Canada has increasingly become a relocation destination for individuals seeking greener pastures to work, school, and live.
Their world-class universities, such as the University of British Columbia, Toronto, and McGill, the low crime rates, booming healthcare, e-commerce, cybersecurity, agriculture, food processing, technology, and renewable energy sectors have made Canada attractive to relocation seekers.
This has made Canada the bride for people looking to relocate for a better future for themselves and their spouses.
The downside to this is that as more and more people relocate to Canada, the immigration rules and policies become more stringent.
As the day goes by, the process and guidelines keep changing, but do not worry!
We are here to help you with the verified process and guidelines on how to relocate to Canada without much hassle.
1. Canada Immigration Class
The first step is to determine your eligibility and which immigration class you fall into.
Canada has two main immigration classes for individuals planning to travel.
These classes are
- Economic class: this is for those without families in Canada who are willing to sponsor them. examples are entrepreneurs and skilled workers
- Family Class: this class is for those who have sponsoring families living in Canada
2. Types of Visas for Relocation/Immigration
The different types of visas available to immigrants fall under the different types of immigration classes in Canada.
For example, the economy class has
Express Entry
This is arguably the most popular relocation pathway, especially for low-income earners and those in underdeveloped countries.
This type of relocation system works on a point-based system.
In this type of system, candidates are scored based on their qualifications in education, age, language proficiency in two languages (English and French), and work experience.
The express entry is divided into three programs, namely
- Canadian Experience Class
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Federal Skilled Trade Program
How to Apply for Canadian Express
- Check for eligibility under any of the express entry programs
- If after meeting the criteria for any of the 3 programs, proceed to create a personal profile in the express entry pool, after which you will be given a comprehensive ranking score (CRS), which is dependent on your qualifications based on the criteria
- Invitation To Apply (ITA): If your qualifications are among the highest based on your qualifications as determined by the criteria, you will be given an invitation to apply for a Canadian express visa through regular draws.
- Submit your Application: You will be expected to complete an application after 60 days, which is fair enough. Your application should include supporting documents that prove beyond any reasonable doubt your work and educational credentials and qualifications, criminal records using police checks, language proficiency, and medical records.
- Decision Day: Canadian immigration has full rights to deny or accept your application for a visa and decide if you will be granted permanent resident status.
Province Nominee Programs (PNP)
If you are confused, provinces and territories in Canada are the same as states in the United States or other countries.
Each of these provinces and territories has its autonomy (independence).
What does this mean for an immigrant?
If you do not qualify under the popular express entry program or you were rejected, you do have the chance to try the province nominee programs, where a province can nominate you for a specific skill you possess based on their needs
How to Apply for a Canadian Province Nominee Program
- Submit an expression of interest to a province that needs a skill or qualification that you possess
- If and when your application is accepted, your express entry points increase by an incredible 600 points
Work Sponsorship
Some employers/companies have the right to employ foreigners when they cannot source skilled locals to employ.
These employees can offer you a job with a visa sponsorship that can enable you to apply under the Express Entry program or province nominee program.
When granted a visa, you might be able to only work for the employer if it’s an employer-specific work permit or be able to work anywhere if it’s an open work permit.
It is best advised to seek out an open work permit so you can have other options when you arrive in Canada.
Read here to learn more about work sponsorship visa in a previous article
Study Visa
This is one of the fastest and easiest ways to relocate to Canada but unfortunately, it is the most expensive
The cost of study in a Canadian University varies by institution, degree (bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate), and also by profession such as medicine, engineering, cybersecurity, law, etc.
How to Apply for a Canada Study Visa
- Apply to a learning institution in Canada, stating why you want to study in that particular institution and how a degree there will be of impact to you (Statement of purpose explaining your study plans)
- Receive your letter of Acceptance
- Pay the school Fees
- Provide a passport, proof of funds, pay for a one-way flight ticket, photograph, and medical exam record.
- Apply for a student visa at the physical visa application center or online through the Canadian government immigration website
- Pay the student application fee, which costs 150 Canadian Dollars (CAD)
- Processing time usually takes 1-3 months
- After processing, the decision will be made either a refusal or approval
Family Sponsorship- Family Class
If you have a family member that is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, they sponsor your relocation to Canada.
Family sponsorship only applies to spouses (partners), children, grandparents (this is limited per year), and other family members in special cases.
To be able to sponsor a family member, you must have a good credit score, a good job, or savings or investments that can guarantee your well-being and that of the individual you intend to sponsor.
What are the Different Provinces in Canada?
- Ontario
- British Columbia
- Alberta
- Quebec
- Saskatchewan
- Manitoba
- Nova Scotia
- New Brunswick
- Prince Edward Island
- Newfoundland and Labrador
What are the Different Territories in Canada?
- Yukon
- Northwest
- Nunavut