Newcomers can access free, web-based tools to help with every stage of the Canadian immigration process.
The following article will break down some of these key tools throughout the three stages of the immigration process:
Considering Canada;
Applying to Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC); and
Receiving a decision / Succeeding in Canada.
Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration
Each tool has a specific function within the stages of the immigration journey:
Tool name Stage of the immigration journeyWhat it can be used for
Assessment formConsidering CanadaDetermine your eligibility for Express Entry programs, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and family sponsorship pathways.
Eligibility trackerConsidering CanadaDetermine your eligibility to apply under Permanent Residence (PR) and/or Temporary Residence (TR) (work, study, and visitor) pathways.
PNP FinderConsidering CanadaLearn about the different PNP streams, what provincial draws recently occurred, and which streams are currently active and accepting applications.
International Experience Canada (IEC) Rounds of Invitation toolConsidering CanadaGet an accurate understanding of your chances of receiving a Canadian work permit under the IEC program.
Visiting Canada toolConsidering CanadaDetermine whether you will need a visa or electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to visit Canada.
Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) calculatorApplying to IRCCCalculate your CRS score. The higher your score, the greater your chance of receiving an ITA to apply for PR under one of Canada’s Express Entry-managed programs.
Application status calculatorApplying to IRCCGain a deeper understanding of where your application currently is in the processing stage.
Check processing times toolApplying to IRCCGain a better understanding of how long you can expect to wait while your application is in process.
IRCC webformApplying to IRCCUpdate your current application with important information, inform IRCC of any changes that may have occurred, or raise technical issues around applying online to the department.
Language score converterApplying to IRCCUnderstand how your language test scores stack up on the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) scale, and (through this) your eligibility for different immigration programs.
Job bankReceive a decision / Succeeding in CanadaFind jobs that are currently hiring in Canada, with further information on salaries, Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) eligibility, and more.
Pre-arrival kitReceive an immigration decision / Succeeding in CanadaGet a comprehensive understanding of key aspects of life in Canada—from finding banking, internet, and phone services, to grocery shopping guides, advice on finding a home, searching for employment, education, healthcare, and more.
Settlement services toolReceive an immigration decision / Succeeding in CanadaFind free settlement services for new permanent and temporary residents to Canada, including employment help, language training, and more.
Considering Canada
Assessment form
The CanadaVisa Assessment form can determine your eligibility for economic immigration programs that lead to permanent residence (PR), including:
This form also links to another assessment which can determine your eligibility for family-class sponsorship for PR.
Eligibility tracker
IRCC’s eligibility tracker will assess your eligibility for various kinds of Canadian immigration streams, including those for work, study, visit, and PR purposes.
Questions may include (but are not limited to) your:
Nationality;
Age;
Language ability in French or English;
Education;
Work experience; and
Current employment.
Note: This tool can also be used to understand further options for those wishing to extend their status in Canada.
IRCC advises that this tool is for reference and does not claim to make an immigration decision based on answers submitted. All applications submitted to IRCC will be assessed in accordance with Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).
PNP Finder
CanadaVisa’s PNP finder is updated weekly with the latest draw information, providing you an overview of Canada’s PNPs, as well as which PNP streams have been holding recent draws.
You can also filter results by province/territory, category/stream, and by which programs require a job offer, and are Express Entry-linked.
Users should also note that the PNP Finder does not assess eligibility for PNP pathways, nor provide advice on how to become eligible; the tool works solely for information purposes.
IEC Rounds of Invitation tool
You can use the International Experience Canada (IEC) tool to look up your chances of receiving a work permit through the program. You have direct access to a precise answer regarding your chances of success for IEC, unlike many other Canadian immigration pathways.
The IEC is a seasonal program. You can expect to receive different responses regarding your chances of receiving a work permit, based on the time of the year during which you apply, along with the quota for your country.
The IEC is a program for youth—you must be at least 18 years of age, and under the age of 35, or 30 in some cases, depending on your country of nationality.
Visiting Canada tool
You can use the Visiting Canada tool to determine if you will need a visa or an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter the country.
When you complete the questionnaire, you can review the results to better understand what documents you will have to provide to travel to Canada.
IRCC notes that this tool may not provide information on all travel documents needed by an individual when traveling to Canada.
Applying to IRCC
CRS Score calculator
You can use CanadaVisa’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score calculator to help assess your eligibility for Express Entry managed programs, based on your (and, if applicable, your spouse’s) human capital and adaptability factors.
You can fill out the dynamic web form to calculate your current CRS score. You can also experiment with different possible future scenarios, to get an idea of how your CRS score may change.
Scores presented on this tool are shown for information purposes only, and not as professional immigration advice.
Application status tracker
IRCC’s Application Status Tracker can provide the most up-to-date information on your application.
You must create a new profile with the tool the first time that you use it. Currently, the Application Status Tracker only covers these specific immigration pathways:
Express Entry applications;
Study permit applications;
Work permit applications;
Visitor visa applications; and
Family-class sponsorship applications.
