Yes — most full-time students at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during the academic session and full-time during scheduled breaks such as summer and winter holidays. You can also work on-campus without a separate work permit. If your program includes a mandatory co-op or internship component, you need a co-op work permit in addition to your study permit. You cannot begin working before your studies start.

A PGWP is an open work permit that allows eligible graduates of Canadian DLIs to work for almost any employer in Canada after completing their studies. Eligibility depends on your institution, your program, your language test scores, and — for college graduates — your field of study. As of November 1, 2024, language test results (CLB 7 for university, CLB 5 for college) are mandatory for most applicants, and college graduates must have studied in an eligible field of study. You can only receive one PGWP in your lifetime.

PGWP length depends on the duration of your study program. Programs of 8 months to under 2 years result in a PGWP valid for the same length as the program. Programs of 2 years or more result in a 3-year PGWP. Master's degree graduates are eligible for a 3-year PGWP regardless of program length (as long as it was at least 8 months) — this rule applies since February 15, 2024. You must apply for your PGWP within 180 days of receiving official confirmation of program completion.

Apply to extend your study permit before it expires through your IRCC secure account. Applying before expiry allows you to continue studying under maintained status while your extension is processed. You do not need a new PAL if you are extending at the same institution and same level of study. If you are changing schools, you need a new PAL before applying for an extension. The extension fee is $150 CAD. Apply at least 30 days before your permit expires.

Only in certain situations. You can apply from inside Canada if you already have a valid study or work permit, if your spouse or parent has a valid study or work permit, if you are a minor in primary or secondary school, or if you meet other specific eligibility criteria. If you do not meet one of these situations, you must leave Canada and apply from outside. Flagpoling — leaving briefly at the border to apply at a port of entry — was ended for study permits in December 2024.

If your study permit has expired and you are still in Canada, you can apply to restore your status as a student within 90 days of the expiry date. You cannot study while your restoration application is being processed. Restoration fees are $229 CAD plus the $150 CAD study permit fee. If your status has been expired for more than 90 days, restoration is no longer available and you will likely need to leave Canada and reapply from outside. Contact Asteco immediately — time is critical.

If you plan to study in Quebec, you need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (Certificat d'acceptation du Québec — CAQ) issued by the Quebec government, instead of a PAL or TAL. The CAQ serves the same purpose as a PAL for Quebec-bound students. You must obtain the CAQ before applying for your study permit. Your educational institution in Quebec will guide you through the CAQ process.

Yes — distance learning rules significantly affect PGWP eligibility. For students with a lock-in date on or after September 1, 2024, you must complete at least 50% of your program in-class within Canada. Time spent studying online from outside Canada after August 31, 2024 will be deducted from your PGWP length. The COVID-era temporary policies allowing 100% online study from outside Canada ended. If you are currently studying or planning to study, confirm your specific situation with an RCIC before making decisions.

It depends on your program. As of January 21, 2025, spousal open work permits for spouses of international students are restricted to spouses of students enrolled in master's programs of 16 months or longer, or doctoral programs, at a PGWP-eligible DLI. Previously, spouses of all full-time post-secondary students were eligible. If you are in a college diploma or undergraduate program, your spouse may not be eligible for an open work permit under the current rules.

An employer-specific work permit ties you to a specific employer, occupation, and location listed on the permit. You can only work for that employer in that role. An open work permit allows you to work for almost any employer in Canada without being tied to a specific job or company. Open work permits are available in specific circumstances such as post-graduation (PGWP), spousal sponsorship, bridging for PR applicants, and IEC Working Holiday.

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that an employer must obtain from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) before hiring most temporary foreign workers. A positive LMIA confirms that no qualified Canadian citizen or permanent resident was available to fill the position. Not all jobs require an LMIA — many positions qualify for LMIA exemptions through the International Mobility Program (IMP) under agreements such as CUSMA/USMCA, intra-company transfers, or significant benefit to Canada provisions.

If you are on an employer-specific work permit, you generally cannot start working for a new employer until your new work permit is approved. Your new employer must obtain a new LMIA or qualify for an LMIA exemption. Working for an unauthorized employer — even temporarily — is a serious immigration violation and can result in inadmissibility findings. Some exceptions may apply under specific public policy provisions. Always consult an RCIC before making any employer changes.

