Welcome to Canada Immigration Guide
Immigration to Canada is the process by which people migrate to Canada to reside permanently in the country. Many, but not all, become citizens. People have been migrating to the geographic region of Canada for hundreds of years, patterns varying. After 1947 domestic immigration law went through many major changes, most notably with the Immigration Act, 1976, and the current Immigration and Refugee Protection Act from 2002.
In Canada there are three categories of immigrants: family class (closely related persons), independent immigrants (admitted on the basis of skill, capital and labour-market requirements) and refugees.
Canada has a proud tradition of welcoming immigrants. One of every six Canadian residents was born outside the country. Canada is a land of opportunities - young and dynamic where immigration is the foundation for economic growth and which brings people all over from world and they also bring their customs, traditions, ritual and culture which makes Canada world’s best multicultural country to live in.
The United Nations has rated Canada as the best country in the world to live in, for seven consecutive years. Canada offers free primary and secondary education and subsidized post-secondary studies. Canada has one of the world’s best health systems. Every citizen and permanent resident is sheltered by insurance plan of the province he/she lives in. The life expectancy of Canadians is 82 years, which ranks them among the top five countries of the world. Although Canada has far less than 1% of the world's population, we are blessed with 9% of the world's fresh water resources.
Before you arrive Canada
Moving to Canada is an exciting opportunity but also a great challenge. You need to know what documents to bring, what to expect in the first few days and weeks, how to find a place to live and much more.
Learn about moving to Canada and how to prepare.
- What you need to know?
Citizenship and Immigration Canada publishes a booklet called A Newcomers Introduction to Canada. It will help you prepare for your move and give you an idea of what to expect when you first arrive. - Where to settle?
Most newcomers to Canada tend to settle in the three biggest cities — Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. But many newcomers and many Canadians choose to live in the medium-sized cities, which they feel have as much to offer as the larger cities with a better quality of life. Some newcomers like the idea of living in smaller cities or towns like Moncton, Fredericton, Red Deer and Kelowna, or prefer to live in a rural area. Depending on your skills or professional qualifications, some regions may have better job opportunities than others. - Francophone immigration:
Consider coming to a Canadian Francophone community outside Quebec. You can visit, study, work temporarily or settle permanently in one of these communities. Canada has two official languages: English and French. Of 31 million Canadians, over 9 million live in French or speak it regularly. Most of them live in Quebec, but about 2.5 million live in the other provinces and territories. - Prepare to work:
Information and tools to help you get ready to work in Canada. - Working in Canada Tool:
Find out about your occupation and get detailed labour market information on a city where you would like to work.
After you Arrive Canada
There are many things you need to do when you settle in a new country. Find out how to get the help you need and learn all about living in Canada.
- What you need to know?
Citizenship and Immigration Canada publishes a guide for new permanent residents of Canada. This guidebook, Welcome to Canada, offers some basic information about living in Canada. - Who to contact for help?
There are many organizations and government departments that provide services designed for newcomers to Canada and helps you as you settle into your new home.. The attached directory, organized by province and territory, lists many of your local immigrant-serving organizations.
Through federal-provincial agreements, British Columbia, Manitoba and Quebec assume direct responsibility for the design, administration and delivery of settlement programs and services to newcomers who settle in these provinces. - Being a permanent resident:
Permanent residents’ rights, privileges and status. - Working in Canada Tool:
Find out about your occupation and get detailed labour market information on a city where you would like to work.
As Canadian permanent residents you and your family can share with Canadians and take part in the continued building of one of the world's most successful economic alliances involving Canada and the United States of America, its neighbor to the south. Indeed, Canada's esteemed stature is reflected in its being a member of the prestigious economic Group of Eight and its reputation as a respected participant in world affairs.
Canada is a land of opportunity and abounds with economic prosperity, sound and affordable education options, world renown health care and retirement schemes, an abundance of land, clean air and fresh water supplies, all providing for a safe and secure environment.
Embrace your future and bring the heritage of your past to a place where you and your family will be proud to refer to as home – Canada!