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3 Reasons to Submit Your Visa Application Now

February 9, 2021

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  • Robynn Farrell

As immigration centres slowly start to reopen globally, it’s comforting to know that those who want to move to Canada can rest assured that their visa applications will still be processed. In fact, the Canadian government never stopped processing visas since the pandemic restriction took effect. Now you may be asking yourself, “Why should I submit my Canadian visa application now? Well, there are various reasons but there are 3 main reasons: the time it takes to apply for a Canada visa, getting ahead of other applicants as well as taking advantage of certain exceptions made due to the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Why You Should Submit Your Visa Application Now

hand writing with pen completing application form | apply for Canada visa

1. The Road to Canada is Long

When most people decide to apply for a Canadian visa, they don’t always realise that it can be a lengthy process. The average time that it takes to process visa applications can take anywhere between two to three months (BC PNP) to six to eight months through Express Entry immigration programs or even as long as 12 to 16 for a business Start-up Visa and 15 to 19 months if you are applying for a provincial nomination through the Provincial Nominee Program. Another factor that you may not be aware of is that the processing times mentioned above is just the first part of the process. Once you receive your invitation to apply for permanent residence you then have approximately 60 days (depending on your program requirements) to submit your application and only once you get confirmation from the Canadian government can you then start making plans to move to Canada. This is why it is so important to start the process as soon as possible because the longer you take to start the process, the longer it will take to start your new life in Canada.

2. The Canadian Visa Application Process is Competitive

business competition workers in suits at start line | move to Canada As excited as you may be to move to Canada, bear in mind that there will be many others applying for the same spot. Canada is one of the top destinations for immigrants and students globally. In fact, it is in the top 3 choices for international students and according to the UN, is in the top 10 places that people chose to immigrate to in 2019. With travel restrictions currently still in place, the Canadian government has not stopped processing visa applications. At the moment, there are fewer applicants as the IRCC is not completely back in full swing yet, which have been causing some delays, but there are two programs that are issuing invitations to apply for residency in Canada: the Express Entry Provincial Nominee linked programs and the Canada Experience Class, which are both managed by the Express Entry system. By applying now, you could automatically boost your chances of receiving your ITA. It’s simple really: the fewer people there are that apply, the higher your chances of being selected!

3. COVID-19 Restriction Exemptions for Temporary Foreign Workers

farm workers wearing masks with freshly picked vegetables on farm | move to Canada As the Canadian borders remain closed to the majority of visa applicants, those with job offers in certain occupations are still allowed to enter Canada. These jobs have been identified as “essential jobs” in Canada and have been deemed exempt from the current pandemic restrictions. Workers will still have to remain in quarantine for two weeks but will receive up to $1,500 to help cover living costs. The best thing about applying for a temporary foreign worker program is not only that the processing times are short (roughly about 2 weeks depending on where you apply from) but it will allow you to get the necessary work experience to apply for permanent residence through immigration programs like the Saskatchewan Experience Program, which allows you to apply for permanent residence after just six months of work experience. These are occupations that currently qualify for exemption:
  • Butchers, meat cutters and fishmongers-retail and wholesale (NOC 6331)
  • Transport Truck Drivers (NOC 7511)
  • Agricultural service contractors, farm supervisors and specialized livestock workers (NOC 8252)
  • General Farm Workers (NOC 8431)
  • Nursery and Greenhouse Workers (NOC 8432)
  • Harvesting labourers (NOC 8611)
  • Fish and seafood plant workers (NOC 9463)
  • Labourers in food, beverage and associated products processing (NOC 9617)
  • Labourers in fish and seafood processing (NOC 9618)
  • Industrial butchers and meat cutters, poultry preparers and related workers (NOC 9462)

Let Us Help You Get There

business consultants shaking hands with clients in office | apply for visa to Canada Applying for a Canadian visa can be both stressful and confusing, but by using our professional services, it doesn’t have to be. Our accredited Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) will not only optimize your chances of success but you give you expert advice on which program is best for you. Our RCICs are registered with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC) and are legally permitted to assist you by evaluating your eligibility, reviewing all documentation and submitting it to the Canadian government on your behalf. Don't risk your chances of starting a new life in Canada with your loved ones. Let us make sure that all forms are completed correctly and sent in on time. Simply fill out our application form to receive your assessment today and take your first step towards immigrating to Canada.