tugrularas/irccfaq huggingface dataset:
Question: Does government provide all the support to government-assisted refugees?
Answer: No. Organizations across Canada provide initial support services for government-assisted refugees, with funding from the federal government and other sources, such as provincial or municipal governments, and non-profit organizations. The Government of Canada also:

provides financial support for government-assisted refugees, and
funds longer term settlement support services for them.

Provinces also fund organizations to provide services for permanent residents and Canadian citizens.
Note: The province of Quebec provides money and support services to government-assisted refugees in Quebec.
Question: Do in-Canada refugee claimants get resettlement assistance?
Answer: No. In-Canada refugee claimants are not permanent residents. They have not been selected for resettlement and so they are not eligible for resettlement assistance.
Question: Do government-assisted refugees get more income support and benefits than Canadian pensioners do?
Answer: No. Refugees do not get more financial help from the federal government than Canadian pensioners.
A commonly shared email makes this false claim. The email falsely includes the one-time start-up payment as part of the monthly payment.
The amount of monthly financial support that government-assisted refugees gets is based on social assistance rates in each province and territory. It is the minimum amount needed to cover only the most basic food and shelter needs.
Question: How can I view a PDF form?
Answer: We’re experiencing issues with some of our forms with 2D barcodes: 

Generic Application Form for Canada [IMM 0008] (PDF, 652 KB)
Application to Sponsor, Sponsorship Agreement and  Undertaking [IMM 1344] (PDF, 478.72 KB)  
Schedule A – Background/Declaration [eIMM 5669] (PDF, 776.4  KB)

If you’re submitting one of these forms, you need  to use version 11.0.09  of Acrobat Reader to fill it out.
 If you’re applying at a visa  application centre (VAC), they may ask you  to re-fill out the form at their internet kiosks. 

You can view most of our PDFs on many different devices. This includes computers, mobile phones and tablets. You can see them via your Internet browser (such as Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari) without using extra software.
The application forms (the ones you need to validate) use special features and you can’t view them using your Internet browser. These features help us validate the forms with our system. To view these PDF forms, you need to:

Use your computer (Mac or PC). The forms won’t open on mobile devices (iPads, tablets, mobile phones, etc.)
Install Adobe Reader 10 (or higher)
Download the PDF file to your computer. Save the file in a place you can remember.
Make sure you use Adobe Reader to open the form. Sometimes if you try to open the form directly, it will use your Internet browser to try to open it.

If you still have issues, read Adobe’s article on how to solve common issues.
Question: How do I download and open a PDF form from IRCC’s website?
Answer: To download and open a PDF form, you need to have Adobe Reader 10 or higher installed. Mobile devices such as iPads, tablets and mobile phones can’t be used for IRCC forms.
Downloading and opening PDF files
For PC users

Find the link of the file you want to save (you may need to go back to the previous page to find it).
Right-click the link.
Select “Save target as” or “Save link as”.
Choose the location on your computer where you would like to save the file.
Select “Save”.
Use Windows Explorer to get to the location where you saved the file. 
Right click on the PDF file.
Select “Open with”.
Select “Choose program”.
Select “Adobe Acrobat Reader”.
Make sure to check the box that says, “Always use this program to open these files”.
Select “OK”.

For Mac users

Find the link of the file you want to save (you may need to go back to the previous page to find it).
Press the Control (Ctrl) key and click on the link.
When the option menu appears, choose “Download link to disk” or “Download linked file”.
Choose the location on your computer where you would like to store the file. Your computer will start the download once you have selected a location.
Use Spotlight or Finder to look for the downloaded file.

