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One of the largest ethnic groups in Canada is the Chinese community. Long-standing and dating back well before official diplomatic ties were established in 1970, Canada's interactions with China. Chinese immigration peaked between 1858 and 1923 and 1947 and today, respectively, reflecting changes in Canadian government immigration policy. According to the Canadian census of 2021, there were 1.71 million Chinese Canadians or 4.63% of the country's total population.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Choosing your visa depends on several factors, such as your reason or intention for wanting to relocate to Canada as well as your choice of province. Canada has over 100 immigration and visa routes for you to choose from. Here are the top easy ways for Chinese immigrants to move to Canada.
Economic Immigrants/Federal Skilled Worker Program
This category is for skilled workers with Canadian experience who qualify under one of 3 categories.
Federal Skilled Worker Stream
The Federal Skilled Worker Program is for applicants skilled in a specific in-demand trade with the necessary work experience and would like to live and work permanently in Canada.
Canadian Experience Class
The Canadian Experience Class is for applicants already living and working in Canada, with temporary status, and looking to apply for permanent residency status. This category includes foreign workers and students with excellent English and/or French proficiency.
Business Immigration
Sub-categories under this stream, such as entrepreneurs, self-employed immigrants and investors, are aimed at applicants who have the necessary financial means, skills and work experience to practice business in Canada.
Student Permit
Those wanting to live and study in Canada will require a study permit as well as a tourist visa. There are certain requirements to qualify, all of which you can find on our guide to to getting a Canadian study permit.
Family Sponsorship
The Family Sponsorship category is for applicants with close relatives in Canada who have committed to financially supporting their family members while applying for residence. Permanent residents or Canadian citizens can sponsor their spouse, conjugal or common-law partner, dependent child, and any relative deemed eligible under this category.
Humanitarian and Compassionate Applicants
These applicants qualify to apply for permanent status in Canada under the following exceptional circumstances:
- Settlement in Canada;
- Family Ties;
- Best interest of children; and
- Consequences of not granting the request.
It is important to note that these circumstances are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Refugee Class
This category is for applicants who are unable or afraid to return to their home country and need protection. Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor immigrants eligible to settle in Canada under refugee status.
Here is an introduction to the refugee application process.
Not sure if you qualify? Check your eligibility with a professional consultation and discover your path to Canada.
Step 2: Choose A Destination
There are many fantastic cities to choose from, each with its characteristics and charm. Here are the top 5 choices among newcomers who choose to move to Canada:
Toronto
Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in Canada. With over 140 languages spoken daily, it’s no surprise that more than half its population are foreign-born residents. It is a vibrant city with various nightlife and restaurants to choose from. In suburban regions, the Chinese built several sizable shopping malls to serve their ethnic community. According to the census of 2021, there were 679,725 Chinese living in the Greater Toronto Area, making it the second-largest Chinese population in North America after New York City.
Calgary
The magnificent Banff National Park, the majesty of the Rocky Mountains, the legendary Calgary Stampede, and vibrant nightlife are all found in Calgary. Additionally, 6.8% of the population in Calgary are Chinese.
Montreal
Montreal is a culmination of all things French, embracing the arts, culinary delights and the good life. Old Town emanates Old European design through its 17th-century architecture and terraced cafes in cobblestone streets. It hosts over 50 National Historic sites and is home to The Festival International de Jazz de Montreal.
Ottawa
Ottawa is a breathtaking combination of extensive wilderness and lush forests with over 250,000 lakes, including the Great Lakes, which contains a fifth of the world’s freshwater. It is a lively cosmopolitan community with endless opportunities to reconnect with nature.
Vancouver
Vancouver is a thriving, diverse urban hub surrounded by natural splendour, offering the best of both worlds. Chinese people make up 19.6% of the population in Metro Vancouver, followed by South Asians (14.2%) and Filipinos (5.4%), according to Statistics Canada (5.5 %). The mild and pleasant climate makes it the perfect city to explore the outdoors.
