Right of Permanent Residence Fee Reduced

Just as the new government promised the $975 right of permanent residence fee has been reduced to $490 effective May 3, 2006.

If you paid the right of permanent residence fee (either as part of your initial application or after a request to pay it after processing), before May 3, 2006, but did not become a permanent resident until after May 3, 2006, you are entitled to a refund.

Click here for information on how to get your refund.

Canada Immigration

Do you need a lawyer to get you through the Canada immigration process? Like most things in life, you can probably manage on your own, though the end-product may vary. Have you ever tackled a home repair? How about your own taxes? Appealed an administrative decision? If so, you may be one of those people who are relentless about tackling everything themselves and there is nothing wrong with that. You just have to ask yourself if you want "learn as you go" with regard to the immigration process and your decision to move to another country. Get something wrong, and your file will be returned to you (unprocessed) after a couple of months and you'll have to start again, wasting precious time. Did you know that simply neglecting to put "not applicable" for military service on a Schedule 1 form means the file will be returned to you for completion and you will move to the back of the line for processing? An immigration lawyer knows how to construct your application so the process goes smoothly and problems identified well in advance. The choice is yours -- hire an expert or go it alone, but be prepared for bumps along the way that will lengthen an already lengthy process.

NAFTA After-Sales Service

The NAFTA after-sales service category allows citizens of the US or Mexico to work in Canada without a work permit. There must be a sale of goods from a US or Mexican firm to a Canadian firm. Employees of the US or Mexican firm can then work in Canada after the sale performing installation, maintence, training and other functions. Individuals can not do general construction work -- this is expected to be done by Canadians.

A real advantage of this program is this: a Canadian subsidiary or distributor for a US or Mexican firm can sell goods to a Canadian company and then arrange for the expert US or Mexican employees to perform the after-sales service. One of the many benefits of NAFTA.