Guide to Moving to Canada: Reasons and Procedures

Many dream of living and working in countries like the United States, but Canada and Australia are increasingly becoming popular alternatives thanks to their high quality of life, straightforward visa process, and advanced healthcare. Canada, with its expanding economy and low inflation, is especially attractive. Annually, hundreds of thousands of individuals immigrate to Canada seeking career opportunities and residence. To attract skilled workers, the Canadian government, led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, is inviting nearly 400,000 newcomers through the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP).

Understanding the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

Created in 2015 within the Express Entry system, the FSWP aims to assist skilled professionals seeking permanent residency in Canada. Approximately 80% of applications are processed within six months or less, making it one of the quickest routes to Canadian permanent residence.

Key eligibility criteria include:

• Relevant work experience

Applicants must have recent, paid work experience in a role similar to their intended job in Canada, gained within the last decade. At minimum, at least one year of continuous employment is required. Part-time and paid student work count, but unpaid internships and volunteer roles do not qualify.

• Language proficiency

Applicants must pass approved language tests in English or French, achieving a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 across reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

• Educational credentials

Applicants with foreign degrees or diplomas need to provide proof of their educational credentials and undergo an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to confirm equivalency with Canadian standards.

Reasons to Immigrate to Canada

Canada offers abundant opportunities and is actively encouraging skilled workers to address its declining birthrate. Here’s why relocating to Canada could benefit you:

• Robust economy
  As the world’s tenth-largest economy, Canada boasts a per capita income of $48,100, surpassing Russia. Its solid financial foundation promises stability, prosperity, and a high standard of living for its residents.
• Exceptional education system
  Known as the most educated country globally, Canada invests heavily in education. Home to top universities like McGill, UBC, and the University of Toronto, many institutions are in the top 100 worldwide. Financial aid options lower the cost for low-income students in some regions.
• Universal healthcare
  Established in the 1960s, Canada’s universal health system ensures residents can access quality medical care without significant expenses. In 2019, healthcare expenditure was about $7,064 per person, representing around 11.5% of GDP.
• Safety and security
  Canada consistently ranks among the safest nations, ranked sixth in peace by the Institute for Economics and Peace in 2020. This safety record is supported by strict gun laws and peaceful foreign policies.