The Biggest Mistake When Applying for Immigration to Canada
“Haste makes waste” “Las prisas son malas consejeras” “Vite fait, mal fait”
The above proverbs all communicate the same message in the 3 languages we use the most at North Horizon Immigration: acting in a rush often leads to poor results. This is by far the most precious warning (and advice) one can follow when preparing a Canadian immigration process.
While it may seem harmless, acting without proper planning can lead to frustration, delays, and even denied applications. Below, we explain with examples why taking the proper amount of time is key to the success of your application.
1. Don’t Rush Your Canadian Study Start Date
Many people decide to study in Canada at the last minute. For instance, if you decide in June or July that you want to start your studies in September, it will be nearly impossible to receive your student permit on time. To study in Canada, you need to:
Pass an English proficiency test.
Obtain an acceptance letter from a university.
Prepare and submit your study permit application.
Recommended Solution:
Plan at least a year in advance. If you want to start studying in September, follow this timeline:
September: Take your English test.
October/November: Submit your university application.
January- March: Receive your acceptance letter.
April/May: Submit your study permit application.
June-August: Get your approval and prepare to move.
By following this schedule, you can reduce stress and ensure every step is completed on time.
2. Buying a Business Without Proper Analysis
Some investors travel to Canada for a few days, visit one to three businesses, and make a decision based on convenience instead of going through a careful due-diligence process. This haste can lead to serious problems, such as:
Having an inaccurate expectation of the business revenue and profit.
Not understanding the risks and conditions attached to the commercial lease.
Being unable to properly manage the business and be forced to close or finance it with additional capital injections.
Recommended Solution:
Take the necessary time to:
Review the financial documents of the business.
Ask questions to the current owners about business challenges.
Observe how the business operates daily.
Compare several options before making a decision.
If someone pressures you to buy quickly, be cautious—this is a red flag.
3. Ignoring Processing Times for Permanent Residence
The permanent residence process in Canada includes critical moments and deadlines. For example, the government only provides 30 days to complete a medical exam or provide biometrics data. If the applicant ignores these timeframes, complications will occur. Another common mistake is ignoring the logistics required to finalize the application. Toward the end of the process, the government may require you to:
Confirm your address.
Submit your passport for a special visa.
Wait for your permanent residence card.
If you have travel plans or commitments during this stage, you could delay or jeopardize your process.
Recommended Solution:
Avoid making travel plans during the final steps of your process. This is a critical moment, and timelines are entirely dependent on the government. Be patient and ensure you meet all requirements.
Conclusion: Planning Ahead Is Key
The success of your immigration process to Canada depends on planning. Don’t rush. Prepare in advance to avoid stress, make better decisions, and ensure a smoother application process.
If you need help building a solid, well-planned strategy, book a consultation with Rita Benkhalti, our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant at North Horizon Immigration. We’ll guide you every step of the way!
