How Difficult Is It to Immigrate to Canada: Steps to Move to Canada

The need to relocate to Canada spreads like wildfire among the world’s population at specific parts of the year.

From the majestic Rocky Mountains and endless forests to the French-speaking Montreal, there’s no wonder why over 10,000 Americans move to Canada every year. Many people want to emigrate to Canada, yet they are still determining how to go about it.

In case you’re considering making Canada your new home, you’ll need to apply for a visa and weigh your options, including express entry, work visas for skilled workers, and other Canadian immigration programs. Once you’ve decided on a route, you can begin exploring your settlement in Canada options.

We hope this guide helps newcomers by covering the following topics:

• What is the best pathway for your unique situation?
• Will you stay or settle in a particular place when moving to Canada?
• Are there any struggles you might face when settling in a new country?

Let’s talk through all of it.

Checklist Before Moving to Canada

Moving to Canada is a lot of work, but it’s worth it. Use this checklist to ensure you have everything covered before packing.

Visa

Canada is one of the top destinations for immigrants, with more than 341,180 permanent residents being admitted each year. Moving to Canada is a big step. But it’s not just about packing your bags and leaving behind your family, friends, and life. It’s also about ensuring you have all the correct paperwork to enter Canada and make it home.

But before you can move to Canada and start your life as a resident or citizen, you’ll need to obtain a visa. A visa is an official document that allows you to enter Canada for a specific purpose, such as work or study. 

Canada has several types of visas that allow foreign nationals to work, study and stay in Canada temporarily or permanently. These include:

Open work permits: These are issued without any restrictions on where or how long an employer can hire them. They can also be used by students who have graduated from an approved post-secondary institution;

Specific purposes: These include intra-company transferees (who come with their job offer), international students who have graduated from an approved educational institution in Canada, and those who intend to study or do research at an accredited university or college;

Permanent residence visas: This visa is issued once criteria are met, such as working full-time in Canada or having family sponsorship for one year or longer.

In addition, if you are moving to Canada temporarily and plan to return home at the end of your stay, you may apply for an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). In case you are coming to live in Canada permanently, you’ll need to apply for a permanent residence card (PRC).

Application Process

The Canadian visa application process is comprehensive and complex, and requires careful planning and preparation. All applicants must follow the same steps when applying for a Canadian visa.

The crucial step for applying for a Canada visa is to determine which type of visa you need. The most common types of Canadian visas are tourist, business, student, and visitor visas.

Visa requirements differ depending on the purpose of your visit. You’ll need to apply for a visitor visa if you travel to Canada as a tourist. If you’re planning on doing business or studying in Canada, you’ll need to apply for a business or study visa respectively.

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued visas. The IRCC website provides detailed information about all types of visitor visas, including who is eligible and how long they can stay in Canada.

Once you have gone through all the instructions, you can start filling in your application form. You can fill it out online or offline, depending on your preferences.

Online

The applicant has to create an account and fill out an application form on the Government of Canada website.

As mentioned above, various types of visas are available for different purposes. Applicants can select the visa type they need and fill out the form accordingly.

Once the application form is filled out, it is submitted to the visa office online, and a confirmation notice will be sent to their email address.

After that, a letter of introduction will be sent by courier or registered mail, depending on the applicant’s choice. This letter contains all the details needed for processing your file and also serves as an invitation letter if required by you.

The applicant must bring all required documents at their first appointment with IRCC (Immigration and Refugee Board).

In-Person

The in-person visa application process can be divided into three stages:

• The first stage is the complete the visa application. You need to submit your application with all the required documents and pay the visa fee before you can submit your application.
• The second stage is processing your application by a Visa Application Centre (VAC). This may take time, depending on how busy the VAC is.
• The third stage is when you get an interview at a Canadian consulate or embassy in your home country.

Check Out Top 8 Easiest Ways to Immigrate to Canada:

Immigration Pathway

Relocating to Canada is a life-altering choice that should not be made lightly. Before packing your belongings, you must ensure you have chosen the correct immigration route for your specific circumstances.

