Gaming-Montreal in the Fast Lane (More than just a Board Game)
Objective(s):
Introduction
"In Jones in the Fast Lane a turn represents a week in your characters life. Weeks are allotted a set time limit indicated by a clock in the centre of the board. Players begin their first turn at the low-rent apartment building and must move in either direction along a continuous square path that is bordered by different buildings. Players must move efficiently, spending time visiting different buldings in order to fulfill the goals of their life. For example, if players do not take time to eat during a week they will be docked time during their next week of play due to hunger. At the beginning of every 4 weeks, players must pay rent or have their salary's garnished at work. Players may work at any of the buildings on the board but will only be accepted for jobs if they have spent enough time working at other jobs and have taken the time to fulfill the job requisites at the university. Applying for a job too early can mean lost time.
The game goes on for as many weeks as it takes for a player to reach the goal points that were set by the players at the beginning. There are four goal categories: Money, Happiness, Education, Career. In a game with high goal settings, players will need to improve their housing, invest money, undergo post-graduate education, buy appliances and clothes, and reach the pinnacle of employment as president of the factory. The first player to reach all the goal settings wins the game.
I am hoping to use Jones in the Fast Lane as a model for a Canadian themed educational game that I am developing. There are aspects of Jones that I think that I can improve upon and I wish to adapt the artistic vision to be Canadian, with the different buildings representing mock versions of Canadian institutions such as Tim Hortons. More details with regards to this project will be forthcoming so stay tuned..." (Sellyn 2010)
Click here to play Jones in the Fast Lane
http://home.broadpark.no/~kboye/jones/jones.html
Possible Game Designs we can 'emulate':
Interactivity is key here, we are moving from text-based products to interactive products. Similar to the 'switch' that occurred when oral tradition was replaced by written tradition in stories.
'Games' that show interactivity as part of a player's experience.
Flow
http://interactive.usc.edu/projects/cloud/flowing/
I made this we are enemies
http://www.secrettechnology.com/madethis/enemy6.html
The Intruder
http://www.netarts.org/mcmogatk/2003/works/harger/intruder.html
The House (not a "game")
http://collection.eliterature.org/1/works/flanagan__thehouse.html
Questions I had regarding Lucas' blog:
With regards to the avatars, what if we create ironic stereotypes of different people who might be moving to montreal. The New Yorker, The Vancouverite, The Frenchman and The Greek. The first two can be female and the latter two can be guys. Players select one of the four.
New Question:
The Canadian Citizenry and Immigration website lists 4 types of immigrants: the skilled labourer, the refugee, the family, and the student. Perhaps each avatar could represent one of these people?
Game mechanics will be hardest to articulate. Particularly specifics like how many units of time it takes to get from place to place, hopefully we can avoid addressing those types of details. The simple version is people move around the board trying to use as little time as possible to take care of their weekly needs and achieve the final goal settings.
Idea:
I am pretty sure somewhere in the interwebs we can find the game mechanics for the Flash Game Jones in the Fast Lane. It will be my next area of research. Simple games like these have very little mechanics, it's out there somewhere. We can always piggyback the information from one game to the next. It's the simplicity of JITFL that helps us in this regard.
Attached is a simple mockup of what the board might look like. Ill explain the different locations briefly:Low Rent Apartments: ("Low Rent" can be substituted with a low rent area of the city) Players start the game jobless at the low rent apartment. Each turn also begins here. Offers low payment jobs.Tim Hortons: Offers low to mid level payment jobs. Food is available here, the more expensive, the more it contributes to happiness. Weekly need for food can be satisfied by eating anything on the menu. Failure to eat here or at Provigo results in time docked during the player's next turn.Parasuco: Offers mid level payment jobs. Clothes are available here. Good clothes are necessary to acquire high level jobs. Clothes wear out every 12 weeks.McGill: Offers low and mid level payment jobs. Education is accomplished here, good jobs require more education.Provigo: Offers low to medium high paying jobs. Groceries, lottery tickets, and newspapers can be bought here. The latter two improve the happiness goal. Groceries can be stored if the player owns a fridge for up to 4 weeks, preventing the player from having to take time to eat.RBC: Offers mid to very high level payment jobs. Players can also deposit money here where it will gain interest for every week it is stored.Westmount Apartments: No jobs are offered here. Owning a Westmount apartment is necessary for fulfilling the happiness goal and completing the game.Canadian Tire: Offers medium payment jobs. Appliances and furniture can be purchased here. Appliances boost happiness and appear in the player's apartment. Certain appliances, like the fridge, can benefit the player by allowing them to store food or prolong their clothing.
Comments:
I have information on the Parasuco company and the low-cost housing/rent segments from previous projects. Let me know what you need.
It is quite possible we could pitch this idea to the Canadian government, I know it is a long shot, but interactivity is the future of websites and information. The Canadian government should get on board with this.
(I can write this proposal if you want Lucas)
Concept or Proposal document (How many pages, lenght) -->Ask Jeannette
Explanation of the game's genre (similar to Jones in the Fast Lane)
Gaming Platform
Category
Game's Premise
Project scope and Learning Objectives
Description of the target audience
Play mechanics and Game description
Thematic concept
Description of the Game's environment
Character Development (You, NPCs, AI, etc)
Game Summary
Concept Art
Initial Game-Design Document
Narrative and possibly some sketches for the game play (Does Lucas know how to tinker with Photoshop)
Or the design of the game board
Im no photoshop pro but I will try this week to put something together that looks like a board. We have the existing brands to work with so hopefully we can find some good logos.
DO NOT READ PAST THIS POINT
Immigration Information from Citizenship and Immigration Canada
URL: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/index.asp
Immigration Representative: $, helps you fill out papers, etc. Not government regulated. Website warns against scams. "If it is too good to be true, it probably is"
Paid immigration representatives: a feature of the game, scam or not. One of the games obstacles is when you get scammed (this, however, is random)
Paid immigration representatives The only representatives who may charge a fee to represent or advise you on immigration and refugee matters with the Government of Canada are:
Finding a representative in Quebec
http://www.barreau.qc.ca/?Langue=en
Processing fees same all throughout Canada.
If you are in Canada, you can also contact the call centre at 1‑888‑242‑2100 for guidelines on how to apply.
Contact us
Call Centre telephone number: 1-888-242‑2100
Canadian visa office Canadian visa offices can answer questions about applications processed outside Canada.
If you live outside Canada, Canadian visa offices can answer questions about CIC services and programs.
Character 1:
Skilled workers and professionals Skilled workers are selected as permanent residents based on their education, work experience, knowledge of English and/or French, and other criteria that have been shown to help them become economically established in Canada.
All the information and forms you need to apply as a federal skilled worker are here. Note: The province of Quebec is responsible for selecting its own skilled workers. If you plan on living in Quebec, see Quebec-selected skilled workers for more information.
