Step by step, this guide on the Canada entry process will detail the complete Canada entry process from start to finish, including all documentation and forms required, what to expect and how long each part of the Canada entry process will take to complete.
Canada is a beautiful country, and it can be hard to believe that you may not qualify for entry without careful preparation beforehand.
The Canada entry process can be confusing and time-consuming, especially if you’re new to it.
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The good news is that there are official resources and third-party websites that you can use to learn everything you need to know about this process to make the most of your visit to Canada or even move there permanently if you want to.
We hope you find this guide on Canada entry process helpful and informative.
What Is Canada express entry?
Express Entry is Canada’s selection system for skilled immigrants.
The point-based system requires an applicant to be approved in specific categories before they are eligible to immigrate to Canada.
It also considers various factors, such as age, language skills, education, and work experience.
To apply for Canada express entry, you must have a qualifying offer of arranged employment or enough funds to support yourself and your family without recourse to public assistance from the government during the period you intend to stay in Canada.
You must also have at least one year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience related to your occupation within the last ten years.
Finally, you need at least CLB level 4 English or French competency (a language test taken with a designated institution).
If you qualify under the express entry points system, you will receive an invitation from Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence in Canada.
Canada Entry Process Step by Step
First Step – Visa Application
The first step of the Canada entry process is a visa application.
Canadians can visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website to determine if they are eligible for a temporary resident visa.
The requirements vary, but they often include; sufficient funds to support themselves in Canada, sufficient medical insurance, and a letter of acceptance from a Canadian university or employer.
Once the individual has determined they are eligible, they must apply online.
Second Step – Create Your Profile
You will need to provide your basic personal information, a profile photo, and a valid email address.
To continue, create a password for your account and confirm it (both under the Create an Account heading).
You will then be required to log in to the site with your username and password.
You can either enter citizenship status as Canadian or Non-Canadian.
You must also select one of Canada’s three official languages, English, French, or both as well as your mother tongue if you don’t speak one of Canada’s three official languages.
Third Step – Apply for the provincial Nomination Program
You must go through the Government of Canada’s official website to apply for the provincial nomination program.
You will then fill out a form with your name, contact information, language ability, and other details.
Next, you’ll need to enter basic information about the province where you want to live and work.
Finally, you’ll get an email with a list of things you will need to provide for the provincial authorities.
These include your English or French language test results and settlement plan when applying for any of Prince Edward Island (PEI), New Brunswick (NB), or Nova Scotia (NS).
Fourth Step – Interview, Documents Check, and Payment
The next step in the process is to have an interview with a visa officer.
Remember that it’s important to look clean and professional at this point.
This could be your first impression of Canada, so keep it professional.
Bring along a completed application form, proof of finances, enough money for transportation (a return ticket), and evidence of accommodations if you’ve already booked your flight or need to apply for accommodations.
Fifth Step – Medical Examination
To enter Canada, one must have the medical examination completed. Suppose you are planning to stay in Canada for more than six months.
In that case, it is recommended that you submit your medical examination no later than three months before your anticipated date of arrival.
For travelers entering on a quick visit (usually 30 days or less), it is best to bring your medical examination report with you to prove that the country from which you will be arriving has examined you and confirmed that you do not pose a risk to Canada’s public health.
It may also be advisable to provide an extra copy of the Report of Medical Examination in case there are any questions while screening at ports of entry.
Sixth Step – Reviewing the application
The last and final stage of the application process is to review the completed application.
As with every other part of the online form, it is essential to ensure that you’ve filled out everything accurately and there are no typos.
At this point, you can either approve your application online or return it to make any corrections before submitting it.
Once approved, there will be a six-week processing period before receiving your permanent resident visa and documents.
After reviewing your application for completeness and accuracy, if there are no errors or corrections needed, Canada’s immigration authorities will then approve your application within six weeks of your submission date.
How to Apply for Canada PR Under Federal Skilled Worker Program
Conclusion
The Canadian immigration system has a relatively complex set of requirements for obtaining permanent residency.
However, it does not take an in-depth understanding of these requirements to be able to fill out the forms and submit them when the time comes.
Those interested in entering Canada as permanent residents should ensure that they have gathered all the necessary documents and completed any steps they need to do before applying.
They should also remember that they will be most successful if they follow this Canada entry process step by step to maximize their chances of approval.