Are you considering immigrating to Canada? Whether you’re coming from across the border or half a world away, there are some important things to know about Canadian immigration eligibility that can help with the process.
Every country, including Canada, has unique eligibility requirements and details for immigration. Here is a handful of the most important you should know about to aid your Canadian residency application:
1. Pass an Eligibility Check
Eligibility to move to Canada on a permanent or temporary basis depends on several factors, including your:
Nationality
Age
Language ability
Family members
Education
Work experience
Income, and/or net worth
Details on any job offer
You can answer a few questions from the Official Government of Canada to find out what immigration programs you can apply for based on your eligibility. Your eligibility will heavily depend on why you want to move to Canada (work, family, etc.).
2. Canadian Permanent Residency (PR)
Like with most countries, you must become a permanent resident before being eligible for citizenship.
A permanent Canadian resident can:
Receive most social benefits that Canadian citizens receive, including provincial health care coverage
Live, work, or study anywhere in Canada
Be protected under Canadian law
Apply for citizenship after having lived in Canada for 3 out of the last 5 years
First things first, you will need to understand your eligibility for Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada. The most common path to PR is Express Entry.
3. Understanding Express Entry
If you’re a skilled worker who wants to move to Canada permanently, you will become familiar with Express Entry.
This program has minimum requirements for
Skilled work experience
Language ability
Education
If you meet all the Express Entry minimum requirements, your application will be assessed based on:
Age
Education
Skilled work experience (full-time and part-time)
Whether you have a valid job offer
English and/or French language skills
Adaptability
With each of the above selection factors, you will receive points. You can submit a profile to the Express Entry pool if you score at least 67 points across all of the selection factors.
Having a written job offer for a Canadian company is almost a ‘must have’ for express entry applicants (something many immigration consultants don’t openly state), otherwise your application ‘points’ will most likely be too low to be selected. If you’re selected for Express Entry, you will receive an invitation to apply for a PR card.
This is the best way for skilled workers to move to Canada quickly since there’s a fast processing time of six months or less. Alternatively, you may be recruited by provinces and territories through Provincial Nominee Programs.
4. Cost to Move to Canada
How much money do you need to immigrate to Canada? It depends on who (if anyone) you’re moving with.
You must prove that you have enough money for you and your family to settle in Canada (proof of funds) or that you have or will have a job in the country.
There are also a number of immigration application costs. For example, if you’re applying for Express Entry, the application processing fee is $950 and the right of permanent residence fee is $575. Adding a spouse and dependents cost extra, which is important to keep in mind when applying.
Canadian immigration eligibility is a unique process, but the government provides plenty of information to help determine which path to PR or citizenship is right for you. And if you’re simply visiting Canada, make sure to learn more about visitors to Canada insurance before your trip.
