4.2 Interview Sequence & Preparation
In order to assist you with preparing your migration interview, we have set out below general information for your
reference.
4.2.1 Interview Sequence
On the day of your interview, the following sequence should occur:
n Be familiar with the address and directions to the Visa Office
n You and your spouse should dress formally, suit preferred
n You should arrive at least half an hour early to your scheduled interview time and report at the reception and
present your interview letter.
n You will be called in the visa of the visa officer handling your case. You, your spouse and all dependents aged 18
years or more are required to attend. You may be the only person interviewed or others may be interviewed as
well. Ensure that you wait in the reception area and do not leave until you are called in.
n Introduce yourself to the visa officer and wait until the officer introduces himself/herself to you. Follow their
instructions from this point onwards.
n Do not provide any documents to the visa officer if not requested. Respond to all asked questions in a thorough
but concise manner, unless the officer requests further details.
n Have all your documents including those of your spouse and dependent children handy and easy to locate. Do not
provide any documents unless requested.
n If you have noticed any errors in your immigration forms, bring them to the notice of the immigration officer.
n If do not understand a question please ask the visa officer to clarify/repeat the question for you. If the officer
requests a document, which you do not have with you, ask the officer if you can submit it later by way of mail.
n You will be asked many questions about your present job description and past work experience. You should
answer all questions confidently. You should know your intended occupation(s) in Canada and the job description
(s) of your intended occupation(s) in Canada.
n Your partner and children (over 19 years of age) might be interviewed separately about their background, their
education, experience, language proficiency and future in Canada.
n At the end of the interview you can politely ask the visa officer about the outcome of your application.
n You may be advised to receive your COPR, while at the visa office or you may be advised to wait for a decision on
the case. This is entirely at the discretion of the visa officer.
4.2.2 Interview Preparation
The following represents a list of things to do in anticipation of your interview:
n Knowledge of Canada: You should have some knowledge of Canada, including information about its history,
geography, provinces & territories, political parties, culture and economy. If you require further details consult:
http://www.canada.gc.ca
n English/French Proficiency skills: You should be able to communicate fluently with the visa officer and confirm
the stated levels of fluency, which you have marked in your application. If you are not able to communicate
properly in English, you should use an interpreter, but keep in mind that this may adversely impact
your application.
n Your Occupational Details: You should be familiar with all of the occupations listed in your application, as well
as the “main duties” of each occupation. You must be able to convince an immigration officer that you perform a
substantial number of duties of the listed occupations. The job descriptions lists the main duties that a
professional is expected to perform in a particular occupation in Canada. Please make sure that you go through
these job descriptions in detail. It is extremely important that the job responsibilities and duties you have been
performing till date at your present and previous jobs match with the main duties described in the enclosed
definition of your intended occupations.
The Visa officer will look for similarities between the job responsibilities and duties you have performed till date
and the main duties that a professional in Canada is required to perform in your intended occupation(s). For a list
of NOC occupations and main duties, refer to http://www23.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/2001/e/generic/welcome.shtml
n Knowledge About Your Intended Occupation: You need to know complete details about your intended
occupation in Canada. This may include: occupational demand & job potential, your present profession standing
as per Canadian Standards and the shortfalls, steps to bridge the shortfalls, assessment of educational and
professional qualifications from Professional Bodies & Associations, steps taken to upgrade skills by taking
additional courses, licensing procedure for your intended occupation(s), details of licensing exams including fees
and course content, preparation for such exams, steps to ensure getting a job in your intended occupation. For
further details consult: http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/home.shtml
n Steps Taken to Improve Employment Prospects: You must show an immigration officer all efforts taken to
become ready for employment in Canada. These can include: enhancing language skills, enhancing computer
skills, Professional assessment from Professional Bodies/Associations of Canada, educational assessments, job
searches done by you including resumes forwarded to potential employers and their replies. You must keep a
copy of all resumes forwarded and provide them at your interview, research of your job including list of potential
employers in Canada, provide details on where you will stay in Canada, costs involved and rough idea of cost of
living.
n Educational Background: Prepare detailed educational record with dates, names of institutions, description of
courses/certificates/degrees taken. Details of any commendations, merit certificates, awards, scholarships etc.
received during the course of your education. Also, details of any additional courses/training/apprenticeship
acquired to enhance your skills or made you proficient in the job you are doing. In view of your intended
occupation in Canada, explain the intention behind completing the courses taken with respect to your career
goals. Also highlight details of foreign trips for studies/ conventions /seminars / presentations / training
undertaken in regards to Education.
n Employment History: In view of your intended occupation, prepare detailed employment record with detailed
explanation of nature of duties performed at each and every job. Please highlight all commendations,
appreciation letters, promotions, increments or any other awards or incentives given to you in appreciation of
your good work. If available, provide promotional and other material used by your previous and past employers
including brochures, leaflets, price-lists, photographs etc.
n Assistance in settlement in Canada: Give all the details regarding assistance, you expect from
friend/relatives in Canada.
n Documents to be arranged in a folder: Arrange your documents in a folder with a table of Contents for ease
of location. All the documents should be original except original of which have already been submitted to the
Immigration authorities. Your spouse has to prepare a separate folder.
n Corrections on Immigration Forms: Review the Immigration forms, which you have submitted and note down
typing, other errors and changes to be made. Also inform the visa officer about these during the interview.
4.2.3 Other Important Things to keep in Mind
Children over 19 years of age are considered dependent on parents and can accompany parents to Canada as
dependents only if they remain in full-time studies. There should not be a break in their full-time studies of more than 6
months.
Separate passports are required for each individual. Children and infants, regardless of their age, will require their own
passport(s) and cannot be included on the mother’s passport.
Try to obtain an “Affidavit of Support” from any of your relative, friend, colleague or even an acquaintance living in
Canada, stating that they will assist you upon your arrival to Canada and provide boarding and lodging.
