1) Fast citizenship process. You can get a Canadian passport after only three years as a permanent resident
2) Friendly attitude towards newcomers. Canada was the first country in the world to embrace multiculturalism, the idea that everyone in the country has the right to maintain their own identity while being a full member of society. It is easier for immigrants to integrate into a society with such values.
3) Moving as a family. Canadian immigration policy allows all family members, from children to grandparents, to move with them. In doing so, they receive permanent residency status and can enjoy all services and benefits.
4) Quality of Life. Canada ranks first in the ranking of countries with the highest standard of living. Its residents boast a developed system of health and education, social security, stable economic and political situation. Average life expectancy in Canada is 82 years.
5) High level of freedom. Canada is one of the freest countries in the world, along with the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Finland.
6) Two official languages. French and English are spoken in Canada. Only one of them is required to immigrate. Learning the second language in the natural environment is not difficult.
7) Low crime rate. Canada is one of the safest countries in the world. There is no division into dangerous and non-dangerous areas, as the crime rate is extremely low throughout the country.
8) Diverse nature. There are 38 national parks in Canada, where you can see not only glaciers, icebergs and northern lights, but also sandy beaches and waterfalls. Canada itself is surrounded by three oceans.
9) Active Recreation. Geographical and climatic diversity allows Canadians to do all kinds of sports. High mountains (Canada has 10 mountain ranges) and plenty of snow make it possible to go skiing, snowboarding or snowmobiling. In summer, you can canoe and kayak down rivers.
10) Excellent ecology. The Canadian government cares about the environment and preserving natural resources – Canada is ranked 25th (out of 180) in the Environmental Performance Index.
To immigrate to Canada, you need to choose a suitable immigration method, which involves obtaining permanent resident status (permanent residency, Permanent Residence) once you enter the country. After determining the method, you need to collect the required documents and apply for a visa, study permit, or other document depending on the method of immigration by creating a GCKey account, or by contacting one of Canada’s visa centers. Citizenship can be obtained after 3 years of permanent residence in Canada.
Student immigration to Canada
You can immigrate to Canada through education by enrolling in a university or vocational school, obtaining a visitor’s visa and a study permit, and, after graduation, finding a job and staying in the country. The main advantage of this method is a smooth integration into Canadian society. In addition, Canada supports the continued immigration of newcomer alumni, and offers graduates the opportunity to obtain special Post-Graduation Work Permits.
Professional immigration to Canada
Canada’s growing economy is in need of highly skilled individuals who can provide the Canadian economy with skills and expertise. To qualify for permanent residence through the Skilled Immigration program, you must demonstrate full eligibility for one of the three federal immigration programs by completing the Express Entry form. The federal skilled immigration program offers both independent immigration and immigration with an offer from an employer.
Provincial Nominee Program
Professional immigration through the Provincial Nominee Program is available if the candidate meets the criteria of one of the federal programs and has a support (nomination) from one of the Canadian provinces. To receive support, the candidate needs to decide which province or territory they want to live and work in, and then apply there for a nomination in the Express Entry stream (to apply, select a province or territory in the list and apply there according to the instructions). You can create an Express Entry account in advance. The decision is based on whether the province needs immigration and the plausibility of the applicant’s plans to live there. After receiving support, you can apply for permanent residency (permanent residence). The application process takes 15-19 months.
The process of professional immigration to Canada
– Find the right program (you can use the summary table);
– Translate necessary documents into English/French;
– Do an evaluation of your education;
– Create an Express Entry account;
– Complete the application form within 60 days;
– Gather your documents;
– Wait for official letter of confirmation of your candidacy and invitation (waiting time up to 12 months);
– Apply for permanent residency within 60 days of receiving the invitation.
The Atlantic Immigration Program in Canada
The Atlantic Program for immigration to Canada is an agreement between the Government of Canada and four Atlantic provinces:
– New Brunswick;
– Newfoundland and Labrador;
– Nova Scotia;
– Prince Edward Island.
The essence of this agreement is to accept qualified immigrants for jobs for which there are not enough local candidates. To immigrate, you must first obtain a job offer. It takes at least 6 months to review.The employer can accept the candidate in one of the categories.
The immigration process
– Being assessed according to Canadian standards;
– Obtaining an offer of employment from a participating province;
– Obtaining an individual settlement plan from a settlement organization;
– Obtaining a certificate of endorsement from the Canadian province;
– Collecting documents and uploading the application for permanent residency (the documents and procedure depend on the program);
– Submission of biometric data;
– Obtaining temporary work permit (Temporary work permit), which gives you the right to work while your permanent residency application is being processed (not required).
Business Immigration to Canada
Canada is an attractive place to do business and is ranked as the 7th best country to do business in. The Canadian government is interested in the immigration of foreign entrepreneurs and contributors who bring money to the country. In addition to knowledge of the local market, business conditions, an entrepreneur must know English or French well and have a business plan. Provinces can offer their own conditions for business immigration, which differ from federal conditions.
