A Basic Guide on How to Move to Canada

Are you dreaming of moving to Canada? Perhaps you’ve been inspired by 26 good things about Canada and are now ready to take the first steps toward making that dream a reality.

Having lived in Canada for over three years and spent countless hours navigating my own immigration journey, I’m here to share practical advice, personal experiences, and insights on how to move to Canada. This basic guide on how to move to Canada covers everything you need to know, from securing your passport to finding the right immigration program.

1. Secure Your Passport

Before diving into any immigration programs, the first step in this basic guide on how to move to Canada is ensuring you have a valid passport. In many countries, including mine, a passport is essential for traveling to Canada.

If you’re unsure how to get a passport, start by researching the process in your home country. Find out:

  • Where to apply
  • What documents you need
  • How much it costs
  • How long it takes to process

Don’t delay—passport applications can take longer than expected, so it’s best to handle this early. Without a passport, you won’t be able to take the next steps toward making your dream of moving to Canada a reality.

Make sure you have a passport.

2. What Do You Want to Do When You Move to Canada?

When considering a move to Canada, the first question to ask yourself is: What do I want to do when I get there? There are various ways to come to Canada, each with its own requirements and outcomes. Some programs grant temporary status, while others can lead to permanent residency.

You must decide your purpose for moving to Canada and identify which option best fits your profile. Here are some examples to guide you:

Visitor/ Tourist

If you’re planning to visit Canada to explore and then return home, you’ll need to check the visitor requirements for your country.

Be sure to check the specific entry requirements for your country.
Click here for official visitor visa information.

For example, citizens of countries like Chile don’t require a visa—only an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).

English student

If improving your English is your goal and you have the budget for it, enrolling in an English course in Canada could be a great option. However:

  • Students attending English schools in Canada are not allowed to work.
  • Depending on your country and the length of your course, you may or may not need a study permit. Check here to find out.

I took this route in 2015, and my partner, Aldo, followed in 2021. We both attended the International Language Academy of Canada (ILAC), and it was an incredible experience!

Budget Tip:

If formal courses are too expensive, consider using the Italki app, where you can practice English with native tutors for a fraction of the cost—and from the comfort of your home. It’s perfect for preparing for job interviews and life in Canada. I personally took over 130 classes on Italki before moving to Canada.

Enrolling in an English course in Canada could be a great option.

Working as a young person.

If you’re between 18-30 or 18-35, depending on your country, you might qualify for one of the International Experience Canada (IEC) programs:

These programs allow you to work temporarily in Canada while experiencing its culture. I started my Canadian journey with a Working Holiday visa. Read more about the Working Holiday program here.

International student

If you’re looking to advance your career by earning a master’s degree or diploma, studying in Canada could be a great option. As an international student, you’ll need to budget for at least two years—or the duration of your program—for tuition and living expenses.

One of the key benefits of this route is the flexibility it offers:

  • You can work up to 20 hours per week while studying.
  • Your spouse or partner may be eligible for an open work permit. Always check the latest guidelines on the official Canada.ca website as programs and policies are constantly changing.
  • If you have children, they can attend school in Canada.

Many families choose this path because it allows one person to study while their spouse works, creating financial and career opportunities for the whole family.

💰 A Word of Caution:
Studying in Canada as an international student can be expensive. Tuition fees for international students are about four times higher—or even more—than those for permanent residents or citizens. However, if you have the savings, this option could help you achieve your educational and career goals.

Skilled worker

If you’re considering moving to Canada as a skilled worker, the first step is to secure a job offer from a Canadian employer willing to sponsor your work permit.

To increase your chances of success:

Moving to Canada as a skilled worker can be a rewarding option, but it requires careful planning and persistence.

Permanent Resident

If you’ve completed a university or college education in your home country and have strong proficiency in English (proven through the IELTS or CELPIP test) or French, you may want to explore the Express Entry Program. This program allows eligible candidates to apply for permanent residency either from within Canada or directly from their home country.

Here’s how to get started:

While Express Entry is a popular route, Canada offers many other programs tailored to different profiles. Here are two examples:

Each program is aligned with the economic demands and careers most needed in different regions. Take the time to explore which option fits your skills and goals best.

Important Tip

Always check the official website, Canada.ca, for the most up-to-date information on immigration programs and requirements.

3. Check If You Are Eligible to Move to Canada

Once you’ve decided which pathway suits you best, the next step in this basic guide on how to move to Canada is to check your eligibility.

The easiest way to do this is by completing the questionnaire on the official Canada.ca website. This tool will guide you through the process and help you identify which immigration programs you qualify for based on your profile.

Check your eligibility to come to Canada.

4. Apply Online

A key step in this basic guide on how to move to Canada is submitting your application. Most visa or permit applications are completed online, and the official platform for this is Canada.ca.

In some cases, you may need to apply on paper. For example, we had to submit a paper application when applying for an Open Work Permit as a Common-law Partner of a Skilled Worker from Within Canada. However, these situations are rare, and the online system is the primary method.

The Canada.ca website provides all the information you need to complete your application independently. It’s a comprehensive resource that guides you through every step of the process.

💡 Need Extra Help?
If you feel overwhelmed, there are agencies that can assist you with the application process. However, keep in mind:

  • These agencies charge a fee.
  • Make sure the agency is recognized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to avoid scams.

DIY Tip

If hiring an agency isn’t within your budget, don’t worry—you can do it yourself! Familiarize yourself with the Canada.ca portal, as we did. While it may take time and effort to understand the steps, the process is manageable, and we’ve successfully completed most applications on our own.

5. Always Have a Plan B to Move to Canada (or Anywhere Abroad)

When you’re following this basic guide on how to move to Canada, the steps might seem straightforward. However, the process takes time, and things don’t always go as planned. That’s why I strongly recommend having a Plan B in place.

Let me share our own journey as an example. We faced plenty of challenges along the way, but staying flexible and having alternatives helped us achieve our goal of living in Canada.

Here’s how our timeline looked:

  • October 2019: Both applied for Working Holiday visas for New Zealand—neither of us got it.
  • December 2019: Both applied for Working Holiday visas for Canada—only I (Julieta) got it.
  • August 2020: Aldo applied for a study permit to study English for nine months.
  • Early February 2021: I travelled to Canada, but Aldo couldn’t join me due to flight cancellations.
  • End of March 2021: Aldo and Cora (our cat) were finally able to fly to Canada.
  • July 2021: I secured a contract in Canada.
  • December 2021: I applied for and received a closed work permit valid until 2024.
  • January 2022: Aldo applied for an open work permit as my common-law partner.
  • July 2022: Aldo received his open work permit, valid until 2024.
  • December 2022: I decided to leave my job.
  • January 2023: I received a new work permit through a second Working Holiday visa.
  • April 2023: We were invited to apply for permanent residence under the Canadian Experience Class.
  • November 2023: We officially became permanent residents of Canada!
Your path to moving to Canada might feel like navigating a maze.

Conclusion

Moving to Canada might seem overwhelming, but with determination, research, and patience, you can find the path that works for you. This basic guide on how to move to Canada is just the beginning—it’s up to you to take the next steps, explore your options, and put in the effort to make your dream a reality.

Remember, even if the answer is no and Canada isn’t the right fit, don’t let that discourage you. The world is full of opportunities, and another country might be waiting for you and the unique contributions you have to offer.

Stay persistent, stay positive, and keep moving forward. Whether it’s Canada or another destination, the effort you invest in yourself will always lead to growth and new possibilities.