Processing times tool
IRCC’s processing times tool helps newcomers applying to IRCC better predict how long their application may take to complete processing.
These processing times are based on the amount of time that IRCC took to process complete applications in the past, and do not include the amount of time the applicant takes to submit biometrics.
Processing times begin the day that IRCC receives your complete application, and end when a decision is made on the application.
IRCC webform
IRCC’s webform is a fast and convenient way to contact the immigration department online. The tool can be used by candidates who:
Have submitted an application to IRCC;
Have an application that has taken longer than the standard wait times to process;
Wish to report important changes to personal details that can impact an already submitted immigration application;
Wish to add, change, or cancel the use of a representative;
Require urgent processing of their PR card replacement/renewal; and/or
Wish to report a technical issue with IRCC’s online services.
IRCC advises that by using the form, you open a channel of communication with the department, which will involve the transmission of your personal information.
Language score converter
You can use CanadaVisa’s language score converter to see how your standardized language test result will translate into Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels, the scoring method the Canadian government uses to assess language proficiency for immigration purposes.
You can also use the converter to convert language test scores into points awarded under the CRS and for the FSWP eligibility scoring grid.
Note that these scores are presented for information purposes only, and not to provide legal or immigration advice.
Receive a decision / Succeeding in Canada
Job Bank
Canada’s National Job Bank is a repository of available positions in the country.
You can use the job bank to find employment, as well as for a variety of other employment-related tasks, including (but not limited to)
Choosing a career;
Exploring the current labour market;
Sourcing candidates; and
Comparing wages in different positions and geographies across Canada.
The Job Bank also has a number of newcomer-friendly filters for the job search, including
Roles for newcomers to Canada;
Roles for foreign candidates from outside of Canada; and
Roles for temporary foreign workers.
You can also search for jobs that are advertised to students, that are fully remote, and even ones that are Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)-approved.
Interested job seekers can read the Job Bank’s terms of use for job seekers.
For more information on finding work in Canada visit our dedicated web page.
Newcomer guide and mailing list
CIC News has developed a comprehensive newcomer’s guide to Canada, filled with essential information to give readers the best information to start their life, and succeed in the country.
The document is more than 150 pages of the most important-to-know information around:
You can download this guide for free and be enrolled in CIC News’ pre-arrival newsletter to receive weekly updates on our most practical and actionable information to succeed in Canada.
Download our Newcomer’s Guide to Canada
Settlement services tool
You can use IRCC’s settlement services tool to access a list of available settlement services in your area. Settlement services are free services that are available to new permanent residents of Canada, and some temporary residents.
IRCC’s tool allows you to filter your search by service type, area, online vs. offline, and other custom parameters.
Note that eligibility for a settlement service is largely dependent on who is funding the service. IRCC’s tool provides the most complete list of settlement resources but only shows services that are funded by IRCC. IRCC-funded services are usually restricted solely to new permanent residents.
To find services relevant to you funded by the provincial and municipal government, you can visit their respective websites. A list of available websites can be found here.
Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration
Luis Diaz was fouled in Liverpool clash. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
Liverpool were 1-0 winners over Girona in the Champions League on Tuesday night and former Reds star Steve McManaman feels his old club got a little lucky. The Merseyside club arrived into the clash in Spain having won all five of their Champions League matches and Arne Slot’s men kept up their 100 per cent record with the victory.Girona caused Liverpool a lot of problems in the first half and the Reds boss can thank his goalkeeper Alisson Becker for keeping the home side out. The Merseyside outfit were much better in the second 45 minutes and it was during this half that the biggest talking point of the game emerged.Donny van de Beek would commit a clumsy challenge on Luis Diaz – who has recently been linked with a move away from Anfield – in the Girona box when the Dutch midfielder barely stepped on the winger’s heel.The referee viewed the coming together as a foul after being sent to the VAR monitor, resulting in Mohamed Salah converting the spot-kick.The incident sparked a lot of debate on social media and former Liverpool star Steve McManaman felt his old club were lucky to get the decision.
More Stories / Latest News
Steve McManaman on the Liverpool penalty incident
Liverpool star Luis Diaz earned Liverpool a penalty. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)Speaking after the match, McManaman stated that he thought the penalty was harsh and compared it to the unpunished fouls that often happen during corners and free-kicks.“You expect the midfielders to go to close down and if you stand on an inch of his heel, it is very unfortunate,” the pundit said on TNT Sports. “With all respect, it is a contact game. We see a lot more contact at corners and free-kicks that go unmentioned so I don’t think it was a penalty regardless of the result.”
“He’s given the referee an opportunity to make a decision or VAR to get involved” ?@rioferdy5 and Steve McManaman give their verdict on Liverpool’s penalty ?
