Canada is an incredible country to choose if you’re looking to get a world-class education, perhaps take a step forward in your career, or just want to live in a country known for its safety and security. No matter the reason, Canada makes for a great place to live as an immigrant.
Beyond these reasons mentioned, one of the most significant reasons might be that Canada needs immigrants and therefore has over 100 visa and immigration programs that help foreign nationals, such as yourself, move to Canada and create a better life.
For more insight into The Great White North, let’s take a look at the top 5 benefits of living in Canada!
5 Reasons to Move to Canada
1. Canada has many immigrant-serving organizations
Canada is so invested in ensuring that immigrants do well in Canada that they have designed over 500 immigrant-serving organizations from all over the country. The main goal of these incredible organizations is to help you adjust to your new life in Canada, and ensure that you integrate well into the country’s economy and society. This is done through practical job training and mentorship as well as English and French classes if needed.
A great bonus is that you would be able to meet many people, not only from your country of origin but from across the world too.
2. Canada has a growing economy
This is a big plus for foreign nationals as this means that the country is in need of immigrants. And the more immigrants Canada needs the higher your chance of moving to Canada. A growing economy also means plenty of job opportunities to be filled. In fact, 337,000 jobs were added to the Canadian workforce.
One of the factors that you can benefit the most from is that Canada offers all types of employment, whether you are a highly-skilled, semi-skilled or unskilled worker. There are also various ways to work in Canada through programs such as Express Entry, the Provincial Nominee Program and the Global Talent Stream.
3. Canada has top-tier education
It’s no secret that Canada spends good money on its education system, and it’s definitely paying off. Currently, Canada’s education system is ranked fourth in the world, and international students flock to Canada for this very reason. Obtaining a qualification in Canada means that you’re carrying a qualification that is recognized globally, and therefore potentially securing you a great future.
Another great advantage worth mentioning is that you can actually work part-time during semesters and full-time during breaks through a Canadian study permit. This way you can earn money while receiving an education.
Fun fact: If you’re a Canadian permanent resident your children will be eligible for free public education!
4. Canada has an outstanding healthcare system
This might be one of the most important top 5 benefits of living in Canada because good health means a good life, for anyone. So why does Canada have such a great healthcare system? Well, for starters Canada has a well publicly-funded system in place called Canadian Medicare, which is used by all 13 provinces and territories. However, each of them do operate differently and has their own insurance scheme, and the amount of funds they receive from the government.
The Canadian Medicare gives more medical services and at a lower cost to people. It’s also universal which means almost everyone can receive health care without any financial strain. This is because the services are essentially free to Canadian permanent residents as they are paid through taxes.
5. Canada has the best of both worlds
Are you looking to live in the busy city or are you leaning more towards the tight-knit communities? Whichever you prefer, Canada has both!
Both city and town have so much to offer you or your family, whether it be education, job opportunities or incredible scenery. The largest cities in Canada include Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary whereas the largest rural towns include Churchill, Mahone Bay and Elora.
Good to know!
Canada has several immigration pathways for foreign nationals to permanently move to Canada, these include the Atlantic Immigration Pilot and the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP).
How Can I Move to Canada as a Foreigner?
Canada has over 100 visas and immigration programs that allow you as a foreign national to either immigrate, study or travel. It’s just a matter of finding which Canadian visa suits your needs best.
Below are some of the more popular Canadian programs:
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
If you know exactly where you’d like to move to in Canada, then the PNP is the perfect program to immigrate through. This is because you can apply directly to the province or territory you’re interested in.
What is the PNP?
The government and all provinces and territories have an agreement in which they can nominate foreign nationals to move to the particular province permanently. Of course, the province will choose candidates according to their labour and immigration needs. This makes the place you apply to crucial, as someone is more likely to have a successful application if their skill or occupation is in demand in that province.
Each province and territory has its own list of in-demand occupations, be sure to see where your skills are needed.
How can I apply for a nomination?
You have two options to apply through the Provincial Nominee Program, they are:
- Applying directly to the province of your choice; and
- Applying through the Express Entry system.
1. So you know where you want to stay in Canada and your skill is in demand there? Great, then applying directly is a great choice. You’ll need to send a paper application through the mail or courier. This process can take anywhere between 15 to 19 months. It’s good to know that this process does take the longest of the two options.
2. Applying through the Express Entry system would be the quickest way as it would take around six months to receive your application results. With this application option, you have two ways to go about applying. You could either express interest on your Express Entry profile for the province or territory or you can apply through one of the many Provincial Nominee Express Entry Streams.
Canadian Study Permit
Would You like to earn a globally-recognized qualification? Perhaps you’d like to boost your career? Canada is the place to do it. Not only can you obtain a qualification, but you also have the potential to work in Canada and eventually immigrate to Canada.
How can I get a Canada study visa?
You’ll first need to enroll at a Designated Learning Institute (DLI). The school you choose to enroll at needs to have an approved COVID-19 readiness plan. You’ll also need a study visa and to do so you require the following:
- acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI);
- passport or travel document; and
- proof that you have the funds to support yourself.
How long does it take to get a Canadian student visa?
The waiting time is around 16 weeks; however, if you’re from one of the countries that are participating in the Student Direct Stream then you can receive your permit as soon as 20 calendar days.
Now that you know the top 5 benefits of living in Canada, all you need to do next is see which Canadian visa suits you or your family best!
