Mississauga, Ontario Award-Winning
Business Immigration Lawyer
Evelyn Ackah Founder and Managing Lawyer,

All individuals who have obtained permanent residency in Mississauga are required to possess a PR card, which serves as the official proof of their indefinite residence in the city, even as non-Canadian citizens.

For newly arrived permanent immigrants, the issuance of a PR card is automatically carried out by Canadian immigration authorities as part of the overall immigration process overseen by the immigration and refugee board. There is no separate application required to obtain the PR card.

It's important to note that the PR card is not issued immediately upon arrival in Mississauga. Typically, it takes around three to four months for the PR card to be processed and delivered by mail. The processing time is often indicated on the immigration board's website for reference.

In certain circumstances, it may be necessary to renew your PR card. This could be due to a change of name, or address, or if the card has been damaged or lost. In such cases, you will need to submit an application through the immigration board's website to initiate the renewal process.

The Permanent Resident Visa is exclusively granted to foreign nationals seeking to become permanent residents of Canada. This visa allows them a single entry into the country and has a specified validity period during which the individual is expected to complete their landing in Canada. It is important to note that individuals such as students, workers, and visitors do not qualify for a Permanent Resident Visa. Instead, students are granted student visas, workers obtain work permits, and visitors are issued visitor visas. These specific visas cater to the unique needs and intentions of individuals coming to Canada for purposes other than permanent residency.

In addition to visiting Mississauga as a student, worker, or visitor, there are various programs available for those seeking permanent residency in Canada. The Express Entry program is the most common and efficient, while the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) targets skilled foreign nationals. The Federal Skilled Trades Program is geared towards tradespersons. Other options include the Atlantic Immigration Pilot, Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot, Family Sponsorship, Start-up Visa, and Quebec Selected Skilled Workers program. Consulting with an experienced immigration lawyer at a Mississauga law firm can provide further guidance on these programs and their requirements.

To be eligible for Canadian citizenship, you must hold permanent residency status, have filed tax forms for three consecutive years, pass the Canadian citizenship test, demonstrate language proficiency in English or French, and have a clean criminal record in Canada and your home country.

After meeting the eligibility requirements, the application process for Canadian citizenship involves calculating your residency duration, completing the application form, paying the fees, submitting supporting documents, taking the citizenship test, attending an interview, and participating in the citizenship oath ceremony. It is advisable to seek the assistance of experienced immigration lawyers from a reputable Canadian immigration law firm to navigate through the complex process successfully.

The Express Entry Program offers a streamlined pathway for skilled immigrants to migrate to Mississauga. It is an online application system designed for individuals seeking Canadian permanent residency. Through this program, applicants create an Express Entry profile, which serves as a ranking tool for admission. Based on their profile ranking, individuals can then apply for admission programs like the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, or the Canadian Experience Class Program. This program simplifies the process for skilled immigrants to pursue permanent residency in Mississauga.

The Express Entry Programs utilize a point-based system to assess applicants, considering factors such as skills, education, language proficiency, and work experience. These points determine an applicant's ranking and eligibility for the three aforementioned programs. The maximum score that can be obtained is 1200, with each program having its own admission benchmark.

Furthermore, additional points can be claimed by having a sibling in Canada, possessing a high level of proficiency in French, receiving a job offer in the country, or obtaining a nomination from a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). This immigration program is specifically designed for skilled workers who possess the necessary skills, education, and work experience to contribute to a particular province or territory's economy, with the ultimate goal of becoming permanent residents of Canada.

Determining your eligibility to work in Canada as an immigrant involves several factors, and seeking guidance from immigration lawyers can provide clarity. As a foreign national, obtaining a work permit is necessary to work in Mississauga. Work permits can be classified as open or closed, with open permits allowing you to work for any employer in the city, while closed permits have specific restrictions.

For students holding student visas, the ability to work may depend on the provisions outlined in their study permit. In general, individuals can explore work opportunities in Canada through the International Experience Canada option. Consulting immigration lawyers can help navigate the complexities of working in Canada as an immigrant, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and maximizing employment opportunities in Mississauga.

Permanent residents in Mississauga have the advantage of being eligible to work for any employer. To ensure employment eligibility and have the necessary documentation, it is advisable to seek assistance from an immigration lawyer in Mississauga. They can provide guidance and ensure that you meet all the requirements for employment.

There are various avenues available to permanent residents for finding employment in Mississauga. Job websites, networking, volunteering, immigrant-serving organizations, employee agencies, and recruiters are valuable resources that can help you secure suitable job opportunities. By utilizing these methods, you can broaden your job search and increase your chances of finding rewarding career prospects in Mississauga. Whether you explore online platforms, build professional networks, contribute through volunteer work, seek assistance from immigrant-serving organizations, or collaborate with employee agencies and recruiters, these avenues can enhance your job search strategy and improve your chances of securing employment.

Permanent residents in Canada enjoy the privilege of residing in the country indefinitely. Upon obtaining permanent resident status, they are required to live in Canada for a minimum of two out of every five years to maintain their status.

Despite benefiting from the rights and freedoms outlined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, permanent residents do not possess the right to vote or hold a Canadian passport.

In contrast, Canadian citizens have the opportunity to exercise their right to vote, actively engage in political activities, and even run for public office. Additionally, they have the ability to apply for a Canadian passport, which grants them greater mobility and access to consular services when traveling abroad.

The expenses associated with immigration applications for individuals seeking to move to Canada can significantly differ depending on the specific immigration program and the sponsor of the application. Along with the application fees, there is a requirement to provide proof of funds, demonstrating that you have sufficient financial resources to establish yourself in the country.

The amount of money estimated to be necessary for relocation to Canada can vary widely depending on the type of immigration application and whether any family members are accompanying you. It's important to note that this estimation does not include costs such as flights, accommodation, and daily living expenses, which need to be budgeted separately.

Processing times for immigration applications are unique to each case and cannot be accurately predicted. Factors such as visa office resources, application volume, and backlog impact processing times. Ackah Law works closely with clients to expedite applications, but processing times ultimately depend on immigration authorities.