If you can’t open the form with Adobe Reader 10 or higher, let us know about your technical issue.
Question: What does criminally inadmissible mean?
Answer: This term describes people who are not allowed to enter or stay in Canada because they have committed or been convicted of a crime. That crime may have occurred in or outside Canada.
Question: Can I enter Canada if I am criminally inadmissible?
Answer: Normally you cannot enter or stay in Canada if you are inadmissible. However, there are ways of overcoming your criminal inadmissibility.
If you are inadmissible, you may become admissible again if you:

satisfy an immigration or border services officer that you meet the legal requirements to be deemed rehabilitated;
apply for individual rehabilitation and get approved; or
receive a pardon or record suspension.

You may also be offered a temporary resident permit if:

your reason to travel to Canada is considered justified in the circumstances; and
you do not pose a risk because of your inadmissibility.

Visits considered justified could include family emergencies or business conferences. Pleasure trips are normally not considered justified in the circumstances.
This permit has a processing fee of C$200. There are some fee exceptions.
Question: What is the temporary resident permit fee waiver for criminal inadmissibility?
Answer: Normally, if you were convicted of a criminal offence, you can’t enter Canada without a temporary resident permit. This permit has a processing fee of C$200.
However, for some criminal offences (like minor public mischief or theft), you may be able to get a permit for 1 visit without paying the fee if you:

were convicted of an offence defined under section 36(2) of Canada’s immigration laws
have served no jail time, and
have done nothing else that would make you inadmissible.

You can’t get the temporary resident permit fee waiver if you have convictions for:

child pornography or any sexual offence
any serious criminal offences, defined under section 36(1) of Canada’s immigration laws, including:
 
most offences related to driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including cannabis
most cannabis-related crimes, including illegally producing, selling, importing or exporting
robbery
fraud of C$5,000
assault causing bodily harm



Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Canada is increasing the penalties for most impaired driving crimes. As of December 18, 2018, if you drive while impaired, you may be inadmissible for serious criminality. You won’t be eligible for the fee waiver. Learn more about the penalties for impaired driving.
Question: As an inadmissible person, can I enter Canada more than once without paying the fee?
Answer: The fee for a standard (single-entry) permit will only be waived once.
If you want to come to Canada again, you should look at ways of overcoming your inadmissibility. If applicable, you could apply for individual rehabilitation before your trip.
Question: I was only convicted of a misdemeanour. Why can’t I enter Canada?
Answer: To consider your admissibility to Canada, Canadian officials assess your crime according to Canadian laws. They look at the nature of the offence, how long ago the act took place and whether any sentences were imposed. A misdemeanour offence in the United States is not automatically considered an equivalent offence in Canada. The final decision about your admissibility rests with the immigration or border services officer.
Question: How can I find out whether an offence outside Canada is considered a criminal offence in Canada?
Answer: This is a complex task as it involves comparing Canadian and foreign laws. While there are many pieces of Canadian legislation containing criminal offences, the vast majority can be found in the Criminal Code or the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
The definition of criminality, when dealing with applicants who may be inadmissible, can be found in Section 36 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
Question: I was charged with a crime in another country and found not guilty. Can I enter Canada?
Answer: Yes, as long as you are not inadmissible for any other reason. When a court in any country decides that you are not guilty of committing a crime, you are not criminally inadmissible for that crime and you can likely enter and stay in Canada.
Question: I received a pardon for my crime. Can I enter Canada?
Answer: It depends. If you received a Canadian record suspension or pardon (as it was formerly called), you are no longer inadmissible because of that conviction and can likely enter Canada.
If you received a pardon or discharge from another country, check with the IRCC office closest to you for more information.
Question: I was convicted of driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs. Can I enter Canada?
Answer: If you’ve been convicted of driving while impaired, you may be inadmissible to Canada for serious criminality. This means that you generally can’t enter Canada. If that’s the case, there are options for you to enter Canada temporarily, or to become admissible again.
To enter Canada temporarily
A temporary resident permit (TRP) could allow you to enter Canada temporarily. 
To get a TRP:

you must prove that your reason for travelling to Canada is justified.
you’ll have to pay the C$200 processing fee.

