CANADA
If you're thinking about immigrating to Canada, you're certainly not alone. Canada stands out as one of the most alluring destinations for migrants from across the globe. In this comprehensive guide, we'll thoroughly cover everything you need to know about immigrating to Canada, ensuring that you have all the necessary information to make an informed decision regarding your relocation.
Emigrating to the Canada
Canada has long been known for its welcoming attitude towards immigrants, with a history of immigrants contributing to the nation’s growth and diversity. Today, Canada continues to welcome immigrants from all over the world as a means of enriching the country’s cultural and economic landscape. The Canadian immigration system is generally viewed as one of the most progressive and accessible in the world, with various programs designed to facilitate the immigration process and provide support to newcomers.
The Canadian immigration climate is currently characterized by both opportunities and challenges. On the one hand, Canada’s aging population and shortage of skilled workers have created a growing need for skilled immigrants to fill labor gaps and contribute to economic growth. The Canadian government has responded by implementing various initiatives to attract and retain skilled workers, such as the Express Entry program and the Global Talent Stream. On the other hand, the rise of anti-immigrant sentiment and the increasing politicization of immigration have led to a more contentious immigration debate in Canada, with some critics arguing that the country’s immigration policies should be tightened further.
Canada remains a popular destination for immigrants and continues to be viewed as a leader in immigration policy. The government’s commitment to welcoming and supporting newcomers, coupled with various initiatives to attract skilled workers and improve the immigration process, suggests that Canada will remain a top destination for immigrants in the years to come. However, ongoing threats to the country’s progressive immigration policies and the need to address persistent issues such as integration and refugee resettlement will require continued attention and effort from policymakers and advocates alike.
Understanding the Visa options for emigrating to the Canada
If you are considering relocating to Canada, there are several pathways available, be it for employment, family reunification, visitation, entrepreneurship, or permanent settlement. In this segment, we will discuss the different visa options accessible for immigrating to Canada. It is important to note that the specific visa you apply for will depend on your individual circumstances and the purpose of your relocation.
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Work Visas
If you are relocating to Canada for work, you will need to apply for a work permit. The most common work permit is the skilled worker permit, designed for skilled workers who have a job offer in Canada. To be eligible, you will need to have a job offer from a Canadian employer who possesses a valid skilled worker sponsorship license. Here is a list of permits that can enable you to work in Canada:
Work permits allow foreign nationals to work in Canada temporarily. There are various types of work permits, including employer-specific work permits and open work permits, each with specific conditions and durations.
The TFWP allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers to fill temporary labor shortages when qualified Canadian citizens or permanent residents are not available.
 This stream allows Canadian employers to hire highly skilled foreign workers and researchers in designated occupations without the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Express Entry is not a visa itself but a points-based immigration system used to manage applications for permanent residency under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Canadian Experience Class. It provides a pathway for skilled workers to become permanent residents based on their age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and other factors.
Provinces and territories in Canada have their own PNP streams, which nominate individuals based on specific skills and qualifications to become permanent residents in that province or territory.
This program allows individuals to work in Canada as caregivers, providing care for children, the elderly, or individuals with medical needs. After fulfilling the required work experience, caregivers may be eligible to apply for permanent residency.
These pilot programs aim to attract foreign caregivers to work in Canada and provide care to children with high medical needs or individuals with disabilities.
This pilot program is designed to address labor shortages in the Atlantic provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador) by helping employers hire foreign workers and international graduates.
This pilot program addresses labor shortages in the agriculture and food processing sectors, offering pathways to permanent residency for eligible workers.
The Federal Rural Immigration Pilot migrant visa in Canada offers skilled foreign workers a pathway to obtain permanent residency by working in eligible rural and smaller communities that are part of the pilot program.
Family visa
If you have family members in Canada and wish to reunite with them, you may be eligible for a family sponsorship. A family sponsorship in Canada is designed for partners, children, parents, and other family members of someone who is a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident. Here is a list of family sponsorship programs available in Canada.
Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their eligible family members, including spouses, common-law partners, parents, and dependent children, to become permanent residents in Canada.
The Spousal and Common-Law Partner Sponsorship migrant visa in Canada allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouse or common-law partner to immigrate to Canada and obtain permanent residency.
The Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship migrant visa in Canada enables Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents to immigrate to Canada and obtain permanent residency.
The Dependent Child Sponsorship migrant visa in Canada allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their dependent children to immigrate to Canada and obtain permanent residency.
