RESOURCES TO START YOUR IMMIGRATION JOURNEY

Whether you're immigrating as a student, skilled worker or sponsoring your family you'll need to show proof of financial resources. Click here to learn all about LICO and determine the funds you'll need before immigrating to Canada.

An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is an important report needed for most immigration programs in Canada, such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Atlantic Immigration Pilot and Provincial Nomination Programs. You may also need an ECA to study or to work in Canada. In addition, you’ll have to obtain the proper licensing or certification to work in Canada if your occupation is regulated in the province you intend to live.

You worked hard for your credentials and that’s why it’s important to get them recognized. It can even boost your CRS score by 25 points in the Express Entry pool. An ECA lets immigration officials and future employers know that your education is valid and up to Canadian standards. To  learn more about the ECA process click here.

Did you know that improving your language ability can be the fastest way to increase your visa application points score? You can get up to 28 points out of 100 for your skills in English or French. You will be given points based on your ability to listen, speak, read, and write effectively in English. IELTS is the most widely used and respected assessment of English language proficiency for governments and academic institutions. To receive immigration work or academic acceptance in association with the IELTS Preparation Course exams, people are generally required to achieve a band score of 5.5 in the General Training and 6.5 in the Academic path. These results vary depending on the country and the institution involved. Click here to learn more about IELTS and register.

 Normally, you need to give biometrics if you apply for

• a visitor visa
• a work or study permit (excluding US nationals)
• permanent residence
• refugee or asylum status
• an extension of your stay in Canada, known as a visitor record (as of December 3, 2019)
• a work or study permit extension (as of December 3, 2019)

There are some exemptions.

Click here to see if you'll need biometrics with your application.

 You may need to have a medical exam. This is to:

• protect the health and safety of Canadians
• prevent burdens on Canada's health and social services system.

Click here to find out more about medical exams.

  We use police certificates to find out if you have a criminal record. They help visa officers make sure you aren’t a security risk to Canada.

You must get a police certificate if you’re applying for permanent residence or Canadian citizenship.

If you need to give your fingerprints for a police certificate, this isn’t the same as giving your biometrics (fingerprints and photo) for an application.

You might need a police certificate if you’re coming to Canada as a:

• tourist
• student
• temporary worker
• live-in caregiver

Find out more about police certificates and where to get a police certificate depending on where you live.

To legally work in Canada as a professional, you may be required to be registered with the provincial or territorial body that governs your specific profession.

If for example, if you are a registered nurse, in order to start practicing when you arrive in Canada you will be required to register with your provincial nursing body/association, which means you must pass the Canadian Registered Nurse Exam (CRNE).

The same applies to a number of skilled trades and professional occupations. Your employer should inform you if accreditation is required, but we would recommend that you check with your profession’s provincial body using the Foreign Credential Recognition in Canada tool to determine:

• If your job is regulated;
• The regulatory body you need to register with; and
• The cost of credential recognition.

To apply for a study permit in Canada, you must attend a school that is on the approved Designated Learning Institutions List. Especially if you're planning to apply for a post graduate work permit. To see the approved list of educational institutions click here.

Upon completion of your express entry profile a Province might nominate you for immigration to that specific Province. An invitation to apply gives you an extra 600 points on your CRS score. Click here to find out all the deadlines and information surrounding your invitation to apply.

Some jobs in Canada require an employer to do a labour market impact assessment in order to hire foreign workers.  Click here to determine who needs one and who doesn't.

 ImmiTranslate is a primary provider of certified translations for the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada offices.

The certified translations meet the exact requirements and specifications set forth by IRCC. If you should require translation services click here.

The medical care offered by your province or territory might not be covered in other provinces and territories. For this reason, you may require private health insurance if you plan to travel.

Private health insurance is also available for services that may not be covered under your province or territory’s health insurance plan. These services generally include prescription drugs, dental costs, private hospital rooms, ambulance services, and prescription glasses.  Private Health Insurance may also be necessary under some immigration streams such as parent or grandparent super visa. Click here for more information on Canada's health care system.