Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC)?

Why should I use an RCIC instead of applying on my own?

How do I verify that my immigration consultant is licensed?

What is a retainer agreement and why do I need to sign one?

Can Asteco guarantee that my application will be approved?

What are government fees and are they included in Asteco's fees?

What happens if my application is refused? Can Asteco help with a reapplication?

Does Asteco handle applications for all provinces in Canada?

What is the difference between a visitor visa and an eTA?

How long can I stay in Canada on a visitor visa?

My visitor visa application was refused. Can I reapply?

Can I extend my stay in Canada as a visitor?

My visitor status expired and I am still in Canada. What can I do?

Do I need a transit visa to connect through a Canadian airport?

What is a Super Visa and how is it different from a regular visitor visa?

Can I work or study in Canada on a visitor visa?

What documents do I need to apply for a visitor visa?

Does having a previous visa refusal affect my new application?

Can a US citizen or US permanent resident visit Canada without a visa?

Do I need a study permit to study in Canada?

What is a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) and do I need one?

Can I work while studying in Canada?

What is a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and am I eligible?

How long is a Post-Graduation Work Permit valid?

My study permit is expiring — how do I extend it?

Can I apply for a study permit from inside Canada?

My study permit expired and I forgot to extend it. What can I do?

What is the difference between a PAL and a Quebec CAQ?

Does studying online from outside Canada affect my PGWP eligibility?

Can my spouse work in Canada while I study?

What is the difference between an employer-specific work permit and an open work permit?

What is an LMIA and when does my employer need one?

Can I change employers while on a work permit in Canada?

My work permit is expiring soon. How do I extend it?

What is the Global Skills Strategy and how does it help employers?

What is the International Mobility Program (IMP)?

Can I work in Canada under CUSMA/USMCA as a US or Mexican citizen?

What is a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)?

What is the IEC Working Holiday and who is eligible?

Do I need a work permit to do business in Canada as a visitor?

What is an Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) work permit?

What is Francophone Mobility and who qualifies?

What is Express Entry and how does it work?

What is a CRS score and how is it calculated?

What is the difference between FSW, CEC, and FST under Express Entry?

What are category-based draws in Express Entry?

How can I improve my CRS score?

What is an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) and do I need one?

How long does Express Entry permanent residence take to process?

What is a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and how does it connect to Express Entry?

Can I include my family members in my Express Entry application?

What happens after I receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)?

Who can I sponsor for permanent residence in Canada?

Is there an income requirement to sponsor my spouse or partner?

How long does spousal sponsorship take to process?

Can my sponsored spouse work in Canada while waiting for permanent residence?

What is the undertaking period for sponsoring a spouse?

What is the Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP)?

What is the income requirement to sponsor parents or grandparents?

What is the Super Visa and how is it different from PGP sponsorship?

Can I sponsor a family member if I previously sponsored someone else?

What is a conjugal partner and how is this different from a common-law partner?

How can I check the status of my IRCC application?

What is an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) and what does it mean?

IRCC requested additional documents. What should I do?

What is a procedural fairness letter and how should I respond?

What does it mean to be inadmissible to Canada?

What is maintained status and what does it allow me to do?

What is a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) and when is it used?

What is misrepresentation and what are the consequences?