Many people wonder how to immigrate to Canada to enjoy the quality of life in this country. If this is your case, here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions.
In addition, we explain the process and requirements for moving to Canada, either to study or work. And we will also tell you how to apply for permanent residency. Let’s get started!
Why emigrate to Canada?
We’re sure you have your reasons for immigrating to Canada. However, we are sharing with you our 5 favorite reasons to start a new life in this destination. Discover them below!
- You will have access to one of the best educational systems in the world. The nation stands out as one of the leading investors in education, allocating a substantial 7% of its GDP to this crucial sector. For this reason, three Canadian universities are among the 100 best in the world, according to the QS Top Universities 2024 ranking.
- You will enjoy the opportunities of a strong economy. Canada holds the 8th position in the list of countries with the highest projected gross domestic product (GDP) from 2022 to 2028. Additionally, it secures the 14th spot in the ranking of countries with the highest Human Development Index, highlighting the exceptional quality of life enjoyed by its residents.
- You will live in a multicultural country. Thanks to its multiculturalism policy, Canada recognizes the importance of migration not only for the construction of its society but also for the strengthening of its economy.
- You will discover incredible landscapes. Encompassing nearly 10 million km², Canada boasts diverse ecosystems, many of which remain in their pristine, untouched state. The must-see attractions include the majestic Rocky Mountains, the renowned Niagara Falls, and the awe-inspiring Northern Lights. These are absolute musts on your list of things to experience in Canada!
Would you like to immigrate to Canada as a student? At GrowPro we can help you! Just select your favorite experience and fill out the form, so we can contact you!
How can I immigrate to Canada? Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about how to migrate to Canada, in the following sections we answer the most frequently asked questions about moving to Canada. This way, we’re confident you’ll be making a move soon.
What are the requirements to immigrate to Canada?
The requirements to immigrate to Canada depend on whether you want to study, work, or apply for permanent residence.
However, there are some general requirements for all travelers:
- Legal and valid passport.
- Visa and permission to study or work, depending on your case.
- Proof of economic funds.
- Certification of your level of English or French.
- Unless you apply for residency, proof that you have reason to return to your country.
How much money is needed to immigrate to Canada?
As with the requirements to immigrate to Canada, the money required for students and workers is not the same as for residents.
Here is an estimate of the funds needed for you to know how to immigrate to Canada:
- Students: 917 CAD* for each month they study in Canada.
- Workers traveling on a Working Holiday visa: 2,500 CAD* to cover initial expenses.
- Resident applicants: 12,960 CAD* (for 1 person only).
*Remember that these are approximate values and may vary over time.
What language do I need to speak to live in Canada?
For a legal immigration process to Canada, it’s recommended to be proficient in English, especially if you aim to secure residency, as meeting the language level set by the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) is a requirement.
Furthermore, to reside in the province of Quebec, proficiency in French is necessary.
Is there an age limit to live in Canada?
Being 18 years old is one of the requirements to immigrate to Canada if you plan to work. In case your question is how to immigrate to Canada to apply for residency, the ideal age is 20 to 35 years old.
After this “limit”, your application loses some points, although it is not impossible.
What is the best city in Canada to live in?
The main cities to immigrate to Canada legally are characterized by their high quality of life. However, each one has its style and offers you opportunities that others don’t. Take a look!
- Montreal: this Frenchified city is very cultural and bohemian, and has high-growth sectors such as mining, tourism, and technology.
- Toronto: Ontario’s main city is characterized for being cosmopolitan and lively, and for its high demand for finance and business professionals.
- Vancouver: the third most populated Canadian city is very quiet and tolerant, and the possibilities for working in the film and technology sector are pretty high.
- Whistler: this small town is for adventurous students and offers good jobs in the tourism and gastronomic industry and winter sports.
What are the most in-demand jobs in Canada?
The jobs in demand to legally immigrate to Canada vary from province to province. However, there are unskilled and specialized profiles that are highly sought-after in the country.
Take a look so that you are clear on how to immigrate to Canada and what opportunities there are.
Unskilled jobs in demand in Canada:
- Kitchen assistant.
- Reception assistant.
- Barista.
- Waiter.
- Snow sports instructor.
Specialized jobs in demand to immigrate to Canada legally:
- Nursing assistants.
- Nurses.
- Marketing specialists.
- IT specialists.
- Financial experts.
Is it necessary to travel to Canada with medical insurance?
Unless you are approved for residency to immigrate to Canada legally, you do NOT have access to public health services and, if something happens, paying medical bills on your own would be very expensive.
