12 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT IMMIGRATING TO CANADA

What are the different pathways under Express Entry?

In order to apply through Express Entry, you must be eligible for one of the three economic immigration streams:

Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program: This program is for applicants with significant foreign work experience and/or a high level of education who want to immigrate to Canada permanently.
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): This program is for skilled tradespeople who want to immigrate to Canada.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC): This program is for foreign nationals who have been working in Canada for a period of at least one year to apply for Permanent Residence (PR).

To understand the key differences in these three programs, check out the comparison table provided by the government of Canada.

How can I bring my spouse/family to Canada?

Depending on your unique situation there are options for an outside Canada sponsorship or an inside Canada sponsorship. An Outside Canada application is generally pursued when the sponsored partner is living outside of Canada. However, Outland applicants can be in Canada and apply through the Outland program, and may be permitted to travel in and out of Canada throughout the application process. An Inland application may be submitted when the sponsored partner is living inside Canada. Under this program, the person being sponsored may be eligible for an Open Work Permit, allowing him or her to work for any employer in Canada while the sponsorship application is being processed.

For more information on bringing other family members to Canada please visit the government site for details.

Do I need a Visa to come to Canada?

Most travelers need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to, or transit through, a Canadian airport.

What you need depends on:

the type of travel document you will travel with;
the country that issued your travel document;
your nationality; and
how you will travel to Canada.

If you do not have the proper documents, such as an eTA or visa, you may be delayed or prevented from boarding your flight to Canada.

Before you apply, find out what you need to travel to Canada.

How do I get a PR card?

A permanent resident (PR) card is official proof of your status as a permanent resident in Canada. As part of the immigration process, new permanent residents will automatically receive a card by mail when they first arrive in Canada. This is part of the immigration process and you do not need to apply for a PR Card. As part of the process, the required documents are filled out by the Canadian border officials when you first land in Canada. No further action is required from you. It usually takes three to four months for your first PR card to arrive by mail. You can go to the government website for the most up-to-date information on timelines check the latest processing times.

How can I get Canadian Citizenship?

In order to be eligible for Canadian citizenship, you must:

Be a permanent resident
Filed your taxes for at least three years
Pass a citizenship test
Prove your language skills in English or French
Not have a criminal record

There are several steps involved in applying for Canadian citizenship:

Calculate your physical presence in Canada: You must have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days (three years).
Download and fill out an application package: Be sure to fill out the form correctly, include two certified citizenship photos and all supporting documents, such as immigration documents, proof of language, photo ID.
Pay application fees: The fees for each adult citizenship application are $630 CAD and each minor application (less than 18-years-old) is $100 CAD.
Submit your application: Send your completed application package by mail or courier as soon as possible.
Take a citizenship test: Once your application has been reviewed, you may be invited to take a citizenship test within weeks after your acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) letter. The citizenship test is based on the official citizenship study guide, Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship. You can take the test in English or French.
Attend an interview: Immediately after your test, a citizen official will meet with you and check your language skills, verify your application and original documents and ask questions they may have.
Take the Oath of Citizenship: The citizenship ceremony is the final step to becoming Canadian and usually takes place within three months after your test.

What is an Express Entry Profile?

The Express Entry (EE) program is one of the most sought after and popular ways to immigrate to Canada. Express Entry is an online immigration application system that allows prospective newcomers to be considered as a skilled immigrant. An EE profile will determine your ranking and can be used to apply for:

Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program: This program is for applicants with significant foreign work experience and/or a high level of education who want to immigrate to Canada permanently.
Federal Skilled Trades (FST) program: This program is for skilled tradespeople who want to immigrate to Canada.
Canadian Experience Class: This program is for foreign nationals who have been working in Canada for a period of at least one year to apply for Permanent Residence (PR).

How do I create an Express Entry Profile?

In order to create an Express Entry profile, you’ll first need to create an Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) account then submit your profile to formally enter the Express Entry pool of candidates. To create your profile, you’ll need:

National Occupational Classification (NOC) number: This is the system the Canadian government uses to classify various jobs and occupations.
Education credential assessment (ECA): This report verifies that your foreign degree, diploma, certificate, or other credentials are valid and equal to a Canadian one.
Approved language test: Test results can be for either English or French. This test evaluates your language skills in speaking, reading, listening, and writing.

