How to immigrate to Canada
If you're thinking about relocating to Canada, the first step is to explore the eligibility requirements for different immigration programs. Expat.com provides more information on the topic.
Considering moving to Canada? The ball is in your court. The steps you need to take will vary based on your profile and preferences. Start by using the online tools offered by immigration authorities to figure out which immigration program suits you. You might qualify for multiple programs, so it's crucial to take the time to assess each one.
Some people may be barred from entering Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. To find out more about the grounds for refusal, visit the Immigration Services website.
The different immigration programs in Canada
If you're planning to come to Canada, you have various options, such as applying as a tourist, student, temporary worker, or permanent resident. If you have children and grandchildren in Canada, you might also qualify for a super visa for parents and grandparents. Additionally, this tool can assist you in identifying the most suitable work permit for you and provide any special instructions to follow during the application process.
To immigrate to Canada on a permanent basis, you need to find out more before opting for one of the various programs:
Federal Skilled Worker and Professional Program (Express Entry)
This initiative is designed for experienced professionals seeking permanent residency. To be eligible, you must meet the minimum requirements for skilled work experience, language proficiency, and academic qualifications. Skilled work experience entails having worked in categories 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC). You'll need to successfully complete approved language tests in English or French, and if you studied abroad, obtain an Evaluation of Educational Credentials (EED) from a designated agency for immigration purposes. Additionally, you must provide evidence of adequate funds to establish yourself in Canada along with your family.
Warning: This program is not for you if you want to settle in Quebec.
Federal Skilled Trades Program (Express Entry)
This program is for skilled workers aspiring to obtain permanent residency based on their proficiency in a skilled trade. To qualify, you need a minimum of 2 years of full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in a skilled trade within the 5 years prior to your application. Additionally, you must have either a full-time job offer valid for at least 1 year or a certificate of qualification in your skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial, or federal authority. Successful completion of approved language tests in English or French is also a requirement.
Good to know:
There are no educational requirements for the Skilled Trades Program. However, you will need proof of sufficient funds to settle in Canada with your family.
Please note: This program is not suitable if you wish to settle in Quebec.
Canadian Experience Class (Express Entry)
The Canadian Experience Class is for skilled workers with Canadian work experience who wish to become permanent residents. You must have acquired at least 1 year of skilled work experience (or equivalent part-time experience) in Canada within the last 3 years before applying. Skilled work experience means that you have held a job in NOC categories 0, 1, 2 or 3.
Please note:
You are not eligible for the Canadian Experience Class if you are a refugee claimant in Canada, if you are working in Canada without authorization, or if your work experience was acquired when you did not have temporary resident status in Canada.
You will be required to pass approved language tests in English or French. The Canadian Experience Class has no educational requirements, but this program is not for you if you wish to settle in Quebec.
Quebec-selected workers
This application process is designed for skilled workers aiming to become permanent residents in Canada, specifically in Quebec. Quebec operates under a unique immigration agreement with the Canadian government, allowing it to establish its own rules for selecting immigrants. It holds significant authority over immigration, making it the only province with such autonomy. To immigrate to Canada as a Quebec-selected skilled worker, you need to initially apply to the Quebec government for a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ). If Quebec selects you and issues this document, you must then proceed to submit your permanent residence application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). As of October 2023, processing times are around 14 months, with fees starting at CAD$1,365.
Investors, entrepreneurs and self-employed workers
The Self-Employed Immigration Program offers the opportunity for permanent immigration to Canada as a self-employed individual. To qualify, you need to have relevant experience in cultural or athletic activities and the intention and capability to make a significant contribution to Canada's cultural or athletic scene. For self-employed individuals, relevant experience entails a minimum of two years. Both you and your family members are required to undergo a medical examination and obtain police certificates. Additionally, you must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and your family upon your arrival in Canada.
Atlantic Canada Immigration Program
The Atlantic Canada Immigration Program is a pathway to permanent residency for skilled foreign workers and international graduates of Canadian institutions of higher learning who want to work and live in New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, or Prince Edward Island. The program helps employers hire qualified candidates for positions they have not been able to fill locally. You must obtain a job offer from a designated Atlantic Canadian employer. As of October 2023, processing times are 6 months, and fees start at $1,365 CAD.
Business Start-Up Visa
The Canada Business Start-Up Visa is aimed at immigrant entrepreneurs with the determination and skills to establish innovative businesses in Canada, creating jobs for Canadians and competing globally. Your business must meet eligibility criteria, and you're required to obtain a letter of support from a designated organization. Taking a language proficiency test from an approved organization and submitting the results with your application is also necessary. Additionally, you need to bring sufficient funds to establish yourself: CA$13,757 for an individual, CA$17,127 for a couple, or CA$21,055 for a couple with one child. Processing times, as of October 2023, are approximately 37 months, with fees starting at CAD$2,140.
Sponsoring a family member
A Canadian citizen or permanent resident may sponsor certain family members to immigrate to Canada permanently as members of the family class. The fee for sponsoring a child is C$150, or C$1,080 for an adult aged 22 or over.
Provincial nominees
This program is crafted for individuals possessing the skills, training, and experience needed to contribute to the economic growth of a specific province or territory in Canada. Each region has its own unique program components and criteria. Depending on the stream, you might have to apply through a non-Express Entry stream or via Express Entry. Regardless of the path, a medical examination and obtaining a police certificate are mandatory. To secure a nomination from a province or territory, follow the guidelines on their website and reach out to the respective administration directly. You can find links to all official provincial and territorial websites on this page.
Live-in caregivers
If you're applying in the Live-in Caregiver category, there are several options available for coming to Canada, either as a permanent resident or for temporary work. These include the Live-in Caregiver Pilot Program, the Live-in Caregiver Program, or the Child Care Program. However, it's important to note that the COVID-19 pandemic has led to delays in processing applications. Even though many travel restrictions in Canada have been lifted, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) may be processing caregiver applications for permanent residence, including related work permit applications, more slowly than usual. Additionally, please note that some of these programs are no longer accepting new applicants.
Asylum seekers
Refugee claimants undergo a rigorous process to determine their eligibility under Canadian and international law. Upon arrival, a person can make a claim for refugee protection in Canada at a port of entry or online if already in the country.
Important:
Getting permanent residency in Canada can be a time-consuming and expensive process, costing $2,000 CDN or more for a single person. As Canada tends to prioritize applicants with local experience, it might be a good idea to begin by coming to Canada to study or work through an International Experience Canada (IEC) program. Building Canadian experience can expedite and simplify the process of obtaining permanent residency.
Before leaving for Canada
Typically, first-time applicants for a Temporary Resident Permit, whether for students or temporary workers, need to provide their biometric data. While some applicants may qualify for a waiver, in the majority of cases, they are required to visit a specified office in person to have their fingerprints and photographs taken.
All visa-exempt travelers to Canada must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). This requirement does not apply to US citizens and travelers in possession of a valid permit.
Canada transit visa
If you're simply passing through Canada without intending to visit, you might require a 48-hour transit visa, valid for one or two entries depending on your travel itinerary. However, if you're traveling to or from the United States, a visa is not necessary. It's important to note that transit visas are issued at no cost. You'll be permitted to exit the airport if you provide immigration officials with a valid reason.
Extending your stay in Canada
If you wish to extend your stay in Canada as a worker, you must apply at least 30 days before your current status expires. Workers, visitors, or students all have the option of extending their stay.
Useful links:
Immigration and Citizenship Services
Immigration and Citizenship Services - Determining eligibility
Immigration and Citizenship Services - Biometric identity record
