Are you considering immigrating to Canada? Then this guide is for you. Many people aim to move to Canada because of its free healthcare, strong economy, and low crime rate.
Canada is always seeking skilled workers and business professionals, which may be your path to residency. A qualifying family member already living in Canada may also be an option for permanent residency.
In this guide, we’ll review the benefits that permanent residents of Canada enjoy. We’ll also review the immigration programs available so you can choose the right one for your family.
Finally, we’ll conclude with a few tips to prepare for your immigration application, plus how you can check your application status.
Overview of Canadian Immigration System
The Canadian immigration system admits new residents through four programs: economic pathways, family sponsorship, refugees/protected persons, or humanitarian efforts.
Whereas many countries may handle immigrant applications using a first-come-first-serve method, Canada uses a points-based approach instead. Points are assigned to applicants based on age, work experience, education, and language. Candidates will need at least a 67/100 on the free assessment, and approval is more likely for higher scores.
Benefits of Living in Canada
Moving to Canada offers many benefits, including the following:
- Strong Economy: Canada’s economy is strong, with many available jobs and fair pay in most industries. Canadians enjoy low unemployment rates, strong labor markets, profitable exports, and positive balance sheets.
- Multicultural Society: Canada offers access to a diverse, multicultural society. The country boasts two official languages, English and French. It also has a higher rate of immigrants, with almost 20% of its population.
- High Quality of Life: Free healthcare, longer paid maternity leave, high-quality schools, and ample outdoor recreation can offer a higher quality of life in Canada.
- Low Crime: Canada is often ranked as one of the safest countries in the world, with lower-than-average crime rates.
Pathways to Canadian Immigration
A move to Canada may be possible with one of the following pathways to immigration.
Express Entry System
The Express Entry System is the most straightforward path to becoming a Canadian citizen. Express Entry allows permanent residence through one of three federal economic programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW): The FSW program is for skilled workers with trade experience.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST): The FST program is for skilled workers with Canadian or foreign national work experience.
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): The Canadian Experience Class is designed for skilled workers with specific Canadian work experience.
Those seeking permanent residence in Canada through Express Entry must meet the program’s requirements. Then, all applicants are scored, and approved residents are chosen based on the highest ranking.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) may be an option for some who know which province they want to move to. Different Canadian provinces have varying workforce and skilled trade needs. Some residents may boost their Express Entry scores through a specific Canadian province nominee.
All provinces in Canada participate in the nominee program except Quebec. Many residents seek nominations from Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.
Family Sponsorship
Family sponsorship may be available to those with qualifying family members who have Canadian citizenship. To qualify for family sponsorship, the sponsoring citizen and the intended immigrant must receive approval from the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Family sponsorship may be available to spouses, partners, children, or parents.
Other Immigration Programs
Other programs may be available to pursue Canadian citizenship. Work or spousal work permits can provide temporary residency; some international students may also qualify for a temporary resident visa. The Global Talent Stream may be an option for immigration candidates with information technology (IT) skills.
Other programs that may be available include the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) or the Intra-Company Transfer.
Preparing for the Move
Before you move to Canada, you’ll need to complete all required paperwork, which includes the following steps.
Education Credential Assessment (ECA)
Many immigrants aim to transfer their previous work and educational experience when moving to Canada. Whether or not your previous experience is recognized in Canada varies, depending on the province. The Education Credential Assessment (ECA) verifies listed foreign degrees and diplomas.
Work Experience
Work experience is important during the immigration process, especially when seeking residency through Express Entry. Ideally, immigrants will want to provide at least the prior ten years of work history on the application. Include information about each specific employer for all listed jobs.
Settlement Funds
Ensuring you have sufficient settlement funds ahead of time can also help you prepare for your move. Obtaining Canadian permanent residence requires government processing, a work permit, and Right of Permanent Resident fees.
