How to Move to Canada: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
Thinking of moving to Canada but are not sure where to begin? Do not worry, you’re at the right place! Relocating to Canada is not as complicated as you might think. Preparation and the right decision-making shall assist in achieving this important change. Now let’s discuss what steps you should learn to make your dream come true.
Step 1: Make Sure You Qualify to Enter Canada
Before starting the process, you must make sure you are qualified to enter Canada. The Canadian government has strict rules, and some aspects may disqualify you from immigrating.
These include:
1. Human Rights Violations: You may be prohibited from entering Canada because of actions that violate human rights.
2. Economic Support: You need to prove that you are financially viable by demonstrating that you can provide for your dependents and yourself to have means to support yourselves without being a burden to Canada’s economy.
3. Criminal Record: Canada also has priority of safety which means you can’t enter the country if you have a criminal record.
4. Health Conditions: If you are suffering from a disease, that puts others at risk or raises great medical costs, this could be a factor here.
5. Immigration History Violations: Application for immigration to Canada may be rejected if, at any one time in the past, one has violated immigration rules for instance; overstaying as a visitor, being deported, and so on.
Understanding these criteria can help you prepare far better for the immigration process, and save you from any unexpected events. So make sure you meet all of the conditions before starting your application!
Step 2: Choose the Right Residency Pathway
Canada offers several legal pathways to gain residency, and it’s important to pick the one that suits your circumstances. Here are the main options:
1. Express Entry for Skilled Workers
Express Entry is one of the fastest ways to gain entry into Canada, especially for skilled workers. It is for people with more than one year of work experience in jobs such as managers, professionals, or technical workers. The system evaluates your age, education, work experience, and proficiency in English or French. The higher your points in these aspects, the more likely you are to be invited to apply for permanent residency.
2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
The other immigration programs are used by the provinces of Canada, also referred to as the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). If a province has selected you because they have worker shortages in particular jobs, then you can apply to settle there permanently. This is a good option for those who match the needs of a particular province.
3. Business Start-Up or Investor Visa
If you are an entrepreneur or investor, Canada offers special visas for you. Investors usually need to have a net worth of at least 10 million CAD, whereas entrepreneurs are required to have a clear business idea that can create jobs in Canada. These pathways help people who can bring money and new businesses into the country.
4. Self-Employed Persons Program
This program is also for people who work for themselves, such as freelancers or business owners. For you to qualify in this category, you should be able to prove that you earn at least $40,000 a year and can continue your work in Canada. If you have a successful self-employed career, this pathway might work well for you.
5. Family Sponsorship
One way of immigrating to Canada is through sponsoring. Family members who happen to be Canadian citizens or residents are allowed to sponsor for close relatives such as parents, children, or siblings to come to Canada. It forms an excellent way through which families can be united in Canada.
Step 3: Fill out the Right Application
Once you choose the pathway that fits your situation, it is time to fill out the suitable application. Here is what you need to know:
Express Entry Applications: You can complete this profile online. You should input information about your experience on the job, your language proficiency, and your educational background. An already secured job offer will certainly be beneficial to your profile.
Other Visas: For other types of visa applications such as business start-up, and family sponsorship, you’ll need to submit paper applications via mail.
Step 4: Pay the Application Fee
Every application comes with a fee, and these costs can add up if you’re applying with family members. For example:
An individual Express Entry application costs 550 CAD.
Adding a spouse and child raises the total to 1,250 CAD.
Step 5: Wait for Your Visa
Processing times vary depending on the type of application. Even Express Entry, which is faster, can take up to six months. Other pathways may take longer. It’s important to apply well in advance of your planned move. If your application is denied, you’ll need to reapply only if there’s a significant change in your circumstances. Unfortunately, there’s no appeal process.
Also Read:- Housing Crisis in Canada: What You Need to Know Now?
Preparing for the Move
Gather Important Documents
Before leaving for Canada, collect these essential documents:
Your Canadian immigrant visa and Confirmation of Permanent Residence.
A valid passport for every family member.
Two copies of a detailed list of all personal belongings you’re bringing.
A list of items arriving later, along with their estimated value.
Find a Place to Live
Secure a place to live before you move. Start looking for affordable apartments or homes in the location where you'll be living. If feasible, visit first to explore options. If you cannot find a permanent place, consider living in temporary accommodation, like a hotel, until you settle.
Find a Job (if you do not already have one)
Finding employment can be tough for new immigrants given the differences in credentials, work experience, and language skills. To access job postings, register with Canadian Job Bank. You will also need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to work in Canada, which you can apply for at a Service Canada Centre.
Adjust to Canadian Life
One thing to know about this country is that the culture here is friendly and very welcoming. But still, settling into a new country takes time. Learn about customs, laws, and about the community to make the adjustment easier.
Canada Citizenship
If you have decided to stay in Canada, the next big step would be to apply for citizenship. You can apply after you have been in Canada for at least 3 years as a permanent resident. To qualify you:
Must be 18 years old or older.
You must pass a test on the Canadian government and social protocols.
Prove that you are capable of speaking English or French.
After approval, you will attend a citizenship ceremony and become officially a citizen of Canada!
Conclusion
Undoubtedly, moving to Canada seems a hassle and will prove to be so if approached incorrectly. The entire process, from eligibility to documentation, is an approach toward accessing the country and starting a new life there. Therefore, don't delay further and start on that first step to making your dream of living in Canada a reality today!