Apply to extend your work permit before it expires through your IRCC secure account. Applying before expiry allows you to continue working under maintained status while your extension is processed. Your employer must provide updated documents — either a new LMIA or an updated offer of employment through the IMP employer portal. The extension fee is $155 CAD. Apply at least 30 days before expiry to avoid gaps in your work authorization.

The Global Skills Strategy is a federal program designed to help Canadian employers attract highly skilled global talent faster. It offers a 2-week processing target for work permit applications in eligible high-skilled occupations. Some positions under the Global Skills Strategy qualify for an exemption from the LMIA requirement. It is particularly useful for technology companies and employers hiring specialized professionals who are critical to business operations.

The International Mobility Program (IMP) allows Canadian employers to hire temporary foreign workers without an LMIA in cases where the work provides a broader economic, social, or cultural benefit to Canada, or falls under an international trade agreement. Under the IMP, employers must submit an offer of employment through the IRCC Employer Portal and pay a $230 CAD compliance fee. The worker then applies for a work permit using the offer of employment number.

Yes. The Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA, formerly NAFTA) allows citizens of the US and Mexico to work in Canada in specific professional categories without an LMIA. Eligible categories include professionals (engineers, accountants, lawyers, scientists, and more), traders, investors, and intra-company transferees. Requirements vary by category — for professionals, you must hold a qualifying credential and a job offer in the specific profession. Asteco can assess your eligibility and prepare the work permit application.

A Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) is an open work permit available to certain permanent residence applicants whose current work permit is about to expire. It allows you to continue working for any employer in Canada while your PR application is being processed. To qualify, your work permit must have 4 months or less remaining and your PR application must be in process with no decision yet made. Eligible PR pathways include Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program, and others.

International Experience Canada (IEC) Working Holiday is an open work permit program that allows young adults (typically 18–35) from eligible countries to work for any employer in Canada for up to 1-2 years. Eligibility depends on your country of citizenship, age, and the availability of spots for your country in the current intake year. IEC also includes Young Professionals (employer-specific) and International Co-op (for students) streams. Spots open at different times throughout the year and fill quickly.

Business visitors conducting certain international business activities in Canada do not need a work permit — for example, attending meetings, conferences, negotiating contracts, or conducting after-sales service for equipment. However, if you are providing services to Canadian clients, receiving payment from a Canadian source, or actively working in the Canadian labour market, you likely need a work permit. The line between business visitor and worker can be complex — consult an RCIC if you are unsure.

An Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) work permit allows employees of a multinational company to be transferred to a Canadian branch, subsidiary, or affiliate without an LMIA. Eligible positions include executives, senior managers, and specialized knowledge workers. ICT work permits are available under the International Mobility Program (IMP) for non-FTA situations, and under international trade agreements such as CUSMA, CETA, and CPTPP for workers from specific countries.

Francophone Mobility (exemption code C16) allows French-speaking foreign nationals to work in Canada outside Quebec without an LMIA, provided the occupation is TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3. This program supports Francophone minority communities across Canada. There is no requirement for a specific job offer type — the employer simply submits an offer of employment through the IMP portal. This is a valuable pathway for French speakers who want to work anywhere in Canada outside Quebec.

Express Entry is Canada's primary system for managing applications for permanent residence from skilled workers. Candidates who are eligible for one of three federal programs — the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), or the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) — create an online profile and enter a pool. IRCC holds regular draws and issues Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to the highest-ranking candidates based on their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is a point-based system used to rank Express Entry candidates in the pool. Points are awarded for factors including age, education, language ability (English and/or French), Canadian and foreign work experience, adaptability, and whether you have a valid job offer or provincial nomination. The maximum CRS score is 1,200. A provincial nomination adds 600 points. The CRS cutoff for each draw varies — check IRCC's website for the latest draw results.

The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is for skilled workers with foreign work experience. It requires a minimum 67-point score on the FSW selection grid and an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign credentials. The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is for skilled workers who already have at least 1 year of Canadian work experience within the last 3 years — no education requirement or minimum points grid. The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is for qualified tradespeople with 2 years of experience and a job offer or certificate of qualification.

In addition to general draws, IRCC holds category-based rounds of invitations targeting candidates in specific priority categories. Current categories include French-language proficiency, healthcare, STEM, trades, education, transport, and others. In category-based draws, candidates who meet the category criteria may receive an ITA even if their CRS score is below the general draw cutoff. Categories and eligible occupations are established by the Minister of Immigration and can change at any time.