The first step to moving to Canada is understanding what options are available to you. Each country has different criteria for allowing individuals to immigrate, and permanent residents can choose whether to apply through the federal or provincial system.

There are several categories of immigrants that may be eligible to move to Canada under different circumstances:

Express Entry Program

Express entry is a Canadian economic immigration program that allows you to apply for permanent residence in Canada. The Express Entry system was introduced in January 2015, replacing the Comprehensive Ranking System.

This system uses a point system to assess your eligibility for Canadian immigration. It classifies you as either a skilled worker or a provincial nominee, depending on your experience and skills.

The system requires applicants to have an education level above high school, a valid job offer from an employer in Canada, and a minimum score of 67 points on the Comprehensive Ranking System test.

The CRS is based on an applicant’s work experience, language ability, and education credentials. The CRS is scored out of 1,200 points, with 600 points available for factors such as age, education level, and work experience gained abroad or in Canada.

Federal Skilled Worker Program

The Federal Skilled Worker Program is the most common way skilled immigrants come to Canada. It’s also one of the most competitive programs.

Workers with at least ten years of paid experience in a skilled occupation (such as management, professional, or technical work) as listed by NOC (the National Occupation Classification) are eligible to apply for this program. 

Federal Skilled Trades Program

The Federal Skilled Trades Program is for skilled tradespersons looking to immigrate to Canada permanently but doesn’t meet the Federal Skilled Worker Program criteria.

The program is open to applicants with skills in demand in Canada who can demonstrate an ability to fill a skilled trade position.

The program also looks at applicants’ level of education, language proficiency, and work experience. Applicants must be able to support themselves financially while they settle in Canada, and they must have the intent to settle in Canada permanently.

Applicants must have at least two years of relevant experience in their trade area, including one year of paid employment or documented self-employment.

Provincial Nominee Program

The PNP (Provincial Nominee Program) is a Canadian immigration program that allows provinces and territories to nominate individuals who wish to immigrate to Canada. The PNP program is divided into categories, each requiring different criteria.

The federal government introduced the PNP program in 2002 to allow provinces and territories to select immigrants who meet local labour market needs. It aims to attract skilled workers that can contribute to the economy and society of the province or territory they are moving to.

To be eligible for this program, applicants must meet specific requirements set by the province or territory where they wish to move.

 In general, applicants must have a job offer from an employer in their intended province or territory and meet specific education, language and financial requirements.

Quebec Selected Skilled Workers

Quebec has its immigration system, separate from the rest of Canada. The Quebec government selects you based on your education, job experience, and French language skills. 

You must submit a Quebec Selection Certificate application to the Government of Quebec and follow their procedures to qualify for this approval. You must also prove that you have enough money to support yourself during your first year in Canada.

Atlantic Immigration Program

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a permanent resident category for individuals living in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.

The program encourages immigration to Atlantic Canada by making permanent residence more accessible. It also aims to address the region’s labour market needs and help fill labour shortages through increased access to foreign workers.

The program has three streams:

• Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Workers Program
• Atlantic High-Skilled Workers Program
• Atlantic International Graduate Program

Self-Employment Visa

The Self-Employment Visa allows foreign nationals to live and work in Canada as self-employed persons. As a farmer or an athlete, you can qualify for this visa if you provide evidence that your business is profitable and sustainable in Canada.

Start-Up Visa

The Start-up Visa Program is a new initiative allowing foreign entrepreneurs to come to Canada and start their businesses. The business immigration programs are designed to attract individuals who want to start an innovative business in Canada, create jobs and help grow the Canadian economy.

The applicant must also be able to provide proof that they have been accepted into an accelerator program,incubator program or business incubator; have received written confirmation from an academic institution that it will assist with the start-up; or have received a written confirmation from Canadian government officials that it will assist with the start-up.

