How to Immigrate from Spain to Canada

Are you considering a move from Spain to Canada? If so, you're not alone. Many Spaniards just like you have decided to immigrate to Canada for several reasons – better job opportunities, a high standard of living, and a welcoming, multicultural society. But before you pack your bags, you need to understand the ins and outs of Canada's immigration process. It can be complicated, but with the right guidance, you'll navigate it like a pro.

Canada is known for its openness to immigrants. It will welcome over a million new permanent residents in the next three years. The government has set up several immigration programs to make this possible, and this guide will help you understand which one might be the best fit for you.

Choosing The Right Canada Immigration Programs

If you're planning to immigrate to Canada, you must choose the right immigration program. Each program has its requirements and processes, and your chosen one can significantly impact your chances of success. Here are some of the most popular immigration programs that you might consider:

Express Entry Canada

The Express Entry system is the fastest and most popular way to immigrate to Canada. It's an online system that manages applications for three federal economic immigration programs: 

• the Federal Skilled Worker Program, 
• the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and 
• the Canadian Experience Class. 

Candidates apply by creating an Express Entry profile on the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada website. In this profile, they will enter details including:

• Age
• Marital Status
• Work Experience
• Education
• Language ability, and
• Connections to Canada

These factors are evaluated based on the Comprehensive Ranking System to produce a CRS score. All scores enter into an Express Entry pool. Every two weeks, IRCC hosts an Express Entry draw where all Candidates with a score over a certain number receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency in Canada. If you have skills and experience in a profession that's in demand in Canada, the Express Entry system could be your fast track to immigration.

Provincial Nominee Programs

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) allow provinces and territories in Canada to nominate individuals who want to immigrate to Canada and are interested in settling in a particular province. Each PNP Canada has its own criteria, and it's important to research each one to determine the best fit for you.

Learn more about each PNP Canada and which is right for you.

Pilot Programs

Canada has several pilot programs to address specific labor needs in certain regions and industries. These programs are limited-term immigration programs that aim to bring skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled workers to Canada to address skill shortages and create a path to permanent residence for those who want to live and work permanently in Canada. These include: 

• the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot, 
• the Atlantic Immigration Pilot,
• the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot and 
• the Home Caregiver Pilots. 

Each pilot is designed for different types of workers and different provinces and territories of Canada, so you must research each one to ensure you know which is right for you. Pilot programs are usually employer-driven; therefore, a job offer from a designated Canadian employer is one of the main requirements to apply under such programs.

Family Sponsorship

If you have relatives who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents, they may be able to sponsor you to immigrate to Canada. Family sponsorship is another popular way to immigrate to Canada, but remember that the process can be lengthy and requires a significant commitment from your sponsor. The type of sponsorship you can apply for depends on your relationship with your sponsor. Learn which family members can bring you to Canada through a Family sponsorship program.

TR to PR

Temporary foreign workers and international students in Canada can use their Canadian work experience to apply for permanent residency through the Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident (TR to PR) pathway. This pathway is particularly popular among those who have already spent time in Canada and adapted to the Canadian way of life. However, you'll need a Canadian Work permit to get the Canadian work experience required for this stream.

Work Permits for Permanent Residency

Work permits can also provide a stepping stone to permanent residency. If you can secure a job offer from a Canadian employer, you may be eligible to apply for a work permit. After gaining Canadian work experience, you can apply for permanent residency through one of the economic immigration programs.

Preparing for the Immigration

Gathering Your Documentation

One of the most time-consuming aspects of immigrating to Canada is gathering the necessary documentation. This includes passports, birth certificates, educational transcripts, and employment records. It's crucial to start this process early and ensure all your documents are translated into English or French, if necessary. Learn more about the documents you need to start your Canadian journey.

Finding Work

Securing a job in Canada can significantly increase your chances of successful immigration. Be sure to check out Canadian job websites, join networking groups, and consider contacting a recruitment agency specializing in jobs in Canada. Learn how to land a job in Canada. 

Learning the Language

Canada has two official languages, English and French, and proficiency in one or both languages is essential for anyone planning to immigrate to Canada. Almost all Canadian Immigration or Visa programs have a language component based on the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB). The language requirement varies depending on the immigration program you choose, but in most cases, you'll need to take a language proficiency test. If you're not proficient in English or French, now is the time to start learning. 

Knowing the language is vital for everyday functioning in Canada. There are plenty of ways to maximize your language test results, and you might also consider enrolling in a language course.

Why Immigrate to Canada from Spain?

Healthcare in Canada

Canada is known for its universal healthcare system, which provides free basic healthcare services to all residents. This is a significant draw for many immigrants, especially those from countries where healthcare is expensive or difficult to access. Learn more about healthcare in Canada.

High Standard of Living

Canada consistently ranks among the top countries in the world for its high standard of living. It offers excellent education and job opportunities, a clean and safe environment, and a high quality of life. The cost of living in Canada is often very low compared to the average salaries, and the many accessible government services take a lot of the stress and worry out of everyday life.

A Welcoming, Inclusive Society

Canada is one of the most multicultural countries in the world, and its society is known for being welcoming and inclusive. No matter where you come from, you'll likely feel at home in Canada. Cities like Toronto, Ontario; Vancouver, British Columbia; and Montreal, Quebec are popular destinations for Spanish immigrants, thanks to their vibrant Spanish-speaking communities and plentiful job opportunities. Learn more about Canada's multiculturalism.

Deciding to immigrate to Canada requires careful planning and preparation. But with the right guidance and resources, you can navigate the Canada immigration process with confidence. Two of our recent clients, Yuli Magali and Asencio Giron, discuss how having the right support helped them to make the best of their journey to Canada.

Ready to start your journey to Canada? Get in touch with our team of experienced immigration consultants today. We're here to guide you through every step of the immigration process, from choosing the right program to preparing your application. Let's make your dream of living in Canada a reality.

FAQ

What are the Employment Opportunities for Spanish Immigrants in Canada?

The job market in Canada is diverse and offers many opportunities for immigrants from different backgrounds. Spanish immigrants have high job prospects in Canada, especially managerial and professional positions. However, it is important to note that some studies have shown that skilled immigrants in Canada face low job market integration, which can have implications for their social integration and mental well-being.

Here are some sectors and job opportunities for Spanish immigrants in Canada:

• Hospitality and services
• Customer service and sales
• Social and health assistance
• Financial Managers
• Human resources managers
• Purchasing Managers
• Immigration Case Processor
• Meat cutter Butcher
• Passenger Services Agent

To increase their chances of immigrating to Canada, Spanish immigrants can apply for a Canada work visa and a job offer. The International Experience Canada Working Holiday Visa program is also a popular option among citizens of Spain who want to work in Canada. Canadian employers who want to hire a citizen of Spain must get the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) and prove that local workers are not available to fill the position.

It is important to note that the job market in Canada can be competitive. Immigrants may face challenges in finding employment. However, with the right skills and qualifications, Spanish immigrants can find good job opportunities in Canada. This map shows the jobs in demand for each of Canada's provinces.

What is the Processing Time for a Canadian Visa Application from Spain?

The processing time for a Canadian visa application from Spain varies depending on the type of application submitted, if the application is complete, and how quickly the Canadian government expects to process the application. Learn more about Canada's visa processing times.