How To Prepare Yourself if You Want to Settle in Canada
Are you considering moving to Canada to become a permanent resident or a citizen? There are many opportunities to settle in Canada as a citizen or a permanent resident. However, you must go through an application process with certain requirements to be approved.
Beyond that, there are a few steps that you could take to help you adjust when relocating to Canada. In this article, we will discuss how you can prepare yourself if you want to settle in Canada as a permanent resident or a citizen. Let’s get started!
Take an Approved Language Test
If you want to become a permanent resident in Canada, you need to prove that you’re fluent in English or French. You must pass the required language test — you could take the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). However, if you’re fluent in French, you could take a different language test.
The IRCC only accepts test results from approved agencies or organizations. If you’re taking the CELPIP test, the IRCC insists it should be administered by the University of British Columbia or Paragon Testing Enterprises Inc. On the other hand, taking the IELTS can be done at any test center administered by the British Council, Cambridge Assessment English, or the International Development Program.
Apply to Become a Permanent Resident in Canada
After passing the language test, you can apply online to become a permanent resident in Canada. If you’ve never been to Canada, you can apply for the federal skilled worker or trades program through the express entry. Alternatively, you can apply to become a permanent resident through the provincial nominee or caregiver program if you qualify.
Another way to become a permanent resident in Canada is through family sponsorship or starting a business. Also, suppose you’re in Canada with a temporary work permit. In that case, you can apply to become a permanent resident through the Canadian experience class or federal skilled trades program under express entry.
Depending on your application type, it will cost you between $CAN 1,080 to $CAN 2140 to apply for permanent residency status in Canada.
Have Enough Proof of Funds
If you’re moving to Canada and don’t have a valid job offer, you need to have enough proof of funds to support yourself until you find a job. If you’re migrating to Canada alone, you need not less than $CAN 13,310. But if you’re traveling with a spouse or a dependent child, it costs you an extra $CAN 3,586 for every individual.
However, if a family member is sponsoring you to become a permanent resident, you don’t need to show proof of funds before you settle in Canada. This usually happens if your sponsor agrees to cover your expenses when you arrive in Canada.
Apply for a Job in Canada
If you receive a valid job offer when applying for permanent residency status, you can be exempted from providing proof of funds. Nevertheless, the employment contract should be valid for at least one year with a minimum of 30 hours per week.
In addition, if you’re applying via the federal skilled trades worker, you can have a valid job offer from two employers as long as your shift adds up to 30 hours per week. For instance, if you’re hired by two companies requiring you to commit 15 hours per week, they can add up to the minimum hours per week accepted by the IRCC under the federal skilled trades program. That’s if you want to move to Canada without disclosing proof of funds.
On the other hand, you can still move to Canada as a permanent resident without securing a full-time job, but many organizations could help you to settle as a newcomer. More succinctly, the IRCC recommends various organizations that could guide you to get your first full-time job in Canada as an immigrant. Beyond that, those organizations could advise you on the steps you need to take to have your foreign credentials recognized — this could make it easier for you to find employment related to your field of expertise after you migrate to Canada.
Find Temporary Accommodation
If a family member is sponsoring your permanent residency status in Canada, he/she can host you when you arrive. But suppose you’re migrating to Canada and have no family member or relative to host you. In that case, the IRCC has a list of organizations in every town or city that could help you find temporary accommodation as a newcomer.
Another option is to book a hostel, hotel, or Airbnb apartment before arriving in Canada. After you settle and adjust to life in Canada, you can rent an apartment or buy a house in your ideal location.