The rules for applying as a federal skilled worker can change from time to time without notice, so make sure you visit this site regularly if you are considering immigrating to Canada under this category.
Learn about:
Personality #2
Investors, entrepreneurs and self‑employed persons The Business Immigration Program seeks to attract experienced business people to Canada who will support the development of a strong and prosperous Canadian economy.
Business immigrants are expected to make a C$400,000 investment or to own and manage businesses in Canada.
Canada has three classes of business immigrants:
Find out if you can immigrate as one of the following:
Families
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CIC refers to the immigrants who are eligible to use this family sponsoring process as the Family Class.
If you become a permanent resident, you can live, study and work in Canada. For more information about being a permanent resident in Canada, see the Related Links section at the bottom of this page.
When you arrive in Canada as a permanent resident, you must make every reasonable effort to provide for your own essential needs and those of your family.
If you sponsor a relative to come to Canada as a permanent resident, you are responsible for supporting your relative financially when he or she arrives. As a sponsor, you must make sure your spouse or relative does not need to seek financial assistance from the government.
The process to sponsor your family begins when you, as a citizen or permanent resident in Canada, apply to be a sponsor.
There are two different processes for sponsoring your family. One process is used for sponsoring your spouse, conjugal or common-law partner and/or dependent children. Another process is used to sponsor other eligible relatives.
Learn about:
Application processing times Find out how long it currently takes CIC to process:
Immigration Applications Temporary Residence
Skilled Workers
View by country
View by country
Provincial Nominees
View by country
Not applicable
Investors
View by country
View by country
Entrepreneur
View by country
View by country
Self-Employed Persons
View by country
View by country
Canadian Experience Class
10 months
Not applicable
Processing Times: Family Sponsorship This information is updated weekly (step1) and quarterly (step 2) and shows the time it takes to process an application after we receive a complete application package.
There are two steps in processing family sponsorship applications. In order to know the total approximate time it may take for your application to be processed, ADD the time in step 1 to the time in step 2 (the two steps are consecutive).
Last update: November 10, 2010
Person to be sponsored lives outside of Canada Type of application Step 1
Assessment of Sponsor
Step 2
Assessment of Person Being Sponsored (applicant)
(The Call Centre does not have processing times for step 2)
Spouse, common‑law partner or dependent child 37 days
(working on applications received on October 12, 2010)
View by country
Status available online
Parents and grandparents 39 months
(working on applications received on August 2, 2007)
View by country
Status available online
Adopted children, children to be adopted, orphans and other family classes Processed daily on a priority basis View by country
Status available online
Person to be sponsored lives in Canada Type of sponsorship application Step 1 — Assessment of sponsor and person being sponsored
Step 2 — Medical, security, background checks and other verifications for person being sponsored Spouse, common-law partner in Canada 8–9 months
(initial assessment)
(working on applications received on February 15, 2010)
9 months
Status available online
Notes
Processing Times: Permanent Resident Card This information is updated weekly and shows the time it takes to process an application after we receive a complete application package.
Last update: November 10, 2010
Type of application Processing Times New permanent residents
24 business days*
(This time applies if you have provided a mailing address)
Existing permanent residents
If you require your PR card urgently, please follow these instructions.
(Working on applications received up to April 26, 2010)
Note: If you live inside Canada and if it has been longer than the time shown above since you applied, please contact the Call Centre. Call Centre agents cannot speed up the process of your application or make decisions on your case.
*The processing time to receive the new PR card is shown in business days. This means it does not include weekends or holidays.
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Federal skilled worker applications are assessed for eligibility according to the criteria set out below.
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Your work experience must be:
Note: If you are applying under one of the 29 eligible occupations, as of June 26, 2010, a maximum of 20,000 Federal Skilled Worker applications will be considered for processing in the following 12 months. Within the 20,000 cap, a maximum of 1,000 Federal Skilled Worker applications per eligible occupation will be considered for processing each year.
These limits do not apply to applications with an offer of arranged employment.
If you are not sure if you should apply as a skilled worker, you can:
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Remember that in most cases, you have to apply for a work permit from outside Canada. Your employer also has a role in the application process.
If you apply to work temporarily in Quebec, you must meet all the federal requirements and you must get a Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (Certificate of acceptance) from the province. See Quebec temporary workers for information.
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Some jobs do not require an HRSDC opinion. For more information on those jobs, see Eligibility to Apply.
For these jobs you will require:
Now you can apply for a work permit at a Canadian mission abroad.
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Did you know that you can now apply online for your work permit from within Canada?
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Countries who require visas in order to work in Canada
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How to apply for your temporary resident visa
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Learn about:
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You may also need many of the other documents listed below. You may wish to have your important documents translated into English or French before arriving to make it easier for people in Canada to understand them.
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Present this list to the border services officer on your first point of arrival in Canada, even if you are not bringing in any goods at that time.
You can make the process easier by completing a B4 form in advance and presenting it to the officer when you arrive. Visit the Canada Border Services Agency website to download a copy of the Form B4, Personal Effects Accounting Document.
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When you travel to Canada, bring official documents that state what vaccinations you and your family have already had. If you or your child has not been vaccinated, call your doctor or local public health clinic right away.
In Canada, immunization or vaccination records are required for children to enroll in school.
Other documents you may need:
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Learn more about:
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You do not have to pay duty on:
Learn more about:
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Good luck on your journey!
Related links
People who cannot come to Canada (Inadmissibility) This information is for guidance and reference only. A decision on your admissibility can only be made when you apply to come to Canada or at a port of entry.
Some people are not allowed to come to Canada. They are known as “inadmissible” under Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).
There are a number of reasons you can be found inadmissible, denied a visa or refused entry to Canada under IRPA, such as:
Note: If you have been convicted of driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, you will probably be found criminally inadmissible to Canada.
More detailed explanation of the reasons for inadmissibility.
Normally, if you are inadmissible to Canada, you will not be allowed to enter. In some cases, if you have a compelling reason to travel to Canada, you may be issued a Temporary Resident Permit.
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The officer will stamp your passport or let you know how long you can stay in Canada. The period is usually six months. In some cases, the officer may limit this period to cover only the intended purpose of your visit. Ask questions if you are unsure about anything.
If you violate the conditions of your visa, you will be asked to leave Canada. Most people asked to leave Canada have the right to an impartial hearing to review the decision. For more information, see the Related Links section at the bottom of this page.
Working or going to school in Canada Most visitors to Canada are not allowed to work or study in Canada without a permit.
If you require a study permit or a work permit, you must apply for it before coming to Canada. If you are visiting Canada and you want to apply to work or study, you must leave Canada and apply from your home country. However, in some cases, working without a permit or studying without a permit is allowed. For more information see:
What you can bring to Canada For customs and border information, see the Related Links section at the bottom of this page.
