Immigration to Canada from the USA, may not be as easy as it seems. Yet, thousands of American’s immigrate to Canada each year. Canada is known for being one of the countries that are warmly welcoming towards immigrants. People immigrate to Canada to either, study, invest, or grow the economy of the country. This article will take you through the immigration to Canada requirement, process, and eligibility. We would also take you through some of the most preferred options for immigration from the USA to Canada.
But for the most part, one would wonder why the influx to Canada is so massive. Well, some of the reasons include, a better work-life balance, free health care, paid statutory holidays and maternity leave to mention a few.
Awesome right? I know.
However, these come with a price. And it starts with finding out details about Canadian immigration eligibility.
Before you ask the question, how? let me show you.
Immigration to Canada eligibility
Immigration to Canada have programs to choose from, and you can start by choosing the program that best suits you. This is because Canada immigration eligibility and requirements is based on how well you sync with these programs. So, listed below are some of the programs you could pick from.
#1. Permanent residence
This includes applying for a permit to reside permanently in Canada as a future citizen of the country. But note that to be eligible for Canadian citizenship you must have resided in Canada for six years.
However, some of the benefits you get as a permanent resident in Canada include free health care, and a permit to live, work and study anywhere in the country. You also have the right to protection from the Canadian government under Canadian law.
The easiest and fastest way to apply for a visa programme to immigrate to Canada is through Express Entry. Express entry is a Canada immigration application process that allows immigrants to live and work in Canada. 80% of permanent residency applications submitted through express entry are been processed within 6months or less. Here are some economic programs.
#2.Federal skilled worker program (FSW)
If you have at least one year of experience in skilled work, you may be eligible for the federal skilled worker program. You can apply for it if you meet the minimum requirement in English or French, and score at least 67 out of 100 points in the FSW selection grid,
#3.Federal skilled trade program (FST)
You may be eligible for the federal skilled trade program. If you have two years of experience in a skilled trade, a minimum requirement in English or French, and have a Canadian certificate of qualification to practice your trade-in Canada or a job offer in your skilled trade in Canada.
#4.Canadian experience class (CEC)
If you meet the minimum requirement in English or French and have worked for at least one year in Canada. You may be eligible for the Canadian experience class. Subsequently, Keep in mind that only the highest-ranking candidates would be able to apply for immigration to Canada.
#5.Humanitarian and compassionate applications (Hs&Cs)
These are Canadian permanent residence that is filed from within Canada. They are for people who do not have legal status in Canada but still made Canada their home.
#6. Atlantic immigration pilot program (AIP)
This works to recruit newcomers to the Atlantic providence of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfound land e.t.c. Subsequently, this providence is able to fill labour gaps with immigrants who qualify with work experience.
#7. Family sponsorship
Families living in Canada can sponsor their relatives to move to Canada on a permanent basis. So, to be eligible to sponsor your relative, you have to be a Canadian citizen or a permanent residence. Also, who you can sponsor; your spouse and your children under the age of 22. However, you could go through the super visa category to sponsor your parents and grandparents. In some circumstances, you may be eligible to sponsor other family members apart from the above-mentioned for immigration to Canada from the USA.
Immigration to Canada on Work permit
Here are different types of work permits that may be available to you, depending on your circumstances:
#1. NAFTA Work Permits
The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is an economic agreement between Canada, the United States, and Mexico. That facilitates trade between the three countries.
However, NAFTA work permits can be issued through the International Mobility Program. An American citizen with an eligible job offer from a Canadian employer to come and work in Canada temporarily without needing a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
They also allow American companies with Canadian branches to transfer American employees in managerial or executive roles quickly and easily.
#2.Employer Specific Work Permit
If you have a valid job offer from a specific employer, you may be eligible to enter Canada on an employer-specific work permit. An employer-specific work permit usually requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This is a document that proves the employer tried to find a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident.
Consequently, anyone wishing to switch jobs after immigration to Canada from the USA Canada on an employer-specific work permit will have to apply for a new work permit.
#3.Spousal open work permit
If your spouse is a temporary foreign worker or international student in Canada, you may be eligible for a spousal open work permit. Also, if you are undergoing the inland sponsorship process of immigration to Canada from the USA, you may be eligible for a spousal open work permit. This type of permit is not employer-specific. So, if you change jobs you will not need to get a new work permit as long as your current permit is valid.
