Canada is a popular destination for South Africans looking to relocate overseas, with over 5,000 of them entering the immigration system each year. Its appeal is ascribed to a good level of life, a wealth of employment options, and advantageous immigration laws. Discover crucial details about different visa categories, prerequisites, opening a bank account, and knowing the typical cost of living in Canada if you’re thinking about moving from South Africa. Plan your move effectively with insights into moving to Canada from South Africa.
Moving to Canada from South Africa – Eligibility criteria
To qualify for a Canada PR visa, meet the 67-point eligibility criteria based on age (max 12 points), language proficiency (max 28 points), education (max 25 points), and work experience (max 15 points). Age between 18 and 35 earns maximum points, while language proficiency requires a minimum CLB 7 in the first official language and CLB 5 in the second. Education from a Canadian institution yields 25 points, and work experience provides up to 15 points for six years or more. Those scoring 67 points or above are eligible to apply for the visa, facilitating immigration to Canada.
Moving to Canada from South Africa – Understanding the pathways
Over 100 different immigration options are available in Canada for anyone looking to start a new chapter in their lives. By 2024, the nation hopes to welcome more than 450,000 new citizens as permanent residents. There are a number of pathways, although some are more popular than others. It is best to familiarize yourself with these choices in order to choose the best course of action for you and your family. This familiarity guarantees that you make well-informed decisions when you investigate the various immigration options that Canada provides to individuals looking to obtain fresh, permanent status in the nation.
Express Entry
The primary route for skilled workers immigrating to Canada is through Express Entry, an application management system overseeing the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Moreover, these programs evaluate candidates based on specific criteria, utilizing the CRS to rank them against others. CRS scores, influenced by education, language proficiency, work experience, and human capital factors like age, determine eligibility for an ITA for permanent residency. Proficiency in English, one of Canada’s official languages, can provide an advantage for South Africans in achieving a higher CRS score.
Interested parties should evaluate their own eligibility and submit their profiles on the IRCC website in order to start the Express Entry process. Candidates obtain a CRS score after completing their profiles, which establishes their position in the Express Entry pool relative to other candidates.
Federal Skilled Worker Program
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is the most popular Express Entry option for people who want permanent immigration who have education and job experience outside of Canada. FSWP was the first program in the world to use a points system for objective candidate assessment, setting the standard for similar programs around the world. With the help of this program, skilled workers can easily traverse the immigration procedure and potentially gain permanent residency in Canada by utilizing their educational background and overseas job experience.
To embark on the journey as a Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) candidate, the initial step involves a self-assessment to ensure meeting minimum eligibility criteria:
- Possess a minimum of one year of skilled work experience.
- Attain a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark score of 7 on either English or French language tests.
- Hold at least one educational credential.
- Provide evidence of funds (if applicable).
- Achieve a minimum of 67 out of 100 points on the FSWP scoring grid.
Moving to Canada from South Africa – Provincial nomination programs
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), along with Express Entry, is one of the main avenues for economic class immigration to Canada. Every province, with the exception of Nunavut and Quebec, has a PNP. Through these initiatives, provincial authorities are able to select applicants who are best suited for their area by hand.
Moreover, provinces can select applicants from the Express Entry pool using the revised nomination process, guaranteeing a customized fit for their requirements. As an alternative, those who are not part of the Express Entry pool may apply directly to the province for review. This two-pronged strategy gives provinces and applicants flexibility in the immigration screening process.
In the Express Entry system, obtaining a province nomination confers a substantial benefit, since candidates who obtain this nomination instantly accrue 600 CRS points. Their prospects of being ITA for permanent residency in Canada are greatly increased by this large point bump.
Student Permit
Students who want to move to Canada from South Africa can do so by submitting an application for a student permit. In order to acquire one, potential students need to choose a course of study provided by an accredited Canadian DLI. DLIs are educational establishments that have been granted permission by the provinces or territories of Canada to accept foreign students.
Not all DLIs, however, are eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program, which enables graduates to work in Canada following their academic pursuits. Therefore, it is imperative that students obtain advice from immigration experts and the DLI, particularly if they plan to file for a PGWP and pursue citizenship and permanent residency after graduation.
Conclusion
Canada is a safe sanctuary for immigrants, offering one of the finest standards of living in the world. Because they speak the same language, South Africans who wish to immigrate have a better chance of receiving a high CRS score. People from all around the world can also take advantage of Canada’s high goals for permanent residents, which makes things easier for people who want to settle there.
Seek professional assistance from Immigtoronto for a hassle-free immigration process. Our skilled consultants are focused on guiding potential immigrants. If you have inquiries, please feel free to contact us at [email protected]
