What are the eligibility requirements to permanently immigrate to Canada?
Neighboring Nation Canada welcomes many new residents from the United States every year. Canada is a beautiful and progressive Nation with free healthcare and friendly people. It is easy to see why about 250,000 immigrants enter the country and become permanent residents each year. While Americans can visit freely, those who want to move to the country may be surprised to find that immigrating to Canada can sometimes be a complex process. Our
international immigration lawyers at NPZ Law Group offer an overview of the basic steps to immigrate to Canada below.
Working Temporarily in Canada.
Much like the U.S., Canada offers temporary work permits for those who wish to work in Canada on a non-permanent basis. You will need to obtain a Canadian work permit, which will require that you secure a job offer from a Canadian employer. With your job offer in hand, you and your employer will likely need to complete a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which provides proof that your employment in Canada will have either a positive or neutral effect on local labor conditions. Alternatively, if you work under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which is currently being reworked under President Trump, you may not need to complete
a LMIA.
Studying in Canada.
Canada offers some of the greatest schools in the world. American students wishing to study in Canada will have several options. One option is to seek a Canadian study permit. To secure a study permit, you will need to show acceptance to a Canadian learning institution and prove that you can cover your first year of tuition. Alternatively, those who want to study part-time may seek an exchange program.
Becoming a Permanent Resident of Canada.
There are several different tracks to become a permanent resident of Canada. If you are a skilled worker, meaning that you possess skills or abilities that will contribute to Canada’s economy, then you may be eligible for Express Entry, which could result in permanent resident status within six months. The government will assess your work experience, education, and language ability, among other factors using a point system, to determine your eligibility for Express Entry.
Those that do not meet Express Entry requirements may still have several additional options. You can apply through the province you wish to reside in, seek the help of a family member living in Canada, or pursue the entrepreneur route.
At NPZ, our U.S and Canadian Immigration Law Specialists seek to assist clients with regard to employment and family immigration issues. If you or your friends or family should have any questions, please feel free to contact us at
info@visaserve.com or you can call our offices at 201-670-0006 (ext. 107). We look forward to being able to assist you.