Visiting Canada: Extending your stay Changing your status after coming to Canada as a visitor After you arrive in Canada, you may want to change the conditions of your visit. This is possible in special cases.
Most visitors are allowed to stay in Canada for no more than six months but, in some cases, visitors can stay longer. The date that you must leave Canada will be stamped in your passport. If you have a study permit or a work permit, the same expiry date will also be stamped in it.
If you decide you want to stay longer, you can apply for an extension. You must send your application to extend your stay at least 30 days before your temporary resident visa expires. If you stay longer than you are allowed by your visa, you will lose your temporary resident status and you could be asked to leave Canada.
You must apply to extend your stay if you want to:
If you prefer to continue with the paper forms, there are five steps to apply to extend your stay:
2. Read the guide. Read the guide carefully before you complete the application form. The fee for processing your form is not refundable, so make sure you are eligible to extend your stay before you apply.
3. Complete the application form and attach the necessary documents. The application form contains instructions. Read those instructions, and be sure to provide the required documents. If information or documents are missing, your application may be delayed.
Make sure you explain why you want to extend your visit to Canada. Collect all the documents you need. See the Application Guide for more information.
4. Pay the fee and get the necessary receipt. The fee is $75.
The fee is payable in Canadian funds only.
To pay your fees on the internet, you must:
5. Submit the application and the necessary documents. Submit your completed application to the address given in the application package. Make sure you include the fee receipt and all the necessary documents.
You can find information on how long it will take to process your application. You can also check the status of your application by contacting the CIC Call Centre.
Becoming a permanent resident of Canada If you wish to stay in Canada as a permanent resident, you must leave the country and apply from outside Canada. To become a permanent resident, you must meet the requirements for immigration to Canada.
You can apply to become a permanent resident from inside Canada if you are:
Working or studying in Canada Most visitors to Canada are not allowed to work or study in Canada without permission.
You must apply for a work permit or a study permit before coming to Canada. If you are visiting Canada and you want to apply to work or study, you must leave Canada and apply from your home country. However, in some cases, working without a permit or studying without a permit is allowed. For more information, see:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/index.asp
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/index.asp
Refugees Refugees and people needing protection are people in or outside Canada who fear returning to their home country. In keeping with its humanitarian tradition and international obligations, Canada provides protection to thousands of people every year.
Canada offers refugee protection to people in Canada who fear persecution or whose removal from Canada would subject them to a danger of torture, a risk to their life or a risk of cruel and unusual treatment or punishment.
Groups and individuals can sponsor refugees from abroad who qualify to come to Canada.
Learn about:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/newcomers/index.asp
Applying for citizenship
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/citizenship/index.asp
Hiring a foreign worker
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/hire/index.asp
Statistics:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/menu-research-stats.asp
- To design a basic game concept for the Montrealites website
- Playing a game with a didactic message
- Simple Game Mechanics (for inexperienced, non-gamers, etc.) similar to the wide audience that such games as Tetris or Sim City has gotten.
- Inform through Play: What are the necessary immigration form
- A game that can be used as a user-friendly tutorial/walk-through on how to get Canadian immigration and citizenry documentation
- Platform: PC, and eventually as an Iphone once Steve Jobbs & Adobe stop bickering.
Introduction
- Important that the game reflects the educational purpose & Sierran humour that Jones in the Fast Lane has.
- A Canadian spin on an already successful game
- Follows the Rules of Educational Gaming (PSU Gaming Commons)
- Gamers are able to participate freely
- Rules (verify strategies) --> Lucas ;)
- Goals (provide challenged with defined outcomes --> Lucas
- Feedback (measures progress against goals) --> Lucas
- Interactions (involve conflict, competition, and opposition)-in the form of 'Jones' (a.k.a Border Officer (?)) and other players, obstacles like crossing the border, coming into an airport, border patrol, etc.
- Separation from reality: fantasy or impossible elements played out in safe haven. The concept of time should be particularly useful here.
- We could use this as a check list, or introduce our game by explaining how it follows all these rules.
- I think Lucas' blog should be part of a segment explaining Jones in the Fast Lane to people unfamiliar with it. The tone Lucas' uses in the blog doesn't patronize the reader. He is really informative.
- Lucas' passion for the game ignited my own desire, Jones in the Fast Lane is a perfect template for the game we want to make. i had an idea, but Lucas really found the foundation of this game.
"In Jones in the Fast Lane a turn represents a week in your characters life. Weeks are allotted a set time limit indicated by a clock in the centre of the board. Players begin their first turn at the low-rent apartment building and must move in either direction along a continuous square path that is bordered by different buildings. Players must move efficiently, spending time visiting different buldings in order to fulfill the goals of their life. For example, if players do not take time to eat during a week they will be docked time during their next week of play due to hunger. At the beginning of every 4 weeks, players must pay rent or have their salary's garnished at work. Players may work at any of the buildings on the board but will only be accepted for jobs if they have spent enough time working at other jobs and have taken the time to fulfill the job requisites at the university. Applying for a job too early can mean lost time.
The game goes on for as many weeks as it takes for a player to reach the goal points that were set by the players at the beginning. There are four goal categories: Money, Happiness, Education, Career. In a game with high goal settings, players will need to improve their housing, invest money, undergo post-graduate education, buy appliances and clothes, and reach the pinnacle of employment as president of the factory. The first player to reach all the goal settings wins the game.
I am hoping to use Jones in the Fast Lane as a model for a Canadian themed educational game that I am developing. There are aspects of Jones that I think that I can improve upon and I wish to adapt the artistic vision to be Canadian, with the different buildings representing mock versions of Canadian institutions such as Tim Hortons. More details with regards to this project will be forthcoming so stay tuned..." (Sellyn 2010)
Click here to play Jones in the Fast Lane
http://home.broadpark.no/~kboye/jones/jones.html
Possible Game Designs we can 'emulate':
Interactivity is key here, we are moving from text-based products to interactive products. Similar to the 'switch' that occurred when oral tradition was replaced by written tradition in stories.
'Games' that show interactivity as part of a player's experience.
Flow
http://interactive.usc.edu/projects/cloud/flowing/
I made this we are enemies
http://www.secrettechnology.com/madethis/enemy6.html
The Intruder
http://www.netarts.org/mcmogatk/2003/works/harger/intruder.html
The House (not a "game")
http://collection.eliterature.org/1/works/flanagan__thehouse.html
Questions I had regarding Lucas' blog:
- How can we merge Jones in the Fast Lane to Montrealites player's avatar-character?
With regards to the avatars, what if we create ironic stereotypes of different people who might be moving to montreal. The New Yorker, The Vancouverite, The Frenchman and The Greek. The first two can be female and the latter two can be guys. Players select one of the four.
New Question:
The Canadian Citizenry and Immigration website lists 4 types of immigrants: the skilled labourer, the refugee, the family, and the student. Perhaps each avatar could represent one of these people?
