Canada Settlement Guide

Express Entry is Canada's main immigration system for skilled workers. It manages applications for three federal economic immigration programs: Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades Program. Candidates create an online profile and are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The highest-ranking candidates receive invitations to apply for permanent residence through regular draws.

You can improve your CRS score by: (1) Improving language test scores in English or French, (2) Obtaining additional education credentials, (3) Gaining more work experience, (4) Getting a job offer from a Canadian employer, (5) Obtaining a provincial nomination, (6) Having a sibling in Canada as a citizen or PR, or (7) Studying in Canada to gain Canadian education points.

Provincial Nominee Programs allow Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals for permanent residence based on their specific economic needs and criteria. Each province has different streams targeting specific occupations, work experience, or other factors. A provincial nomination adds 600 points to your Express Entry CRS score, virtually guaranteeing an invitation to apply.

To study in Canada, you need: (1) Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), (2) Study permit (unless your program is 6 months or less), (3) Proof of financial support, (4) No criminal record, (5) Good health, and (6) Convince an officer you'll leave Canada after studies. Apply for your study permit as soon as you receive your acceptance letter.

A PGWP is an open work permit that allows eligible graduates from Canadian post-secondary institutions to work in Canada for up to three years after graduation. The length depends on your program duration. You must apply within 180 days of receiving your final marks or graduation confirmation. This work experience can help you qualify for permanent residence through programs like Canadian Experience Class.

Yes, international students with a valid study permit can work: (1) On-campus without a work permit, (2) Off-campus up to 20 hours per week during studies and full-time during breaks if enrolled full-time at a DLI, (3) In co-op or internship programs with a co-op work permit, and (4) As a teaching or research assistant at their institution. You must be studying full-time to be eligible for off-campus work.

There are two main types: (1) Employer-specific work permits - tied to a specific employer, job, and location, often requiring an LMIA, and (2) Open work permits - allow you to work for any employer (with some restrictions), including PGWP, spousal open work permits, working holiday visas, and bridging open work permits for permanent residence applicants.

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that an employer in Canada may need to get before hiring a foreign worker. It shows that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job and that no Canadian worker is available to do the job. An LMIA is required for most employer-specific work permits, but many categories are LMIA-exempt, including intra-company transfers, CUSMA/NAFTA workers, and certain international agreements.

It depends on your citizenship: (1) U.S. citizens need only a valid U.S. passport, (2) Citizens from visa-exempt countries need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) when flying to Canada, (3) Citizens from other countries need a Temporary Resident Visa (visitor visa). Use the IRCC website tool to check your specific requirements based on your citizenship and method of travel.

Most visitors can stay for up to 6 months from the date of entry. The border officer determines your length of stay and may stamp your passport or provide a visitor record with the date you must leave. If there's no stamp, you can stay for 6 months from the day you entered Canada. You can apply to extend your stay if you want to stay longer, but you must apply before your authorized stay expires.

Your priorities should be: (1) Find temporary accommodation, (2) Apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) at Service Canada, (3) Apply for provincial health insurance, (4) Open a Canadian bank account, (5) Get a local phone number, (6) Start looking for permanent housing, and (7) Begin the process of getting your foreign credentials recognized if applicable. Consider visiting a local settlement agency for assistance and guidance.

The process varies by profession: (1) For general purposes, use Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) services like WES, ICAS, or IQAS, (2) For regulated professions (doctors, engineers, teachers, etc.), contact the relevant professional regulatory body in your province, (3) Some professions require additional exams, training, or apprenticeships, (4) Start this process early as it can take several months, and (5) Check if your profession is regulated in Canada and what the requirements are.

A SIN is a 9-digit number that you need to work in Canada and access government programs and benefits. To apply: (1) Visit a Service Canada Centre in person, (2) Bring original documents proving your identity and status in Canada (passport, work permit, study permit, or confirmation of permanent residence), (3) The service is free and you'll receive your SIN immediately. Never share your SIN unnecessarily, and be aware that temporary residents receive SINs starting with "9".

Processing times vary widely: Express Entry (6-8 months after receiving invitation), Provincial Nominee Programs (varies by province, 8-18 months total), Study permits (4-12 weeks), Work permits (4-16 weeks), Visitor visas (2-6 weeks), Family sponsorship (12-24 months). These are current estimates and can change based on application volumes, completeness of applications, and other factors. Always check the IRCC website for current processing times.

Yes, you can include: (1) Your spouse or common-law partner, (2) Dependent children under 22 who are not married or in a common-law relationship, (3) Children 22 or older who have depended substantially on your financial support since before age 22 due to a physical or mental condition. All family members, whether accompanying you or not, must be declared in your application and undergo medical and background checks.

Costs vary significantly by location. Major cities like Toronto and Vancouver are more expensive. Average monthly expenses for a single person: housing ($800-2000), food ($300-500), transportation ($100-200), utilities ($100-200), and miscellaneous ($200-400). A family of four might spend $4000-7000 monthly. Smaller cities and rural areas are generally less expensive. Research your specific destination and consider factors like housing, transportation, and job opportunities when planning your budget.