LMIA Work Visa

The LMIA Work Visa is Canada’s most common work visa and applies to most jobs. It is issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) and allows you to work anywhere in Canada.

You’ll need a job offer from an employer CIC approved to hire foreign workers. The employer must apply for a (Labour Market Impact Assessment) LMIA before you can apply for your LMIA Work Visa.

Your employer will have to prove that no permanent resident or Canadian citizen is available for the job. If there is, they won’t get an LMIA Work Visa.

Canadian Investor Immigration

Canadian Investor Immigration is one of several immigration programs that allow investors to obtain permanent residence in Canada by investing CAD$800,000 into the Canadian economy.

To be eligible for this program, applicants must demonstrate that they have experience in business management or administration and that their investment will benefit the Canadian economy. 

Applicants must also meet specific language requirements and pass medical and security checks before being approved for Canadian permanent residence through this program.

Canadian Experience Class

The Canadian Experience Class is a subclass of the Federal Skilled Worker Program. It is designed for skilled workers with 12 months of continuous employment in Canada within the last three years.

Applicants must demonstrate that they have been working in an eligible occupation and can meet the NOC (National Occupational Classification) skill type 0, A or B requirements.

The CEC is an expedited pathway to permanent residence. This means that applicants can skip other current applications before they may apply. They can apply at any time and receive an answer within four months, as long as all their required documents have been submitted with their application.

Humanitarian and Compassionate Application

If you are in Canada without legal status and wish to apply for permanent residence, you can submit an H & C application.

An H&C applicationis filed on humanitarian and compassionate grounds (H&C) and can be submitted by any foreign national or permanent resident. 

The purpose of such applications is to allow individuals who would otherwise be refused due to their inadmissibility under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act or other laws to make a case for why they should not be removed from Canada.

Immigration Pathway for Family Reunification

Family reunification is the most common pathway to permanent residence in Canada. This is because one of the main goals of Canadian immigration policy is to bring families together.

Family reunification allows certain family members of an applicant to accompany them to Canada while they apply for permanent resident status.

This includes spouses, common-law partners, dependent children (under 22 years old) and parents, as well as grandparents and grandchildren over the age of 18 who are dependents financially on the person applying for permanent residence in Canada.

Immigration Pathway for Study Purposes

Canada is a country of immigrants, with people from all over the world coming here to live, work and study. The Canadian government has established several immigration pathways to help newcomers settle into their new homes.

One of these pathways is for students who wish to study in Canada. In case you want to study in Canada, you must first apply for a study permit. You can do this before or after you arrive in Canada.

However, most applicants apply for their permits before they leave their home country. This allows them time to gather information about the schools accepting them as applicants, find out about application deadlines and gather all the necessary documents before they leave home.

Applicants should have an acceptance letter from a designated learning institution (DLI). A DLI is an educational institute authorized by IRCC which provides eligible international students with access to post-secondary education at a recognized diploma or degree level.

Refugee Claims

Refugee claimants are fleeing their country of origin for reasons such as persecution for their political views, religion, race, nationality, or social group membership.

To be eligible for refugee protection in Canada, applicants must establish that they cannot return to their home country because they fear persecution.

If they can prove this, they will be granted permanent resident status and may be able to apply for Canadian citizenship.

Check Out 15 Reasons Why You Should Move/immigrate to Canada/;

Selecting a Province

Canada is a large country with many different regions, climates, and landscapes. Your next step is to select the province or territory where you want to live.

Do you want to live in the mountains? The prairies? The east coast? Canada’s provinces and territories have their own unique cultures and offer many different types of living situations.

While it can be tempting to move to the province you think will be best for you, it’s essential to be aware of what each province has to offer.

Each province has its own set of rules and regulations, including health care and education. Some provinces are more rural than others, while others are more urban.

Some have colder climates, while others have warmer ones. It would help if you researched each province thoroughly before deciding where to live in Canada.

