11 Step-by-Step Guide on Migrating to Canada in 2024

Canada, with its stunning landscapes, diverse culture, and promising opportunities, is a dream destination for many aspiring immigrants. If you’re considering making the move in 2024, this step-by-step guide will help you navigate the intricate process of migrating to the Great White North.

Embarking on the journey to migrate to Canada is a decision that can shape your life positively. Whether you’re drawn to the country’s high standard of living, excellent healthcare, or the welcoming community, understanding the immigration process is crucial.

In this comprehensive article, we will walk you through the entire process, from understanding Canadian immigration policies to settling down in your new home. You should pay attention to every step and use to only click on the official links we provide.

11 Step-by-Step Guide on Migrating to Canada in 2024

1. Try To Understand Canada’s Immigration Policies

First things first, you have to research, learn, and understand Canada immigration policies for different types of visas. This should be before you even start gathering your documents to head on to the embassy. Familiarize yourself with Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), as they are popular pathways for migrants.

• Express Entry System

The Express Entry system is a points-based immigration selection system that allowed high-scoring eligible nominees to come and live in Canada as permanent residents. The scores are calculated using a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS); the higher a nominee scores, the more chances that nominee stands to get approved for a Canada visa with permanent residence permit upon arrival.

• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

This is basically a subset of the Express Entry System controlled by provinces. As the name implies, this involves getting nominated, or rather invited, by a province to come and live within their jurisdiction and enjoy certain benefits, which included getting Canada permanent residence permit.

Well, this type of visa is reserved for foreign elites whom skills, exposure, or professionalism can help to thrive a Canadian province; so the province will send them an Invitation to Apply (ITA) and have them come over to Canada. The criteria for this type of visa is pretty top ranking, it’s not for everyone, sadly.

2. Assess Your Eligibility

There are different visa types that can get you into Canada: study visa, work visa, temporary visa or visitors visa, sponsorship visa (dependent), and others. Each of these visa types have specific eligibility requirements. It is important that you take time to access and know the one you qualify for.

Interestingly, the IRCC has a tool for accessing your eligibility for a Canada visa online. You can use the tool to know which visa you could get approved for.

3. Get Your Documents Ready

Of course, if you’re going to travel to any country, you’re going to submit quite several documents, which include your academic papers, transcripts, nationality documents, health reports, and any other requested ones based on the type of visa you’re applying for.

Well, some Canada visa types will have you submit a language test result to confirm you can speak and hear English or French fluently. The most common language test request for a Canada visa is the IELTS. In addition, get your valid passport ready and all possible travel documents in your possession.

4. Ready Your Proof of Funds

The Canadian government doesn’t want you coming into the country without having a substantial amount to carter for yourself while in the country. So, you will be asked to present a “Proof of Funds” certificate as part of the requirements to process your visa application. Well, just a tip! The more money you have in your account (as shown in the proof of funds), the more likely the chances of your visa application getting approved in time.

5. Create an Account With The IRCC

Everything you will do about registering for a Canada visa starts with you creating an account with the IRCC. All activities and submissions you will make as regards your traveling will be recorded in your account. Creating an IRCC account follows a similar procedure as every other platform you have created an account on.
You will need to provide some personal information about yourself and also upload specific documents. If you need help with creating this account, you can follow the guide here. Ensure the information you provide during the registration is correct because it will be cross-checked with other information you will keep providing throughout your visa application process.

6. Check If You Qualify For The SDS

Student Direct Stream is a faster way to have your study visa approved and stamped. This program is however limited to citizens of some countries and regions; if you’re lucky and your country or region is on the whitelist, it will be much easier for you to get a study visa to enter Canada. Well, if your country is not on the whitelist, it doesn’t limit your chances of going to Canada on a study visa – it will only take more time.

7. Choose Your Visa Type and Apply

Okay, after you are done with the steps above, the next is to have your application recorded. You have to choose the perfect visa for your needs and start submitting the requested documents for that visa. Part of the documents you will submit during the registration are your medical fitness and culture test results, school certs, and others.
Ensure that the documents are well scanned and none of the body sides are covered by anything at all. If your phone’s camera is not too clear for recording scans, use a proper scanning machine to ensure the utmost clarity of the documents. This is the most crucial step of the Canada visa application.

8. Biometrics and Photo Requirements

You will be called on for biometrics capturing; this is where you are to submit your fingerprints and facial portraits. There could be special requirements on how you should dress and appear for this capture. Biometrics capture is usually the last part of the application, and you may have to do it more than once. The moment your biometrics are successfully recorded, then you have to wait for the embassy to call you to come collect your visa.

9. Check Application Status Online

The IRCC website allows you to monitor your application online, so you can always visit the website, log into your profile, and check the status of your application as many times as you can. You should receive an email prompting you to come and pick up your visa if it eventually gets approved.

10. Get Ready To Travel

Visa approved? Congratulations, now it’s time to ready your traveling gear and make sure you’re not leaving any important stuff behind. Items can be quite costly in foreign countries, last you want to do is to pay exorbitantly to repurchase an item you already had just because you forgot to tag along with it. Get a big duffel and traveling bag(s) to pack your stuff.

11. Life in Canada

When you arrive at Canada, one of the first things to do is to try and get an account number and educate yourself on how taxing works in the province you just landed. The culture? The people in Canada are typically friendly, both indigenes and nonindigenes – you won’t seem to have a problem socializing with them.
Everything else you gon’ do in Canada henceforth depends on the type of visa you arrived with. You may need additional “permits” to work – mostly applicable if you came with a study visa. There are a lot of things to do in Canada, a lot of places to go, and a lot of fun stuff to catch up with – don’t dull yourself, start exploring immediately.

Conclusion

Reflect on your migration journey to Canada. Celebrate your achievements and newfound opportunities. Encourage others to pursue their Canadian dream with confidence and determination. Remember, the journey may be challenging, but the rewards are undoubtedly worth it. Welcome to your new home!