There’s no guarantee you’ll be allowed to enter or stay in Canada.
To become admissible again
There is a way you may be able to become admissible to Canada again. If you’re no longer inadmissible, you could enter Canada without having to get a TRP every time you want to come back. This is called criminal rehabilitation.
You can apply for criminal rehabilitation if:

you meet the eligibility criteria and
at least 5 years has passed since you completed your sentence or committed the crime.

If you committed an impaired driving offence before December 18, 2018
Tougher penalties for impaired driving came into effect on December 18, 2018. If you committed an impaired driving offence before this date, we’ll determine if you’re inadmissible based on the penalties in force at the time.
This means you may be inadmissible for criminality, and not serious criminality, unless you received a prison sentence in Canada longer than 6 months.
If you’re inadmissible for criminality, you may be eligible for deemed rehabilitation if at least 10 years has passed since you completed your sentence.
Find out more about overcoming your criminal inadmissibility.
Question: I have been charged with a crime outside of Canada and my trial is still underway. Can I enter Canada?
Answer: No. If your trial is still underway, you are criminally inadmissible at this time and likely cannot enter Canada.
Question: I am currently on parole. Can I enter Canada?
Answer: No. If you want to come to Canada, you must apply for individual rehabilitation at least five years after your parole ends.
Question: What does it mean to be rehabilitated in respect to entering Canada?
Answer: A rehabilitated person is someone who satisfies an immigration officer that they are not likely to become involved in any new criminal activity. If you have committed or been convicted of a crime outside Canada, you may be eligible for individual or deemed rehabilitation to enter Canada.
For individual rehabilitation, you will most likely be asked to show that:

it has been at least five years since your sentence ended, including any period of parole or probation; and
you have
    
a stable lifestyle,
a permanent home,
employment, and
letters of reference about your good character, which would show that new crimes are not likely to be committed.



If you are outside Canada, send your application for rehabilitation to the nearest visa office. If you are in Canada, send your application to the nearest Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada office. You can use the same application in or outside Canada.
For deemed rehabilitation, at least 10 years must have passed since completing all imposed sentences for a conviction. This includes probation, fines, and any other conditions that were imposed. You do not need to submit an application to be deemed rehabilitated and there are no costs involved. If all the requirements are met, you would be admissible to Canada.
For more information, see Overcoming criminal inadmissibility.
Question: How long will it take to get a decision on my individual rehabilitation application?
Answer: Applications can take over a year to process. Make sure you plan your visit in advance.
Question: What is the processing fee for an individual rehabilitation application?
Answer: The processing fee is either C$200 or C$1,000. It depends on the seriousness of the crime. When you apply, you will pay C$200. We will tell you later if you need to pay more.
Question: If my individual rehabilitation application is refused, will I get my processing fee back?
Answer: No. The processing fee is not refundable, whether your rehabilitation application is approved or not. If your application is refused and you apply again, you will have to pay a new processing fee.
Question: When can I apply for individual rehabilitation?
Answer: You can apply for rehabilitation if:

you committed a crime outside Canada (for which you were not charged) over five years ago; or
you were convicted of a crime outside Canada and your sentence ended at least five years ago.

