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Want to Move to Canada? Immigration Lawyers on What You Should Know

February 1, 2021

Canada gets a lot of attention as a desirable place to live. It’s picturesque, everyone’s polite, and Tim Hortons seems like a big deal. But moving to Canada still comes with immigration headaches. From work permits to visas and residency applications, there’s a lot to sort through as a prospective Canadian. Before you daydream about ice skating to work, Canadian immigration lawyers want you to know these five things.

1. Decide how long you want to live in Canada.

Even if you plan to try out relocating for six months or a year, you still need to go through proper immigration channels. If you already know that you want to become a citizen, establishing permanent residency is the first step. By talking with an immigration lawyer early, you can organize the right foundation to support your goals for relocating.

2. Find out if you qualify for Express Entry.

You don’t necessarily need a job in Canada before you move. But by taking specific steps early, you can buff up your eligibility for Express Entry, which is the quickest and most affordable way to establish residency in the country. Things that help to qualify:

  • Your job skills, education, and work experience.
  • If you have family members or a spouse in Canada.
  • Canadian degrees or certificates you’ve earned.
  • Fluency in French and a provincial nomination.

You’re graded on a scale of 100 points and must earn at least a 67 for eligibility.

3. Try the Provincial Nominees Program.

You may work in an in-demand field or have a desirable background for one of the ten provinces. The Provincial Nominees Program can be an easier way of entering and establishing residency in the country, even if it may not be your first choice for where to live. Some things that the individual provinces look for include:

  • Language proficiencies
  • Experience in certain fields, like tech
  • Certain backgrounds in education
  • Both skilled and semi-skilled labor

If you’re interested in this streamlined way to move to Canada, you have to check each province’s individual program portal.

4. Both start-ups and self-employed individuals have options as well.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur or self-employed, there are immigration strategies to help you move to the province of your choice. You can establish residence through proper legal channels on your path to citizenship. But it’s critical to speak with a qualified Canadian immigration lawyer because there is such an array of options for potential immigrants. They’ll help you develop a strategy with the best chance of success.

5. Get in touch with an experienced immigration lawyer for advice and guidance.

Immigration law is complicated and overwhelming. The average citizen isn’t meant to go through it on their own. The best time to get in touch with an experienced immigration lawyer is before beginning the process. They can provide guidance and insight about the type of visa you’re best qualified for, along with potential hurdles to overcome. The team at Atlas Law Group can provide you with savvy strategies before and throughout your move. We specialize in:

  • Visa applications and work permits
  • Parent & grandparent super visas
  • Refugee and asylum hearings
  • Detention hearings and reviews

Among many more immigration law areas. Whatever stage you’re at in considering your move to Canada - even if you’ve already made the leap - our expert team at Atlas Law Group can help establish your residency for your future peace of mind.

Contact Atlas Law Group to learn more about moving to Canada from Toronto’s experienced immigration lawyers.

Atlas Law Group prioritizes client care above all else. We pair legal guidance with tenacity to keep fighting for clients no matter what. We work in a range of law areas, from immigration to mortgage enforcement and litigation and transactions.

Our team boasts diverse backgrounds and a commitment to innovative strategies designed to serve your interests. We’re to offer guidance, support, and knowledgeable approaches to Canadian immigration; contact us.

The Canadian flag raised and waving. With a good immigration lawyer in Toronto, you'll feel right at home in Canada.