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People from around the world are asking our experts questions about how to live, work and study in B.C.

Ask the Expert is one of many tools developed by WelcomeBC.ca – the Government of British Columbia’s official source for information on immigration and settlement.

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Use the search box above to find out if your question has already been answered. If it’s not there, just click ASK A QUESTION. Reply times vary. You will be notified when your question has been answered.

ESL courses now tuition-free

VANCOUVER, April 5, 2012 – Canadian citizens can now take English as a Second Language courses tuition-free at 17 public post-secondary institutions throughout British Columbia.

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Hi,

I would like to work in Canada as an Electrician. Do I need to find a job first before I apply for the Work Permit? I am married and have 2 children.

Can I bring them over on my work permit?

Denis

ANSWER:

Hello Denis,

If you wish to work temporarily in Canada, you must first obtain a job offer and then submit an application for a Work Permit.

Your spouse and dependent children can come with you or visit you in Canada. However, they must meet all the requirements for temporary residents to Canada. If they need Temporary Resident Permits, they must apply for them separately. Please visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website to find out if you and your family require Temporary Resident Permits to enter Canada.

If they plan to work while in Canada, your spouse and children must apply separately for their work permits. They may be eligible for open work permits, which would mean that they could submit an application without a job offer.

If you would like to settle permanently in the Canadian province of British Columbia, you may wish to learn about the B.C. Provincial Nominee Program (B.C. PNP), which can fast-track the application process for permanent resident status for skilled workers, including electricians. You must have an offer of full-time employment from an eligible employer before you can apply for the B.C. PNP. Your spouse and dependent children could be included in your application.

Read more:

• WelcomeBC: Temporary Foreign Worker Program
• WelcomeBC: B.C. Provincial Nominee Program

Please review the right-hand side of this page for more useful links and resources.

I am an skilled Indian Hospitality & Tourism worker. I want to settle in B.C., Canada. How can I settle there with my family? Right now I am preparing for I.E.L.T.S. exam before filing my application.

Mr. Samik

ANSWER:

Hello Samik,

If you would like to settle permanently in the Canadian province of British Columbia, you may wish to learn about the B.C. Provincial Nominee Program (B.C. PNP), which can fast-track the application process for permanent resident status for you and  your family. You must have an offer of full-time employment from an eligible employer before you can apply for the B.C. PNP.

There are several online resources that can help you learn more about the labour market and job opportunities in British Columbia, including the Working in B.C. – Canada tool, WorkBC website and Planning to Work in Canada workbook. We also have included occupational profiles for Hotel Front Desk Clerks as well as Food and Beverage Servers below. We encourage you to research other occupations in the hospitality and tourism industry that interest you as well.

If the B.C. PNP is not right for you, please visit the Come to B.C. section of the WelcomeBC website to learn about other ways to work in B.C. The Come to Canada tool on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website can help you find out if you are eligible to come to Canada as a temporary foreign worker or permanent resident. In most cases, your chances of coming to Canada will improve if you have a job offer.

You can include your spouse and dependent children on your application for permanent resident status. If you come to Canada as a temporary foreign worker, your spouse and dependent children can accompany you or visit you but they must apply separately for Temporary Resident Permits.

Read more:

• Hotel Front Desk Clerks (NOC 6435)
• Food and Beverage Servers (NOC 6453)

Please review the right-hand side of this page for more useful links and resources.

How much does it cost to immigrate to Canada? Am I able to immigrate for free?

ANSWER:

Hello,

When you submit your application for permanent resident status to the Canadian government, you must pay an application fee. If your application is approved, you must pay a Right of Permanent Residence fee. Current fees are listed in Canadian dollars on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website.

In addition to these fees, you must pay for any medical examinations, police certificates and language assessments that are required. You must pay to have these completed for yourself and your family members (if applicable).

Please note that all of the forms and guides that you need to apply for any type of visa or permit are available for free on the CIC website. You do not need to hire an immigration consultant, lawyer or paralegal in order to immigrate to Canada. No immigration representative can guarantee you a visa. Please see the CIC website for tips on choosing an immigration consultant if you choose to hire one.

Read more:

• Citizenship and Immigration Canada: Come to Canada
• Citizenship and Immigration Canada: Calculate your Application Fees
• Citizenship and Immigration Canada: Find Application Form or Guide
• Citizenship and Immigration Canada: Don’t Be a Victim of Fraud