How to immigrate to Canada
Do you want to immigrate to Canada? It's up to you to take the initiative. The procedures to follow will depend on your profile and your desires. First, you can determine which immigration program is best for you using online tools set up by the immigration services.
Some people may be banned from entering Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. To find out more about the reasons for prohibition, you can consult the website of the immigration services.
The different programs
To come to Canada, you can apply as a tourist, student, temporary worker or permanent resident. You can get a grandparent supervisor to visit your children and grandchildren living in Canada. Business people and certain professions (journalists, artists, etc.) can also benefit from special provisions.
To immigrate to Canada permanently, you must learn about the various programs before choosing one of them:
- Skilled and professional workers
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
- Workers selected by Quebec
- Canadian Experience Category
- Investors, entrepreneurs and self-employed
- Sponsorship of a family member
- Provincial candidates
- Live-in caregivers
- Refugees
The procedures for permanent residence are long -several years on average- and cost -nearly 2,000 $ C or more for a single person. You could start by coming to Canada to study or work through an International Experience Canada (IEC) program. Your experience in Canada will help you obtain permanent residence faster and easier.
To be obtained before departure
Most people between the ages of 14 and 79 who are applying for a temporary residence permit - the student or temporary worker - must be in person at the visa office closest to their home to have their fingerprints taken and to be photographed.
Since September 2016, all travellers to Canada who are exempt from the visa requirement must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). This requirement does not apply to US citizens and travellers who are in possession of a valid permit.
The transit visa
If you are just passing through Canada without visiting, you may need to obtain a 48-hour transit visa. If you are travelling to the United States or travelling from this country, you will not need a visa. Please note that the transit visa is issued free of charge. You will be able to get out of the airport if you give a valid reason to the immigration officers.
Extending your stay
If you wish to extend your stay in the country, the request must be made at least 30 days before the expiry of your current status. You can apply online at the immigration services website or go to a port of entry in Canada with all your documents.
Useful links :
Immigration and Citizenship Services
mmigration and Citizenship Services - Determining Eligibility
Immigration and Citizenship Services - Biometric Identity Statement
Working in Canada
Moving to Canada