? @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/wwH4emYXiI
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) December 10, 2024Liverpool will feel fortunate that they were awarded the penalty but Van de Beek gave the referee a decision to make after making the clumsy foul in their own box.Slot’s men were not at their best in Spain but as seen several times this season, the Reds found a way to come away from the match with all three points. https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/12/10/liverpool-champions-league-tnt/
When it comes to home theater sound, one of the best brands to go with is Samsung. Over the last several years, Samsung surround sound systems and soundbars have done a phenomenal job at enhancing movie nights, which is why we’re always on the lookout for Samsung soundbar deals. As luck would have it, we came across a great one earlier today:
Right now, when you purchase the Samsung 3.1ch HW-Q6CC Soundbar, you’ll only pay $200. At full price, this model sells for $380.
Why you should buy the Samsung 3.1ch HW-Q6CC Soundbar
The HW-Q6CC is a Dolby Atmos soundbar, which means it can virtualize a full Atmos speaker configuration. Expect immersive audio, regardless of where you choose to sit or stand, plus a nice balance of highs, mids, and lows. And if you ever decide to relocate the soundbar to another room, Samsung’s Adaptive Sound Lite tech will automatically recalibrate the HW-Q6CC to the new space you place it in. Connectivity couldn’t be more effortless either: Thanks to HDMI eARC, you only have to worry about one wire going to your TV.
Far more than a home theater system, you’ll also be able to use the HW-Q6CC to stream music from a phone or tablet using Bluetooth. Pair two devices simultaneously and enjoy fast playback with Samsung’s Tap Sound feature, which lets you start playing a song from your phone through the Samsung soundbar just by tapping one device to the other.
While it’s hard to say how long this markdown is going to last, Samsung deals like this one have gone pretty quickly in the past. That being said, today might be the best day to save. Take $180 off the Samsung 3.1ch HW-Q6CC Soundbar when you purchase at Walmart, and be sure to check out our list of the best Walmart deals for even more holiday discounts!
https://www.digitaltrends.com/home-theater/samsung-hw-q6cc-soundbar-deal-walmart-december-2024/
The case in which two city lawyers are accused of forgery has taken a new twist after a prominent law firm has been implicated for alleged convenience in misleading court.
In the letter dated December 3, 2024 to the Inspector of Courts, pastor Daniel Walugembe has accused the lawyers, Robert Ssenfuka and Umar Nyanzi of SK and Partners Advocates of colluding with their colleagues at H&G Advocates to commit the alleged crimes.
Through his lawyers, Walugembe states that there is coordinated convenience between H&G Advocates and SK and Partners Advocates whose sole intention is to mislead and bias court against him which is very unfortunate and regrettable.
“Your worship, it is evident that in the letter written by H&G Advocates dated 23rd December 2021, requested for certified copies of proceedings, plaint, affidavit of service, and written statement of defense, consent judgment and decree in Civil Suit No. 699of 2017. Indeed in the letter dated 9th December 2022,” reads the petition adding that Natukunda Jeneva the Deputy Registrar certified the same documents.
According to the petition seeking for the intervention of the judiciary authorities into the matter, Walugembe insists that nowhere the registrar “gave any agreement to H&G advocates which they purportedly passed on to SK and Partners who are their conduits.”
Petition indicates that H&G Advocates is the law firm that represents Makerere University in the case litigated with Walugembe before the Land Division of the High Court; “But at no single point has H&G ever brought this purported sale agreement to disapprove or show inconsistent in his claim.”
The petition copied to the Chief Justice and other lawyers, the lawyers; Ssenfuka and Nyanzi are accused of concocting information and documents with a view of misleading court.
Through his lawyers of Alma Associated Advocates, Walugembe accused the lawyers of misleading court in the sworn statements to the principal judge that their client, Dr Ntwatwa Lule has never been party to earlier cases before the High Court.
“On that basis alone, it is our considered view that a person who can advise his client to lie on oath cannot be trusted at all. To demonstrate to you the perpetual lies of the accused persons in the affidavit they drafted for their client, drawn by SK and Partners Advocates, they advised their client to lie that he has never been party to application number 434 of 2019,” reads the complaint.
The petition copied to the chief justice, judicial authorities and lawyers was in response to complaints challenging the private prosecution of the lawyers Ssenfuka and Nyanzi.
Ssenfuka and Nyanzi both attached to SK & Partners Advocates are accused of fraud in regard to alleged forgery of agreements for Kibanja in Katanga near Wandegeya.
Last week, the Magistrates Court at Buganda Road, Jalia Basajjabalaba issued criminal summons against Ssenfuka and Nyanzi to answer accusations of forgery and uttering false
The duo is expected to appear in court on December 17, 2024 for plea taking and also for hearing formal application in which they are challenging the legality of the charges.
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It is alleged that the lawyers Ssenfuka and Nyanzi attached to SK & Partners Advocates while acting for and on behalf of their client, Dr Ntwatwa Lule committed criminal acts.
Court documents indicate that the accused lawyers are alleged to have committed forgery, uttering false documents and conspired to commit a felony when knowingly and unlawfully altered sales agreements dated February 9, 1996 and August 13, 1996 respectively.
H&G Advocates Accused of Forgery as Court Documents in Walugembe Case Face Scrutiny