1. Why has Citizenship and Immigration Canada introduced the simplified application process for Federal Economic Class applications?
Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is committed to client-focused service delivery. CIC recognized that changes in procedure could simplify the initial application requirements for Federal Economic Class applicants waiting to have their applications assessed.
2. When did the simplified application process come into effect?
The simplified application process came into effect on September 1, 2006.
3. What does the simplified application process involve?
Simplified kits and forms have been developed to guide applicants through the application process. Applicants are required to complete and submit a three-page form along with the processing fees, which secures them a place in the processing line.
All supporting documents will be requested at a later date, usually about four months before the visa office is ready to assess the application. A letter of receipt provides advice to the applicant on labour-market preparation. The letter also encourages applicants to take advantage of the waiting period. For example, some applicants could use this time to start courses to improve their language skills.
4. What does the supporting documentation to be provided later include?
Supporting documentation would include education documents or other certificates attesting to the educational level, employment letters confirming work experience, language test results, police certificates, birth and marriage certificates, and bank statements confirming the applicant’s funds.
5. Is the simplified application process being used at all visa offices?
Since September 1, 2006, the simplified application process is in use at all visa offices except Buffalo, U.S.A. For applicants who submit their applications in Buffalo for processing by Buffalo and the other U.S. offices, the regular application process continues to apply. Applicants must submit their supporting documents at the same time as the application form.
6. Why is the simplified application process not being used by Buffalo and other U.S. offices?
Buffalo and its partner missions in the U.S. use a streamlined system where all files are created and pre-processed in Buffalo. It requires you to submit all relevant documents and information with your application. This makes processing faster for most clients who already live in Canada or the U.S. The SAP does not work well with this system.
7. Can a foreigner living in the United States who has legal status submit a simplified application?
No. Since Buffalo continues to use the regular application process, American citizens and other residents of the United States must submit a full application to our visa office in Buffalo, which will then forward it to the visa office closest to the applicant’s residence.
If you submit a simplified application to Buffalo, it will be returned to you with a letter requesting you submit a regular application. Any fees sent with the simplified application will also be returned.
8. If I am using the simplified application process, do I have to notify the visa office if I change jobs?
No. You only have to notify the visa office if you have a new address (postal or email) or hire a new immigration representative. You should also contact the visa office if you decide to withdraw your application. You do not have to notify Citizenship and Immigration Canada of any other changes until the visa office contacts you (about four months before the office is ready to assess your application).
9. I have already submitted my application. Do I have to start over?
No. Applications that were submitted before September 1, 2006, will be processed as usual. Regular applications received after September 1, 2006, are accepted, but the supporting documents will be returned to the applicant until the visa office requests them.
10. Why do you return the supporting documents?
The simplified process is intended to help applicants by eliminating the burden of continuously having to submit documents while waiting for their application to be processed. It also allows Citizenship and Immigration Canada to avoid duplication of work and save storage space. In addition, given application processing times, most documents would have to be updated if the applicant’s situation changes (for example, marital status, job, education and financial situation).
11. I have been nominated under a province’s immigration program. Do I submit a simplified application?
No. Individuals applying under a provincial nomination program do not submit a simplified application because these applications are processed on a priority basis.
12. Will my processing fees be refunded if I decide to withdraw my application?
Yes. If you contact the visa office before they contact you (that is, before the assessment of your application begins), your fees will be refunded.
13. Will this initiative reduce processing times?
No. However, the simplified application process will reduce the amount of information you need to submit when you apply. It also secures you a place in the processing line, and you won’t have to submit supporting documents more than once.
14. I have just taken a language proficiency test at a designated organization, such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) or the Test d’évaluation de français (TEF). Can I submit the results now?
If you apply under the simplified application process, the visa office will not accept any supporting documents. If you submit documents with your application, they will be returned to you.
Submit your language test results with your other supporting documents. The visa office will contact you to request these documents about four months before your application is processed. If you take the language test within one year of submitting your simplified application, the results remain valid and will be accepted as supporting documentation by the visa office.