Here are some examples.
In 1989, I was convicted of driving under the influence in the United States. I did not serve any time in prison and I have had no other convictions. Will I be allowed to enter Canada?
An immigration officer or border services officer may find you rehabilitated under a system called deemed rehabilitation. This system applies to people who, in most cases, have one previous conviction over 10 years ago. If an immigration officer deems you rehabilitated, you will likely be allowed to enter Canada, as long as you meet all other requirements.
On June 3, 2003, I was convicted of driving under the influence and had my driver's licence taken away for three years. When can I apply for rehabilitation?
Your sentence—which included the period your licence was suspended—ended on June 3, 2006. Count five years from the end date of the suspension or the date your driver's licence was reinstated. That shows you can apply for rehabilitation on June 3, 2011.
I was convicted of a crime on December 13, 2002. I received a jail sentence of three months. When can I apply for rehabilitation?
You can apply for individual rehabilitation five years after the end of your sentence. If your three-month jail sentence ended on March 13, 2003, you have been eligible to apply for rehabilitation since March 13, 2008, unless other terms—such as parole or probation—were imposed on your sentence.  On March 13, 2013, you may be eligible for deemed rehabilitation.
I have one conviction, for which I am serving three years of probation. Can I apply for rehabilitation after my probation ends?
Yes, but you must wait five years after your sentence ends. Since your sentence includes probation, you can apply for individual rehabilitation five years after you complete your probation.
For more information, see Overcoming criminal inadmissibility.
Question: I get a Bad Encrypt Dictionary error opening a PDF. What does this mean?
Answer: This means you are using an older version of the reader software (version 7.0 or lower). Our forms are only supported by Adobe Reader 10 or higher.
You can get a free copy of Adobe Reader from the Adobe website. It is available for Windows, Mac and Android devices.
Question: After I click the Validate button on my application form, nothing happens and I don’t see the barcodes. Why?
Answer: There are a few reasons this could happen.


Your version of Adobe Acrobat Reader is out of date.
The forms you need to validate use special encoding. You need Adobe Acrobat Reader 10 (or higher) to use them.


You’re using a cellphone, tablet or other mobile device.
The barcode forms don’t work on these kinds of devices.


You’re missing information in mandatory fields.
Mandatory fields are those marked with an asterisk (*).
When you click on the validation button, the PDF checks that you entered all the mandatory fields. If any are not complete, you won’t be able to validate the form


The dates you entered are conflicting or not in the right format.
Dates must be entered in the format of (YYYY-MM-DD)
You won’t be able to validate the form if you enter conflicting dates, such as

using a date in the past for the date you plan to travel to Canada
entering a future date for your birth date



You entered special characters into the form.
You cannot use special characters on our forms including spaces. Make sure to remove any spaces in fields that should be empty by pressing the backspace or delete button you may have entered by mistake.


There are also 2 known technical issues:

Mac users: the new version of Adobe Acrobat Reader (DC) may cause some issues.
		
Download an older version of Adobe Acrobat Reader (11.0.10)



JavaScript: The validation feature needs to use JavaScript within Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Solution:

To turn JavaScript on, open Adobe Acrobat Reader, click on “Edit,” then “Preferences,” then “JavaScript.”
Check the box beside “Enable JavaScript” and click OK.



After making any changes or downloading new software, download a new version of the form and re-enter your information.
If you’re still having issues, find out how to let us know about technical problems.
Question: The calendar is displayed in my local language and I can’t fill in the date fields correctly. What do I do?
Answer: Download the latest version of Adobe Reader (10 or higher). If you have the latest Adobe Reader, and you are still experiencing difficulties, change your operating system’s regional settings to English or French.
Question: How does the Blended Visa Office-Referred Program work?
Answer: The Blended Visa Office-Referred (BVOR) Program matches refugees identified for resettlement by the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) with private sponsors in Canada.
The Government of Canada will provide up to six months of income support through the Resettlement Assistance Program, while private sponsors will provide another six months of financial support and up to a year of social and emotional support. Refugees  are also covered under the Interim Federal Health Program for the duration of  the sponsorship (one year), in addition to provincial health coverage.
Question: How is the Blended Visa Office-Referred Program different from the regular Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program?
Answer: Under the Blended Visa Office-Referred (BVOR) Program, refugees are referred to Canadian visa offices abroad directly by the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR).
Many of the refugees sponsored under this program will be travel-ready and will arrive in Canada quickly, normally within 1-4 months.
The Government of Canada will generally provide up to six months of income support through the Resettlement Assistance Program, while private sponsors will provide another six months of financial support and up to a year of social and emotional support. Refugees are also covered under the Interim Federal Health Program for the duration of the sponsorship (one year), in addition to provincial health coverage.
Question: Can refugees be referred to the Blended Visa Office-Referred Program by sponsoring groups?
Answer: No. Refugees chosen under this program can only be referred by Canadian visa offices.
Question: Where can I find my client ID/UCI?
Answer: This eight or ten digit number appears on all documents you get from us. It looks like this: 0000-0000 or 00-0000-0000.