Once you’ve chosen the region of Canada that best suits your needs, it’s time to pick a specific area within that region. This is when things get a little more complicated because every city also has its personality and culture, job market, and cost of living.

Your Personal Belongings

Before you pack your bags and head to the airport, you’ll need to consider what to bring with you, what to leave behind and how to get everything there safely. Your personal belongings will be one of the most significant considerations when deciding where to settle after your move.

Moving from abroad requires you to find out if a shipping company between your country and Canada offers services. Not all countries offer this service; some may charge more for shipping than others.

There is no limit for your category; you can bring all your belongings. In case there is a limit, and you exceed it, you will have to pay duties and taxes on any excess.

It’s also essential to check what types of packages are allowed into the country so that nothing gets confiscated by customs agents on arrival.

Travel Method to Canada

There are a few different ways to travel to Canada, depending on your preferences and the type of trip you’re taking. You can travel to Canada by air, land, or sea.

By Air: Air is the most common way to get to Canada. The country has many international airports and airlines that fly into and out of these airports, making it easy to find a flight that fits your budget, schedule, and needs.

By land: Crossing the Canadian border by land is possible via the United States or Mexico. You should consult with your local government before attempting a border crossing.

By Sea: You can enter Canada at any one of its ports of entry located along the coast of its three central provinces. 

While looking for the most economical method of transportation, we recommend flying into one of Canada’s major cities and renting a car from there. This option is excellent for people who want to explore cities and nature—you can get around quickly without worrying about train schedules or bus routes.

If you’re more interested in seeing natural sights than big cities, flying into one of Canada’s smaller airports might be the best option. You’ll have access to plenty of hiking trails, waterfalls, and other outdoor activities that can’t be found in larger cities.

Money

One of the most common questions potential immigrants ask is, “How much money do I need to move to Canada?” The answer depends on some factors, including your age, professional background and whether you’re immigrating as an individual or as part of a family unit.

 An individual can expect to pay around CAD 2,300 to immigrate to Canada, while a couple can expect to pay around CAD 4,500.

The amount of money you need also depends on the province or territory you wish to settle as a sufficient fund. The minimum amount per person for immigration varies from CAD 12,000 up to CAD 22,000.

Remember that each immigration pathway has rules and requirements for having enough money to immigrate.

Essential Things to Know When Moving to Canada

The process of moving to Canada can be challenging and complex. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for everyone. You should plan your relocation carefully and consider several factors, including your current living situation, your life goals and whether or not you have family in Canada. The following sections explain some of these considerations:

Renting/Buying a House

When you move to Canada, you’ll need to figure out where you’ll live first. When considering buying a house, you must ensure you have enough money for the down payment and mortgage payments; if you don’t have much money saved up, rent for a while until you can afford your place.

Renting is another option for newcomers who need more resources to buy their own homes immediately. Many people rent apartments or houses with roommates to save money. 

In some cases, however, finding affordable housing in Canada on a low or fixed income can be difficult. Some provinces have programs that help subsidize rents for people who are on low incomes or who are disabled or elderly.

Moreover, While moving to Canada and needing to know where you want to live, a rental can be an excellent way to get your bearings. It’s also a great option if you’re still determining how long you will stay in the country.

Opening a Bank Account

A bank account is essential in any country, but it can be vital if you move overseas. You’ll need somewhere safe to store your money, so opening an account as soon as possible is highly recommended. 

Many banks offer free bank accounts for new customers who open them with a certain amount of money or have lived in Canada for a certain period. To set up a new account, you’ll need a Canadian address and identification documentation, such as a passport or driver’s license.

The following financial institutions all have programs that are tailored to “newcomers,” which should make things much simpler for you: 

• National Bank of Canada. 
• Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
• Royal Bank of Canada. 
• Bank of Montreal. 

Healthcare

When moving to Canada, you must know about the health care system in the country. Many people moving here from other countries are concerned about their medical coverage, which is understandable.

