Immigration, refugees & citizenship
Canada’s immigration system welcomes skilled workers, investors, entrepreneurs, family members, and refugees, offering ways to become permanent residents. To apply for Canadian citizenship, immigrants need to live in Canada for at least three years and be able to speak English or French. Federal laws in Canada cover immigration and citizenship, including rules for refugees.
Explore the links below to reliable online guides and tools and to organizations in BC. They have been chosen by librarians at Courthouse Libraries BC.
Selected resources
Click on a topic to see a list of resources.
Canadian Citizenship Practice Test
An online practice test for Canadian citizenship. Has multiple choice questions from the book on which the test is based.
Immigration
Lists resources that might be helpful to you if you’re not a Canadian citizen and you have a family law issue. Explains how laws in other countries can affect your legal situation, how some processes might be different, and what you can do if your residency sponsorship breaks down.
Refugees and Asylum
Refugees and persons in need of protection are people within or outside Canada who fear persecution and going back to their home country. This website provides information about Canada’s refugee programs along with information and resources for those who wish to claim refugee status in Canada.
Settlement Information for Newcomers: Useful Immigrant Settlement Guides and Websites
NewToBC has compiled over 45 guides, videos, and websites on a range of topics that would be of interest to immigrants.
Sponsor Your Family
Explains how if you are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada, you can sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, dependent child (including adopted child), or other eligible relative (such as a parent or grandparent) to become a permanent resident.
Sponsorship Breakdown
A 57-page booklet written for permanent residents who need help when the person sponsoring them in Canada is no longer supporting them. Explains what happens when a sponsorship breaks down, and how to apply for welfare.
Immigrate to Canada
Find out how you can immigrate to Canada, how to protect yourself from fraud, and what to expect after you arrive in Canada.
Canadian Citizenship
Explains how to apply for Canadian citizenship and how to get a proof of citizenship certificate or card. Also includes information on the citizenship test and preparing for the citizenship ceremony.
LSLAP Manual: Citizenship
This chapter is from the manual used by law students handling cases at LSLAP’s legal clinics. It’s a basic overview of the legal regime and process involved in getting a citizenship grant. See also chapter 18, “Immigration Law.”
LSLAP Manual: Immigration Law
This chapter on Canadian immigration law is from the manual used by law students handling cases at LSLAP’s legal clinics. It explains the roles of key organizations like IRCC and CBSA, and the different immigration statuses such as permanent residents and foreign nationals.