Common ways to improve your CRS score include: improving your language test scores (IELTS or CELPIP for English, TEF or TCF for French), adding French language proficiency if you are primarily English-speaking, completing additional education in Canada, gaining Canadian work experience, obtaining a provincial nomination (adds 600 points), or securing a valid job offer from a Canadian employer. An RCIC can assess your profile and identify the most effective strategy for your specific situation.

An ECA is an official assessment of your foreign educational credential to confirm it is equivalent to a Canadian standard. ECAs are required for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) if your education was completed outside Canada. They are not required for the Canadian Experience Class or Federal Skilled Trades Program. Designated organizations that conduct ECAs include WES, ICAS, IQAS, PEBC, and others depending on your credential type. ECAs can take several weeks to process — start early.

IRCC's target processing time for Express Entry applications is 6 months from the date of application submission. This target is met for the majority of straightforward applications. Complex cases — such as those involving large families, security checks, medical issues, or missing documents — may take longer. Processing times can also vary based on IRCC's overall application volumes. Check current processing times at canada.ca before applying.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) allow provinces and territories to nominate candidates for permanent residence based on their local labour market needs. Many PNPs have Enhanced streams that are aligned with Express Entry — a provincial nomination through an Enhanced stream adds 600 CRS points to your Express Entry profile, virtually guaranteeing an ITA in the next draw. Each province has different streams and requirements. Asteco handles PNP applications for all provinces except Quebec.

Yes. You can include your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children in your Express Entry application. Your spouse's language scores and education can contribute additional CRS points. All included family members must be admissible to Canada. Government fees apply per family member — $1,525 CAD for the principal applicant and spouse, $260 CAD per dependent child. You must declare all family members even if they are not accompanying you to Canada.

After receiving an ITA, you have 60 days to submit a complete permanent residence application through the IRCC PR Portal. You must submit all required documents — including police certificates, medical exam results, language test results, ECA (if applicable), proof of work experience, and more. Incomplete applications may be returned. IRCC will then review your application for eligibility, admissibility, and accuracy of the information in your Express Entry profile.

As a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian, you can sponsor your spouse or common-law partner, conjugal partner, dependent children, parents and grandparents (through the PGP program when intake is open), and in limited circumstances, other relatives such as orphaned siblings, nephews, nieces, or grandchildren under 18. Each category has specific eligibility requirements for both the sponsor and the sponsored person.

There is no minimum income requirement to sponsor a spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner — and no income requirement to sponsor a dependent child alone. However, an income requirement does apply if your sponsored spouse or partner has dependent children of their own who will be included in the application. In that case, you must demonstrate sufficient income to support the entire family unit.

Processing times for spousal sponsorship vary and are updated regularly by IRCC. Times differ between the In-Canada stream (Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class) and the Overseas stream (Family Class). IRCC's target has generally been 12 months for most spousal applications, but actual times can be shorter or longer depending on application volumes, document completeness, and individual circumstances. Always check current processing times at canada.ca.

Yes — if your spouse is already in Canada and is being sponsored under the In-Canada stream (SCLPC), they may be eligible for an Open Work Permit (OWP) while their PR application is being processed. Key conditions include: the PR application must have an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR), the sponsored spouse must be living in Canada with the sponsor, and they must have valid temporary status or maintained status. The OWP is issued under IRCC's public policy for sponsored spouses.

When you sponsor a spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner, you sign a legally binding undertaking to financially support them for 3 years from the date they become a permanent resident. For dependent children under 22, the undertaking period is 10 years or until they turn 25 — whichever comes first. The undertaking remains in effect even if your relationship ends, you separate, or your personal circumstances change.

The Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP) is an invitation-based permanent residence program that allows Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and registered Indians to sponsor their parents and grandparents. Intake is limited annually — you must first submit an Interest to Sponsor form when intake opens, and if randomly selected, you receive an Invitation to Apply. Sponsors must meet income requirements for 3 consecutive tax years. The 2025 intake is now closed — check IRCC for the next intake announcement.