If you have sent us an application before
Look for this number on:

letters we sent you
your immigration document such as a PR card, study or work permit

If you do not have any of these documents but want to fill out an application form:

you can leave the field for UCI (Client ID) blank

If you have not dealt with us since 1973, you will not have a UCI or a Client ID.


If you have not sent us an application before
You will not yet have a client ID. If you are filling out a form that asks for one, write “Not Applicable” or “N/A” in the space provided.
If you are applying online and the form does not allow you to write “N/A,” leave the space blank.
Question: I forgot my client ID/UCI. How can I get it?
Answer: This eight or ten digit number looks like this: 0000-0000 or 00-0000-0000.
Look for this number on:

letters we sent you
your immigration document such as a PR card, study or work permit

If you do not have any of these documents but want to fill out an application form, you can leave the field for UCI (Client ID) blank.
If you have not dealt with us since 1973, you will not have a UCI or a Client ID.
Question: When will I get my client ID/UCI?
Answer: You will get your client ID – also known as your unique client identifier (UCI) – once you apply. This eight or ten digit number is on all documents you get from us. It looks like this: 0000-0000 or 00-0000-0000.
If you are applying to us for the first time, you will not yet have a client ID. If so, and you are filling out a form that asks for one, write “Not Applicable” or “N/A” in the space provided.
 If you are applying online and the form does not allow you to type “N/A,” leave the space blank.
Question: What if I cannot attend my citizenship appointment with IRCC? Can I reschedule it?
Answer: Yes. We can reschedule your appointment on a different date.
If you’re not available on the date and time of your appointment
Write us a letter of explanation and send it to us

online, using our web form or
by email or mail to the IRCC office that scheduled your original appointment

The email address or mailing address is in the notice we sent you.



If you lost your invitation letter
Write us a letter of explanation by mail or online, using our web form.
You need to contact us if you don’t attend your appointment
Use our web form to tell us why you missed your appointment. The invitation we sent you will tell you when you need to contact us.
If you don’t contact us in time

we may abandon (stop processing) your application
you need to apply and pay the fees again if you still want to become a Canadian citizen
Question: What if I cannot attend my hearing with a citizenship officer or a citizenship judge? Can I reschedule it?
Answer: Yes. If you are not available on the date and time to meet with a citizenship officer or a citizenship judge as part of your application for citizenship, you must inform the office where you have been scheduled to appear. You will also be required to provide the reason why you are unable to attend.
The notice asking you to appear will contain the details of:

How to notify the office.
What will happen if you do not attend the meeting.

Your notice will come either by e-mail (to the address provided by you on your application form) or by paper notice in the regular mail.
Question: Who has access to the information I submit when I register for a GCKey?
Answer: The GCKey service does not share your registration information with any  third party. The information you provide is held by the Government of Canada  and is protected under the Federal Privacy  Act.
Question: What is GCKey?
Answer: A  GCKey   lets  you  securely access the Government of  Canada’s online services.
It  includes a username and password that you choose. You  also must create security questions. This keeps your data secure and lets you  recover your account.
Question: Why has the Government of Canada introduced GCKey?
Answer: The GCKey service was introduced as 1 of 2 options to replace the Access Key service. GCKey is a service managed by the Government of Canada that uses electronic credentials (usernames and passwords) so you can access federal government services online. The GCKey service can be used for those who do not have online banking credentials or choose not to use them with Sign-In Partner (Interac® sign-in service).