What if you aren't one of those lucky ones? Well, don't lose heart - a majority of applicants are in the same boat as you.
Generally speaking, you will be given a date and time to appear for the interview. If you are married, your spouse and children over the age of 18 may also be required to attend.
The interviews are almost always scheduled at the visa office where you have applied, so it is very important to have submitted your application in a country where you have no problems travelling to. (This is really important. We've heard of a number of cases where people applied to the visa office in Buffalo, New York, only to find their applications for a US visit visa turned down).
So what exactly is the selection interview all about? This is primarily to verify that the information you have provided (training, experience, financial balance sheet) is accurate, and to assess your language skills and ability to establish yourself successfully in Canada.
Not too long ago, the interviewing officer was permitted to award up to 10 additional points - a potential deal-clincher - but this power has since been rescinded. However the immigration officer continues to have wide discretionary powers with regard to how many points your individual qualifications and situation rate, so it's obviously very important that you are able to present yourself in the best light at this interview.
A few things to note before you head for the interview:
Dress appropriately. Treat this like a very important job interview. No jeans, no casual clothes. Dress formal, or at the very least, dress smart.
Be on time. Head out early, you never know if traffic is snarled up ahead. The last thing you want is to make a poor first impression by being late.
Go prepared. Rehearse answers to all potential questions you could face. You will be asked to bring along certain documents with you - carry all these as well as any other papers you think might be relevant. Organize them in a way that they are easy to find. Brush up on basic Canadian facts (name of the Prime Minister, major Canadian provinces and cities etc).
Expect the interview to last anywhere between 15 minutes to an hour. The immigration officer will go through your file and ask for supporting documentation or elaboration on information you have provided. Listen to the questions carefully, and answer honestly and to the point. Get caught out in the smallest lie and you risk your application being rejected right away.
You could be quizzed on any claims you make in your application. For example, if you state you speak French moderately well, expect to be spoken to in French.
During the interview, you should look for ways to prove you are motivated, resourceful and ready to take on challenges. Research living costs in the city you say you are planning to move to. Demonstrate how the funds you have will see you through for a period of time if you fail to find a job by then.
Talk about being willing to accept any employment, even if it isn't in your field of work, until you get the type of job you want. Bring in copies of recent job postings seeking people with your qualifications and experience.
At all times, be friendly, positive and optimistic. Those are traits that will help you not just at the interview, but also in your new life in Canada.
If all goes well, the officer will discuss life in Canada, what you should expect, and working and living conditions in the city area you are planning to move to.
Or in other words, your immigration application is successful. Good luck with your move!
Generally speaking, you will be given a date and time to appear for the interview. If you are married, your spouse and children over the age of 18 may also be required to attend.
The interviews are almost always scheduled at the visa office where you have applied, so it is very important to have submitted your application in a country where you have no problems travelling to. (This is really important. We've heard of a number of cases where people applied to the visa office in Buffalo, New York, only to find their applications for a US visit visa turned down).
So what exactly is the selection interview all about? This is primarily to verify that the information you have provided (training, experience, financial balance sheet) is accurate, and to assess your language skills and ability to establish yourself successfully in Canada.
Not too long ago, the interviewing officer was permitted to award up to 10 additional points - a potential deal-clincher - but this power has since been rescinded. However the immigration officer continues to have wide discretionary powers with regard to how many points your individual qualifications and situation rate, so it's obviously very important that you are able to present yourself in the best light at this interview.
A few things to note before you head for the interview:
Dress appropriately. Treat this like a very important job interview. No jeans, no casual clothes. Dress formal, or at the very least, dress smart.
Be on time. Head out early, you never know if traffic is snarled up ahead. The last thing you want is to make a poor first impression by being late.
Go prepared. Rehearse answers to all potential questions you could face. You will be asked to bring along certain documents with you - carry all these as well as any other papers you think might be relevant. Organize them in a way that they are easy to find. Brush up on basic Canadian facts (name of the Prime Minister, major Canadian provinces and cities etc).
Expect the interview to last anywhere between 15 minutes to an hour. The immigration officer will go through your file and ask for supporting documentation or elaboration on information you have provided. Listen to the questions carefully, and answer honestly and to the point. Get caught out in the smallest lie and you risk your application being rejected right away.
You could be quizzed on any claims you make in your application. For example, if you state you speak French moderately well, expect to be spoken to in French.
During the interview, you should look for ways to prove you are motivated, resourceful and ready to take on challenges. Research living costs in the city you say you are planning to move to. Demonstrate how the funds you have will see you through for a period of time if you fail to find a job by then.
Talk about being willing to accept any employment, even if it isn't in your field of work, until you get the type of job you want. Bring in copies of recent job postings seeking people with your qualifications and experience.
At all times, be friendly, positive and optimistic. Those are traits that will help you not just at the interview, but also in your new life in Canada.
If all goes well, the officer will discuss life in Canada, what you should expect, and working and living conditions in the city area you are planning to move to.
Or in other words, your immigration application is successful. Good luck with your move!