What documents are needed to immigrate to Canada?

1. Possibilities
2. Programs
3. Procedure
4. Refusal

A decent level of social protection, a stable economy, minimal crime rates, the absence of corruption and bureaucratic delays, quality medical care, prestigious education, high salaries and tolerance of local residents are factors that popularize Canada for immigration.

In turn, Canada is one of the few countries that actively pursues a policy of attracting migrants: the Ministry of Migration annually issues more than 300,000 immigrant visas. The selection of candidates does not depend on ethnicity, but is based on the business and professional qualities of the applicants.

To move, foreigners need to obtain a permanent residence permit in Canada. This status guarantees legal residence in the country, and in the future gives the right to obtain citizenship. All legal grounds for issuing visas and residence permits are enshrined in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Rules, which have been in force since 2002.

What does a residence permit in Canada provide?

Canadian residency offers many benefits to migrants. The only restrictions are military service, the lack of the right to take part in elections and the ban on the opportunity to occupy high positions in government agencies. At the same time, migrants with a residence permit have the right:

• get an official job with a high salary;
• studies at higher educational institutions on preferential terms;
• enjoy high-quality free healthcare;
• conduct business activities;
• take advantage of social programs and various benefits;
• travel freely to 170 countries.

Those who have a Canadian residence permit can apply for citizenship after 5 years.

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Pros and cons of living in the country

Naturally, before moving to Canada, you need to study information not only about the nuances of the move, but also calculate all the possible pros and cons. In fact, there are quite a lot of them, and since many approach this issue irresponsibly, many nuances subsequently appear. In this paragraph, we will look at the main pros and cons of your move.

Let's start with the advantages of immigrating to Canada.

The main need for moving for Russians is the opportunity to change their lives for the better. For example, receive a higher salary, eat tastier foods, live in better environmental conditions.

• Therefore, the first most significant plus is the climatic conditions of a given country. Firstly, it is unusual for Russians, and secondly, the temperature in winter does not fall below 0 degrees, which in itself is a plus.
• Canada is recognized as one of the most environmentally friendly countries in the world. Therefore, life expectancy here is higher, and also the level of health of citizens is better. Thus, life expectancy on average is approximately 85 years.
• Another advantage is the low crime rate. Indeed, practically no crimes happen in Canada. Everything is quite quiet and calm, therefore, this country is ideal for living with a family and children.
• And another interesting nuance is that Canada has many regions where specialists are required.
• And finally, these are the various types of social support that are provided to citizens.

But despite all these significant advantages, there are also disadvantages.

For example, the main disadvantage of immigration to Canada is the high cost. Prices there are indeed higher than in Russia, especially for food and housing. Therefore, you will most likely have to take out a mortgage for life.

High competition in the labor market. If you are not traveling under any program in the selected region, but just want to try yourself in one of the Canadian cities, then be prepared for significant competition, which concerns not only visitors, but also local residents.

Also, a significant problem is the language barrier. The fact is that French and English are recognized as official languages ​​in the country. In order to find a prestigious job, you need to know your language very well. Also, if everything is really difficult for you, you can attend a course specially organized for you, which is aimed at language adaptation

Immigration programs

Most immigration programs are organized under the common Express Entry system: those who wish to move to Canada can register here. Each participant is assigned a certain number of points based on the perceived benefit to the Canadian labor market. For each of the existing programs, candidates are systematically selected, and those who have a suitable specialization and a high rating are invited to apply for consideration to move to Canada. In addition to existing programs, popular reasons for obtaining permanent residence in Canada include business, work, study, family reunion and refugee.

Business immigration and investment

Canada is attractive to entrepreneurs and is ranked seventh among the best countries for doing business. The Canadian government is interested in the immigration of foreign investors and entrepreneurs who bring money to the country, and implements various federal programs whose main goal is to promote employment and increase economic growth. For foreign entrepreneurs, it is possible to obtain a residence permit in Canada by investing in the federal Start Up Visa program. To participate you will need:

• pass a test of knowledge of one of the official languages;
• purchase medical insurance;
• have the necessary amount for living in your account;
• confirm the availability of housing owned or rented (except in the province of Quebec);
• provide a certificate of good conduct;
• contribute at least $75,000 CAD to the authorized capital, and when attracting additional investors - 200,000 $CAD.

