Q: Will I be interviewed by
an immigration officer?
A: Most Skilled Worker applicants for permanent resident status are
required to attend a selection interview with an immigration officer.
Such interviews are held to ensure the information in the application
is accurate, to verify documentation, to test language ability, and
to help applicants relocate to Canada. Visa offices may grant certain
Skilled Worker candidates an interview waiver, depending on the qualifications
of the applicant, the quality of the supporting documentation, and
the overall credibility of the applicant. The likelihood of an interview
waiver varies from one visa office to another. Almost all applicants
under the Business Immigration Program will be required to attend
a selection interview.
Q: What is a security interview?
A: In a small percentage of applications, an interview is held to
evaluate security issues such as espionage, subversion or terrorism.
These interviews are usually held after a selection interview, and
may also be held in cases where a selection interview is waived.
Q: When is the selection interview
held?
A: Depending on how many applications are before yours at the visa
office and which visa office has your file, it might take as little
as four months to get an interview, or it might take as long as 30
months. Usually, though, the selection interview takes place about
two-thirds of the way into the application process.
Q: Is there anything I can
do to obtain an interview waiver?
A: Applications which are complete in every detail increase the chances
of an interview waiver. However, interview waivers are granted at
the discretion of the immigration officials. It is not possible to
apply specifically for a waiver. Even if an interview is waived, you
may still be called to an interview, generally for quality assurance
purposes.
|