
Earlier this year, the words, "Immigration to Canada" were seen trending on South Korean Twitter. This was largely due to a shift in the country’s political landscape, which saw conservative Yoon Suk-yeol - known as the South-Korean Donald Trump - become the new president. Nearly 16,000 tweets on the topic flooded the “Twittersphere”, with thousands declaring their plans to relocate to the Great White North in protest of their new leader’s victory.
If you’re one of the many South Koreans considering a move to Canada, you'll be happy to find that almost 200000 people from South Korea have settled there over the years. With quite a solid community footing, and options like Express Entry and the Provincial Nomination Program available, here’s how to apply for Canada immigration from South Korea.
Step 1: Choose Canada - It's a Haven of Diversity
Canada is well-known for celebrating diversity. So much so that it is clearly noticeable in its cabinet. 2021 saw the most diverse cabinet in the history of the country. Not only is it racially diverse, but also includes a member of the Indigenous community, as well as three members from the LGBTQ2S+ community.
The spirit of multiculturalism doesn't stop there. Canada regularly hosts a number of events highlighting the cultures that have earned it its melting pot status. You’ll find a world that is anything but dull, with a plethora of options for the night owls, the art fanatics, the historians and the foodies, alike. As an immigrant, you’ll fit right in.
Fact: The Korean community makes up the 7th largest non-European ethnic group in Canada.
There Are Plenty of Job Opportunities
Canada is a mecca of opportunity, with a huge variety of jobs available to foreign immigrants. The Canadian government has put a number of programs in place to make it possible for thousands of immigrants to undertake a seamless relocation to the country. Companies are regularly on the lookout for skilled and unskilled candidates to fill positions left vacant due to the country’s high percentage of retiring workforce. With more than 100 immigration and visa programs available, you can move to Canada with, or without a job offer - and take your family along on your new journey.
Access To Free Healthcare
Healthcare is one of the main things people look for when considering a move to another country. In Canada, it is free. The Canadian Universal health care system is funded by the tax collected each year. Who has access to this? Well, any Canadian citizen or permanent resident is eligible to apply. It should be noted that health plans vary from province to province, what is covered in one region may not always be covered in another.
Fact:
Following the outcome of the 2021 Canadian elections it was announced that free health care would include a dental care programme for low-income Canadians, as well as a universal prescription-drug coverage programme.Canada Is The Most Educated Country In The World
Voted the most educated country in the world in 2021, it’s clear that education is a top priority in the Great White North. When it comes to primary and secondary school, the Canadian government provides this for free. While you’ll have to pay for tertiary studies, you’ll find that this is cheaper in Canada than in other first-world countries. Apart from universities, there are a number of college options as well, so it’s a good idea to investigate all your options and choose the one that not only suits your budget but also your career path.
The Great Outdoors On Your Doorstep
If you live for the great outdoors, you’ll be more than just satisfied with Canadian offerings in this department. If this is one of your reasons for choosing to move to Canada, we promise that you’ll have tons to look forward to. Think expeditions through the country’s majestic wilderness, outings along its many lakes and coastlines and adventures in its many national parks. You’ll want to add Jasper National Park, Niagara Falls, Emerald Lake and the Canadian Rockies to your list of things to cross off.
Step 2: Choose the Right Immigration Program For You
So you’ve made up your mind about moving to Canada but don’t quite know how to get started. The good news is that there are multiple ways to go about making your way there. In fact, there are actually more than 100 immigration and visa options. We’ll touch on a few.
Express Entry System
The Express Entry System is Canada's flagship program that makes immigration possible at a faster pace. It is mainly this program that pushes economic migration to the north. The Canadian government plans to grant 110 500 Invitations To Apply (ITAs) for 2022, while 2023 is said to see just over 113 750 granted.
The Express Entry System consists of three programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trade Program (FSTP) and the Canada Experience Class (CEC).
Federal Skilled Worker Program
If you apply to the Federal Skilled Worker Program you’ll have to meet a set of minimum requirements. The program investigates a number of factors, which include, your age, credentials, language abilities, work experience and whether you have a job offer from a Canadian company. All of this together is put in a system made up of 100 points. You need to score 67 points to be successful.
Federal Skilled Trade Program (FSTP)
Skilled workers who have a job offer for at least a year can gain entry to Canada via the The Federal Skilled Trade Program (FSTP). Jobs under this program fall under the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
Canada Experience Class (CEC)
If you have as little as one year’s work experience in your skilled occupation, you’’ be able to apply for the The Canada Experience Class (CEC) program.
Provincial Nomination Program
The Canadian Government is set to welcome over 80000 foreign nationals via the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) in 2022. Participating provinces and territories can nominate immigrants who would like to settle in their regions in order to fill ongoing skills shortages. Qualifying economic immigrants can be nominated for Canadian permanent residence through one of the 80 PNP programs available. For these provinces and territories, immigration provides a dramatic economic lift. This helps bridge the skills gap left by the country’s retiring population.
The route for your PNP application depends entirely on the employment stream that applies to you. For some, applications will need to be submitted online. Others require a paper only process. You’ll need to do a medical exam and apply for police clearance for all PNP programs.
The list of Canadian Provinces and Territories For PNP
- British Columbia
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Alberta
- Manitoba
- New Brunswick
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Manitoba
- Ontario
- Prince Edward Island
- Saskatchewan
- Yukon
Family Sponsorship
If you have family members who live in Canada and are able to support you while you apply for your permanent residence, you can apply for the Family Sponsorship program. Canadian citizens or permanent residents can sponsor a spouse or common-law partner, child and relative that qualifies.
Step 3: Apply For the Program Online
Should you qualify for any of the above programs, you’ll be able to apply online for the Express Entry pool. Your eligibility will be determined by adding up the above factors, which will add up to make your Comprehensive Ranking Score (CRS). This will put you up against other immigration candidates. It is advisable to do your best to increase this score, as it will ensure your success.
The Express Entry Process summarized
- Submit your profile online
- Enter the Express Entry Pool
- Make sure you earn enough CRS points
- Secure an Invitation to Apply
- Make sure you send off your application within two months
- Try to get your application process as quickly as possible
More than 100 programs to choose from
If moving to a new country is less about a change of scenery and more about achieving a better quality of life for you, then Canada is the place. With more than 100 immigrations and visa options available, living and working in Canada has never been more accessible. Whether you qualify for the Express Entry System, receive a nomination from a province or have a family member sponsor you, the most important thing you'll have to do is find the perfect fit for your profile. A land celebrating diversity, with free education and healthcare and the most beautiful terrains in the world - you won't have to look further than Canada for the life you deserve. Explore all the options to make your Canadian dream a reality.
Canadian visa applications are often complicated and time-consuming, especially when it comes to making sure all your paperwork is in order and sticking to timelines. Sign up for our services today and our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) will guide you through each process. One of our consultants, Mr. Jimmy Park, is South Korean and has experience with Canadian immigration and is able to take you through everything, from queries to the best programs to consider. Simply fill out our application form to receive your assessment and we’ll do the rest to make your move to Canada from South Korea a reality.
A better life is waiting for you. Check your eligibility today.