In 2020, Canada was ranked second as the best country (overall) in the world by the U.S. News, dominating the rankings with high scores in the quality of life, citizenship, and business categories.
Some other important factors that make Canada an attractive country on the global stage are its multicultural population and welcoming immigration policies. Moving to a new country is not only a huge life decision but also requires a substantial financial commitment.
Requirements
In order to enter the federal Express Entry pool, candidates must first create an Express Entry profile. Also, you must meet the eligibility requirements for one of the three programs. They include the Federal Skilled Worker Class; the Federal Skilled Trades Class; and the Canadian Experience Class.
A job offer is not required to enter or be selected from the Express Entry pool. However, additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score points are awarded to those who already have a job.
A candidate’s CRS score is based on factors such as age, education, skilled work experience, and proficiency in English or French. An individual applicant or a couple may get CRS points. Candidates do not need to have any experience in Canada in order to get ITA for permanent residence.
You need documents, such as language test results, to show that you’re eligible for Express Entry. However, note that some documents take a long time to get, so you should get them ready now.
If you’re eligible, IRCC will accept you, and register you into the Express Entry pool of candidates.
You’ll be ranked in the Express Entry pool using the CRS points-based system. Your score is based on the information in your profile.
- Quickly Check your CRS score with our simple FREE CRS Score calculator.
- THEN use the more detailed official Canada government CRS Score form for Free.
- THEN create your official Canada government Express Entry Profile.
- IRCC will send Invitations to Apply (ITA) to the candidates with the highest scores in the pool. If IRCC invites you to apply, you’ll have 60 days to submit your application for permanent residence.
IRCC processes complete applications that have all the supporting documents in 6 months or less.
Documents Needed for Express Entry
You need certain documents at different stages of the Express Entry application process.
You do not need to upload documents to submit a profile. However, you may need information from some or all of these documents:
- passport or travel document
- language test results
- education credential assessment report if
- you are applying through the Federal Skilled Workers program, or
- Do you want to get points for the education you got outside Canada?
- provincial nomination (if you have one)
- written job offers from an employer in Canada (if you have one)
Documents Needed for Permanent Residency
You must upload the documents referenced in your profile.
Most applicants will also need to upload the following:
- police certificates;
- medical exams;
- proof of funds.
Cost
When it comes to immigration costs, Canada is still quite affordable when compared to other popular immigration destinations such as Australia. A family of four immigrating to Canada is looking at paying approximately CAD $11, 000 less than a family of four immigrating to Australia. That’s a significant amount saved!
The amount of money you need to immigrate to Canada depends on the size of your family and the type of immigration program you will apply for. In addition, it involves settlement funds, processing fees, translation of necessary documents, and other expenses, including, for example, if you are bringing your pet.
Medical exams
This procedure is mandatory not only for Express Entry and PNPs but also for cases of temporary residence applications (like study or work visas). They are performed only by doctors accredited by the Canadian government.
The charged amounts ​​vary according to the doctor, the city, and country, as well as the required exams – usually a chest X-ray, blood work, and urine test. The best choice is to contact the nearest accredited specialist and ask about the prices.
After submitting your profile and receiving the Invitation to Apply (ITA), the candidate needs to send the documents and evidence that attests to the veracity of the data-informed on the profile.
The cost for translations also varies widely, with several factors of influence, especially the cost of the translator. However, it is recommended to save about CAD $350 to CAD$ 450 for these expenses.
IRCC Settlement FundsÂ
Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) created the Express Entry system which is the most popular immigration pathway to Canada for skilled foreign workers and their close family members. The IRCC settlement funds change every year.
In 2021, a single applicant without a spouse or common-law partner and any dependent children must have a minimum of CAD $12, 960 in savings to qualify for permanent residency.
A couple who are immigrating to Canada must have a combined sum of CAD $16, 135 in settlement funds. Basically, you must add an additional CAD $3, 492 in savings for every additional dependent family member even if they don’t move to Canada with you.
Express Entry Processing Fees
There is no cost to creating an Express Entry profile. It’s only when you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) and submit a complete application that you’ll need to pay a CAD$ 825 processing fee per adult. And if you have kids, you’ll need to pay an additional CAD $225 per dependent child accompanying you to Canada.
Also, the Canadian Government will charge you, CAD, $500 per adult in the couple for the Right of Permanent Resident. Children do not have to pay this fee.
Processing Fees and Settlement Funds for PNP Candidates
Provincial Nomination Programs (PNPs) are immigration pathways designed and managed by the 11 participating provincial and territorial governments. Candidates apply to a PNP in hopes of achieving a nomination that significantly increases their chances of immigrating to Canada.
Provincial application or processing fees are determined by each province and territory. They are added on top of the federal immigration fees that successful provincial nominees pay to apply for permanent residence.
The costs for the PNP applications are fixed for the whole family:
- Alberta (AINP) – CAD$ 500
- British Columbia (BC PNP) – CAD$ 1,150
- Manitoba (MPNP) – CAD$ 500
- New Brunswick (MBPNP) – CAD$ 250
- Newfoundland and Labrador (NLPNP) – CAD$ 250
- Nova Scotia (NSNP) – CAD$ 0
- Ontario (OINP) – CAD$ 1,500 to CAD$ 2,000
- Prince Edward Island (PEI PNP) – CAD$ 300
- Saskatchewan (SINP) – CAD$ 350