What Do I Need to Immigrate to Canada?

Canada is among the world’s most popular immigration destinations – immigrants account for approximately 21.5 percent of the population – and with good reason.

There are ample job opportunities available, wondrous scenery and low crime rates. If you’ve been contemplating making the big move, Canada should be top of your list. We’ll be looking at the top three ways to gain permanent residency in Canada.

The requirements for permanent residency include but are not limited to; education, work experience, language proficiency, adaptability, and the necessary immigration documents. The specifications are entry requirements that count towards your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.

Applying to immigrate to Canada involves a points-based assessment that every immigration candidate has to undergo. The CRS system assesses and grades your profile according to the points system. The more points you score in your grading, the better your chances of obtaining permanent residency in Canada.

Immigration paperwork can seem daunting, but the key is to find out as much as you can about the available entry pathways and their particular requirements. Selecting the right entry passage will ensure that you get optimum grading that will increase your chances of success.

We answer the 'What do I need to immigrate to Canada' question for three cardinal immigration programs.

What Is Required to Move to Canada?

Express Entry

Canada's Express Entry system is the most efficient way for skilled foreign workers to obtain permanent residency. Express Entry gets processed in six to eight months, whereas a regular visa application would take up to 12 to 18 months. Candidates with sufficient work experience, education, language proficiency, are the right age and can fill a labour gap in Canada stand a better chance of gaining Express Entry.

Express Entry covers three federal economic immigration programs, namely:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program
• Federal Skilled Trades Program
• Canadian Experience Class

Applicants who apply for Express Entry will have a choice between the aforementioned programs. If you are uncertain about which strategy will give your profile the best chance of success, speak to our immigration experts for step-by-step guidance.

Express Entry requires you to create an online profile that will receive a score following the CRS system. Your score will then determine whether you receive an Invitation To Apply (ITA) for permanent residency. If you are among the candidates who get an ITA, your next question is probably; what do I need to immigrate to Canada? Well, these are the documents and requirements needed to apply for permanent residency:

Express Entry Documents:

1. Police clearance certificate
2. Medical examinations
3. Proof of funds
4. Birth certificates (if you have children)
5. Marriage certificate (if you are married)
6. Divorce certificate or legal separation agreement (if applicable)
7. Death certificate for deceased spouse (if applicable)
8. Adoption certificates (where applicable)
9. Digital photographs
10. Passports
11. Proof of language proficiency

Express Entry Requirements:

1. Candidates with university or college degrees
2. Skilled work experience
3. Moderate proficiency in English or French

Provincial Nominee Program

This program is a pathway to permanent residency for semi and unskilled workers who want to immigrate to a specific Canadian province. The provinces have individual economic and demographic needs. The regions design their own programs according to their unique needs, and therefore, the requirements may differ.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP's) are becoming a popular route to Canadian immigration. The successful candidates receive provincial nominations and can apply for permanent residency.

There are two options when applying through PNP:

• Apply directly to the province or territory
• Take the Express Entry route

PNP Documents:

1. Police clearance certificate
2. Medical examinations
3. Proof of funds
4. Birth certificates (if you have children)
5. Marriage certificate (if you are married)
6. Divorce certificate or legal separation agreement (if applicable)
7. Death certificate for deceased spouse (if applicable)
8. Adoption certificates (where applicable)
9. Digital photographs
10. Passports
11. Confirmation of nomination
12. Proof of language proficiency

PNP Requirements:

1. Language proficiency
2. Education
3. Skillset
4. Work experience

Also, note that PNP requirements are different for every province and your work experience needs to match the needs of the market.

Atlantic Immigration Program

The benefits of opting to live and work in one of the four Canadian Atlantic provinces is that they have an abundance of work opportunities. And unlike living in one of the bigger cities, the cost of living is cheaper.

There are three Atlantic Immigration Programs available, namely:

• Atlantic International Graduate Program
• Atlantic High-Skilled Program
• Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program

AIP Documents:

1. Valid job offer
2. Passport
3. Relevant work experience
4. Proof of education
5. Proof of funds

AIP Requirements:

1. Work experience
2. Education
3. Language proficiency
4. Job offer in one of Canada’s four Atlantic Provinces

Also, note that the requirements may differ according to the AIP selected. Plus, you can only apply through one program.

Your Frequently Asked Questions About Canadian Immigration

What do I need to immigrate to Canada, is not the only question we get, there are plenty of other queries about Canadian immigration. In the next section, we're answering some frequently asked questions by people who are considering moving to Canada.

What Is the Fastest Way to Immigrate to Canada?

The top three fastest and easiest ways to gain entry and permanent residency in Canada are through:

• The Express Entry System: the average application process time is six months
• Atlantic Immigration Program: it also has a visa processing time of six months
• British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program: the average processing time is two to three months

How Can I Immigrate to Canada Without a Job Offer?

If you want to move to Canada but have not secured a job yet, all hope is not lost; immigrating without a job offer is possible with the following Express Entry programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program
• Federal Skilled Trades Program
• Canadian Experience Class

Other options include the following Provincial Nominee Programs:

• Ontario Provincial Nominee Program
• Saskatchewan Provincial Nominee Program
• Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program

What Is the Maximum Age to Immigrate to Canada?

There is no set age limit for applying for permanent residency in Canada, but your age does affect your CRS score. The most favourable age is between 20 to 29 because they score the highest. The older you are, the fewer points you get.

How Do I Improve My CRS Score?

If your CRS score is lower than what you want it to be, it could impact your chances. There are, however, ways to boost your CRS score to improve your chances.

1. Retake your language test if you feel like you did not maximise on the first one.
2. You can claim points for having French as a second language. If you are fluent in both English and French, take an approved language test in both.
3. Gain more work experience - especially, if you have less than three years of full-time work experience.
4. Go back to school and perhaps do another degree or post-graduate program.
5. Secure a job offer from a Canadian employer – this can improve your score by an additional 50 to 200 points.

What Is Required to Move to Canada?

Immigrating to Canada requires education, work experience, language proficiency and the necessary documents. It's a complex process that takes patience and paying close attention to the small details. The best way to optimise your chances is to select the correct pathway for your unique circumstances. Employing the help of Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) will give you the added edge. The consultants are legally permitted to assist you with the arduous process by evaluating your profile, reviewing the documents, and submitting your application to the Canadian government. Why waste any more time? Your immigration journey could begin today.

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