Immigrating to a new country can be a complex and long-winded process, but with some focused research, you can save yourself from getting confused. This guide will take you through the steps you’ll need to understand how you can immigrate to Canada – the choices you’ll need to make, the documents you’ll need to gather, how to get there, and much more.
Types Of Programs
Canada is a desirable country to non-residents for many reasons. Whether it’s for a new job, claiming asylum, or moving closer to family, there are a variety of programs to research to decide which one is best for you. Canada doesn’t let just anybody come to live permanently – most of the time you have to have a family connection or prove that you will provide value to the country (through work).Â
If you are moving for the purpose of work, your employer has also to prove that you are the right workforce they need in their company. That’s why they need to apply for LMIA and get permission to hiring foreign workers. If you need details, you can learn more about hiring a foreign worker in Canada (en savoir plus sur l’embauche d’un travailleur étranger au Canada)
The immigration programs include but are not limited to:
- Express Entry – for skilled workers
- Family Sponsorship – to allow family members to immigrate
- Start-up Visa – for if you’re going to start a business that creates jobs
- Caregivers – for those who provide care for others
- Temporary to permanent residency – for current temporary residents who will provide value to the country by staying
- Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) – for skilled workers who are sponsored by the province of Ontario
Expanding on that last point about the OINP, Canada is made up of ten provinces that have their own capital cities, local laws, and restrictions – most provinces have a nominee program where a Canadian employer can bring in skilled foreign workers. One of these provinces is Ontario, with the capital city of Toronto – the most populous city in Canada – and one of the most multicultural places in the world. A lot of people immigrate here so there are a lot of services provided there, including an immigration medical exam in Ontario, which you may require. These medical exams are approved by the IRCC and results can be submitted directly to them, making the stressful progress of immigrating a lot easier.
Once you’ve looked into what immigration pathway best suits you, then you can apply through the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) website. First, you’ll need to make an account, answer questions to check your eligibility, and then wait to be invited to apply. This may take a while, but hopefully, you’ll receive a notification saying you can apply, and you’ll have a set amount of time to upload your supporting documents.
Gathering Documents
Depending on your chosen program, what you’re planning to do in Canada, and where you are coming from, then you may not need a medical exam – you can check on the IRCC website – but you will need other documentation. You’ll most likely need the following:
- Passport – valid and up to date
- Police report – from each country you have resided in for more than 6 months
- Invite for your visa or work permit – you may or may not get this in advance but you will be given it in Canada at immigration if you don’t
- Proof of funds – evidence that you have enough money to live for at least 6 months in Canada (approx $13000)
- Invitation to Work / Evidence of valid job offer
- Evidence Travel Insurance – printed proof of policy for as long as you expect to stay in Canada. Travel insurance is important for covering any medical costs and other unexpected expenses while you’re away from your home country, because you won’t be covered by the Canadian government as a citizen would be.
Preparing to Move
It’s out of your hands after you’ve uploaded your documents! It may take a while for everything to get approved on the IRCC, but at this time you can continue your preparations. You can choose how you’re going to move your belongings – most people chose to ship them over. You’ll need to make a list of belongings; this is crucial in case anything happens and you’re stuff is damaged or goes missing because it means you can get compensation. Don’t forget to keep a copy of the list for yourself.
Where are you going to stay? Canada has some fun quirks when it comes to choosing where to live, like average temperatures of -20C in the winter, or places where it’s normal to ice skate to work – so be sure to investigate things like commute times, weather, and accessibility. There’s also a wide range of costs for renting and buying accommodation across Canada, so make sure to factor this in as well. There are some amazing places to see and taking a road trip is a must at some point, so you may wish to live somewhere that will act as a good base for your travels.
What to Expect When You Arrive
Culture Shock
You can accept support from the Canadian immigration service to help with the transition through their ‘Welcome to Canada’ guide. Moving to a new country is sure to come with some culture shock, but you can take steps to cope with feelings of frustration and confusion. Taking time for yourself for exercising and self-care can have many benefits, by keeping some habits and routines from your old life can ease yourself into a new way of living. Make sure to start integrating yourself into your new environment too, though, like creating new friends and relationships.
Banks and Phones
As a new resident, you’ll need to think about opening a bank account. A lot of banks offer newcomer packages that you can take advantage of, so be sure to look around. The same goes for getting a new phone plan too. Make sure you use a cell company that has good signal coverage as well to avoid never having a signal when you go 5 minutes out of town.
SIN and Taxes
Once you have gone to get your Social Insurance Number (SIN), you can start working. You’ll need to be aware of the new taxes you’ll have to pay now you’re living and working in Canada. The main ones are income tax (can vary from 15% to 33% depending on how much you earn), sales tax (don’t be surprised when you buy something and then the price is a little bit more than advertised at checkout, 5% is added on for each item for most provinces), and property tax.
Hopefully, you now understand the process of immigrating to Canada a bit better. After checking your eligibility for an immigration program, you can apply and upload the relevant documents – it should only be a matter of time before you’re accepted and can get excited about moving and settling into a brand new country.
Leave a Reply