Specific family sponsorship programs available for individuals who wish to sponsor family members to settle in Quebec.
Business Applications
Businesses in Canada must obtain a sponsor licence in order to sponsor a foreign national to work in Canada. Sponsoring an individual entails specific obligations and responsibilities that sponsors are required to fulfill. Below is a compilation of business immigration applications accessible in Canada:
The Start-up Visa Program aims to attract immigrant entrepreneurs who have the support of a designated Canadian organization and have the potential to build innovative businesses in Canada.
This program is for individuals with relevant experience in cultural activities, athletics, or farm management who intend to be self-employed in Canada.
The Immigrant Investor Venture Capital Pilot Program (IIVC) migrant visa in Canada provides a pathway for eligible investors to obtain permanent residency by making a significant financial investment in a Canadian venture capital fund.
A program that allows qualified investors and their families to obtain permanent residency in Quebec.
If you plan to visit Canada for a short duration, you might need to apply for a visitor visa. This visa permits you to stay in Canada for up to six months and is suitable for purposes such as tourism, visiting family or friends, or attending business meetings.
This visa is for tourists, business visitors, and individuals visiting family or friends in Canada.
The Super Visa is a long-term, multiple-entry visa for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents, allowing them to visit Canada for up to two years at a time.
IEC offers work permits to young people from participating countries for temporary work opportunities and holiday experiences in Canada.
This visa is for individuals appointed as guardians or custodians for minors studying in Canada.
These visas and programs provide protection and assistance to refugees and asylum seekers seeking refuge in Canada.
The Canada Visa Application Process
- Determine the type of visa you need: Canada offers a variety of visa types, depending on your reason for visiting. Some examples include tourist visas, student visas, and work visas.
- Gather your documents: Each visa type has specific requirements for documentation. Generally, you will need a completed application form, a valid passport, proof of financial support, and any relevant medical or police certificates.
- Fill out the application: You can complete the application online or on paper. Make sure you answer all questions truthfully, and provide all necessary information.
- Pay the application fee: Visa application fees vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for.
- Submit your application: You can submit your application online or in person at a Canadian visa application center or embassy.
- Wait for processing: Visa processing times can vary depending on the time of year and the volume of applications being processed. You can check the status of your application online.
When is the best time to start a visa application to Canada?
The best time to start a visa application to Canada depends on various factors such as the type of visa, the applicant’s country of origin, and the processing times of the Canadian government. For instance, if an individual intends to apply for a study permit, it is recommended to start the application process at least six months before the start of the academic program. On the other hand, if an applicant wishes to apply for a work permit, they may begin the process once they have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer. Additionally, applicants from certain countries may experience longer processing times, hence the need to start the application process earlier. Therefore, it is advisable to research and understand the specific requirements and processing times for the intended visa type before starting the application.
Top Cities in Canada for Expats
Canadan Immigration Resources
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CGM Documents
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Taking Action
If you are an expat currently in the Canada looking to meet fellow expats in the country, or you are outside the Canada looking for a job in the Canada, you have come to the right place. If you are a business currently in the Canada or a business person looking to set up a branch or headquarters in the Canada, you have also come to the right place. We’ll show you everything you need to know about sponsorship in the Canada and guide you through your compliance.Â
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Expat events & hangouts in the Canada
We keep tabs on all the major and minor events organised by expats for expats and immigrants all over the Canada. Meet old and new friends; expand your connections.Â
Living in Canada
Housing and accommodation
Before you arrive in the Canada, research and find suitable accommodation. This will help you settle in more
quickly.
Banking
Research the different types of bank accounts available and choose one that suits your needs.
Healthcare
The UK has a National Health Service (NHS) that provides healthcare to Canada residents. Private practices are also of the highest global standards.
List of countries that do not require a visa enter Canada
Citizens of certain countries can enter the Canada without a visa. It’s important to check the latest entry requirements before traveling.
- United States of America
- Mexico
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Chile
- Costa Rica
- Panama
- Bahamas
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Barbados
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Jamaica
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Uruguay
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Register with us if you are a business servicing or recruiting expats; or you are a skilled worker looking to work and settle in Canada
Canada Citizenship Eligibility requirements
- Age: You must be at least 18 years old to apply for Canadian citizenship.
- Permanent Resident Status: You must have permanent resident status in Canada. This means you have been approved to live in Canada permanently and have been living in Canada for at least 3 out of the last 5 years before applying for citizenship.