How do I calculate the CRS points for Express Entry?

The Government of Canada has an online tool that will help calculate your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. CRS is the points-based system Canadian immigration uses to assess and rank your profile in the Express Entry pool. Some factors the tool assesses are:

Skills
Education
Language
Work experience

This score (up to 1,200 points) can be used to check if you rank above the minimum required points from the most recent round of invitations.

How do I work in Canada?

Foreign nationals will need a work permit to be allowed to work in Canada. However, sometimes you may be eligible to work in Canada without a work permit.

There are two types of work permits:

Open work permit: This allows you to work for any employer in Canada and you can only get an open work permit in specific situations.
Employer-specific work permit: Also called a closed work permit specifies the name of the employer you can work for, location, and for how long you can work.

The other way individuals from other countries can legally work in Canada is to apply for International Experience Canada (IEC) which is also known as a Working Holiday Visa. Learn more about IEC, check eligibility, and get information on processing times and fees on the government website.

International students in Canada may also be eligible to work. Some study permits list a condition that says you’re allowed to work on- or off-campus while in school. However, once you graduate, you’ll need to apply for a work permit in Canada or apply for a Post-graduate Work Permit (PGWP), or apply for permanent residence.

How can I find A job in Canada?

Searching for a job in a new country can feel like it's impossible especially if you don't know where to start. Start by preparing a Canadian-style resume and cover letter ahead of time. Remember that most Canadian employers will want to know if you are legally allowed to work in Canada. This often translates to being a permanent resident (PR), having a work permit, being an international student who is allowed to work in Canada, being the spouse of an international student, or being a Canadian citizen.

Search job websites: This is a good starting point for many job opportunities. Popular sites include the Canadian government’s Job Bank, LinkedIn Jobs, Indeed, Monster.
Network and volunteering: As many as 65-85 per cent of jobs aren’t posted online. Networking or volunteering is one way to tap into Canada’s hidden job market.
LinkedIn is an excellent tool to connect with other people in your industry and make valuable connections.
Organizations: Government funded organizations such as ACCES Employment and COSTI can help newcomers find employment. Many of these organizations also organize job fairs so you can pre-interview and meet potential employers in person. In-person is always the key to a lasting impression.
Contact employment agencies and recruiters: Specialized employment agencies and recruiters can help you find a job in your field. Search for recruiters on LinkedIn or through a web search. Some of the top employment agencies in Canada include Robert Half, Randstad Canada, and Hays Canada.

How much does it cost to move to Canada?

The cost of moving to Canada will depend on whether you are applying for Express Entry, a study permit, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), or a Working Holiday Visa.

Express Entry and PNP: An individual applicant needs approximately $15,000 CAD to immigrate to Canada. Couples would need around $20,000 CAD, while families with children will require between $24,000 to $30,000 CAD. These amounts include everything from language tests to biometrics to PR fees to a police certificate.
Study permit: You must be accepted into a Canadian Designated Learning Institution in order to apply for a study permit. The cost is approximately $12,985 CAD, excluding tuition fees. International students should also factor in between $19,250 and $32,020 CAD per tuition year.
Working Holiday Visa: Youth from over 30 countries can apply to live and work in Canada. More details about this program are available on the Government website. The average cost is approximately $3,350 CAD.

How do I study in Canada?

Canada provides the opportunity to gain a world-class education in a multi-cultural setting, making it a rewarding decision. To study in Canada as an international student, you need to apply for a study permit:

Enroll at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
Get your documents ready, including proof of acceptance, proof of identity, and proof of financial support.
Apply for a student permit online or via mail.
Prepare for arrival once your student permit has been approved. You will need to have the following documents:
- Passport and travel documents, including a letter of introduction
- Valid eTA or temporary resident visa
- Valid letter of acceptance from a school
- Proof of funds to support yourself in Canada
- Any other letters of reference
- Proof that you will leave Canada at the end of your stay