- What are the game mechanics of Jones in the Fast Lane?
Game mechanics will be hardest to articulate. Particularly specifics like how many units of time it takes to get from place to place, hopefully we can avoid addressing those types of details. The simple version is people move around the board trying to use as little time as possible to take care of their weekly needs and achieve the final goal settings.
Idea:
I am pretty sure somewhere in the interwebs we can find the game mechanics for the Flash Game Jones in the Fast Lane. It will be my next area of research. Simple games like these have very little mechanics, it's out there somewhere. We can always piggyback the information from one game to the next. It's the simplicity of JITFL that helps us in this regard.
- Can we modify the storyboards (See visuals Lucas provided in his blog) and to incorporate a Montrealites spin on it?
Attached is a simple mockup of what the board might look like. Ill explain the different locations briefly:Low Rent Apartments: ("Low Rent" can be substituted with a low rent area of the city) Players start the game jobless at the low rent apartment. Each turn also begins here. Offers low payment jobs.Tim Hortons: Offers low to mid level payment jobs. Food is available here, the more expensive, the more it contributes to happiness. Weekly need for food can be satisfied by eating anything on the menu. Failure to eat here or at Provigo results in time docked during the player's next turn.Parasuco: Offers mid level payment jobs. Clothes are available here. Good clothes are necessary to acquire high level jobs. Clothes wear out every 12 weeks.McGill: Offers low and mid level payment jobs. Education is accomplished here, good jobs require more education.Provigo: Offers low to medium high paying jobs. Groceries, lottery tickets, and newspapers can be bought here. The latter two improve the happiness goal. Groceries can be stored if the player owns a fridge for up to 4 weeks, preventing the player from having to take time to eat.RBC: Offers mid to very high level payment jobs. Players can also deposit money here where it will gain interest for every week it is stored.Westmount Apartments: No jobs are offered here. Owning a Westmount apartment is necessary for fulfilling the happiness goal and completing the game.Canadian Tire: Offers medium payment jobs. Appliances and furniture can be purchased here. Appliances boost happiness and appear in the player's apartment. Certain appliances, like the fridge, can benefit the player by allowing them to store food or prolong their clothing.
Comments:
I have information on the Parasuco company and the low-cost housing/rent segments from previous projects. Let me know what you need.
- What time do we want in the game? (i.e. getting documents, bureaucracy, etc.)
- Title: Montreal in the Fast Lane
- High concept-a brief description of the game
- Pitch a 1 page document descirbing the game's selling points and potential profitability:
It is quite possible we could pitch this idea to the Canadian government, I know it is a long shot, but interactivity is the future of websites and information. The Canadian government should get on board with this.
(I can write this proposal if you want Lucas)
Concept or Proposal document (How many pages, lenght) -->Ask Jeannette
Explanation of the game's genre (similar to Jones in the Fast Lane)
Gaming Platform
Category
Game's Premise
Project scope and Learning Objectives
Description of the target audience
Play mechanics and Game description
Thematic concept
Description of the Game's environment
Character Development (You, NPCs, AI, etc)
Game Summary
Concept Art
Initial Game-Design Document
Narrative and possibly some sketches for the game play (Does Lucas know how to tinker with Photoshop)
Or the design of the game board
Im no photoshop pro but I will try this week to put something together that looks like a board. We have the existing brands to work with so hopefully we can find some good logos.
DO NOT READ PAST THIS POINT
Immigration Information from Citizenship and Immigration Canada
URL: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/index.asp
Immigration Representative: $, helps you fill out papers, etc. Not government regulated. Website warns against scams. "If it is too good to be true, it probably is"
Paid immigration representatives: a feature of the game, scam or not. One of the games obstacles is when you get scammed (this, however, is random)
Paid immigration representatives The only representatives who may charge a fee to represent or advise you on immigration and refugee matters with the Government of Canada are:
- lawyers who are members in good standing of a Canadian provincial or territorial law society
- Immigration consultants who are members in good standing of the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants, and
- notaries who are members in good standing of the Chambre des notaires du Québec
- a family member
- or friend
- a member of a non-governmental or religious organization
- not asking for a reference = might be a scam
Finding a representative in Quebec
http://www.barreau.qc.ca/?Langue=en
- training and xp
- r references
- find out how long they have been in business.
- Discuss what services they will provide and the fee. Get this information in writing.
- Ask questions. You should be wary of a representative who refuses to answer your questions.
- Be careful of anything that sounds too good to be true
Processing fees same all throughout Canada.
If you are in Canada, you can also contact the call centre at 1‑888‑242‑2100 for guidelines on how to apply.
Contact us
- Call Centre services (if you are in Canada only)
- Canadian visa office
- Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate
- Technical difficulties
- Self-serve options
- CIC partners
- Multiculturalism office
Call Centre telephone number: 1-888-242‑2100
- Automated telephone service (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
If you have a touch-tone telephone, you can listen to prerecorded information about CIC programs, order application kits, and check the status of your application. - Call Centre agents - Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., your local time, except for statutory holidays.You must choose one of the first five recorded options before you can speak to an agent.
Note that agents cannot:- answer questions about application status once it is sent to a Canadian visa office outside Canada,
- make decisions on applications, or
- help process applications more quickly.
Canadian visa office Canadian visa offices can answer questions about applications processed outside Canada.
If you live outside Canada, Canadian visa offices can answer questions about CIC services and programs.
- Find out which Canadian visa office to send your application to
- Find the Canadian visa office closest to you
- Order or download and print application kits
- Check application processing times
- Check the status of your application
- Pay your fees or print an official receipt
- Change or notify us of a change of address
- Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
- Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
- Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT)
- Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC)
- Immigration Refugee Board (IRB)
- Ministère de l'Immigration et des Communautés culturelles (MICC)
- Passport Canada: 1-800-567-6868
- Service Canada: 1-800 O Canada (1-800-622-6232)
- Contact the Multiculturalism Program for information on programs such as the Paul Yuzyk Award, the Mathieu Da Costa Challenge, the Racism. Stop it! National Video Competition, Black History Month, Asian Heritage Month, the Community Historical Recognition Program or grants and contributions.
Character 1:
Skilled workers and professionals Skilled workers are selected as permanent residents based on their education, work experience, knowledge of English and/or French, and other criteria that have been shown to help them become economically established in Canada.
All the information and forms you need to apply as a federal skilled worker are here. Note: The province of Quebec is responsible for selecting its own skilled workers. If you plan on living in Quebec, see Quebec-selected skilled workers for more information.
The rules for applying as a federal skilled worker can change from time to time without notice, so make sure you visit this site regularly if you are considering immigrating to Canada under this category.
Learn about:
- Who can apply
- How to apply
- After applying
- Arriving
- Frequently asked questions
- Canadian National Occupational Classification
- Foreign Credentials Referral Office
- Working in Canada tool
Personality #2
Investors, entrepreneurs and self‑employed persons The Business Immigration Program seeks to attract experienced business people to Canada who will support the development of a strong and prosperous Canadian economy.
