Every effort is made to process applications as quickly as possible. But every year the number of qualified persons who want to immigrate to Canada is much greater than the number of persons the government plans to admit. The speed with which your application will be processed will depend upon the priorities in effect at the time you apply. The priorities are listed in the Immigration Regulations. Unnecessary inquiries on the status of your application may slow the process. Please contact the visa officer only when you have been asked to do so, unless you have new information, such as a change of address or marital status. You should also wait until you have been issued your immigrant visa before quitting your job and selling or giving away your possessions.
When asked, you should give the visa officer all the documents he or she requests. These may include: birth or baptismal certificates for each member of your family, separation or divorce papers, educational transcripts, technical or professional certificates and, if possible, letters of reference. If your application is approved, you will need these papers when you get to Canada. You should get them translated into English or French before you leave your homeland.