You must understand how the system works to get the most benefits possible. Canada’s healthcare system is called Medicare. It provides free or subsidized health services for Canadian citizens and residents, including those who move to Canada permanently from abroad. 

However, people who are not citizens or residents of Canada must pay for their medical care costs unless they have private insurance.

Taxes

Canada has a progressive tax system, which means that the more money you earn, the more your federal and provincial taxes will be. Canadian income tax is based on your province of residence and whether you are considered a resident or non-resident of Canada.

In most cases, the government requires you to file a tax return yearly if your income is above a certain threshold.

Each pay period, the income tax withheld from your paycheque depends on how much money you make and how many exemptions or deductions (mortgage interest) you’re entitled to claim.

Check Out How Much Do You Need to Immigrate to Canada:

Pros of Moving to Canada

Canada is a great place to live and work. Here are some reasons why you should consider moving to Canada:

• High standard of living

Canadians enjoy a high standard of living with an excellent healthcare system and social security benefits for those who cannot afford private health insurance or dental coverage plans.

In addition to these benefits, Canadian residents also receive free education at all levels, including post-secondary education, which is not available anywhere except for Australia and New Zealand, which also offer free secondary education).

• Welcoming Immigrants:

Canada is one of the most immigrant-friendly countries in the world. They welcome people from all over the world who want to improve their lives by living in Canada as permanent residents or citizens.

Moreover, the government welcomes newcomers because they know immigrants make up a large part of their population and will continue to do so in the future.

• Job Opportunities

Canada offers plenty of job opportunities for all skill levels, which is excellent news if you start your career. Because of this, many people move there in search of better job prospects or higher salaries than they had back home.

• Low Crime Rate

Low crime rate. Canada’s low crime rate means you can feel safe walking around at night or taking your children to school without worrying about being attacked or robbed by someone else.

Cons of Moving to Canada

There are many reasons to move there, but if you’re considering leaping, you should know that there are also some drawbacks.

• Weather Conditions

Another con of moving to Canada is its icy weather conditions during certain times of the year, especially during winter! Winter temperatures in Canada can be below-freezing points even during warmer months like June or July.

While this may appeal to those who love snow sports or want a change in climate from what they’re used to at home, for others, this might be an uncomfortable adjustment period that takes some time to get used to.

• High cost of living

Canada has a high cost of living compared to other countries, so you must be prepared for this before moving there. Even though the average salary is higher than elsewhere, it may only cover some of your expenses and could leave you struggling financially.

Housing costs are among the highest in North America, and it’s not uncommon for people to spend more than 50% of their income on housing costs.

The cost of living in Toronto, Ontario, is more than double that in New York City or Los Angeles. To afford the same lifestyle as you have now, you’ll need to earn more money or cut back on expenses.

• Higher taxes

Taxes in Canada are higher than average compared to other countries around the world. This means that even though your income might be higher than it would be in other countries, you’ll likely still pay more taxes than most people elsewhere.

• Poor public transport

Canada is well-known for its vast landscape and wide open spaces, but getting around without a car or other transport can be challenging.

Public transport is less developed than in other countries, so if you don’t have a vehicle, you may have to rely on other forms of transport such as taxis or buses. This can be expensive and inconvenient if you don’t live near a bus route or subway station.

• Language Barrier

Canada has two official languages: English and French. However, most Canadians speak only English and have little knowledge of French. If you are not fluent in English or French, you will find it challenging to get by in Canada.

FAQs

Conclusion

You’ll find everything you need in Canada to start over. Canada is a beautiful country with wonderful people, and the Canadian government is making it easier than ever for people who want to move there.

The process of moving to Canada takes time, patience, and money. But the rewards are definitely worth the effort! It’s one of the best places to live.

This guide has outlined the key things you need to know about moving to Canada. With all this information, you should be well-equipped to move to Canada. Just remember to pack your passport and keep your mind open.

Good luck, and enjoy your new life in the Great White North!