Canada, known as the “Great White North,” is a desirable destination for immigrants due to its flourishing economy, political stability, quality healthcare, and education.
While immigrating to Canada may seem like a dream come true, this guide provides a comprehensive step-by-step process for obtaining a Canadian visa.
Apply For Canada Visa – 100% Working Guide
Step 1: Determining Your Eligibility
The first step for immigrants planning to move to Canada is to assess their eligibility, as it would be a waste of time and money to pursue the process if they are not eligible.
To ascertain eligibility, one should create a checklist of the Canadian government’s immigration requirements, as failure to meet these requirements may render one ineligible for immigration.
- A record of human or international rights violations
- A criminal record
- Health issues
- An inadmissible family member
- Been discovered to be non-compliant with the Immigration Refugee Protection Act (IRPA)
- Inadequate funds
Step 2: Choosing an Immigration Route
When considering immigrating to Canada, selecting one of the legal entry channels is crucial to avoid deportation and being banned. Your options include:
- Express Entry: The express entry route is widely viewed as the quickest path for new immigrants to enter Canada, and it also serves as an excellent means of obtaining permanent residency. To be eligible for this option, you must score well in the express entry pool, which employs the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to evaluate factors such as age, education, work experience, connections to Canada, and language proficiency in English or French.
The express entry pathway is often regarded as the swiftest means of immigration to Canada and is also a great way to secure permanent residency. To qualify for this option, you need to rank high in the express entry pool, which employs the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to assess various factors such as age, education, work experience, Canadian ties, and proficiency in English or French.
- Work Permit: For immigrants seeking to move to Canada, another straightforward option is the work permit route, which allows temporary workers, entrepreneurs, and students to work in Canada for a limited period. To utilize this pathway, you can select either an open work permit or an employer-specific work permit.
But to be eligible for immigration via this channel, you must have a job offer from a recognized Canadian employer.
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) consists of various immigration programs for Canada’s different provinces and territories. It provides another path to obtain Canadian permanent residency, as the provinces use these programs to facilitate the immigration of individuals who have shown interest in settling in their province. However, with this option, you are only permitted to settle in the selected province. To learn more about the Provincial Nominee Program, visit HERE.
- Family Sponsorship: Family members over 18 years old, as well as parents and spouses, can sponsor immigrants to move to Canada, provided they are permanent residents or citizens and can demonstrate financial support. For additional information about family sponsorship, please visit: HERE.
- Startup Visa: Immigrant entrepreneurs can obtain a work permit to move to Canada and, upon establishing their businesses, may be eligible for permanent residency. Additional information can be found HERE.
- Study Visa: This route also allows students to move to Canada and pursue higher education, and after graduation, they can obtain a work permit to extend their stay.
The Rural and Northern Pilot immigration program or the caregiver immigration program is also worth considering.
Step 3. Begin Application
Once you have chosen your preferred immigration program, you can apply on the Canadian immigration website, ensuring that you submit all the necessary documents specified on the site. Then, you will need to pay the application fee, which can range from CAD 500 to CAD 1500, depending on the type of visa you are applying for.
Step 4. Visa
Allow sufficient time for processing as it may take up to six months to receive a response to your application. If your application is denied, you may reapply later when your circumstances have changed, but the decision is not subject to appeal.
Step 5. Prepping
After receiving your visa approval, the next step is to plan your relocation to Canada. This involves gathering the necessary documents for entry into the country.
- Your Canadian immigrant visas
- Confirmation of Permanent Residence for each family member travelling with you
- A valid passport and other travel documents for each member of your entourage
- Two copies of a detailed list of any person of household items you have with you
- Two copies of items that may arrive later and their monetary value.
After gathering the required documents for entry into Canada, the next step is to make arrangements for accommodation. Fortunately, virtual home viewings make the selection process easier, or you could opt for a physical walk-through a month before your final move.
Step 6. Health Insurance
Although Canada provides free health insurance to its residents and citizens, new immigrants must purchase private health insurance to ensure coverage for up to three months from their initial arrival in Canada.
The specific insurance providers and policies available may vary depending on the province.
Finally, after you move
Considering immigration is often a search for a better life, obtaining Canadian citizenship should be your ultimate goal. After four years of holding permanent residency in Canada, you can apply for citizenship, provided you have lived in Canada for at least three out of the last five years.
To be eligible for citizenship, you must be at least 18 years old, proficient in either English or French, knowledgeable about Canadian social norms, and pass a Canadian government and politics exam.
If successful, you will receive Canadian citizenship and an invitation to attend a citizenship ceremony.