Business immigrants are expected to make a C$400,000 investment or to own and manage businesses in Canada.
Canada has three classes of business immigrants:
- investors
- entrepreneurs and
- self-employed persons.
Find out if you can immigrate as one of the following:
Families
Sponsoring your family Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) knows it is important to help families who come from other countries to reunite in Canada. If you are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada, you can sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, dependent child (including adopted child) or other eligible relative (such as a parent or grandparent) to become a permanent resident.
CIC refers to the immigrants who are eligible to use this family sponsoring process as the Family Class.
If you become a permanent resident, you can live, study and work in Canada. For more information about being a permanent resident in Canada, see the Related Links section at the bottom of this page.
When you arrive in Canada as a permanent resident, you must make every reasonable effort to provide for your own essential needs and those of your family.
If you sponsor a relative to come to Canada as a permanent resident, you are responsible for supporting your relative financially when he or she arrives. As a sponsor, you must make sure your spouse or relative does not need to seek financial assistance from the government.
The process to sponsor your family begins when you, as a citizen or permanent resident in Canada, apply to be a sponsor.
There are two different processes for sponsoring your family. One process is used for sponsoring your spouse, conjugal or common-law partner and/or dependent children. Another process is used to sponsor other eligible relatives.
Learn about:
- Family Class: Spouses, partners and dependent children (includes common-law and conjugal partners)
- Family Class: Other eligible relatives
Application processing times Find out how long it currently takes CIC to process:
Immigration Applications Temporary Residence
- Visit, study, work temporarily
(including off-campus work permits and protected person status documents)
- Economic Classes
(Canadian Experience Class, Entrepreneur Class, Investor Class, Provincial Nominees, Self-Employed Class, Skilled Workers) - Family Class Sponsorship
- Permanent Resident Cards
- Other Classes
(Humanitarian and Compassionate Cases, Live–in Caregiver, Protected Persons and Convention Refugees, Government-Sponsored Refugees, Privately Sponsored Refugees)
Skilled Workers
View by country
View by country
Provincial Nominees
View by country
Not applicable
Investors
View by country
View by country
Entrepreneur
View by country
View by country
Self-Employed Persons
View by country
View by country
Canadian Experience Class
10 months
Not applicable
Processing Times: Family Sponsorship This information is updated weekly (step1) and quarterly (step 2) and shows the time it takes to process an application after we receive a complete application package.
There are two steps in processing family sponsorship applications. In order to know the total approximate time it may take for your application to be processed, ADD the time in step 1 to the time in step 2 (the two steps are consecutive).
Last update: November 10, 2010
Person to be sponsored lives outside of Canada Type of application Step 1
Assessment of Sponsor
Step 2
Assessment of Person Being Sponsored (applicant)
(The Call Centre does not have processing times for step 2)
Spouse, common‑law partner or dependent child 37 days
(working on applications received on October 12, 2010)
View by country
Status available online
Parents and grandparents 39 months
(working on applications received on August 2, 2007)
View by country
Status available online
Adopted children, children to be adopted, orphans and other family classes Processed daily on a priority basis View by country
Status available online
Person to be sponsored lives in Canada Type of sponsorship application Step 1 — Assessment of sponsor and person being sponsored
Step 2 — Medical, security, background checks and other verifications for person being sponsored Spouse, common-law partner in Canada 8–9 months
(initial assessment)
(working on applications received on February 15, 2010)
9 months
Status available online
Notes
- If you live inside Canada and if it has been longer than the time shown above since you applied, please contact the Call Centre. Call Centre agents cannot speed up the process of your application or make decisions on your case.
- The processing times are calculated in calendar days.
Processing Times: Permanent Resident Card This information is updated weekly and shows the time it takes to process an application after we receive a complete application package.
Last update: November 10, 2010
Type of application Processing Times New permanent residents
24 business days*
(This time applies if you have provided a mailing address)
Existing permanent residents
- renewals
- replacement
- initial cards
If you require your PR card urgently, please follow these instructions.
(Working on applications received up to April 26, 2010)
Note: If you live inside Canada and if it has been longer than the time shown above since you applied, please contact the Call Centre. Call Centre agents cannot speed up the process of your application or make decisions on your case.
*The processing time to receive the new PR card is shown in business days. This means it does not include weekends or holidays.
Skilled workers and professionals: Who can apply Skilled workers are people who are selected as permanent residents based on their ability to become economically established in Canada.
Federal skilled worker applications are assessed for eligibility according to the criteria set out below.
For your application to be eligible for processing, you must:
- include the results of your official language proficiency test, AND
- have a valid offer of arranged employment, OR
- have one year of continuous full-time paid work experience in at least one of the occupations listed here.
Your work experience must be:
- for at least one year, continuous, and paid (full-time or the equivalent in part-time), AND
- Skill Type 0 (managerial occupations) or Skill Level A (professional occupations) or B (technical occupations and skilled trades) on the Canadian National Occupational Classification (NOC) list, AND
- within the last 10 years.
- your education
- your abilities in English and/or French, Canada’s two official languages
- your work experience
- your age
- whether you have arranged employment in Canada, and
- your adaptability.
Note: If you are applying under one of the 29 eligible occupations, as of June 26, 2010, a maximum of 20,000 Federal Skilled Worker applications will be considered for processing in the following 12 months. Within the 20,000 cap, a maximum of 1,000 Federal Skilled Worker applications per eligible occupation will be considered for processing each year.
These limits do not apply to applications with an offer of arranged employment.
If you are not sure if you should apply as a skilled worker, you can:
- use the eligibility tool to get an idea of whether your application would be eligible for processing, then
- try a self-assessment test to see if you might earn enough points to qualify.
Working temporarily in Canada: How to apply This page describes how to apply for a work permit.
Remember that in most cases, you have to apply for a work permit from outside Canada. Your employer also has a role in the application process.
If you apply to work temporarily in Quebec, you must meet all the federal requirements and you must get a Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (Certificate of acceptance) from the province. See Quebec temporary workers for information.
- Check the application processing times.
- Obtain an application package.
- Determine where you will submit your application.
- Determine if you need a passport and a temporary resident visa.
- Pay the correct processing fee.
- Submit the application form.
You can speed up the process by:
- including all the necessary information with your application
- notifying the visa office of any changes to the information on your application
- avoiding unnecessary inquiries to the visa office
- providing photocopies and documents that are clear and legible
- providing certified English or French translations of documents, where required, and
- applying from a country where you are a citizen or permanent resident.
- there are criminal or security problems with your application
- your family situation is not clear because of an event, such as a divorce or an adoption that is not yet complete or child custody issues that have not been resolved
- the local visa office has to consult with other Citizenship and Immigration Canada offices in Canada or abroad
- you require a medical examination.
