Frequently Asked Questions

An RCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant) is a licensed professional authorized by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) to represent clients in Canadian immigration matters. Only RCICs, lawyers, and Quebec notaries are legally permitted to provide paid immigration advice in Canada. Using an RCIC ensures your application is handled by a qualified, accountable professional who follows a strict code of ethics, carries professional liability insurance, and stays current on policy changes.

Fees vary depending on the complexity of your case, the type of application, and the level of service required. At eBUDDY Immigration, we offer transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Our consultation rates and fee structure are published on our Professional Fees page (/fees.html). All fees are outlined in a signed Engagement Agreement before any work begins.

Processing times for permanent residence vary significantly depending on the immigration program. Express Entry applications are typically processed within six months from the time an Invitation to Apply (ITA) is received. Provincial Nominee Programs may take 12 to 18 months, while family sponsorship for spouses can range from 12 to 24 months. Mohamed Aboud can assess your profile and recommend the fastest pathway available to you.

eBUDDY Immigration proudly serves clients in English, French, and Arabic. Mohamed Aboud is fluent in all three languages, which allows him to communicate effectively with a diverse range of clients and ensure that nothing is lost in translation during the immigration process. This multilingual capability is particularly valuable for clients from the Middle East and North Africa.

You can verify any RCIC's credentials through the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) public register at college-ic.ca. Simply search for Mohamed Aboud by name to confirm his active registration status. Additionally, Mohamed is authorized by the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) to represent clients before all four divisions. We encourage all prospective clients to verify credentials before engaging any immigration consultant.

Express Entry is Canada's primary system for managing applications for three federal economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Candidates create an online profile, receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on factors like age, education, language ability, and work experience, and enter the Express Entry pool. IRCC conducts regular draws, inviting top-scoring candidates to apply for permanent residence.

The minimum CRS score needed for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) changes with every draw conducted by IRCC. General draws have historically ranged from the low 400s to over 500, depending on the number of invitations issued and the composition of the pool. Category-based draws targeting specific occupations or French-language proficiency may have different cut-offs. Mohamed Aboud monitors every draw closely and can advise you on whether your score is competitive.

There are several proven strategies to boost your CRS score. Improving your language test results (IELTS or CELPIP for English, TEF or TCF for French) is often the most impactful step. Obtaining an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for additional credentials, securing a provincial nomination (which adds 600 points), or obtaining Canadian work or study experience can all significantly increase your score. A personalized assessment with Mohamed Aboud can identify the best strategy for your profile.

Canadian citizens and permanent residents who are at least 18 years old can sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner, as well as dependent children. You may also sponsor your parents and grandparents through the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) or the Super Visa. In certain cases, you can sponsor orphaned siblings, nephews, nieces, or grandchildren under specific conditions. Mohamed Aboud can assess your eligibility and guide you through the sponsorship process.

Processing times for family sponsorship depend on the relationship and the country of residence of the sponsored person. Spousal sponsorship for applicants inside Canada typically takes 12 to 15 months, while outland applications may take 12 to 24 months. Parents and Grandparents Program applications can take 24 months or longer. These timelines are subject to change, and Mohamed Aboud provides regular updates to clients throughout the process.

A Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. To obtain a Canadian study permit, you must have a letter of acceptance from a DLI. Not all Canadian schools are designated, so it is essential to verify your institution's DLI status before applying. You can check the official DLI list on the IRCC website or consult with Mohamed Aboud for guidance on choosing the right program.

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) ended on November 8, 2024. Study permit applications now proceed under the Regular Stream, which is open to applicants from all countries. Applicants must still show an acceptance letter from a DLI, proof of funds for tuition and living expenses, and qualifying language test results where required. eBUDDY can assess your eligibility under the current regular-stream requirements.

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that a Canadian employer may need to obtain from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) before hiring a foreign worker. It confirms that there is a genuine need for the foreign worker and that no qualified Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available for the position. However, not all work permits require an LMIA — some are exempt under international trade agreements (such as CUSMA), intra-company transfers, or other specific categories.

A closed (employer-specific) work permit ties you to a specific employer, position, and location as indicated on the permit. An open work permit allows you to work for almost any employer in Canada without being tied to a single job. Open work permits are available to certain categories of applicants, including spouses of skilled workers or international students, post-graduation work permit (PGWP) holders, and individuals with pending PR applications in specific circumstances.

To apply for Canadian citizenship, you must be a permanent resident of Canada, have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days (three years) within the five years before your application date, have filed Canadian income taxes for at least three taxation years within the five-year period, and demonstrate adequate knowledge of English or French if you are between 18 and 54 years of age. You must also pass a citizenship test covering Canadian history, values, institutions, and symbols.

Physical presence for Canadian citizenship is calculated over the five years immediately before your application date. You need a minimum of 1,095 days of physical presence in Canada during this period. Each day spent in Canada as a permanent resident counts as one full day. Time spent in Canada as a temporary resident or protected person before becoming a PR may count as half a day, up to a maximum credit of 365 days. IRCC provides an online physical presence calculator to help you determine your eligibility.

The Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) is Canada's largest independent administrative tribunal, responsible for making decisions on immigration and refugee matters. It has four divisions: the Refugee Protection Division (RPD), the Refugee Appeal Division (RAD), the Immigration Division (ID), and the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD). Mohamed Aboud is authorized to represent clients before all four divisions, providing experienced advocacy in complex proceedings.

At an IRB hearing, a board member reviews your case, examines the evidence submitted, and may ask you questions about your claim or application. Your authorized representative, such as Mohamed Aboud, presents arguments and evidence on your behalf. Hearings may be conducted in person or via video conference. It is critical to be thoroughly prepared, as the outcome can determine your right to remain in Canada. Mohamed Aboud provides comprehensive hearing preparation to all IRB clients.

Appeal deadlines vary depending on the type of decision and the division involved. For Refugee Appeal Division (RAD) appeals, you generally have 15 calendar days from the date of the RPD decision if you are in Canada, or 30 days if you are outside Canada. Immigration Appeal Division (IAD) appeals must typically be filed within 30 days. Missing these deadlines can result in the permanent loss of your appeal rights, so it is essential to act quickly and consult with an authorized representative immediately after receiving a negative decision.

Yes. Mohamed Aboud is an authorized representative before all four divisions of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada: the Refugee Protection Division (RPD), Refugee Appeal Division (RAD), Immigration Division (ID), and Immigration Appeal Division (IAD). He has extensive experience preparing and presenting cases at IRB hearings, including refugee claims, detention reviews, admissibility hearings, and sponsorship appeals. Contact eBUDDY Immigration to discuss your case.