In addition, student health insurance is a requirement to apply for your visa. So, now that you know how to immigrate to Canada, take out international health insurance!
How many points are needed to immigrate to Canada?
One of the requirements to obtain permanent residency and immigrate to Canada is to participate in the Express Entry immigration programs (which we will explain below) and get a minimum of 67 points.
For this purpose, the immigration authorities consider these criteria to evaluate your profile:
- Language level: 28 points maximum.
- Education: 25 points maximum.
- Work experience: 15 points maximum.
- Age: 12 points maximum.
- Job offer in Canada (if you have one when you apply): 10 points maximum.
- Adaptability: 10 points maximum.
Can I immigrate to Canada with my pet?
Yes, you can travel with pets to Canada. Generally, the government is not as strict if you are traveling with a domestic cat, dog, or pig. However, there are some regulations for other species of animals, such as prairie dogs.
To better grasp the requirements requested by the CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency), you can consult the following link.
Can I apply for Canadian citizenship?
If you are a permanent resident, you can apply for citizenship. To do so, you must have a minimum stay of 5 years in Canada (3 of them must be interrupted) and be up to date with your taxes.
Now you have a better understanding of how to immigrate to Canada, so let’s get down to business!
In the following sections, we explain the steps to immigrate to Canada legally, whether you want to study, work, or become a resident. Make yourself comfortable.
How to immigrate to Canada to study?
There are 3 alternatives to immigrating to Canada. However, we know from experience that the “easiest” way is to travel as a student.
In this case, the requirements to immigrate to Canada are more flexible. Below, we explain how to study in this country.
1. Enroll in an academic program
In Canada, you have different program options. For example, if you want to improve your level of English or French, you can enroll in a language course.
Now, if your goal is to continue your professional training, you can choose between a Career Program (or Co-Op courses) or university programs.
2. Obtain your permit to immigrate to Canada and study
Once enrolled, the next step on how to immigrate to Canada is to apply for a student permit that is valid for the duration of your course. To apply, create a profile at IRCC and attach electronic copies or legible photos of the required documents.
Some of them are:
- Letter of acceptance issued by an accredited school (DLI).
- Valid passport for the duration of your stay.
- Proof that you have funds to cover your stay: CAD 917 per month.
- Biometric data.
- If you are going to study in Montreal or another city in the province of Quebec for more than 6 months, you must attach a Quebec Certificate of Acceptance (CAQ).
3. Graduate and apply for permanent residency in Canada
We already know this story: you met the requirements to immigrate to Canada, you finished your course, and now you are wondering how to immigrate to Canada permanently.
The answer is the Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which allows you to extend your stay after graduation.
The PGWP is a document to immigrate to Canada granted to international students graduating from a Canadian institution.
One of its advantages is that you can work full time, with an employer or self-employed, for as long as it is in force.
Depending on the duration of the course you took, the PGWP is valid from 8 months to 3 years if you meet these requirements:
- Have a valid temporary resident status or have left Canada.
- Have studied in an accredited school (DLI) for at least 8 months and obtained a university diploma or degree.
- You maintained your full-time student status.
- You have a letter certifying the completion of your course.
And then, when your PGWP expires, how to immigrate to Canada? Qualify to immigrate to Canada and apply for residency through the Canadian Experience Class. This program is for skilled employees who work or have worked in Canada and want to move to Canada permanently.
How to immigrate to Canada to work?
If studying is not in your plans, the alternative, although a bit more difficult, is to meet the requirements to immigrate to Canada and work.
There are 2 requirements and we explain the steps in the following sections. Take notes!
1. Get a job in Canada
To immigrate to Canada to work, you must have a job! When applying for a work permit, the authorities ask you to present a work contract.
Sure, we warn you that it is not easy, but you have Job Bank, the government’s job bank, fully available.
There, they show you the offers available in each province, the requirements for each job, and the profiles most sought after by Canadian employers.
If you have no luck, browse other websites widely used by those wondering how to immigrate to Canada:
- Linkedln.
- JobsinCanada.
- Simplyhired.
- Indeed.
- Workopolis.
2. Apply for a permit to work in Canada
If you want to immigrate to Canada to work, there are 3 permits you can apply for:
- Working Holiday Visa
- Employer-specific Work Permit
- Open Work Permit
Although all of them allow you to work full time, there are differences in how to immigrate to Canada with each one that we explain below.
Working Holiday Visa
The Working Holiday Visa allows you to travel and work for one year in the country. After that year, you can renew the permit a second time.
