Canada Immigration Eligibility: 4 Things to Know
Are you considering immigrating to Canada? Whether you’re coming from across the border or half a world away, there are some important things to know about Canadian immigration eligibility that can help with the process.
Read on to learn more about how to immigrate to Canada so you can be prepared.
Eligibility to Move to Canada
Every country, including Canada, has unique eligibility requirements for immigration. Here is a handful of the most important you should know about:
1. Apply for Permanent Residency (PR)
First things first, you will need to understand your eligibility for PR in Canada. Like with most countries, you must become a permanent resident before being eligible for citizenship.
A permanent Canadian resident can:
- Receive most social benefits that Canadian citizens receive, including health care coverage
- Live, work, or study anywhere in Canada
- Be protected under Canadian law
- Apply for citizenship after having lived in Canada for 3 out of the last 5 years
If you pass this process, your PR card can be used to show that you have permanent resident status in Canada.
2. Pass an Eligibility Check
Eligibility to move to Canada depends on a number of factors, including your:
- Nationality
- Age
- Language ability
- Family members
- Education
- Work experience
- Income, and/or net worth
- Details on any job offer
You can answer a few questions from the Official Government of Canada to find out what immigration programs you can apply for based on your eligibility. Your Canada permanent resident eligibility will heavily depend on why you want to move to Canada (work, family, etc.).
3. Understanding Express Entry
If you’re a skilled worker who wants to move to Canada permanently, you will become familiar with Express Entry.
This program has minimum requirements for
- Skilled work experience
- Language ability
- Education
If you meet all the minimum requirements, your application will be assessed based on:
- Age
- Education
- Work experience (full-time and part-time)
- Whether you have a valid job offer
- English and/or French language skills
- Adaptability
Having a written job offer for a Canadian company is almost a ‘must have’ for express entry applicants (something many immigration consultants don’t openly state), otherwise your application ‘points’ will most likely be too low to be selected. If you’re selected for Express Entry, you will receive an invitation to apply for a permanent resident card.
This is the best way for skilled workers to move to Canada quickly since there’s a fast processing time of six months or less. Alternatively, you may be recruited by provinces and territories through Provincial Nominee Programs.
4. Costs
How much money do you need to immigrate to Canada? It depends on who (if anyone) you’re moving with.
You must prove that you have enough money for you and your family to settle in Canada (proof of funds) or that you have or will have a job in the country.
There are also a number of application costs. For example, if you’re applying for Express Entry the application processing fee is $850 and the right of permanent residence fee is $515. Adding a spouse and dependents cost extra, which is important to keep in mind when applying.
Canadian immigration eligibility is a unique process, but the government provides plenty of information to help determine which path to PR or citizenship is right for you. And if you’re simply visiting Canada, make sure to learn more about Super Visa Insurance before your trip.