Immigrate to Canada from South Africa
Watch this quick video to find out more
How to immigrate to Canada from South Africa
With South Africans emigrating in record numbers, Canada is the surprising new destination for many South Africans. Canada allows South Africans with no connections to Canada and no job offer to apply for Permanent Residency based on a variety of other factors such as age, education, language abilities in English or French, and skilled work experience. While not everyone will be able to immigrate to Canada, there are many options available for those who are interested.
Available programs to immigrate to Canada
What is the cost of immigrating to Canada
The actual cost of immigrating to Canada is separate from the amount of settlement funds that an applicant may require as part of their application. If you are immigrating to Canada as a Federal Skilled Worker for example, you would require both settlement funds and the amounts listed below. The below amounts include government fees and all application related fees, but excludes any other third-party fees such as moving costs or airline tickets. The below are estimations and can vary.
Moving to Canada
What to sort out in South Africa before you immigrate
Quick Steps
1
Cancel local accounts and contracts such as cellphones, home insurance, gym memberships, medical insurance.
2
Make a list of any goods you will be bringing with you to Canada.
3
Arrange a moving company.
4
Arrange a place to stay on arrival.
5
Plan your financial move.
6
Arrange travel insurance for your first 90 days in Canada.
7
Obtain any required prescriptions.
8
Obtain your driving record and insurance history / statement.
How to become a Canadian Citizen
To be eligible to become a Canadian citizen, you must:
Be a permanent resident.
Have lived in Canada for at least 3 out of the last 5 years.
Have filed your taxes, if and when you need to.
Pass a test on your rights, responsibilities and knowledge of Canada.
Prove your language skills.
Additional or different requirements apply under certain circumstances.
Common Questions
What is the fastest way to get permanent residency in Canada?
Unless you are the spouse or dependent child of a Canadian Citizen or Permanent resident who is over 18, the fastest way to immigrate to Canada is via the Express Entry system
What kind of skilled workers are needed in Canada?
Canada does not have a set list of specific occupations that they are looking for. They are looking for those with experience in management positions, occupations usually requiring university education and occupations that usually require college education, specialized training or apprenticeship training.
Which is the easiest province to immigrate to in Canada?
Currently Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia are the easiest Provinces to immigrate to as they do not require a job offer. They each have their own requirements which you can read here.
How to immigrate to Canada without a job offer
Unlike some foreign countries, you do not need a job offer to immigrate to Canada. There are programs available for you that allow you to apply for permanent residency in Canada without securing employment beforehand. Listen to our podcast below to learn more.
Canadian Permanent Residency (PR) Process
The simplified process of applying to immigrate to Canada is outlined below. If your application is approved you are then granted Permanent Resident status in Canada. After living in Canada for three years within a five year period as a Permanent Resident, you may qualify to apply for Canadian Citizenship.
1
Step One
Find out if you qualify – More →
2
Step Two
Pick the best program for you – More →
3
Step Three
Write your required language test – More →
4
Step Four
Gather your supporting documents
5
Step Five
Submit your profile and wait to be selected (if applying through express entry) – More →
6
Step Six
Submit your application for permanent residency.
7
Step Seven
Wait for your application to be assessed and hopefully, approved.
8
Step Eight
Obtain your immigrant visa and Confirmation of Permanent Residency document (COPR) and immigrate to Canada!
Getting Started
Available Canadian immigration programs
Click on one of the available Canadian immigration programs below to find out the full requirements.
Express Entry
Provincial Nominee
Federal Skilled Trades
Federal Skilled Worker
Business Programs
Stay in touch
Check out our podcast and YouTube channel for everything Canadian immigration.
