Understanding Who Is Required at Your Immigration Interview
Key Participants for Canadian Immigration Selection Interviews
On This Page You Will Find:
- Overview of the Selection Interview in Canadian Immigration
- Principal Applicants Required to Attend
- Accompanying Family Members and Dependents
- Sponsors and Co-applicants in Sponsorship Cases
- Role of Representatives and Interpreters
- Tips for Preparing to Attend Your Interview
Summary
When IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) schedules a selection interview, the principal applicant—the person whose name is on the main application—must attend. Depending on the program and individual circumstances, IRCC may also ask spouses or common-law partners, adult dependents, or sponsors/co-applicants to join the interview to verify relationships or information. While licensed representatives (consultants or lawyers) and interpreters can accompany applicants for support, they are not required unless explicitly invited by IRCC. Being well-prepared—bringing your appointment notice, original documents, and any family members IRCC requests—will help ensure your interview proceeds smoothly.
Overview of the Selection Interview in Canadian Immigration
A selection interview is an optional stage in certain immigration streams—such as family sponsorship, provincial nominee or quality-assurance checks—used to confirm the accuracy of your application and supporting documents. Not every applicant will be called; IRCC exercises this right sparingly, typically when additional clarification is needed or as part of a random quality-assurance process.
Principal Applicants Required to Attend
- Definition: The principal applicant is the primary person named on the application (e.g., the skilled worker, the sponsored spouse).
- Obligation: If IRCC issues an interview notice, the principal applicant must attend in person. Failure to appear can lead to refusal of the application.
- Notice: You will receive a written invitation detailing the date, time, location, and documents to bring.
Accompanying Family Members and Dependents
- Spouses and Common-Law Partners
- Often invited when relationship genuineness or joint information needs verification.
- Attendance may be required for in-Canada and overseas sponsorship applications.
- Adult Dependents (Typically 18 + Years)
- May be asked to confirm their own details or to obtain required attestations (e.g., in Quebec programs).
- If named on the application, be prepared to attend if IRCC requests.
- Minor Children
- Rarely required, unless IRCC specifically needs to clarify custody or guardianship issues.
Sponsors and Co-applicants in Sponsorship Cases
- Family Sponsorship
- In some cases, the sponsor (Canadian citizen or permanent resident) may be asked to attend alongside the sponsored relative to confirm financial support undertakings or relationship details.
- Provincial Nominee & Business Streams
- Co-applicants (e.g., business partners under an entrepreneur program) may likewise be invited if their credentials or joint activities require verification.
Role of Representatives and Interpreters
- Authorized Representatives
- Licensed immigration consultants or lawyers can accompany you for support and note-taking, but they are not required to attend unless IRCC explicitly invites them.
- Interpreters
- If you lack proficiency in English or French, IRCC may permit or arrange an independent interpreter. Family members or paid representatives should not serve as interpreters to avoid conflicts of interest.
Tips for Preparing to Attend Your Interview
- Review Your Invitation Carefully
- Note the exact date, time, address, and contact person.
- Gather Original Documents
- Bring passports, identification, appointment letter, and any requested supporting materials (marriage certificate, employment letters, etc.).
- Coordinate with Family Members
- Inform any spouse, dependent, or sponsor who must attend—and ensure they understand the time and place.
- Plan for Language Needs
- If you need an interpreter, request IRCC approval in advance or bring one from IRCC’s approved list.
- Arrive Early and Dress Professionally
- Aim to arrive 15 minutes before your appointment, with a neat, business-casual appearance.
- Be Honest and Concise
- Answer questions truthfully; clarify any discrepancies from your written application.
Attending the selection interview fully prepared is your opportunity to reinforce the credibility of your application. By understanding who needs to be present and how to get ready, you’ll walk into your interview with confidence—one more step closer to making Canada your new home.