Before you fill out the application, you will need:
- a written job offer from your employer
- proof that you meet the requirements of the job (for example, proof of certain education or work experience) and
- the positive labour market opinion on your job offer from Human Resources and Social Development Canada (HRSDC), if one is required. If you are applying for a work permit for a job that requires a Labour Market Opinion (LMO), you must now include the valid LMO with your application. We are no longer accepting work permit applications without valid LMOs.
Remember, even if HRSDC has given a positive labour market opinion, there is no guarantee that you will get a work permit.
Some jobs do not require an HRSDC opinion. For more information on those jobs, see Eligibility to Apply.
For these jobs you will require:
- proof of identity in the form of a valid passport or travel document that guarantees that you will be able to return to the country where it was issued and
- if you are not a citizen of the country in which you are applying, you must also provide proof of your present immigration status in that country.
Now you can apply for a work permit at a Canadian mission abroad.
3. Determine where you will submit your application. You must submit your application to the visa office responsible for the country or region where you live. You must have legal status in your country of residence. For a list of visa offices, go to Find a CIC office.
In some cases, you can apply for a work permit when you arrive in Canada, or from within Canada. For more information, see Eligibility to Apply.
Did you know that you can now apply online for your work permit from within Canada?
4. Determine if you need a passport and a temporary resident visa. If you want to work in Canada, you must meet the requirements for a work permit. You must also meet the general requirements for entering Canada. This means that you might also need a passport and a temporary resident visa.
A temporary resident visa is an official document that is placed in your passport. To find out if you need a visa to enter Canada, see Visiting Canada.
If you require a temporary resident visa, you do not have to apply for it separately or pay a separate fee. If your work permit is approved, the visa will be issued at the same time as the documentation you need to enter Canada as a worker.
If you are a citizen or a permanent resident of the United States, Greenland or Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, you do not need a passport or a temporary resident visa to enter Canada. You must, however, provide proof of citizenship or permanent residence, such as a national identity card or an alien registration card.
5. Pay the correct processing fee. There is a fee for applying for a work permit.
For current rates, go to Pay my application fees. In many countries, the fee can be paid in the local currency.
Check the website of the Visa office responsible for the country or region where you live for more information on fees, including how to pay them.
Your fee will not be refunded, even if your application is not accepted.
6. Submit the application form. Once you are sure your application form is complete, sign and date it, and check that you have included all the required documents and fees. Make sure you have the right receipt for the fees.
Remember, your application will be returned to you if it is not properly completed or if documents are missing.
Countries who require visas in order to work in Canada
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.asp
Visiting Canada: Who is eligible To visit Canada, you must:
- have a valid travel document, such as a passport;
- be in good health;
- satisfy an immigration officer that you have ties, such as a job, home and family, that will take you back to your country of origin;
- satisfy an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit; and
- have enough money for your stay. The amount of money you will need can vary with the circumstances of the visit, how long you will stay and whether you will stay in a hotel or with friends or relatives. For more information, ask the Canadian visa office in your country or region.
- a temporary resident visa, depending on your citizenship (see Visas and exemptions below);
- a medical examination; and
- a letter of invitation from someone who lives in Canada.
On March 11, 2010, CIC amended the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations to clarify the factors used to determine which travel documents can be used to apply for a visa, and to travel to or enter Canada.
Under these Regulations, the following travel documents are considered unreliable and are not acceptable for entry into Canada:
- any passport claiming to have been issued by Somalia;
- non-machine readable passports issued by the Czech Republic;
- temporary passports issued by the Republic of South Africa; and
- provisional passports issued by Venezuela.
Visas and exemptions You may or may not need a temporary resident visa to visit Canada, depending on your citizenship. However, even if you are exempt, there is important information you need to know before you plan your trip.
If you need a visa, see How to Apply for a Visa in the Learn About section below to find out how to get your visa.
If you do not need a visa, see Visa Exempt – Important Information for Travellers in the Learn About section below.
If you are not sure, see Do You Need a Visa? in the Related Links section at the bottom of this page.
Inadmissibility Some people are inadmissible—they are not allowed to come to Canada. Several things can make you inadmissible, including involvement in criminal activity, in human rights violations or in organized crime. You can also be inadmissible for security, health or financial reasons. Find out more about inadmissibility.
Visiting Canada: Temporary Resident Visas – How to apply Before you plan your visit, you should find out if you need a visa to enter Canada. If you don’t know, see Do you need a Visa? in the Related Links section at the bottom of this page to find out if you need to apply for one.
Check the website of the visa office responsible for the country or region where you live for more information on fees, including how to pay them. See List of Canadian visa offices in the Related Links section at the bottom of this page to find the correct office for your country.
How to apply for your temporary resident visa
- Obtain a temporary resident visa application package.
- Read the instruction guide.
- Complete the application forms and attach the necessary documents.
- Pay the fee and get the necessary receipt.
- Submit the application form and necessary documents.
2. Read the guide. Read the guide carefully before you complete the application form. The fee for processing your form is not refundable, so make sure you are eligible for a temporary resident visa before you apply.
3. Complete the application forms and attach the necessary documents. Read the Instruction Guide and be sure to provide the required documents. If you do not provide all the requested information or documents, your application may be delayed.
Each individual applicant must submit a completed temporary resident visa application form. Applicants under the age of 18 must have this form signed by a parent or a guardian.
All required documents must be included with your application:
- You must have a valid travel document (such as a passport).
- Two recent passport photos are required. Make sure these photos meet the requirements. For more information on specifications for photographs, see the Related Links section at the bottom of this page.
- Enclose the application fee. Your fee will not be refunded, even if your application is not accepted.
- You must provide proof that you have enough money for your visit to Canada. The amount of money may vary, depending on the circumstances for your visit, how long you will stay and whether you will stay in a hotel, or with friends or relatives. You can get more information from the Canadian visa office in your country or region.
- You may need to include other documents. These documents could be identification cards, proof of employment, a letter of invitation from relatives or friends in Canada, or a proposed itinerary. Check the website of the visa office responsible for the country or region where you live for more information.
Check the website of the visa office responsible for the country or region where you live for more information on fees, including how to pay them.
5. Submit the application forms and necessary documents. When you have completed the application forms, make sure you sign and date them, and that all required documents and fees are included in the envelope. In most countries, application fees must be paid in Canadian dollars. You must send your application to the Canadian visa office in the country or region where you live. Check the guide in your application package for instructions.
Processing time How long it takes to process your application varies depending on the visa office where you applied. You can find out more about application processing times in the I Need To… section on the right-hand side of this page.
An interview with a visa officer You may need to go for an interview with a visa officer. See more information about an interview in After Applying on the right-hand side of this page.
