Are you considering moving from the United States of America to Canada? If yes, know that you are not alone. The quality of life present in Canada together with its diverse culture, amazing health care system, and booming economic system in the country as made it an attractive destination for individuals seeking new opportunities. However, just like any other place, moving to a new place or country can be a complex process. The same is when you want to move to Canada from US; the processes involved are complex as well.
However, proper planning and preparation, together with the understanding of the requirements can assure you of a smooth transition.
In this blog post, we will be providing you on the steps you need to follow if you want to move from Canada to US.
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Step-By-Step Guide on How to Move To Canada from US
Below is a step-by-step guideline on how you can enjoy a smooth and successful transition from Canada to US.
Step 1: Plan and Choose Your Destination Carefully
Canada is widely known as a vast country with different precincts and communities. Each of these precincts and districts has its own unique features, opportunities, and advantages. It is however very important that you carefully research which location you are moving to that will align with your way of life.
You can also consider other factors such as career prospects, job market, cost of living, lifestyle and personal preferences, climate, cultural amenities, etc. These will help you identify places that might not be suitable for you to reside in.
Step 2: Familiarize yourself with Canada Immigration Programs
After deciding on which precinct or district you want to reside in, you should now research well about the pathways through which you can enter Canada. There are many types of immigration programs available:
- Express entry system
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)]
- Family Sponsorship
- Start-up visa, etc.
Each immigration program has its own unique requirements, eligibility criteria, etc. Therefore it is very necessary to familiarize yourself with the various immigration pathways and know which one best suits your purpose of migration.
Step 3: Determine Your Eligibility
After researching the different immigration programs and determining which best suits your purpose, the next thing is to know if you are eligible for such a program. There are many factors to look at when considering your eligibility, some of which include:
- Age
- Educational level
- Profession /skills
- Work experience
- Language proficiency in English and /or French languages
- Adaptability
- Funds, and many more
You need to thoroughly access yourself or consult an immigration lawyer or official to access your eligibility accurately.
Step 4: Gather all necessary Documents
Once you are able to confirm your eligibility for the immigration program that you choose, the next step is to prepare the necessary documents that will be required to process your visa. The documents you are going to need depend on the type of visa you will be applying for. However, the major /most common documents you will need are not limited to the following:
- Well-filled visa application form
- A valid passport with blank pages left for a visa
- Birth certificate
- Educational credentials (degrees, diplomas, high school leaving certificates, transcripts, etc.)
- Proof of work experience (where needed)
- Proof of language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, TEF, or CELPIP test results)
- Medical examination records
- Police clearance certificate
The above documents are just the basic ones you will be needed to provide. You might need to prepare more than that depending on your circumstances. You should however ensure that all your documents are complete, up-to-date, and accurate. You should try all possible means to avoid delay and complications by scrutinizing your documents for mistakes before submitting them along with your application.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
After determining your eligibility and preparing all required documents, the next step is to submit your application to the appropriate immigration office. The method of submitting your application can vary slightly depending on the type of immigration program you applied for.
For example, if you are applying through the Express Entry system, you need to create an online profile on the IRCC website and provide all necessary information, including your personal details, level of education, profession, and skills, work experience, language proficiency, job offers in Canada, provincial nominations, etc.
If you are, however, applying through a PNP or Family sponsorship program, the requirements are different, therefore, you should ensure to follow the required steps carefully as outlined by the program.
Step 6: Wait for Processing and Approval
After submitting your application with the requirements, the next is to be patient by waiting for the processing of your application. The processing times can vary based on the immigration program you applied for and also the workload present with the immigration office.
You can track your application through the online profile you would have created while applying on the application portal. You might be invited for an interview in some cases for biometrics or medical and security clearance. Endeavor to be as honest as possible in the interview. Any false information can complicate your application process.
You should cooperate with the immigration officials to ensure smooth processing of your application.
Step 7: Prepare for Your Travel
Once your application is approved, you will receive a notification from the immigration authorities either through email or notifications on your online portal. This is why it is essential to keep track of your application status by checking your portal very frequently. Once you have your visa and other documents, you can proceed with your travel arrangements.
It is important to seek professional guidance from immigration officials or those whom you know that have gone through the immigration process recently. This will help you reduce your struggles and worries and ensure you have a smooth trip.
Conclusion
Canada is a country filled with many opportunities and is visited by lots of people from all around the world. If you want to move to Canada from US, you should know that the process might not be so simple. However, with proper guidance and preparation, you can make your move to Canada from US easily and make the application process successful.
It is necessary to commence your application ahead of your proposed travel date. Determine your eligibility and provide all required documents needed to process your application. Be honest throughout the application process and be patient during the processing period. Ensure to cooperate with the immigration officials when invited for an interview. And when you finally arrive in Canada, study the culture of the land and stick to the rules and regulations of the country. Wishing you a successful transition!