Getting the Help You Need to Obtain a Canadian Student Visa

Immigration law can be complicated and in order to get a Canadian student Visa can become an inconvenient process. Instead of wasting time trying to figure out if you’re doing everything right, it would be well worth it to hire an experienced immigration lawyer to help with the process. They will be able to make the process seem almost easy.

Your specific situation will determine what kind of a visa you will need to enter the country. For example, depending on how long your plan on studying, you may need to apply for a student visa or a temporary residence.

No matter which permit you need, you first need to meet three requirements. The first requirement is proof that you have been accepted by a school, university, or other educational institution in Canada. Secondly, you must be able to show that you have the financial means to pay for tuition, living expenses and to pay for a way to return to your original country at the end of the time period. Finally, you need to be able to satisfy the health requirements to enter the county.

Next, it’s time to get the application packet to complete. Your lawyer can get those forms and help you complete them. Depending on which country you are coming from, you may be require to have a temporary resident visa in addition to your student visa. Your lawyer will be able to determine what you need. If you need both, they can be applied for in the same application, there is no need to do a separate one. Your lawyer will also want to know if you plan on working on campus or off campus and how long your courses are going to last. All those things will impact which permits you will need. All questions on the application must be filled out completely and truthfully.

Next, your lawyer will need to submit your application fees. It is very important that your application is complete because your fees will not be refunded under any circumstances, even if your application is rejected.

Once your lawyer submits the application, the visa office may need more information, such as medical information or even security information. If everything is accepted, it can take anywhere from 16 days up to 88 days to find out the final status of your application.

Though the process is not overly complicated, each situation is different and may require different paperwork and have different requirements. Immigration law also changes quickly, so working with an experienced lawyer will ensure that you are completing the most up to date and current forms.

The Most Commonly Overlooked Tax Deductions

1. Mortgage Insurance Premiums

Although most people remember to deduct mortgage interest they paid, many forget that mortgage insurance premiums are also deductible. In order to qualify, the policy must be for a debt used to purchase a first or second home. This deduction was due to expire at the end of last year, but was extended through 2011 as part of the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization and Job Creation Act of 2010.

2. Out-of-Pocket Educator Expenses

Another tax benefit that was extended at the last minute is the deduction available to teachers and educators who make out-of-pocket expenses, up to $250. You can read more about this deduction in this blog entry I posted earlier in the year.

3. Unreimbursed Job Expenses

If you have to make a purchase for work, you may qualify to deduct those expenses on your tax return. However, the IRS considers only specific expenses allowable, and they must be considered ordinary and necessary. To find out more about this deduction read this article on the RDTC Tax Help Blog.

4. Student Loan Interest

If you paid interest on a student loan for your own, your spouse’s or your dependent’s education, you may be able to deduct up to $2,500 worth of interest. This deduction is considered above-the-line, so you can claim it even if you do not itemize. Just keep in mind that there are strict income limits for this deduction in 2011.If you make more than $75,000 for single filers or $150,000 for married couples filing jointly, you may not be able to claim it.

5. State Tax Deduction

Remember that you can deduct your state income or sales taxes on your federal return. The deduction has been extended through 2011, so be sure to keep track of all state and local taxes you pay. To determine if you should claim your income or sales taxes paid you can use this calculator at IRS.gov.

6. Qualifying Legal Fees

Most fees paid to an attorney are not considered deductible. However, there are a few exceptions such as fees paid to an attorney related to a class action suit, estate tax advice, and alimony collection expenses paid to a lawyer. However, the deduction is subject to the 2% miscellaneous deduction limit.

7. Alimony Payments

Speaking of alimony, if you are required to make alimony payments, you may be able to deduct them on your tax return. You will need to file an itemized return, and must meet a few IRS qualifications. For more information, you can find details about the deduction in this article on the RDTC Tax Help Blog.

By: roni deutch

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