To sponsor parents or grandparents, you must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for each of the 3 tax years before the date you apply. The required income depends on your family size — which includes yourself, your spouse or partner, dependent children, previously sponsored persons still under undertaking, and the people you are sponsoring (including their family members even if not coming to Canada). Your spouse or common-law partner can co-sign the application to combine incomes.

A Super Visa is a temporary visa that allows parents and grandparents to visit Canada for up to 5 years per entry — it does not lead to permanent residence. PGP sponsorship is a permanent residence pathway. The Super Visa can be applied for at any time and does not require an invitation — making it a practical option while waiting for the next PGP intake or if you do not qualify for sponsorship. Many families use the Super Visa while a PGP application is in progress.

A previous sponsorship does not automatically disqualify you from sponsoring again. However, you cannot sponsor a new person if you are in default of a previous sponsorship undertaking — meaning you failed to provide the financial support you committed to in a prior sponsorship. You also cannot sponsor if you are in default of an immigration loan, a performance bond, or court-ordered support payments. If your previous undertaking has expired without any default, you are generally eligible to sponsor again.

A common-law partner is a person you have lived with in a conjugal relationship continuously for at least 12 months. A conjugal partner is a person outside Canada with whom you have been in a genuine conjugal relationship for at least 1 year, but who could not live with you or marry you due to circumstances beyond your control — such as immigration barriers or legal restrictions on same-sex marriage in their home country. The conjugal partner category is only available for overseas applications and is intended for exceptional circumstances.

You can check the status of most IRCC applications online through your IRCC secure account at canada.ca. The status tracker shows the current stage of your application and any requests for additional information. For applications submitted by an authorized representative like Asteco, your consultant can also monitor your file status and will notify you of any updates or requests from IRCC. Asteco clients receive updates through their secure client portal.

An Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) is a letter from IRCC confirming that your application has been received and is being processed. It contains your application number which you use to track your file. For spousal sponsorship applications, the AOR is particularly important as it is required before a sponsored spouse in Canada can apply for an Open Work Permit. Receiving an AOR does not guarantee approval — it simply confirms IRCC has your application.

If IRCC sends a request for additional documents or information (sometimes called an additional documents request or procedural fairness letter), respond as quickly as possible and before the deadline stated in the letter. Failing to respond by the deadline can result in your application being refused or returned. If you are working with Asteco, contact us immediately when you receive any IRCC request — we will review it and prepare a thorough and timely response on your behalf.

A procedural fairness letter (PFL) is a formal notice from IRCC indicating that the officer has concerns about your application — such as concerns about misrepresentation, criminal inadmissibility, or inconsistencies in your documents. It gives you an opportunity to respond before a final decision is made. A PFL is serious and requires a carefully prepared response addressing the officer's specific concerns. If you receive a PFL, contact Asteco immediately — the response strategy is critical to the outcome of your application.

Being inadmissible means you are not permitted to enter or remain in Canada. Reasons for inadmissibility include criminal convictions (in Canada or abroad), security concerns, human rights violations, organized crime involvement, certain medical conditions, financial reasons, or previous immigration violations such as misrepresentation or overstaying. Some forms of inadmissibility can be overcome through a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) or Criminal Rehabilitation application. Consult an RCIC if you have any inadmissibility concerns before applying.

Maintained status (sometimes called implied status) allows you to continue doing what your current permit authorizes — working, studying, or visiting — while a renewal or extension application is being processed, as long as you applied before your current status expired. Maintained status does not appear as a document in your passport. It is important to note that maintained status does not allow you to travel outside Canada and re-enter — if you leave, you will need a new visa or permit to return.

A Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) allows a person who is otherwise inadmissible to Canada to enter or remain in Canada temporarily for a justified reason. TRPs are discretionary — an officer assesses whether your need to enter Canada outweighs the risk your presence may pose. Common situations include visiting for a medical reason, attending a family event, or conducting business when a criminal record would otherwise make you inadmissible. TRPs are typically issued for a specific purpose and duration.

Misrepresentation occurs when you provide false, misleading, or incomplete information in an immigration application — whether intentionally or unintentionally. This includes omitting information you were asked to provide. The consequences of a misrepresentation finding are serious: a 5-year ban from Canada, removal from the country if you are already here, and a permanent record that affects all future immigration applications. Always be completely truthful and accurate in all applications. If you are unsure about how to disclose a particular situation, consult an RCIC before submitting.