The Beginner’s Guide to Immigrating to Canada
Summary of Key Points:
Immigrating to Canada as a permanent resident (PR) is a complex process involving numerous steps. The first thing you will need to do is determine your eligibility and select an immigration program.
Popular immigration programs for PR applicants include the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, the Canadian Experience Class program, and the Family Sponsorship program.
Once you have collected the documents required for your program and submitted your application, you will most likely need to complete an Immigration Medical Exam (IME). These exams must be performed by a designated Panel Physician.
The time it takes for a decision to be made on your application will depend on the program you apply under and the volume of applications. If your application is approved, you should prepare to move—including acquiring your SIN number and health insurance.
Immigrating to Canada as a permanent resident is a lengthy and complex process, but the more you know about what you’ll need to do ahead of time, the easier it is to get started. Below, you’ll find tips for every step in your journey, including:
We conduct accurate immigration medical exams in safe, clean facilities at five locations throughout the Greater Toronto Area, so we’ve worked with countless immigrants to Canada and understand the process in detail. Use our knowledge and experience to make your immigration experience as smooth and easy as possible.
Determining Your Eligibility
The first step in immigrating to Canada is to determine if you are eligible for permanent residency. The eligibility criteria include factors such as your:
Age
Education
Language proficiency
Work experience
The best way to determine your eligibility is to take an online assessment or to consult with a licensed immigration lawyer or consultant. You can check your eligibility on the Government of Canada website here.
Choosing Your Immigration Program
Canada offers several immigration programs for people who want to immigrate as a permanent resident. It is important to choose the program that best suits your skills and experience, so we’ve explained a few of the most popular immigration programs below:
Federal Skilled Worker Program
Canada's Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is a federal immigration program for highly skilled workers who can contribute to the country's economy. It assesses applicants based on a points system that considers the eligibility criteria described in the previous section.
To apply under the FSWP, you must:
Create an Express Entry profile (an online application management system also used for several other economic immigration programs).
Score at least 67 points on the points assessment grid
Meet the minimum language proficiency requirements
Complete an Immigration Medical Exam (IME)
Undergo security, and criminal background checks
Federal Skilled Trades Program
Canada's Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is a federal immigration program that allows skilled trades workers with job offers or certification in specific trades to apply for permanent residency.
To apply under the FSTP, you must have one of the following:
At least two years of full-time work experience in a qualifying skilled trade within the last five years
A job offer from a Canadian employer
A certificate of qualification in their trade from a Canadian province or territory
You must also:
Create an Express Entry profile
Meet language proficiency requirements
Complete an Immigration Medical Exam (IME)
Undergo security and criminal background checks
Canadian Experience Class
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is a federal immigration program that provides an efficient path to permanent residency for highly skilled foreign workers who have already gained Canadian work experience.
To apply under the CEC, you must:
Have at least 12 months of full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work experience in Canada in the three years before applying
Meet the required language proficiency levels in either English or French
Complete an Immigration Medical Exam (IME)
Undergo security and criminal background checks
The CEC application process is done outside of the Express Entry system and is a paper-based process. You will have to submit a complete PR application, including supporting documents, to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
Family Sponsorship
The Family Sponsorship program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their eligible relatives for permanent residency in Canada. Eligible relatives can include:
A spouse or common-law partner
Dependent children
Parents
Grandparents
To apply under the Family Sponsorship program, you must:
Be sponsored by an eligible Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Meet the definition of a family member as defined by the immigration laws
Undergo a medical examination, security, and criminal background checks.
If you are sponsored under this program, your sponsor must undertake a financial commitment to support you for a period of three to ten years, depending on the type of relationship between you. Your sponsor must also submit a sponsorship application and provide evidence of their financial ability to support you during this period.
You must then submit a complete PR application, including supporting documents, to the responsible immigration office. The processing time for Family Sponsorship applications can vary, and it is important to check with the immigration authorities for the most up-to-date information on processing times.
Gather the Necessary Documents
Once you have determined your eligibility and chosen an immigration program, you will need to gather all the necessary documents. These will include:
Your passport
Birth certificate
Educational certificates
Language test results
Work references
Any other documents required by your chosen program
It is important to make sure that all the documents are up-to-date and translated into English or French. This will help you avoid processing delays.
Submit Your Application
Once you have chosen your immigration program and gathered the necessary documents, you’ll need to submit your application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Depending on the program you apply under, you will either do this through the Express Entry pool or submit a paper application directly via mail.
Complete Your Immigration Medical Exam
Most applications for permanent residency require you to undergo an Immigration Medical Exam (IME). This exam determines whether you have any medical conditions that could pose a threat to public health or safety, or that could place excessive demand on Canada's healthcare system.
You must complete your Immigration Medical Exam after submitting your application for permanent residency and before you receive a decision from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. The IME must be completed by a designated Panel Physician approved by the Government of Canada.
Once we’ve completed your medical exam, we’ll send the results directly to the immigration authorities, who will consider them when making a decision on your application for permanent residency. Book your immigration medical exam here.
Wait for a Decision
After you have submitted your application, you will need to wait for a decision from the Canadian government. The processing time for permanent residency applications can vary, depending on the immigration program and the volume of applications. You can check the status of your application online or by contacting Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
Prepare Your Move
If your application for permanent residency is approved, the next step is to prepare for your move to Canada! This includes making arrangements for your accommodation, transportation, and other necessities. You will also need to arrange for health insurance and a Social Insurance Number (SIN) once you arrive in Canada.
Book Your Immigration Medical Exam with Confidence
Immigrating to Canada as a permanent resident is a complex process that requires careful planning and preparation. By following the steps outlined above, you can make a high-level plan for moving to Canada and increase your chances of success. However, it is important to note that the immigration process can change frequently, and it is always a good idea to consult with a licensed immigration lawyer or consultant for the most up-to-date information and guidance.
Now that you know what your journey will involve, you can prepare for it ahead of time. Contact Panel Physician to book your IME at any of our locations or have your questions about it answered by an experienced professional.