To move to Canada, you need to follow a structured immigration process based on your eligibility and goals. Here are the main pathways and steps:
Main Immigration Pathways to Canada
- Express Entry: A fast and popular system for skilled workers. It manages applications for three federal economic programs: Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, and Canadian Experience Class. Candidates are scored on factors like age, education, language skills, and work experience. High-ranking candidates receive invitations to apply for permanent residence
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Each Canadian province or territory nominates candidates based on local labor market needs. This can be a more accessible route if you have skills in demand in a particular province
- Family Sponsorship: Canadian citizens or permanent residents can sponsor spouses, partners, children, parents, or grandparents to immigrate
- Work Permits and Job Offers: Obtaining a valid job offer from a Canadian employer can help you get a work permit and eventually apply for permanent residence
- Study Permits: You can move to Canada as an international student. After graduation, you may be eligible for a post-graduation work permit, which can lead to permanent residency
- Start-up Visa: For entrepreneurs who want to start a business and create jobs in Canada
Step-by-Step Process to Move to Canada
- Determine Eligibility: Use the official Canadian government tools to assess which immigration program fits your profile best. Consider age, education, language proficiency, work experience, and ties to Canada
- Gather Required Documents: Common documents include a valid passport, language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF), educational credential assessments, proof of work experience, police certificates, medical exams, and proof of funds
- Submit Your Application: Create an online account with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), complete the application accurately, upload documents, pay fees (around 1,365 CAD for a single applicant), and submit
- Prepare for the Move: Once approved, arrange housing, open a Canadian bank account, research healthcare and education systems, and apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) upon arrival
Additional Tips
- The Express Entry system is competitive; improving your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score increases your chances
- Provincial Nominee Programs can provide alternative routes if you have specific skills or connections to a province
- Family sponsorship is less stringent but requires a qualifying sponsor in Canada
- If moving from the US, you can also consider CUSMA work permits for certain jobs
By carefully choosing the right program and following the official process, you can successfully move to Canada and obtain permanent residence
