3 Must-Know Facts about Canadian Immigration from Bahrain

If you have plans for immigrating to Canada, you may have endless questions cluttering your mind. What are the requirements for immigration? What is the cost of living in certain popular cities or provinces? Having gone through something similar, we understand what you are experiencing and are happy to assist. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of navigating Canadian immigration, settling in, and starting your new life in Canada.

Here are 3 must-know facts about Canada immigration Bahrain, along with some additional information.

Is it possible to schedule an emergency appointment?

An emergency biometric appointment must meet the following criteria:

• A member of your immediate family has died in Canada
• A member of the immediate family suffering from a critical illness who resides in Canada

As defined by the IRCC, an immediate family member includes

• spouse or common-law partner
• dependent child
• dependent child of a dependent child
• parent or step-parent
• guardian or tutor

For biometric collection, applicants who request emergency appointments must present proof of their emergency (any of the following) when they make an appointment with the VAC.

• Death/Medical Certificate
• Letter from Medical Officer/Unit
• Letter from Funeral Home

Please note that:

• If the applicant fails to provide proof of emergency while at the VAC for an emergency appointment, the VAC will notify the IRCC immediately. When reviewing your application, the IRCC might consider this factor.
• IRCC's processing times or outcomes are not affected by an emergency biometric appointment. Online appointment scheduling cannot be used for biometric emergency appointments. Please call the VAC Contact Center or come in person to schedule an emergency biometric appointment.

For biometrics verification, who needs to provide their fingerprints and photo?

It is normal to need biometrics when applying for

a work or study permit extension

Due to the devastating effect of COVID 19, anyone in Canada applying for temporary residence is exempt from giving their biometrics. In order to qualify for this temporary measure, you must present in Canada while applying or have an application in progress

• to extend your stay in Canada as a student, worker, or visitor
• for a work or study permit
• for a visitor visa
• for a temporary resident permit

You do not have to provide biometrics again if you have already provided them in the last 10 years for a visitor visa, work permit, or study permit, and they are still valid. You can find out whether your biometrics are still valid by using the Check Status tool. No matter where the passport was issued, you must provide your biometrics when you have an alien's passport.

How often do you need to provide your fingerprints and photo?

Biometrics only have to be given once every ten years. You do not need to provide your biometrics again until the 10-year period ends. You no longer have to provide biometrics if you have already provided them for a visitor visa, work authorization, or study authorization, and they are still valid. With the Check Status Tool, you can check whether or not your biometrics are still valid.

• For permanent residence applicants

For the permanent resident applicants, you do not need to give your biometrics again if you have already given them for another application within the last 10 years. For those who have not provided biometrics before or have not given them in over a decade, they will need to be given back to the nearest biometric collection site when they resume collecting biometrics again.

Other Must-Know Facts

Along with the above 3 must-know facts about Canada immigration Bahrain, here is some additional information that you must know.

Is it possible to have someone else submitting the application for me?

It is possible to appoint a representative to submit your application for you. You should collect the Use of a Representative (IMM 5476) form, which will allow your representative to collect or submit your application packet/decision envelope on your behalf.

Does the Canada Visa Application Centre require an appointment for the submission of biometrics?

From 02 November 2018, the Canada Visa Application Centre in Bahrain will require a prior appointment for biometric enrolment. For more information, please see http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/biometrics.asp.

What will happen after you submit your application?

Your application will be checked for completeness by the Visa Application Centre staff, based on IRCC requirements, and submitted on your behalf the next business day. Once the Visa Office has made a decision regarding your application, the passport will be securely returned to your preferred method of contact at the Visa Application Centre. You will also receive an update on the Online Application Tracking System when your application is ready for return. You will then receive your application via the method you specify.