Immigration to Canada on a Study permit
However, there are several perks to studying in Canada compared to the USA. Which includes lower tuition rates, shorter visa processing times, and the ability to start work immediately.
Canadian study permit allows students to work 20 hours per week when school is in session. And 40 hours per week during breaks and holidays.
Meanwhile, In the USA international students with F-1 visas may not work off-campus during their first academic year. But may accept on-campus employment subject to certain conditions and restrictions. Consequently, even after the first year, international students in the USA are limited to the jobs they can hold.
While the ability to work is great, the ability to purchase more with fewer dollars is even better. Fortunately, accommodation and food for students are cheaper in Canada than in the U.S.A. You also won’t have to spend as much time and money on your studies in Canada compared to the US.
Canadian Universities offer 2-year Associate degrees as well as 3 year Bachelor degrees. Above all, moving to Canada from the USA through a study program can also benefit your long-term immigration plans. In Canada, you can obtain a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) following most programs of study. Your PGWP can be valid for the same duration as your study permit, up to three years. Canadian work experience, and a degree from a Canadian institution, increase your chances of successfully applying for Canadian permanent residence. However, in the USA, you may need to find a sponsor company to continue your stay through work.
Canadian investors
This category is for the net worth individuals who own and manage businesses overseas. Moreover, by allowing investors to come in and invest, they contribute to the economy and growth of the country. There is two investors programme in Canada, the federal investor’s programme and the Quebec programme. Both programmes require that the applicant make a large investment in an approved investment fund for a period of 5years. An investor could immigrate with there families depending on their application.
However, economy and business options are for professionals who have the skills to support the Canadian economy. Its better to know your Canada immigration eligibility status before you start your application.
Immigration to Canada Requirement
The immigration to Canada requirement differs directly depending on the program to which you are applying. Some documents will be required to process your application to immigrate. Documents which include ;
- Identification and travel documents: you would need your national identity and your travel papers.
- Educational history: from the least certificate to the latest certificate. You would also need to take the IETL exams and reach the cut off mark. You need to have proof of good grades in English or french.
- Proof of work experience: have proof of where you have worked and your performance, recommendations from former employers would help.
- Financial records: The officials would like to be sure you have enough to sustain you through your stay in Canada. Once you have all the immigration to Canada requirements, you are good to go.
Immigration to Canada process through express entry.
Express Entry is an online system that manages your application to immigrate to Canada as a permanent residence. There are some basic steps which you should take.
- Firstly, find out if you are eligible for a programme on express entry. Read the detailed immigration eligibility requirement to Canada, for each program. And answer a few questions to see if you meet the least requirements.
- Secondly, get your required documents. You would be needing documents such as a language test to show you are eligible for express entry. You should be able to present all your document. So get them beforehand as some documents take a long time to process.
- Submit your profile on express entry, your profile should contain information about yourself. If you are eligible, you will be accepted and added to other candidates. However, you would be ranked. To clarify, that your score is based on the profile you submitted. This is the most important of the requirements for the eligibility of immigration to Canada process.
- If you are one of the candidates with the highest score, you will be sent an invitation to apply. After that, You will have about 90 days to submit your application for permanent residence. With document completed, express entry process most of there immigration to canada application within 6 months or less.
Hope this post was able to answer every question on your mind as it relates to Immigrations from the U.S to Canada?
I guess the word you’re looking for is, Yes.
Either way, you can drop by the comment section for more clarifications.
Good luck!
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FAQs
Can I move to Canada without a job?
It is possible to immigrate to Canada without first getting employment. In contrast to many other countries, Canada allows foreigners to immigrate without first receiving an employment offer.
How can I legally immigrate to Canada from the US?
Firstly, candidates seeking immigration to Canada from the United States can submit an Express Entry profile to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the federal department in charge of processing applications. Candidates will be evaluated to determine their eligibility for at least one of these programs.
How much does it cost to immigrate to Canada from the US?
A single applicant would typically require approximately CAD $15,420 to immigrate to Canada, including evidence of money, government fees, and other charges. Typically, a couple would need approximately $20,000 CAD to immigrate to Canada, which includes evidence of money, government fees, and other charges.