Under the terms of the program, opening a business is possible at the expense of Canadian investors, the main thing is that the enterprise is profitable and guarantees the creation of at least two jobs for the population. In addition to these programs, provinces offer their own conditions for immigration for investment.

Investors can create their own business or buy an existing one. Participation in the program requires management experience, 600,000 CAD in assets and the ability to invest 250,000 CAD directly in the business. For investors wishing to take advantage of the Saskatchewan program, an investment project of a minimum of CAD 300,000 is offered.

Employment

Working in Canada is the main way to obtain a residence permit. The growing economy of the country needs highly qualified specialists; it is only important to meet the requirements: have a specialty and know one of the official languages. Competence makes it possible to obtain permanent resident status through professional immigration.

The most popular are:

• managers and managers;
• IT specialists;
• medical workers;
• engineers;
• teachers;
• scientific workers.

Low-skilled employees can also count on some immigration programs with the possibility of issuing a residence permit. Canada requires: harvesters, waiters, cleaners, drivers and other workers. Caregivers also fall into a special category.

Studies

Studying is a good way to gain a foothold in Canada if you have the time and financial resources to spare. The main advantage of this method is smooth integration. To immigrate through education, you must choose an accredited educational institution, pass tests for knowledge of one of the official languages, and receive confirmation of enrollment. On this basis, a study visa is issued. Studying in Canada has its advantages:

• Canadian universities are highly ranked and provide quality education;
• It’s not difficult to get into them; you just need to pass a language proficiency test, have a certificate and the required amount of funds;
• when applying for a job, the diploma obtained does not require confirmation or passing additional exams;
• During your studies, you can learn all the features of the country and decide on a place to live.

A study visa does not give the right to a residence permit, but it greatly simplifies the further process. Upon completion of their studies, students have the basis for obtaining a special work permit (Post-Graduation Work Permit), which allows them to live in the country for another 3 years. During this time, you can find an official job in your specialty and exercise the right to obtain a residence permit based on employment.

Family reunion

Moving to immediate family is one of the most common immigration programs to Canada. Spouses, children, parents can enter the country for family reunification and obtain a permanent residence permit. Those who have reached the age of majority have the right to work. If you lose your job or are unable to provide for yourself, you do not need to count on benefits from the state. All financial obligations are assumed by the receiving party.

Refugee

Canada positions itself as a state that provides refuge to internally displaced persons from any part of the world. Those who left their homeland due to fear of persecution for religious or political beliefs, race or nationality, sexual orientation and other reasons can count on protection. You can apply for asylum in Canada if there is evidence that you are at risk of torture, ill-treatment or death in your home country. The right to refugee status will have to be convincingly justified, since the immigration service carefully analyzes each case.

If you provide false information, falsify documents or have other serious violations, the candidate will be banned from entering Canada. Applicants who are denied refugee status must leave the country within 30 days. If the result is positive, refugees are given permanent resident status, which gives them the right to receive free medical care, learn one of the state languages ​​and officially get a job.

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Conditions for emigration to Canada

This procedure is easy to perform, but usually takes a lot of time. This depends on the composition of the package of documents submitted to the embassy.

It is important to understand that the embassy may refuse permission to enter the country for various reasons. Accordingly, a person should not have situations that spoil his reputation. At the same time, he must have an excellent knowledge of any of the official languages ​​of Canada.

A response to an application for permission to enter Canada may arrive within a month after submitting the application. Today he does not have a definitive time frame for this - everything will depend on what the identity of the applicant will be, as well as on the number of people who have applied to move.

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How to obtain a residence permit in Canada?

The main task of a migrant is to obtain an immigration visa with confirmation of status assignment: it is this that provides the basis for issuing a residence permit. The process may vary depending on the method of moving, but generally involves the following steps:

1. Selecting the most suitable immigration program.
2. Preparation of the required package of documents.
3. Submitting papers for consideration to the consulate.
4. Passing tests and interviews.
5. Obtaining an immigrant visa.

