Both the United States and Canada have strict policies regarding immigration. Sponsorship is required in almost every case, whether it be sponsorship by an employer, sponsorship from a family member or sponsorship from an organization. Sponsorship can come from a citizen or a legal permanent resident. Sponsors are responsible for the financial stability of the immigrant until they have established residency within the country.
Proof of identity is one of the most important steps in achieving immigrant status in either country. Immigrants must provide an original birth certificate to the relevant authorities. If this birth certificate is not in English, it must be translated by a registered translator and be notarized before submitting as proof of identity.
A background check is mandatory for both the United States and Canada. This includes criminal background checks in the country of origin as well as in the destination country. Interpol is also called in for use as a reference to verify that the applicant does not have a criminal record in other countries.
The United States and Canada have skilled migrant programs that allow individuals to earn immigrant status based upon relevant skills. These can range from college degrees to professional trades, and depending upon the age of the applicants as well as the relevant skills and education, they can find themselves prioritized for certain jobs in each country. The relevant lists for high-priority skilled migrant positions can be found on the immigration websites for each country.
Medical examinations must be performed before an immigrant is granted legal residency. This is to ensure that they are carrying no deadly communicable diseases. While a licensed medical practitioner from your home country can be used, the proof of medical examination must be notarized and, if not in English, translated prior to turning it in with the application.
The United States and Canada both require immigrants to undergo a face-to-face interview with an immigration official. This is to ensure that the immigrant has a firm grasp of the English language. The interview is also a chance for the interviewer to verify the information included with the application in person and check for any overt signs of nervousness that could indicate misinformation on the application. The interview is usually the final step before immigrant status is granted, although the type of immigrant visa being applied for can change whether this is the final step or not.