A medical examination You might need a medical examination to be allowed to enter Canada. If you do, a Canadian immigration officer will tell you and will send you instructions about what to do. A medical examination can add more than three months to the processing time of your application. You can find more information on medical examinations in the I Need To… section on the right-hand side of this page.
Using a representative You do not need a representative to help you apply to visit or immigrate to Canada. Whether you use a representative is a personal choice. Find out more about using a representative.
Learn about:
Visiting Canada: Temporary Resident Visas – After applying Most applications for Temporary Resident Visas are processed within a month or less. Processing times vary depending on the visa office. You can check processing times in the I Need To… section on the right-hand side of this page.
Note: If you need a visa to travel to Canada, you must also have a valid travel document, such as a valid passport, titre de voyage or Certificate of Identity. For specific information on passport requirements for your country please see the List of Canadian embassies in the Related Links section at the bottom of this page.
Change of address If you move or change your address, telephone number or any other contact information after you send your application to the Canadian visa office in your country or region, you must notify the visa office.
How your application is processed After you send your application, it will be reviewed at the visa office to ensure it has been completed correctly and that it contains all the required documents. A visa officer will decide if an interview with you is necessary. If an interview is required, you will be notified of the time and place.
If your application is refused, your passport and other documents will be returned to you. You will also receive an explanation why your application was refused. If you sent fraudulent documents, they will not be returned.
If your application is approved, your passport and documents will be returned to you with your visa.
For more information about Canada and places to visit during your stay, see the Government of Canada website in the Related Links at the bottom of this page.
Note: a valid temporary resident visa and valid travel document do not guarantee you automatic entry into Canada. If you arrive in Canada and a Canadian official finds that you are no longer admissible because
- your circumstances changed, or
- new information on you came to light (such as false information on your application for a temporary resident visa)
Visiting Canada: Visa exempt – Important information for travellers If you are a citizen of a country where you do not require a visa to visit Canada, you must still:
- show an immigration officer that you satisfy all other requirements to enter Canada. If you do not, you may not be allowed to enter.
- have a valid passport. Some citizens from visa‑exempt countries have to meet more requirements, such as having a machine-readable passport or an e‑passport to travel to Canada. Find out what the specific information on passport requirements are for your country.
- find out if you need to undergo a medical examination. Visit a visa office to receive instructions on undergoing a medical examination.
Crossing the border: documents you need Prepare your documents with care If you wish to enter Canada, there are documents you must have in order to cross the border. Without these documents, you will not be allowed into Canada.
You may also need many of the other documents listed below. You may wish to have your important documents translated into English or French before arriving to make it easier for people in Canada to understand them.
Essential documents To enter Canada, you will need to present the following:
- A Canadian immigrant visa and Confirmation of Permanent Residence for each family member traveling with you
- A valid passport or other travel document for each family member traveling with you
- Two (2) copies of a detailed list of all the personal or household items you are bringing with you
- Two (2) copies of a list of items that are arriving later and their money value
Before you arrive, you should prepare two copies of a list (preferably typed) of all the goods you intend to bring into Canada as settler’s effects, showing the value, make, model and serial number, if the item has one. Divide the list into two sections: the goods you are bringing with you and the goods to follow.
Present this list to the border services officer on your first point of arrival in Canada, even if you are not bringing in any goods at that time.
You can make the process easier by completing a B4 form in advance and presenting it to the officer when you arrive. Visit the Canada Border Services Agency website to download a copy of the Form B4, Personal Effects Accounting Document.
Disclosure of funds If you are carrying more than CDN $10,000, tell a Canadian official when you arrive in Canada. If you do not tell an official, you may be fined or put in prison. These funds could be in the form of:
- Cash
- Securities in bearer form (for example, stocks, bonds, debentures, treasury bills)
- Negotiable instruments in bearer form (for example, bankers’ drafts, cheques, travelers’ cheques or money orders)
Health documentation Children in Canada are vaccinated—also called immunized—beginning when they are newborns. Vaccinations help to prevent serious infections or diseases.
When you travel to Canada, bring official documents that state what vaccinations you and your family have already had. If you or your child has not been vaccinated, call your doctor or local public health clinic right away.
In Canada, immunization or vaccination records are required for children to enroll in school.
Other documents you may need:
- Birth certificates or baptismal certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Adoption, separation or divorce papers
- School records, diplomas or degrees for each family member traveling with you
- Trade or professional certificates and licences
- Letters of reference from former employers
- A list of your educational and professional qualifications and job experience (for your résumé)
- Driver’s licence, including an International Driver’s Permit and a reference from your auto insurance company
- Photocopies of all essential and important documents, in case the originals get lost (be sure to keep the photocopies in a separate place from the originals)
- Car registration documents (if you are importing a motor vehicle into Canada)
What to declare Use the Customs Declaration Card to declare the following:
- Any items that you must pay duty on, including alcohol, tobacco and gifts that you are bringing in to Canada
- Any business goods, plants, food, animals, firearms or other weapons that you are bringing into Canada
- Any amount of money more than CDN $10,000 that you are bringing into Canada
Declare all items If you do not tell an official that you are carrying items that should be declared, you may be fined or put in prison. The money you declare can be in the form of cash, securities in bearer form (for example, stocks, bonds, debentures or treasury bills) or negotiable instruments in bearer form (for example, bank drafts, cheques, travellers cheques or money orders).
For more information, contact the Canada Border Services Agency.
Learn more about:
Bringing goods to Canada What you can bring When you move to Canada from another country, you may bring your personal and household goods with you without paying duty. But you will have to pay duty on any item you bring that has not been used. A duty is a fee that the government charges on some goods when they enter Canada.
You do not have to pay duty on:
- Antiques
- Appliances, such as a stove or refrigerator
- Books
- Clothes
- Furniture
- Hobby tools and other hobby items
- Jewelry
- Linens
- Musical instruments
- Private collections of coins, stamps or art
- Silverware
- Gifts (worth CDN $60 or less each)
- Items you have leased or rented. The Canada Border Service Agency does not consider that you own leased or rented items.
- Items you have bought on your way to Canada
- Vehicles you plan to use for business
- Farm equipment
- Equipment you plan to use in construction, contracting or manufacturing
Learn more about:
Checklist—before you leave Check this list before you leave As you prepare to leave your home country, you may wish to use this checklist as a reminder of what you need to do before you arrive in Canada.
- Gather all of your essential and important documents. Have them translated into English or French.
- Look into taking English or French lessons through the LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) program. The French version of LINC is called CLIC (Cours de langue pour les immigrants au Canada).
- Prepare yourself to find work in Canada. Research Canada’s labour market and learn about how to go about finding work here.
- Research the immigrant-serving organizations available where you plan to settle in Canada so that you can contact them soon after you arrive.
- Consider buying health insurance for the time you are traveling and for the short period before you become eligible for Canada’s medicare system.
- Make sure you know what you can and cannot bring into Canada.
- Consider living in one of Canada’s smaller or medium-sized cities, or in a rural community.