During that time, you can work unlimited hours with any employer. The requirements to obtain it are the following:
- Be a citizen of one of the eligible countries
- Be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Have the funds to immigrate to Canada to work: 2,500 $CAD*.
- Take out international medical insurance before or after your visa is approved.
- Travel without financially dependent companions.
- Pay the fees: 156 $CAD* for the Working Holiday and 100 $CAD* for the work permit.
*All values are for reference only and are subject to change.
Employer-specific Work Permit
Another permit to immigrate to Canada to work is the Employer-specific work permit. This document allows you to work with a single employer for a specific period.
Some of the requirements are:
- Get an employer to initiate your permit process.
- Demonstrate that you have reason to return to your country when the permit expires.
- Certify the funds to pay for your stay (and that of your family, if traveling with you), and to return to your country.
- Have a clean criminal record.
- Have an employment contract with specific start and end dates.
Open Work Permit
The Open Work Permit is a permit to work in non-specific positions in Canada. You can apply for it outside or inside Canada, including at a port of entry into the country.
This work permit to immigrate to Canada is intended for foreign nationals who have applied for permanent residence and spouses (or common-law partners) of full-time students, of a permanent residence applicant, of workers with a PGWP or a skilled worker.
To apply, you must:
- Demonstrate that you will leave Canada after your work permit expires.
- Prove that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay, and to return home.
- Submit a criminal record certificate.
- Submit a medical examination, if applicable.
Keep in mind that regardless of the permit you apply for, you must apply for a SIN Number once you arrive in Canada. This allows you to work legally and access programs and benefits offered by the state.
How to apply for permanent residence in Canada?
How to immigrate to Canada for good? Simple: participate in Express Entry.
Express Entry is an online system created to manage applications for permanent residence submitted by skilled workers from all over the world. It offers 3 programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Skilled Trades Program
- Canadian Experience Class
Each program is designed for a different worker profile. Below, we show you the requirements to immigrate to Canada to meet for each one. Take a look!
WARNING: the following information is not valid for permanent immigration to the province of Quebec, as the region has its own immigration system.
Federal Skilled Worker Program
The Federal Skilled Worker Program is aimed at skilled workers with foreign work experience who wish to immigrate to Canada. This program has 4 minimum requirements to be eligible:
- Minimum of 1 year full-time work experience in one of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
- Certificate of your level of English with a minimum score of 7, according to the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) in the 4 language skills.
- Certificate, diploma, or degree from a Canadian school or validation of studies with an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
- Sufficient funds: CAD 12,960.
Federal Trades Worker Program
The Federal Skilled Trades Program is oriented toward skilled workers in a specialized trade. If you are a skilled tradesman (blacksmith, plumber, electrician…) and you want permanent residency, this is the program for you!
The requirements are similar to the previous case, but there are certain differences that we show you in this list:
- Certified full-time work experience of at least 2 years.
- Certificate of your level of English with a minimum score of 5 for listening and speaking, and 4 for reading and writing, according to the Canadian Language Benchmark.
- Sufficient funds: CAD 12,960.
- Credential to perform your trade issued by the government of the province where you want to work.
- Although not mandatory, submitting Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) accredited transcripts will help you earn more points.
3. Canadian Experience Class
As mentioned above, qualified employees who work or have worked in Canada can apply for permanent residence through the Canadian Experience Class.
To be selected, it is important that you meet all of these requirements, or at least most of them:
- Minimum, 1 year of full-time qualified work experience.
- Work experience gained as a temporary resident authorized to work.
- Certificate of your English level.
- Diploma or degree obtained from a Canadian institution. It is not mandatory, but it adds points.
Once you are clear about the ideal program to obtain permanent residency in Canada, create a profile on IRCC.
The authorities will evaluate it and, if you obtain the minimum points (67 points), they will send it to a data pool with those of other candidates to qualify it again.
For this, they use the Comprehensive Rating System (CRS). They take into account the requirements mentioned above and other factors and give you a maximum score of 1,200 points. The higher it is, the more chances you have of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residency.
And keep in mind that, from the moment you receive it, you have 90 days to complete the procedure! Otherwise, your profile will be removed from the database.
How to immigrate to Canada with GrowPro
Canada has its doors open, you just have to decide to take the plunge with GrowPro and become part of our amazing community! With our educational experiences, you will have clarity on the steps you need to take to move legally as a student.
Do you want to know more information? Then, visit this page and select your preferred experience! Then, fill out the form and one of our Student Advisors will contact you to initiate the planning of your trip.
Take the first step with GrowPro!
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