How Hard Is It to Move to Canada?

29th November 2023

Canada has always been a sought-after destination for people looking for a place to call home, thanks to its landscapes, vibrant culture, strong economy, access to quality public education and healthcare and high standard of living. What does it really take to make that dream come true? Let’s dive into the details of immigrating to Canada and explore the pathways for those who aspire to do so.

Advantages of Living in Canada

Moving to Canada comes with many benefits; for example, immigrants can have access to healthcare and education and enjoy a high standard of living. The country’s dedication to diversity and multiculturalism adds depth and richness to the experience.

Furthermore, Canada’s commitment towards welcoming refugees and facilitating family reunification reflects its values. With its combination of marvels, economic prosperity and inclusive society, Canada offers not only a good life but also an extraordinary one.

Moving to Canada involves navigating through immigration pathways, each presenting its set of requirements and challenges. These pathways encompass options such as Express Entry for workers’ family sponsorship, study permits and refugee status. It is crucial to understand which pathway aligns with your situation as an initial step.

Requirements and Challenges

Moving to a new country can be daunting. Employment struggles, cultural adjustments, and, most importantly, linguistic barriers are common challenges. However, various government programs and support services exist to help newcomers adapt and thrive in their new homes.

Canada’s immigration policies evolve over time, affecting the ease or difficulty of the process. Staying informed about recent changes, such as adjustments to point systems or quotas, is essential for prospective immigrants.

Canadian Immigration Programs

Below outlined are the top five immigration programs available in Canada-

1.     Canadian Investor Immigration

Typically involving investments starting from CAD 1.2 million to CAD 2 million, these programs aim to attract medium to high-net-worth individuals to Canada by providing them with an opportunity to obtain permanent residency in exchange for their financial investment. Successful applicants benefit in ways more than one from Canadian permanent resident status, opening doors to a high quality of life.

2.     Express Entry Program

The Express Entry program serves as the nation’s flagship immigration system. Particularly designed to attract workers, it operates on a point-based evaluation system. Successful applicants receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for residency, streamlining the immigration process while contributing to the growth and diversity of the country’s economy at the same time.

3.     Family Sponsorship

This program allows individuals to bring their immediate family members (partners, parents, grandparents, dependent children) and other relatives to reside in the country as permanent residents, showcasing the nation’s commitment to family unity and a welcoming environment.

To be eligible to apply as a sponsor, you must be at least 18 years of age and have Canadian citizenship, among other prerequisites.

4.     Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)

PNP is a localised approach to selecting immigrants through which the provinces and territories can choose immigrants to live and work there permanently. Each area has its streams and requirements to pick candidates who meet specific economic and job needs.  PNPs help fill local labour shortages and spread immigrants across the country, supporting Canada’s immigration goals. They ensure skilled workers and entrepreneurs directly boost growth in their new communities. With faster processing, PNPs have become a popular express route to permanent residency.

5.     Canada Start-up Visa

Canada Start-up visa program serves an important purpose for employers in Canada looking to bring in foreign workers. It aims to assess the impact of hiring a foreign worker on job opportunities for Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Employers must first demonstrate significant efforts to recruit domestically before exploring foreign workers.

A positive LMIA is necessary to confirm that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively affect Canadian employment rates. This thoughtful process balances the needs of businesses with the goal of prioritising jobs for local workers. It allows companies to fill critical labour gaps by accessing global skills only after exhausting domestic hiring options.[AG1] 

Handpicked Tips For Canada Immigration

Here are some essential tips curated by our team to help you prepare for your move to Canada the ‘Great White North’:

1. Immigration Options:

Research the Right Program: Canada offers immigration pathways, such as Express Entry for workers, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), Family Sponsorship and more. Take the time to study these programs thoroughly and choose the one that best suits your eligibility and goals.

Complete Documentation: Make sure you have all the documents, such as identification papers, educational certificates and language proficiency test results. Having everything in order is crucial because incomplete or incorrect documentation can cause delays.

2. Financial Planning:

Create a wise and detailed budget covering the fees, travel expenditures and initial living costs in Canada. Thorough financial planning is needed to avoid stress to steer your days in this rather expensive nation easily.

3. Other Preparations:

Study the housing options in your chosen Canadian city or province. Securing accommodation and exploring job opportunities in advance will help with a smooth transition. Additionally, when it comes to healthcare, opt for private health insurance until you become eligible for provincial healthcare

4. Cultural Curiosity:

Acquaint yourself with Canadian traditions, social etiquette, and customs. The more you are open to adopting the culture of the nation you’re residing in currently, the more the culture will aid in a smoother integration of yourself among the locals and the society at large.

While the nation is open about immigrants, meeting the guidelines can be tricky at times. Qualifications, linguistic understanding and work experience are some of the essential boxes skilled workers need to tick for entry into the country.

Although family sponsorships are an easy option, sometimes they don’t work because they require a long financial commitment. Similarly, staying in the country by getting enrolled in an academic course doesn’t work since it requires high academic standards, which is not a cup of tea for everyone. Getting in touch with a reputed service expert in the field of immigration is the ultimate go-to.