Step 3: Apply For a Visa
Gather All Your Documents
There a number of things that you will need in order to apply for Canadian PR, including the following:
| Requirements | |
|---|---|
| ID and Passport; | |
| Language Tests; | |
| Education Credential Assessment; | |
| Your NOC (National Occupational Classification) code; | |
| Biometrics; | |
| Provincial Nomination (if you have one); | |
| Job offer (if you have one); | |
| Police Clearance; and | |
| Medical Certificate | |
Apply Online
Once you have selected your destination and the visa that best suits your circumstances, it’s time to get the application process started. The Express Entry System is the most popular path when applying for permanent residency as it speeds up the immigration process. You must create an online profile containing information such as your age, education, work experience and so on.
Based on the information that is supplied, IRCC will then rank you against other applicants based on points scored according to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Only those with the highest scores will be invited to apply for permanent residency. There are many ways to improve your score, including receiving a Provincial Nominee, which you can obtain by submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) or receiving a Notification of Interest (NOI) from your chosen province.
Wait for Your Visa
The next step is to wait for your Invitation to Apply (ITA) in the case that you applied for Canadian permanent residency through the Express Entry System. This is an exciting time as it means you are selected to apply for permanent residency in Canada. Make sure you find out the processing time for the visa you applied for as they vary.
After receiving your ITA, you must submit your completed application within 90 days. Make sure to double-check all of your documents and forms before submitting to avoid any delays in processing.
Once your application is approved, you will receive your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and can start planning your journey to Canada. You must provide your COPR to a border services officer upon arrival in Canada, so keep it in a safe and accessible place.
Before you leave for Canada, research the city and province you will be living in, the cost of living, job opportunities, and housing options. This will help you prepare for your new life in Canada and make the transition smoother.
Top 5 Reasons to Relocate to Canada from China
High Standard of Education
Education is of an extremely high standard, not to mention that public schooling is state-funded, meaning that it is free for permanent residents and citizens up until the end of high school. Tertiary institutions are also of the highest calibre, making Canada a fantastic option for those interested in furthering their education.
Multicultural Cities
Canada has become one of the most multicultural and diverse countries to reside in, with more than 20% of its population being foreign-born. It has evolved into a fusion of cultures, languages, and faiths, facilitating integration and adaptability.
High Quality of Living
Canada has a very good quality of life and has consistently held the top spot on the global scale for the past two years. For instance, it provides, among other benefits, a taxpayer-funded Medicare system that covers the majority of medical services like doctor and hospital visits. It also has stringent laws regarding food safety.
Less Pollution
Levels of pollution are considerably lower than that of China. Air pollution in China has caused considerable health risks to its city-dwelling citizens. In contrast, provinces such as British Columbia, Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan have the cleanest air quality in Canada.
Diversification of Wealth
Due to its robust and diverse economy, Canada is a rich country. Natural resources that are widely used around the globe, like gold, zinc, copper, and nickel, are a significant contributor to its economy. Canada is a significant player in the oil industry, with numerous major oil companies.
Find more reasons to move to Canada.
How Can We Help You?
Even with all this information at your fingertips, the application process can still be a complicated and laborious task. Sign up today for your assessment, and one of our dedicated Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) will be able to assist you with the entire process, from advising you on the best choice of over 100 programs up until you’ve received your visa or permit. Let us help you to take your first step towards immigrating to Canada.
FAQs
Can I apply for Canadian permanent residency while living in China?
Yes, you can apply for Canadian permanent residency while living in China. You can do the application process and submit the required documents online. However, you may be required to attend an interview or provide biometrics at a Visa Application Center in China.
What are the Language Requirements for Canadian Permanent Residency?
To qualify for Canadian permanent residency, you must be fluent in English or French. You may be required to take a language proficiency test, such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Test d’évaluation de français (TEF), to demonstrate your language skills.
Can I Bring my Family Members With Me When I Immigrate to Canada From China?
Yes, you can bring your family members with you when you immigrate to Canada from China. Family members include your spouse or common-law partner, dependent children, and parents or grandparents (if they meet certain criteria). You will need to include their information on your application and ensure that they meet the eligibility requirements for Canadian permanent residency.
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