Immigration Law

As a Landed Immigrant or Permanent Resident of Canada, you have the legal right to enter Canada. You also have most of the rights Canadian citizens enjoy under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. You can participate in many of the things Canada has to offer, such as universal health care and public education. You cannot, however, vote in elections or run for public office until you have been granted Canadian citizenship. After three years of residency, you may apply for Canadian citizenship.

For information about becoming a Permanent Resident of Canada, visit Citizenship and Immigration Canada at www.cic.gc.ca. You can also get information at 1-800-255-4541.

Although it is not necessary for Canadian immigration or citizenship applicants to hire a representative, some applicants find the process complicated and prefer to retain a lawyer to assist them in the process. To find an immigration lawyer, visit www.canadalegal.info/prov-novascotia.