Surviving the Immigration Interview

For would-be immigrants to Canada, possibly the most nerve-racking part of the application process is the selection interview. In a majority of cases that get to this stage, it can be the deal-breaker: your application either gets approved, or it doesn't.

It's hardly surprising that most immigration applicants would rather not be subjected to the interview. The fact is, a significant number of people are given an interview waiver. These are people who quite easily make the grade on the points requirements and whose personal and employment backgrounds appear to make them a good fit in Canadian society.

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 traveling 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.

The interviewing officer has wide discretionary powers, 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.

The questions will cover a wide range of topics, from the reasons you want to immigrate, to what you would do if you can't find a job in Canada.

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!

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You've submitted your application to immigrate to Canada and, lo and behold, you've got a call to appear for a selection interview. Your choice is now to: a) panic, or b) prepare. If you've chosen 'b', then to help you along, we've put together a list of possible questions you could face at the immigration interview.

Of course, there is no guarantee that you will only be asked questions from this list - every case is different, and you should expect at least a couple of questions that are very specific to your application for immigration.

These questions have been collated from various sources, and have been divided into categories. If you'd like to add a question that you or someone you know has been asked at their immigration interview, please write to us so we can add it to the list.

Category 1: About You and Your Family

1.       Tell us a little about yourself.

2.       Where do you live?

3.       Do you own a house, or do you rent?

4.       (If you have children under 18) Where are your children now? Are they alone at home? (Note: In Canada, it is illegal to leave children under 12 unattended).

5.       Do your parents live in the same home?

6.       Do you plan to bring them to Canada if your application is approved?

7.       If not, who will look after them if you move to Canada?

8.       What's your current status - single/married/engaged?

9.       How long have you been married? OR When do you plan to marry?

10.    Have you been previously married?

11.    Do you have other children not listed in this application?

12.    How would you rate your English language skills? How about French? (Note: Expect to be tested on this if you claim some degree of skills).

13.    How well do your spouse and children speak English/French?

14.    Have you ever been in trouble with the law? Were you ever reported / charged / arrested for any crime?

15.    Do your spouse and children support your plan to move to Canada?

16.    Do you have family in Canada?

17.    What would you do if your immigration application is rejected?