- Consider the season and weather you will find when you arrive—and the clothing that you will need.
Good luck on your journey!
Related links
People who cannot come to Canada (Inadmissibility) This information is for guidance and reference only. A decision on your admissibility can only be made when you apply to come to Canada or at a port of entry.
Some people are not allowed to come to Canada. They are known as “inadmissible” under Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).
There are a number of reasons you can be found inadmissible, denied a visa or refused entry to Canada under IRPA, such as:
- security
- human or international rights violations
- criminality
- organized criminality
- health grounds
- financial reasons
- misrepresentation
- non-compliance with IRPA or
- having an inadmissible family member
Note: If you have been convicted of driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, you will probably be found criminally inadmissible to Canada.
More detailed explanation of the reasons for inadmissibility.
Normally, if you are inadmissible to Canada, you will not be allowed to enter. In some cases, if you have a compelling reason to travel to Canada, you may be issued a Temporary Resident Permit.
Visiting Canada: Arriving When you arrive in Canada, you will be greeted by an officer of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). The CBSA is responsible for protecting the borders and points of entry to Canada. You can find more information about the CBSA in the Related Links section at the bottom of this page.
The officer will ask to see your passport or travel documents. Make sure that you have them with you, and that they are not packed in your luggage. This will speed up your entry to Canada.
Even if you do not need a visa to enter Canada, the officer will ask you a few questions. The officer will confirm that you meet the requirements for admission to Canada. This should only take a few minutes.
You will not be allowed into Canada if you give false or incomplete information, or if you do not satisfy the officer that you are eligible for entry into Canada. You will also have to satisfy the officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay in Canada.
The Government of Canada will never ask you to deposit money into a personal bank account or to transfer money through a specific company. However, in some cases, an immigration officer at the Canadian port of entry can require you to post a bond in form of a cash deposit to ensure that you comply with certain terms and conditions during your visit to Canada (i.e. leaving Canada when your approved period of stay is over).
If a bond in the form of a cash deposit is required, the officer fixes the deposit amount based on your financial resources and other conditions set out in Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.
Children under the age of 18 should have valid identification with them. If you are travelling with a child and you are not the child’s parent or guardian, you should have a letter from the child’s parent or guardian authorizing entry into Canada. If you are the child’s only guardian, you should have documents to show there is no other guardian. For example, a birth certificate that does not identify the father would be suitable.
The officer will stamp your passport or let you know how long you can stay in Canada. The period is usually six months. In some cases, the officer may limit this period to cover only the intended purpose of your visit. Ask questions if you are unsure about anything.
If you violate the conditions of your visa, you will be asked to leave Canada. Most people asked to leave Canada have the right to an impartial hearing to review the decision. For more information, see the Related Links section at the bottom of this page.
Working or going to school in Canada Most visitors to Canada are not allowed to work or study in Canada without a permit.
If you require a study permit or a work permit, you must apply for it before coming to Canada. If you are visiting Canada and you want to apply to work or study, you must leave Canada and apply from your home country. However, in some cases, working without a permit or studying without a permit is allowed. For more information see:
What you can bring to Canada For customs and border information, see the Related Links section at the bottom of this page.
Visiting Canada: Extending your stay Changing your status after coming to Canada as a visitor After you arrive in Canada, you may want to change the conditions of your visit. This is possible in special cases.
Most visitors are allowed to stay in Canada for no more than six months but, in some cases, visitors can stay longer. The date that you must leave Canada will be stamped in your passport. If you have a study permit or a work permit, the same expiry date will also be stamped in it.
If you decide you want to stay longer, you can apply for an extension. You must send your application to extend your stay at least 30 days before your temporary resident visa expires. If you stay longer than you are allowed by your visa, you will lose your temporary resident status and you could be asked to leave Canada.
You must apply to extend your stay if you want to:
- visit, study or work longer in Canada
- change the type of your permit (for example, from studying to working in Canada) or
- change the conditions of your stay (for example, if you are studying or working in Canada, and you want to change schools or jobs).
If you prefer to continue with the paper forms, there are five steps to apply to extend your stay:
- Obtain an application package.
- Read the instruction guide.
- Complete the application form and attach the necessary documents.
- Pay the fee and get the necessary receipt.
- Submit the application form and documents.
2. Read the guide. Read the guide carefully before you complete the application form. The fee for processing your form is not refundable, so make sure you are eligible to extend your stay before you apply.
3. Complete the application form and attach the necessary documents. The application form contains instructions. Read those instructions, and be sure to provide the required documents. If information or documents are missing, your application may be delayed.
Make sure you explain why you want to extend your visit to Canada. Collect all the documents you need. See the Application Guide for more information.
4. Pay the fee and get the necessary receipt. The fee is $75.
The fee is payable in Canadian funds only.
To pay your fees on the internet, you must:
- Have a PDF Reader.
- Have a printer.
- Have a valid email address.
- Pay with a Visa®, MasterCard® or American Express® credit card.
- Print the “receipt of payment” page and include it with your application.
- Pay your fees on the Internet when you are ready.
- Obtain an original payment receipt form (IMM 5401). Order it online or contact the Call Centre.
- Fill the receipt form and bring it with you when you go to pay your fees.
- Include the completed payment receipt form (IMM 5401) with your application.
5. Submit the application and the necessary documents. Submit your completed application to the address given in the application package. Make sure you include the fee receipt and all the necessary documents.
You can find information on how long it will take to process your application. You can also check the status of your application by contacting the CIC Call Centre.
Becoming a permanent resident of Canada If you wish to stay in Canada as a permanent resident, you must leave the country and apply from outside Canada. To become a permanent resident, you must meet the requirements for immigration to Canada.
You can apply to become a permanent resident from inside Canada if you are:
- a refugee or a protected person
- a spouse or common-law partner of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- a live-in caregiver or
- you hold a valid Temporary Residence Permit.
Working or studying in Canada Most visitors to Canada are not allowed to work or study in Canada without permission.
You must apply for a work permit or a study permit before coming to Canada. If you are visiting Canada and you want to apply to work or study, you must leave Canada and apply from your home country. However, in some cases, working without a permit or studying without a permit is allowed. For more information, see:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/index.asp
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/index.asp
Refugees Refugees and people needing protection are people in or outside Canada who fear returning to their home country. In keeping with its humanitarian tradition and international obligations, Canada provides protection to thousands of people every year.
Canada offers refugee protection to people in Canada who fear persecution or whose removal from Canada would subject them to a danger of torture, a risk to their life or a risk of cruel and unusual treatment or punishment.
Groups and individuals can sponsor refugees from abroad who qualify to come to Canada.
Learn about:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/newcomers/index.asp
Applying for citizenship
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/citizenship/index.asp
Hiring a foreign worker
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/hire/index.asp
Statistics:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/menu-research-stats.asp