Frequently asked questions


Got a question? We are here to answer! If you don’t find your question here, please contact us directly on the Contact page.

General

What is the easiest/fastest way to immigrate to Canada?

There is none. Any agency that is related to immigration to Canada will reaffirm to you that the “easiest” or “fastest” way of immigration does not exist and no magic stick will help you immigrate as fast as possible because everything depends on your individual unique case and life situation. The best way of immigration for you comes from a thorough examination of your immigration profile by an authorized representative before you apply.

How Bowen Immigration & Services can help me?

At Bowen Immigration & Services first thing we do for you is understanding your chances for immigration and professionally advise under which program you should apply considering all the circumstances you find yourself in as well as your goals. We guide you in your application process from start to finish.

We provide you with a checklist of all the documents that need to be gathered for a specific application. Once you email us the files, we review the package and notify you if we need anything else (e.g. clarifications on your family situation or confirming your or your dependents’ last names; missing pages of your passport, a birth certificate, or electronic photos). Besides, we make sure there are no mistakes in your application.

How Bowen Immigration & Services can help me?

At Bowen Immigration & Services first thing we do for you is understanding your chances for immigration and professionally advise under which program you should apply considering all the circumstances you find yourself in as well as your goals. We guide you in your application process from start to finish.

We provide you with a checklist of all the documents that need to be gathered for a specific application. Once you email us the files, we review the package and notify you if we need anything else (e.g. clarifications on your family situation or confirming your or your dependents’ last names; missing pages of your passport, a birth certificate, or electronic photos). Besides, we make sure there are no mistakes in your application.

Why does Bowen Immigration prefer e-mail communication?

Our office avoids the loss of any information related to your case by:

  • having written record of all communication with applicants
  • storing your files in both physical and electronic version
  • making sure we have your file number and contact information on every piece of documentation and communication related to your case to avoid confusion or mistakes on our end
Do I need to take a language test to immigrate to Canada?

Yes. As Canada has two official languages, all applicants are required to provide IRCC with proof of their language skills in English or French depending on program requirements. The minimal score you need to obtain on your language test also depends on program requirements.

For example, if you are applying for a Study Permit, the language test minimal score will depend on a) test you are taking (e.g. TEF, EILTS, CELPIP, TOEFL, etc.) b) the university/college you are applying to c) specific school program you want to take. Language requirements can be found on the website of a University/College you want to enroll in.

I was born in a country whose official languages are both English and French, I am fluent in both English and French. Do I need to take a language test for my application?

Yes. According to IRCC, all applicants must provide proof of their language skills in either of Canada’s official languages. Language test results must be issued by an officially accepted international language centre such as CELPIP, IELTS (general), TEF for permanent residence and citizenship, and CAEL, IELTS (academic), TOEFL, PTE to study in Canada.

Can Bowen Immigration & Services tell me what documents I need to apply for immigration to Canada before I become its client?

No. We are happy to help you understand your application process better, however, we cannot advise you with the number, type, or importance of primary or supporting documents you need to proceed with your application before you formally retain services (and sign a retainer agreement) provided by our office and become our client.

Are Bowen's experts Immigration Lawyers or Immigration Consultants?

The owner of the firm Sandra Bowen is an authorized immigration consultant with a license number R408095 as she registered with Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC). You can confirm that on ICCRC’s official website.

What is important to remember:

Only representatives who are members of one of these groups are allowed to charge fees for consultations!

Also, remember that even if you use the help of any type of representative (either a lawyer or consultant) neither of them can guarantee the successful outcome of your application. Although professionals do their best, it is the Canadian Government who calls the shots in each individual case.

How do I know that Bowen is authorized to represent me?

As officially registered with Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC), Sandra Bowen has the authority to represent applicants in their immigration process. To make sure Sandra E. Bowen is authorized to represent you, please search for “Bowen” as the Last Name, “Sandra” as the first name, “R408095” as IRCC number in the advanced search on ICCRC’s official website.

Can you help me to find a job?

Please remember, Bowen Immigration is not a recruiting/job search agency. If you are seeking employment in Canada, please visit Jobbank.gc.ca or search for employers on LinkedIn Canada to find opportunities. We can though help employers to obtain LMIAs to provide you with jobs in Canada. Please note, we do not search for employers for you.

Online Assessment

Why should I fill out the online Assessment Questionnaire?

The online assessment helps us to better understand your profile and thoroughly prepare before our one-on-one consultation.

I have concerns about some questions in the assessment. Can I contact Bowen Immigration to clarify my situation?

Yes. You can contact our office between 9:30 am to 5:00 pm on our Contact page.

What should I expect after I submit my Assessment to Bowen Immigration & Services?

After you submit your online assessment questionnaire, the office will contact you with the response regarding your profile and immigration chances as well as further instructions.

Why does your online Assessment take me to another page/site?

We use an outsourced comprehensive client system to store, manage, and support our incoming and existing clients’ information. To efficiently review and assess your initial information, we need all clients to submit their answers through Officio.

Applications

Does Bowen Immigration & Services guarantee my application approval?

No. If you’re using the services of an Immigration Consultant or an Immigration Lawyer, neither of them can guarantee the successful outcome of your application. Although professionals do their best, it is the Canadian Government who calls the shots in each individual case.

How long does the application process take?

The processing times differ from program to program and will depend on many circumstances including but not limited to:

  • how quickly you gather the documents required for the program;
  • if immigration officers need any additional documents for your specific case;
  • if there are any mistakes or inconsistencies in your application, etc.
What are the common reason of my application to be rejected?

1. Applicant failed to provide sufficient supporting documents. This includes but not limited to:

💸 Financial statements proving that you are able to support yourself during your trip
🏡 very strong ties with your home country proving that you have a solid reason to come back to your homeland once your visa expires.

Example:
👨‍👩‍👧spouse and children residing in your home country
🏨your real estate property
👨🏽‍🏭permanent employment
🎓education to be completed back home, etc.

2. Applicant was directly or indirectly involved in criminal cases, which violates the security standards in Canada.

Example:
🍾driving while intoxicated
💰organized crimes (money laundering, human trafficking, etc.)

However, depending on each individual profile and case, you still can have a “second chance” to be allowed to enter Canada. If you found yourself in this situation, please contact us directly via our Contact page.

3. Misrepresentation. Lying in the immigration forms may cause you to be banned from entering Canada for 5 years. Please DO NOT try to make your application attractive for immigration officers by hiding the truth, providing false information, or supporting documents.

Why does your online Assessment take me to another page/site?

We use an outsourced comprehensive client system to store, manage, and support our incoming and existing clients’ information. To efficiently review and assess your initial information, we need all clients to submit their answers through Client Portal.

Do I need to register to Client Portal to be able to fill out my Assessment?

Yes. To be able to submit your questionnaire for assessment and receive a response from Bowen Immigration, you need to register on Client Portal.