Preparing for Canada Immigration Interview | Matthew Jeffery (2024)

Before you start worrying about an immigration interview, first find out if you will be required to attend one. Personal interviews may be required but it depends on the category of immigration that you applied for.

If you are applying for permanent residency under Express Entry, you will not need to appear for an interview. Once you receive your invitation to apply for permanent residence, you will be given instructions on the next steps. Interviews are often a requirement in family sponsorship applications to prove the genuineness of a relationship. However, skilled workers rarely need to go for an interview. The IRCC may request for additional information related to employment before making a decision.

Common questions asked during an immigration interview include:

• Why do you want to move to Canada?
• What do you see as the biggest challenge in moving to Canada?
• Tell me about yourself
• Why do you want to leave your home country?
• What is your source of income?
• How many Canadian provinces do you know? Can you name them?
• What do you think is the average cost of living in Canada?
• Do you have family or friends in Canada?
• Are you married?
• Do you have children?
• Explain your typical working day?
• What is your source of income?
• What would you do if your application is not approved?

How can I prepare for Canada immigration interview?

Preparation for an immigration interview involves doing excellent groundwork. Do your homework to be best prepared to respond to some of the most difficult interview questions. Your answers to these heavy interview questions will determine whether or not your visa application is approved. You must be able to answer those questions in a manner that shows any information given prior is accurate and genuine. As you prepare for the immigration interview, keep the following things in mind:

• Prepare all the necessary documents that you were told to bring with you and double-check the location to make sure you arrive early. Avoid rushing last minute as this could create some confusion that affects your performance at the interview.
• Listen to the questions asked carefully and ask them to repeat what you don’t understand. Speak clearly and confidently when responding to interview questions.
• Dress appropriately and professionally for the immigration interview. It’s always important to make a good first impression.
• Think about common questions and research on the best responses. Always ensure that you are honest and clear.

If you submit incorrect information or fraudulent paperwork, you may be barred from entering Canada. Applicants may be considered inadmissible to Canada if they submit inaccurate information whether knowingly or by mistake. That’s why it’s always important to answer correctly and honestly just as you have provided in your current application. Working with an immigration lawyer as part of the preparation process can help you avoid inconsistencies in your application that may cause trouble in the future.

Screen interviews when you arrive in Canada

Upon arriving in Canada, you’ll have to undergo two screening interviews. This will be a quick process if you have all the documents ready. What to expect during the first screening interview when entering Canada:

• The officer will request to see your visa and travel documents
• He/she will confirm the validity of these documents
• The officer may raise questions concerning your health
• The immigration officer from the CBSA will ask general questions such as:

1. Are you traveling with your family?
2. Have you been convicted of a serious crime?
3. How long is your stay?
4. How much money do you have with you?
5. Are you healthy? Among others.

What to expect during the second screening interview:

After the first interview, you’ll meet the second CBSA officer who will check your personal goods. This second interview is meant to verify what you’re bringing with you to Canada. The officer will ask you to fill a list of items that states the goods that you are carrying as well as what you expect to arrive later. The officer will go through this list and may ask questions about certain items. Lastly, the officer will ask to inspect your luggage.

During the interview process, do not make any false statements. Be well prepared with correct answers and make sure you do not have any items that are not allowed in Canada. If you don’t carry items that are restricted in the Canadian border, your interview process will go quickly.

Once the CBSA officer completes the screening interviews, he/she will sign your confirmation of permanent residence and authorize you to enter Canada.