Start-up Visa Program
The program is for young entrepreneurs with a project that creates new jobs, is innovative and can be of benefit to the Canadian economy. Visas are available for up to 5 company founders and their families. Basic business requirements:
– Each of the founders has a 10% or more controlling shareholding;
– Applicants and the selected organization hold more than 50% controlling interest;
– Receive support from one of the accredited Canadian investors who can invest in the new business;
– Have knowledge of the language at CLB level 5+;
– Have sufficient financial means from 9,783 USD/person;
– At the time of obtaining permanent residency, the business must be active, registered in Canada, and the majority of its operations must be conducted in Canada.
Self-Employed Persons Program
The program is designed for self-employed individuals who are professionals in the arts and sports who want to make a contribution to Canadian athletic and cultural life. The main eligibility requirements are:
– Have experience participating in world-class cultural or sporting events or be self-employed in the cultural or sporting field (minimum 2 years within the last 5 years);
– Intention to work for yourself in the cultural/sports field after moving to Canada and contribute to the development of your field in Canada;
– At least 35 points on the test (age, education, experience, etc.);
– Results of medical examination, clean criminal record certificate.
Immigration for Investors in Canada
There are no federal investment programs in Canada, however, investors can make investments in the provinces through regional programs. If the minimum requirements are met, a business investor receives the right to permanent residency and the right to do business in Canada. The main condition is that the business project must meet the requirements of the region.
Reunion with family in Canada
Canada has one of the most convenient family reunion programs (Family Sponsorship). Every year there are new amendments to the legislation, which make it easier for relatives to move to Canada: the time for documents review becomes shorter, and the procedure itself becomes less complicated. Relatives who enter the country under this program receive permanent residency and the right to enjoy all social benefits. However, if they lose their job and can not support themselves, the state will not pay them a cash benefit. The responsibility falls on the sponsor.
Parent and Grandparent Super Visa
The Family Sponsorship program is primarily designed to reunite spouses and parents with their children, and such applications are a priority. Parents and grandparents find it more difficult to immigrate through this program, as their applications are processed more slowly (about 2 years). In addition, there is a quota of 17,000 to 20,000 applications per year. Candidates are selected at random, so there is no guarantee that even the best application will be approved. There is a way out of this situation – parents and grandparents can receive the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa. The visa is valid for 10 years and allows up to two years of continuous residence in Canada. The processing time is about 80 days.
Humanitarian immigration to Canada
Canada today is on the one hand an economically prosperous and multicultural state, and on the other hand a state with a high degree of freedom that upholds human rights. Canada has positioned itself as a country that has given protection to internally displaced people throughout its history, and is ready to provide it today to refugees from literally every region of the world. People who have fled their homeland for fear of persecution can obtain protection in Canada. Nevertheless, it is the most difficult path to Canadian citizenship. The Immigration Service carefully reviews each case: providing false information or false documents will result in punishment, which will depend on the severity of the immigration law violation. In the case of serious violations, the failed refugee will be banned from entering the country. An applicant who has been denied refugee status must leave Canada within one month.
Reasons for seeking asylum
– Persecution based on race, nationality, social group (including sexual minorities), religion, or political opinion;
– Violation of human rights;
– Justifiable fear for one’s life due to threats and harassment to kill or physically punish, torture.
Refugee protection programs in Canada
There are two ways to apply for asylum. The Refugee and Humanitarian Resettlement Program lets you apply for protection from outside Canada. You cannot do it by yourself: the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) or a number of accredited private organizations can make the referral. You can also apply for asylum through the In-Canada Asylum Program after you arrive in Canada on your own. Candidates who have obtained protection in Canada are entitled to government assistance: free language courses, assistance in finding employment and housing, etc. Forced migrants may receive up to 1 year of monthly benefits through the Resettlement Assistance Program.
The process of becoming a refugee in Canada
– Filing an application;
– Filling out the application package;
– Attending a hearing (within 60 days);
– Receiving the decision after the hearing or by mail;
– Appealing the result within 15 days.
Immigration in Quebec
The Canadian province of Quebec, which is the second most populous province in Canada and where almost a quarter of the population is now immigrant, has broad political and legal autonomy. For this reason, the procedure for immigration to this region may have its own particularities for different categories. Candidates for immigration to Quebec should consult the websites of the Government of Canada and the Province of Quebec for up-to-date information:
– Student immigration;
– Family immigration;
– Immigration for professionals;
– Immigration of entrepreneurs;
– Investor immigration;
– Humanitarian immigration.
A Canadian passport gives immigrants rights that are not available to permanent residents – the right to visa-free visits to 184 countries, to stay outside Canada without time restrictions, simplified hiring procedures, and the right to vote. It takes approximately 12 months to obtain a Canadian passport.
Basic requirements for obtaining Canadian citizenship
– A minimum of 3 years of residency in Canada in the past 5 years (can be calculated with a calculator);
– Permanent resident status (permanent residency);
– No tax debts within the last 3 tax years;
– English/French CLB4+;
– Knowledge of Canadian culture, history, laws, geography, economy, and government symbols.
Canadian citizenship process
– Read the requirements for the documents, fill out all the necessary forms;
– Pay the fee;
– Send the required set of documents to the postal address of the appropriate office;
– Get your fingerprints done by the police or an accredited organization;
– Passing the citizenship test (exam on history, socio-political structure, etc. of Canada) by invitation (for applicants between 18 and 54 years old);
– A personal interview after the test at the immigration office;
– Citizenship adjudication and swearing-in ceremony at the citizenship ceremony after a maximum of 3 months.
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