Moving to another country is a serious step that takes a lot of consideration and preparation. And if your choice is Canada, you need to undergo certain procedures for the immigration to go well. This article covers the most troublesome issues that you may encounter on your way. Starting from the types of programs you may be eligible for and finishing up with getting a job and buying a house – keep on reading to find out more.
Consider your options
First of all, you need to be aware of the programs that let you immigrate to Canada, either temporarily or permanently. The most common ones are
- Federal Skilled Workers
- Federal Skilled Trades
- Canadian Experience Class
There are also such programs as Family Class, Provincial Nominee Class, and Quebec Skilled Worker Program. Official Canada immigration sites explain each program so you can see whether you qualify for any of them.
Many people mistakenly think that Express Entry is one of the programs of immigration to Canada. It is, however, a system that manages applications from skilled workers who want to get permanent resident status.
Prepare the documents
Express Entry is the system that all provinces but Quebec use to evaluate the pool of candidates. Express entry rounds of invitation consist of the following steps:
- Completing a questionnaire that will define your eligibility for one of the programs
- Getting the documents ready: passport, language test results, proof of funds, educational credential assessment report, and a written job offer
- Submitting the profile
All of these will help you get points to increase your chances at the express entry draw. The total score is 1,200 points, and the candidates with the highest score are invited to an interview.
Get to know Canada
It’s not uncommon to investigate the country you’re going to visit and, of course, live in. If you intend to be a permanent resident, you just will do with the basics. That is knowing Canadian laws, learning about the tax system, education opportunities for your children, healthcare services, etc.
However, when it comes to becoming a Canadian citizen, things get more complicated. All citizenship applicants aged 18 – 54 are required to pass a test that includes questions on the geography, history, economy, government, law, and symbols of Canada. The test can be conducted either in a written or oral form and is either taken in English or French. This will require quite thorough preparation, and you can find sample tests online.
Choose the place of residence
“Immigrating to Canada” is quite a vague goal. You need to be more specific about where you’d like to live and what property options you have. Many real estate platforms like REsmile provide up-to-date listings that come with city guide tours and neighborhood overviews. Consider several things:
- Do you want to live in a house, an apartment, or a townhouse?
- Are you ready to purchase a property or will you rent it?
- Is commuting an important aspect to you?
- Do you speak English or French? What province is more appealing to you?
These are not all questions you should ask yourself. You should also take into account schools in the area, bus or train stations, entertainment and recreation facilities, etc.
Get ready to settle down
Though a job offer is not obligatory at the earliest stages of moving, you will definitely need it to support yourself in Canada. A proper source of income is a solid way to ensure your immigration goes smoothly. Plus, becoming a permanent resident requires living in the country for at least three years in a five-year period. Keep in mind, though, not all permanent residents become citizens, and you should apply for your Canada permanent resident card renewal when it’s about to expire.
Get help from trusted professionals
Immigration fraud is a rather common issue and is punished by the law. You should watch out for suspicious calls and people impersonating the Government of Canada officers, and be aware of the types of fraud that exist, and you should protect yourself from. Use only the official sites to prepare your documents and don’t trust potentially malicious third parties to arrange everything for you.
Plan the expenses
Finally, you need to carefully plan your budget before and after moving to Canada. Compare the cost of living across Canada, estimate the amount of money you’ll need for a house or an apartment, and calculate the income of all household members. On average, it costs $15,000 CAD for an individual to move to Canada and about $30,000 CAD for a family. It includes the price for a language test, medical exams, educational credential evaluation, application processing fees, and settlement funds. Don’t forget to account for moving expenses – plane tickets, selling your current house, and the realtor’s fee.
Final say
If you decide to immigrate to Canada, you need to estimate all the costs, prepare to pass different tests, and do thorough research on available programs. Be careful with agencies that provide immigration services and do a background check before you proceed with them. We hope this article has helped you get ready for immigration, and now you have a clearer plan in mind.