The Canadian government also requires proof of settlement funds, demonstrating that you are in a good financial position until you can settle. The minimum settlement amount is based on family size and changes annually. For example, in 2024 – a 1-person family will require proof of at least $14,690. A family of four will need a minimum of $27,297.
Not everyone will have to demonstrate proof of settlement funds. Sometimes, a letter outlining a valid job offer or Canadian Experience Class invitation meets this requirement.
Police Clearance Certificates and Medical Exams
Moving to Canada also requires a police clearance certificate and a medical exam. A police clearance certificate searches for a criminal record, and a medical exam ensures newcomers aren’t a risk to Canadian residents or health care services. Health insurance can be expensive, and Canada wants to ensure residents won’t lose access to these public social services.
The Application Process
Are you ready to take the first step toward becoming a Canadian resident? Follow the steps below to start the application process.
Choosing the Right Program
Choosing the right immigration program is important to your experience. Evaluate your qualifications and living preferences to choose the right program for permanent residency. Visiting Canada before submitting your application can also be beneficial, especially if you seek a province nomination based on job experience.
Many Americans may consult with an expert when choosing the right program. Certain requirements can make you eligible or negligible for residency in Canada, and understanding these is key to becoming a Canadian resident.
Gathering Required Documents
Gathering the required documents ahead of time can help speed up the process. To immigrate to Canada, you’ll usually need a completed application, proof of employment, bank statements, police clearance, and medical documentation. You may also need proof of educational diploma or degree and licensing credentials.
Completing the Application
Try to be accurate and complete when filling out your Canadian immigration application. Double- and triple-check your application to ensure all listed information is accurate. Avoid employment gaps, and be clear about your job tasks and history.
If any information you listed changes while your application is being processed, notify IRCC of the discrepancies as soon as possible. This might include changes to your work permit or study permit status or new criminal charges. It might also include proof of learning new language skills, giving birth to additional children, or changing employment.
Paying Application Fees
Make sure you have the funds available to pay application fees. The exact application fee varies, depending on the program you choose. Currently, the Right of Permanent Residence Fee is $575. Family Sponsorship with the Right of Permanent Residence is $1,205.
Permanent residence through Business Immigration is $2,385. The application fee for Economic Immigration through Express Entry is $1,525. Keep in mind these fees may change, and it’s always best to check the government website for the most recent pricing list.
Submitting the Application
Submit your application through the Visa Application Centre. You will need to create a secure IRCC account. Then, you can submit the appropriate application using the online system.
After Applying
Submitting your application is the first step in your move to Canada. Keep in mind that the application process can take some time, and you may need to communicate with IRCC.
Processing Times
Canada continues to be a popular residency choice for immigrants, leading to excessive demand in applications, which can lead to long processing times. Actual processing times vary depending on the application or Visa type.
Currently, provincial nominees through the economic immigration program can expect a processing time of six months. A US citizen seeking to immigrate to the country through the Family Sponsorship Program with a spouse living there can expect a 24-month processing timeline.
Express Entry applications through Economic Immigration for self-employed persons can expect a processing time of at least 47 months.
Those who wish to enter Canada on a short-term work permit can expect much faster processing times, sometimes as short as 16 weeks. The fastest way to speed up your application process is to file via online Express Entry.
Communication with IRCC
The IRCC makes it easy to check application status using their online tool. Before checking the status, you’ll need to know the application type you filed.
Preparing for Arrival
After completing the relevant immigration program application, you’ll want to prepare for your new life in other important ways, too. Make sure you have housing waiting for your arrival. Open a bank account so you can begin earning and paying bills. You will also need a Canada social insurance number to pay taxes.
Don’t forget about obtaining a new driver’s license and car registration if you plan to drive. Of course, many Canadian residents initially rely on public transportation. Accessing Canada’s universal healthcare services requires submitting a completed registration form and three separate identification documents.
Tracking down newcomer services can also help temporary residents transition into Canadian citizens. Many new immigrants also find Canadians helpful, so you can ask questions and establish your new residency.