Moving to Canada 2024: Comprehensive Guide to Immigrating to Canada

This article is reviewed regularly by Wego‘s editorial team to ensure that the content is up to date & accurate.

Updated May 2024

Canada has been considered an ideal location to live. It is an exciting prospect for many immigrants who move to the country every year, attracted by the high living standards, world-class education and health services, attractive job opportunities, and so much more.

Thanks to government support and public acceptance of people willing to settle in the country, Canada has become a hotspot for expats from all parts of the world.

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Thinking about relocating to Canada? Explore Wego for insights into what awaits you in the country, including a detailed guide covering immigration procedures and essential processes to keep in mind.

Moving to Canada

Expats aspiring to work in Canada should prioritize obtaining a Canada work visa. This visa is specifically designed for expats who have received a job offer in Canada, setting a solid foundation for a sustainable living arrangement in the country.

Canadian work permit

People holding a work visa can live and work in Canada throughout the validity of their work permit, provided they adhere to the conditions outlined in the permit.

Types of work permits

There are different types of work permits, depending on how you’re coming to Canada and what kind of work you’ll be doing. Some permits need a special assessment called a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), a document that an employer in Canada may need to get before hiring a foreign worker.

Open Work Permit

This lets you work for any employer in Canada without needing an LMIA. Although It’s highly sought-after, it’s not very common. Eligibility includes:

• dependent family member of a permanent residence applicant
• spouse, common-law partner, or dependent child of a skilled worker
• spouse or partner of an international student
• spouse or partner of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program applicant
• refugee, refugee claimant, protected person, or family member
• a temporary resident permit holder
• being sponsored as a family member

Employer Specific Work Permit

If a specific employer offers you a job, you can get this permit. Usually, the employer needs an LMIA to show they tried to hire a Canadian first.

If you’re in Canada on an employer-specific permit and want to change jobs, you’ll need to apply for a new permit.

Post-Graduation Work Permit

This is for international students who’ve finished their studies in Canada. It lets you work for any employer in Canada for up to three years, depending on how long your program was. You can get this if you graduate from a Canadian school.

Documents required

To apply for the Canada work visa, you need to have the following documents on hand.

Proof of Identity

• a valid passport or travel document ensuring re-entry to the issuing country or territory.
• two (2) photos of yourself and any accompanying family members meeting the visa application photo specifications.

Proof of Employment in Canada

• your Offer of Employment number provided by your employer

or

• a copy of the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from ESDC (given by your employer) and a copy of an employment contract from your future employer.
• evidence of eligibility for the job, which could include a Canadian provincial or territorial trade certificate, educational qualifications, or relevant work experience detailed in a resume.

Proof of Relationship

• marriage certificate and birth certificates for accompanying family members.
• for common-law relationships, complete the Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (IMM 5409) and provide supporting evidence as listed on the form.

Other Documents

• proof of present immigration status in the country or territory where you are applying if you’re not a citizen there.
• if your passport or travel document issuing government requires a re-entry permit, obtain it before applying for a work permit.

Please note that additional documents may be requested, and translations, if needed, must be done by the relevant authority.

Application process

To apply for a Canada work permit, follow the steps given below:

Step 1: Gather the required documents

Before starting the Canadian work visa application process, it’s essential to collect all necessary documents, as outlined in the preceding section. Ensure to read it thoroughly.

Step 2: Complete the required forms

The following forms must be completed:

• Application For Work Permit Made Outside of Canada (IMM 1295) 
• Document Checklist (IMM 5488)
• Family Information (IMM 5645 or IMM 5707)
• Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union (IMM 5409)  if it applies to you
• Use of a Representative (IMM 5476, if applicable
• Authority to release personal information to a designated individual (IMM 5475), if applicable

You can consult the IRCC required documents checklist to ensure all documents are gathered.

Step 3: Pay the required fees

To apply for a Canada work permit, you’ll need to pay several fees:

• application processing fee
• open work permit holder fee
• biometric fee (if required)

The fees are as follows:

• CAD 155 per person for a work permit (including extensions)
• CAD 465 for a group of three or more applying together
• CAD 100 maximum fee for groups of performing artists and their staff

To make your payments online, please follow these instructions:

• have a valid email address, access to a printer, and a credit card or Canadian debit card.
• visit the Online Payment page and follow the instructions.
• print the IRCC official receipt with a barcode. Print two copies.
• attach one copy to your completed application and keep the other for your records.

If you can’t pay online, visit the Pay Your Fees page to learn about other accepted payment methods.

Step 4: Submit your application

Once all the required documents and fees are gathered, the next step is to submit your application. This can be done either at a Visa Application Center (VAC) or apply online.

If you’re applying from outside Canada, you’ll need to fill out a country-specific form obtainable here after registering for an IRCC account. If your application is approved, you’ll receive the original documents and a letter of introduction for your work permit.

Living in Canada

Living in Canada offers a unique experience brimming with diverse cultures, history, and opportunities. As an expatriate, understanding the immigration laws and necessary permits is essential to fully enjoy your stay in this dynamic country.

Residency in Canada

Gaining residence in Canada opens up a host of facilities and opportunities. As a legitimate resident of Canada, you are entitled to the following:

• open a bank account
• access financial facilities
• apply for a driving license
• access government health services and health insurance
• register your children in government and private schools
• work and invest
• travel without an exit reentry visa
• own real estate in your name
• host and invite relatives

These exclusive benefits, available only to residents of Canada, significantly elevate the living experience and lay a robust foundation for both personal and professional advancement in the country.

Express Entry

Express Entry stands as Canada’s swiftest and most favored pathway to permanent residency. This system oversees three principal programs, including the Federal Skilled Workers, Federal Skilled Trades, and Canadian Experience Class.

Candidates eligible for any of these programs under Express Entry are required to submit a profile to the candidate pool. Within this pool, profiles are subject to ranking against others, with those achieving the highest rankings being extended an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residency.

Processing of applications through the Express Entry system may conclude in as little as six months.

Federal Skilled Worker Program

Individuals with at least one year of skilled work experience, meeting minimum language requirements in English or French, and scoring a minimum of 67 out of 100 points on the FSW selection grid may qualify for Express Entry under the Federal Skilled Worker Program.

Federal Skilled Trades Program

Those possessing two years of experience in a skilled trade, fulfilling language prerequisites in English or French, and either holding a Canadian qualification certificate for practicing their trade in Canada or having a job offer in their skilled trade in Canada may apply for Express Entry under the Federal Skilled Trades Program.

Canadian Experience Class

Individuals who have worked for at least one year in Canada on a valid work permit and meet language requirements are eligible to apply for Express Entry under the Canadian Experience Class.

Please note that profiles are ranked against all others in the pool, irrespective of the program for which they are eligible.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Operating in all provinces except Quebec, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) offers diverse immigration streams, each with unique eligibility criteria and application guidelines.

While some streams necessitate ties to a specific province, others cater to overseas workers capable of addressing particular labor market or demographic needs.

Financial aspects of living in Canada

Residing in Canada presents unique financial aspects to consider. While Canada doesn’t have a no-income-tax policy like the UAE, it boasts a high standard of living, particularly in housing, food, and transportation.

Familiarizing yourself with Canada’s tax system and understanding the minimum wage regulations is essential for those exploring employment opportunities in the country.

Canada income tax