Immigrating to Canada: Answers to frequently asked questions and a beginner's guide.

Canada is a welcoming, prosperous and serene country that offers many opportunities for people wishing to immigrate. However, the immigration process can seem daunting for beginners. That's why we've created this short guide to help you understand the basics of immigrating to Canada, and answer your most frequently asked questions. By following the advice in this guide, you'll be better prepared for a successful immigration journey.

Two types of status for residing in Canada :

Temporary status include work permits, study permits, visitor visas, temporary residence permits, etc. Applicants must meet the specific requirements of each program to obtain the appropriate status. For example, a foreign student must be accepted into a Canadian study program and prove that he/she can support him/herself financially.

Permanent articles of association include permanent resident status, which is conferred for life, and the canadian citizenship. To obtain permanent resident status, applicants may apply from abroad or be selected under a provincial or federal nomination program, such as the Programme de l'Expérience Québécoise or the Programme Régulier des Travailleurs Qualifiés.

Two types of work permit in Canada

The open work permit allows the holder to work for any employer in Canada. It is often issued to temporary workers with limited Canadian work experience, to foreign students who have graduated from a Canadian university, and to spouses of holders of closed work permits.

The closed work permit is linked to a specific employer and workplace. The holder must work for the employer indicated on the permit and in the specific job described on the permit. Temporary workers must have a job offer from a Canadian employer to obtain a closed work permit.

The two levels of authority

The federal level manages immigration programs, such as theExpress Inputwhich aims to select skilled workers and candidates for economic immigration, as well as immigration programs for refugees and asylum seekers.

The provinces also have specific immigration programs to meet local labor needs. For example, the Quebec Experience Program allows foreign students who have graduated from a Quebec university to work and live in Quebec on a permanent basis.

Qualified job requirements

Skilled jobs are generally classified as NOC category 0, A or B, which are jobs requiring post-secondary training, specialized work experience or specific skills. Skilled jobs are often considered high-demand jobs in Canada, and applicants with work experience in these jobs may be eligible for immigration programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program.

How to obtain status

Immigration applications often involve complex administrative procedures, including the submission of an electronic job offer and the application for a Certificat d'acceptation du Québec (CAQ) for candidates wishing to study in Quebec. International students must first obtain a CAQ from the Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration du Québec (MIFI), then apply for a study permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). For prospective immigrants wishing to work in Canada, it is generally necessary to obtain a work permit, either an open or closed work permit. An open work permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada, while a closed work permit is tied to a specific employer and workplace. Applicants must also prove that they hold a skilled job to be eligible for certain immigration programs. Finally, candidates and employers can be accompanied by a regulated professional in immigration to help them through the process.

The different immigration programs

There are a number of immigration programs available to candidates, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Quebec Experience Program, the Provincial Nominee Program, the Francophone Mobility Program and others. It's important to understand the differences between these programs, and to choose the one that best suits your situation.

Language tests

For immigrate to CanadaWhen applying for a job in France, it is often necessary to demonstrate your French and/or English language skills by taking language tests, such as the Test d'évaluation de Français (TEF) or the Test d'évaluation de l'Anglais (IELTS). It's important to understand the language requirements for each immigration program and to be well prepared for the tests.

Evaluation of diplomas and professional experience

Candidates are often required to have their diplomas and qualifications assessed by Canadian organizations to determine their equivalence with Canadian standards. The most commonly used assessment agencies are the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC) and the International Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS).

Provincial immigration programs

Each Canadian province has its own immigration program designed to attract skilled workers and entrepreneurs. These programs have different requirements and eligibility criteria than federal immigration programs.

Financial requirements

Some immigration programs require you to demonstrate that you have sufficient financial resources to settle in Canada. We therefore recommend that you understand the financial requirements of each immigration program and prepare the necessary documents to prove your solvency.

Processing times

Immigration applications can take months or even years to process, depending on the immigration program chosen and the volume of applications received. It's important to understand the processing times involved, so you can plan your immigration project accordingly.

Visit our other articles on the subject for more information: Immigration Canada, Guide 2023 – How to find a job in Canada for foreigners – Studying and living in Quebec – All our articles on immigration to Canada

Don't hesitate to ask any questions you may have: this article will be updated frequently to answer all your questions.