Passport strength
7th
Canadian passport holders can access 183 destinations without obtaining a visa in advance.
Henley Passport Index, Nov. 2026 ↗Dawood Shakir · RCIC-IRB · R708413
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Already prepared your Canadian immigration application? Get written feedback on your main form before you file.
Canada immigration consulting
Live, Work, or Study
in Canada
Why live, work or study in Canada?
Quality of life
3rd
Canada ranked third globally in Wharton’s 2026 survey-based quality-of-life category.
Wharton Best Countries Index ↗Post-secondary attainment
64%
In 2025, 64% of Canadian adults aged 25–64 held a tertiary qualification, compared with 43% across the OECD.
OECD · Education at a Glance 2026 ↗Off-campus work while studying
24 hours
Eligible international students can work up to 24 hours per week off campus while classes are in session.
IRCC · Off-campus work eligibility ↗People employed in Canada
21.1 million
Statistics Canada reported 21.1 million people employed nationwide in October 2026.
Statistics Canada · Labour Force Survey ↗Immigrant population
23%
In the 2021 Census, 23% of Canada’s population were or had been landed immigrants or permanent residents.
Statistics Canada · 2021 Census ↗More Canada statistics
Federal corporate tax
9% / 15%
9% on eligible small-business income for qualifying Canadian-controlled private corporations. The general net rate is 15%. Provincial tax is additional.
Canada Revenue Agency ↗Research and innovation
35%
Enhanced SR&ED tax credit rate for eligible corporations on qualifying expenditures within their limit.
CRA · SR&ED policy ↗NRC IRAP funding for eligible SMEs ↗Your consultant
Meet Dawood Shakir
DAWSAM Immigration Consultancy Ltd. is based in Richmond, British Columbia.
Immigration pathways
Start with your goal
Explore options to visit, study, work or settle in Canada.
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Visitor visas & extensions
Plan a visit or explore options to extend your stay as a visitor.
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Study permits
Prepare for your first study permit or an extension.
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Work permits & PGWP
Explore work permit options and plan around your permit expiry.
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Permanent residence
Explore Express Entry and other pathways to settle in Canada.
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Family sponsorship
Understand how to sponsor a spouse, partner, child or eligible family member.
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Canadian citizenship
Review eligibility, application steps and documents for citizenship.
Life in Canada
Find a place that feels like home
Compare local industries, outdoor activities and immigration pathways in the communities you’re considering.
BC
British Columbia
Technology, health services and skilled trades · Sea-to-Sky trails, coastal paddling and skiing
AB
Alberta
Energy, construction, logistics and technology · Hiking, mountain biking and skiing
ON
Ontario
Finance, technology, manufacturing and life sciences · Great Lakes beaches, museums and Algonquin paddling
NS
Nova Scotia
Health services, ocean industries and technology · Surfing, coastal hikes and live music
NL
Newfoundland and Labrador
Ocean industries, natural resources and health services · Coastal hikes, whale watching and Gros Morne
YT
Yukon
Tourism, construction and public services · Northern lights, river paddling and hiking
Immigration and Refugee Board
Support for hearings and appeals
Explore help with refugee claims, refugee appeals, admissibility hearings, detention reviews and eligible immigration appeals.
Official newsroom
IRCC immigration news
Recent announcements published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
news releases
Minister Metlege Diab highlights how Canada is working with provinces and territories to support worker retention
Read on Canada.ca ↗news releases
Peter Fragiskatos highlights Government of Canada’s investments from Budget 2026: Masters of our destiny
Read on Canada.ca ↗media advisories
Minister Metlege Diab to make an announcement in Dieppe
Read on Canada.ca ↗Client resources
Get answers to common questions
Where can I download the latest IRCC forms?
Use IRCC’s official forms directory or search by form number on our forms page. Open the official listing and check your application checklist before completing a form.
Official source ↗How do I check my Canadian immigration application status?
Select your application type on IRCC’s status page. It will show which account or tracker to use and how to check an application submitted on paper.
Official source ↗How long will my immigration application take?
Check IRCC’s processing-time tool and select your application type. Estimates can change and individual applications may take longer.
Official source ↗What is the difference between IRCC and the IRB?
IRCC administers immigration, citizenship and related application programs. The IRB is an independent tribunal that decides refugee protection claims and certain immigration and refugee matters.
Official source ↗Who can help me with Canadian immigration in Richmond?
Dawood Shakir is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant in Richmond, British Columbia. You can verify his licence using the CICC Public Register.
Official source ↗How do I estimate my Express Entry CRS score?
Use the DAWSAM calculator for an estimate based on your answers, then check the official IRCC calculator.
Official source ↗What should I do after a visa refusal?
Review the refusal letter and any officer notes before deciding what to do. If a deadline is involved, seek advice promptly.
Official source ↗Talk through your next step.
Share your goal and any upcoming deadline with DAWSAM. We’ll use your consultation request to understand what help you need.
Request a consultation