Entry into Canada is subject to the issuance of an immigrant visa. At the point of arrival, by decision of the border officer, a PR (Permanent Residence) card is issued free of charge - a permit for permanent residence. You must receive it no later than 70 days after entry.

List of documents

To obtain a residence permit in Canada, you need to prepare a certain package of documents. It may vary depending on the chosen program and the individual characteristics of a particular case, but usually the applicant provides the following documents:

• completed application form;
• international passport (original), national passport (copies of all pages with marks);
• medical report from an accredited medical center;
• information about family composition;
• data on education and qualification level;
• certificate of no criminal record;
• work book and characteristics from places of work;
• certificates confirming knowledge of one of the official languages ​​(preferably);
• a bank account statement confirming the availability of sufficient funds for living.

When relocating under an employment program, you must provide a diploma and certificate of selection. When applying for a residence permit in Canada due to family reunification, you will need certificates confirming family ties with a Canadian citizen. All documentation is translated into one of the official languages ​​of Canada and certified by a notary.

Deadlines for receipt and consideration of the application

The period for consideration of the application is determined by the basis on which the applicant is applying for a residence permit and the consulate for filing the application. So, if the basis is investment or the Express Entry program, then the process takes 3 months. In other cases, an answer can be received in 6-17 months.

Extension of residence permit

The duration of a residence permit in Canada depends on the program and can be 3-5 years. At the end of the residence permit period, it is necessary to extend it for the same period, if filing an application for citizenship is not provided. To renew, you must contact the migration service and provide documents confirming compliance with the terms of the program, which was initially the basis for obtaining a residence permit. You can apply for renewal no earlier than 6 months and no later than 1 month before the expiration of the residence permit. After submitting documents to the service, you must wait 3-4 months until a new card is issued. It will be sent by mail to the specified address.

Renewal of a residence permit in Canada may be refused for violation of the basic conditions of residence in the country:

• absence from the territory for more than 3 years out of 5;
• committing a crime that carries a prison sentence of more than 6 months;
• late payment of taxes.

Another reason may be the voluntary refusal of the owner. To do this, he needs to contact IRCC, where the request will be considered. In this case, the immigrant’s status will be changed to Temporary Resident and he must leave the country within six months.

Documents for moving

To successfully complete the process of emigration to a given country, Russian candidates must pay attention to the documents that will be needed for this.

These include the following:

1. Photos – 4 pieces.
2. Characteristics from the educational institution or workplace.
3. Language certificate.
4. Documents characterizing marital status.
5. Documents on vocational training.
6. Documents proving work experience.
7. Documents confirming work experience.
8. Application forms for submission to the embassy.
9. Certificate of no criminal record.
10. Receipt of payment of state duty.
11. Bank account statement.
12. International passport.
13. Certificates from educational institutions where the emigrant’s children are studying.
14. Medical certificate.
15. Documents showing kinship with Canadian citizens.

Reasons for refusal

A negative decision is made on applications of those applicants who submitted an incomplete set of documents or filled them out incorrectly. Also, refusal to obtain a Canadian residence permit is possible on the following grounds:

• the applicant does not meet a program requirement;
• the applicant did not score the required number of points during testing;
• there have been violations of the migration laws of other countries;
• the applicant's relocation poses a threat to the safety of the local population;
• the applicant suffers from dangerous infectious diseases;
• does not have sufficient financial security;
• providing false information.

Upon receipt of a refusal, the applicant has the right to know the reason for the negative decision. If the circumstances can be eliminated (an incomplete package of documents was submitted or they were filled out incorrectly), then you can try again.

For Russians and most migrants from CIS countries, a Canadian residence permit is an opportunity to live comfortably in a safe country, with favorable conditions for business development, career building and education. Moving to Canada is accompanied by a number of difficulties, but having sufficient reasons to obtain a residence permit under the immigration law is a feasible task.