- Language Skills: You must be able to speak and understand either English or French, which are the official languages of Canada. You will be required to take a language test to prove your proficiency.
- Knowledge of Canada: You must have knowledge of Canada’s history, geography, government, and culture. This requirement is tested through a citizenship test.
- Criminal Record: You must not have a criminal record. If you have committed a crime, you may be ineligible for citizenship.
- Taxes: You must have filed your taxes for the required number of years before applying for citizenship.
- Intent to Reside: You must intend to reside in Canada if granted citizenship. This means you plan to live in Canada and make it your primary residence.
Explore local services for expats in Canada
General
Relocation companies in the Canada      Â
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Groceries & food delivery in the Canada   Â
Roadside assistance services in the CanadaÂ
Translation services in the Canada        Â
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House cleaning services in the Canada    Â
Healthcare
Health and wellness centres in the Canada Â
Clinics & hospitals in the Canada         Â
Doctors in the Canada                   Â
Health insurance companies in the Canada
Maternity Clinics in the Canada          Â
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Mental health services in London        Â
Business
Business consultants in the Canada      Â
Co-working spaces in the Canada       Â
Job agencies in the Canada             Â
Real Estate
Property & estate agents in the Canada   Â
Architects in the Canada               Â
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Maternity in the Canada                Â
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Mental health services in the Canada    Â
Financial Services
Accountants & Tax Preparation in
the Canada                            Â
Banks in the Canada                    Â
Currency exchange in the Canada        Â
Financial advisors in the Canada         Â
Insurance companies in the Canada      Â
Mortgage advisors in the Cana          Â
Legal Services
Immigration law firms in the Canada     Â
Family lawyers in the Canada           Â
Employment lawyers in the Canada       Â
Entertainment
Museums and places in the Canada       Â
Family and Kids activity in the Canada     Â
Nightlife hubs in the Canada              Â
Sport centres in the Canada              Â
Education
Preschool & Day care in the Canada     Â
Boarding schools in the Canada        Â
Business schools in the Canada        Â
Continuing education in the Canada     Â
International schools in the Canada      Â
Language Learning in the Canada       Â
Primary schools in the Canada          Â
Secondary schools in the Canada       Â
Universities in the Canada              Â
Summer camps in the Canada          Â
Student accommodations in the Canada Â
Travel to Canada Requirements by Country
If you are traveling to the Canada from any of the countries below, check out our evergreen travel guide from your country to the Canada:
- Travel to Canada from France
- Travel to Canada from Ireland
- Travel to Canada from Spain
- Travel to Canada from the US
- Travel to Canada from Belgium
- Travel to Canada from Bulgaria
- Travel to Canada from Croatia
- Travel to Canada from Cyprus
- Travel to Canada from Denmark
- Travel to Canada from The EU
- Travel to Canada from Serbia
- Travel to Canada from Slovakia
- Travel to Canada from South Africa
- Travel to Canada from Albania
- Travel to Canada from Australia
- Travel to Canada from Austria
- Travel to Canada from Bangladesh
- Travel to Canada from Barbados
- Travel to Canada from Brazil
- Travel to Canada from The Caribbean
- Travel to Canada from The UAE
- Travel to Canada from The UK
- Travel to Canada from Germany
- Travel to Canada from Ghana
- Travel to Canada from Greece
- Travel to Canada from Hungary
- Travel to Canada from Italy
- Travel to Canada from Lithuania
- Travel to Canada from Malaysia
- Travel to Canada from Malta
- Travel to Canada from Sri Lanka
- Travel to Canada from Thailand
- Travel to Canada from Czech
- Travel to Canada from Estonia
- Travel to Canada from Europe
- Travel to Canada from Gibraltar
- Travel to Canada from Iceland
- Travel to Canada from Indonesia
- Â Travel to Canada from Qatar
- Travel to Canada from Jamaica
- Travel to Canada from Japan
- Travel to Canada from Jordan
- Travel to Canada from India
- Travel to Canada from Saudi Arabia
- Travel to Canada from Netherlands
- Travel to Canada from Pakistan
- Travel to Canada from Poland
- Travel to Canada from Portugal
- Travel to Canada from Romania
- Travel to Canada from Turkey
- Travel to Canada from Afghanistan
- Travel to Canada from Latvia
- Travel to Canada from Lebanon
- Travel to Canada from Luxembourg
- Travel to Canada from Mexico
- Travel to Canada from Moldova
- Travel to Canada from Nepal