How to Immigrate to Canada from Saudi Arabia

The Great White North is one of the top immigration destinations in the world. It is often the country of choice for many who require a first-world setting that is more financially accessible and welcoming of all cultures and creeds. So if you want to immigrate to Canada from Saudi Arabia, let us take you through everything you need to know.

Saudis in Canada

Saudis in Canada | How to Immigrate to Canada from Saudi Arabia

According to Statistics Canada data from Census 2021, Saudi Arabia is the place of birth for 9,560 recent immigrants. Most Saudis are known to settle in cities like:

Why Move to Canada From Saudi Arabia?

Move to Canada | How to Immigrate to Canada from Saudi Arabia

When it comes to reasons anyone should move to Canada, there are many! So let's touch on some.

A Society That Celebrates Diversity

Canada has a policy on multiculturalism, which was implemented in 1971 by Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau. It was a world first, recognizing the benefits of cultural diversity and multicultural citizenship to Canadian society. Today, immigrants from all over the world, along with First Nations, Métis, and the Inuit, proudly celebrate their cultural heritage and faith freely, across the Great White North.

A Stable Economy

Canada continues to enjoy a stable, thriving economy due to its wealth of natural resources and flourishing industries. The service industry is the most dominant. It employs around three-quarters of the working population. Other important sectors include transport, timber, paper, natural gas, fish, and chemicals. The country is also a leader in mining gold, nickel, aluminum and crude oil and has the second-largest oil reserves in the world.

A Booming Job Market

Canada's job market is booming. With an aging population and low birth rate, there are now close to a million vacancies nationwide. For this reason, there are multiple immigration programs to facilitate the immigration of skilled and unskilled foreign workers.

One of the Safest Countries in the World

With high-quality policing, a low level of poverty and a low crime rate, Canada is one of the world's safest countries. Children can walk to school, and the general public feels safe to wander about freely.

Free Education

One of the most important things you'll look at as a parent hoping to move to a new country is schooling for your children. Education is a top priority in Canada, so children do not pay for this up to the high school level.

Universal Healthcare

Canada has one of the world's most accessible, high-quality health systems. Canadian citizens and permanent residents have access to universal healthcare. This is funded through taxes. As a result, most of your essential primary care is covered, but there are some exclusions, like, for example, dental care, eye care, cosmetic surgery, etc.

Your Ideal Pathway to Canada From Saudi Arabia

Pathway to Canada | How to Immigrate to Canada from Saudi Arabia

There are over 100 immigration programs and visas available to help pave your way to living and working in Canada. However, if you're set on a permanent relocation, the Express Entry System is the best option for making this happen sooner rather than later.

Why Choose Canada's Express Entry Route?

Canada's Express Entry System, one of the most popular immigration pathways, lets you apply and qualify in six to eight months. Not only is this program one of the fastest ways to become a permanent resident of Canada, but it also gives you a chance to assist the rest of your family into the land of the maple leaf. There are three main programs under this system:

  • Federal Skilled Federal Workers Program (FSWP)
  • Federal Skilled Trade Workers Program (FSWP); and
  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Here's what you need to do to gain Canadian PR with this program:

  • Find out which program you can qualify with our Online Evaluation
  • Complete your language tests for English and French;
  • Get an Educational Credential Assessment;
  • Get your biometrics;
  • Find out which job NOC (National Occupation Classification) code you have;
  • Create an Express Entry Profile;
  • Register on the job bank (this is voluntary)
  • Enter the Express Entry pool;
  • Get an ITA (Invitation to Apply);
  • Apply for permanent residency within two months of your ITA
  • Pay for application fees and for permanent residency fee;
  • Provide proof of funds, Police Clearance and Health Certificate; and
  • Ask your current employer for job letters to prove your work experience for your program.

What You Need to Immigrate to Canada

In most cases, if you want to immigrate to Canada you will need your:

  • 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
  • Doctor’s Certificate

ID and Passport

You will need a valid ID and passport when you apply for any document or application. Always ensure that your documents will not expire before or during your application process, or you might need to reapply.

Language Results for English and French

If you plan to apply, you must prove that you have the right language skills in French and English. You can do this through several tests that the IRCC accepts.

First, you must choose which of the two, English or French, is your first language.

What Language Tests Does the IRCC Accept

English language tests that are accepted by the program are:

  • CELPIP General Test (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program); and
  • IELTS General Training (International English Language Testing System)

The French language test accepted by the program is the:

  • TEF (Test d’évaluation de français)

What Scores Do You Need For The Three Programs?

First Language Speakers for the FSWP must score:

  • 7s in the CLB for English; or
  • 7s in the NCL for French

Second Language Speakers must score:

  • Minimum of 5 in the CLB for English; or
  • 5 in the NCLC for French

For the CEC, you must score:

  • 7 for CLB and NCL if your job NOC code is 0 or A; or
  • 5 for CLB and NCL if your job NOC code is B

For the FSTP, you must score:

  • 5 in CLB for Speaking and Listening;
  • 4 in CLB for Reading and Writing;
  • 5 in NCLC for Speaking and Listening; and
  • 4 in NCLC for Reading and Writing

Educational Credential Assessment

First, you must know what an ECA is. It is a document that evaluates your education if you were taught outside of Canada. It is a way to prove that your qualifications, like a degree, diploma, certificate, and Ph.D., are equal to Canadian standards.

You will need to have an ECA if you:

  • Apply for the Federal Skilled Workers program; or
  • Want to score more points for Express Entry

You must include these results in your applications

Where Can I get my ECA?

You can apply for an ECA on the WES website. This website also includes an option for professionals to get their credentials licensed, for example, doctors, nurses, and other skilled professionals. Most ECA for immigration will take around 20 business days to process and complete.

What Are Biometrics

Biometrics are information stored on Canada's database that links to your identity through fingerprints and facial recognition. Canada introduced it to help ensure that no one can use or abuse your identity because of the increasing amount of online identity fraud worldwide.

You must include a photo and fingerprints for identification purposes if you are between the ages of 14 and 79.

Registration for this program is needed if you plan to study, work, or live in the province.

Where To Apply

You can only apply for biometrics in certain places. You can apply in Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar in Saudi Arabia. Just make sure you book an appointment at their registration offices before you arrive.

Find Your NOC

This is the code needed to determine what visas you can apply for for a specific job. The previous NOC 2016 was replaced by NOC2021,  a 6-category system that represents the training, education, experience and responsibilities needed to work in an occupation. Most notably, the 4-digit occupation codes are now 5-digit codes.

If You Have a Provincial Nomination

In most cases, you will not need a PN to apply for certain visa programs. This nomination allows you to apply for permanent residence in one of Canada's provinces or territories.

You can get nominated when you:

  • Apply for a nomination;
  • Are nominated by a province or territory because you have the skills and experience needed in the area; or
  • Apply to the IRCC for permanent residence

Canadian Job Offer

A Canadian job offer is made by an employer who lives in the country. There are certain requirements that they must meet before they can offer you employment. Job offers must be full-time. Sadly part-time work does not count.

To be honest, you do not need a Canadian job offer to apply for programs like Express Entry, but they do help to market you as a potential applicant.

In some cases, your employer will need to provide you with a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to prove that only you have the right work experience, qualifications, or skills needed for the job.

When You do Not Need An LMIA

There are certain jobs that do not need an LMIA, these include:

  • Investors;
  • Professional trades;
  • Self employed individuals;
  • International Experience Canada; and
  • Charity and religious workers (not volunteers)

Criminal Record Check (CRC)

Next thing you will need is a Criminal Record Check to show that you have a clear background. When you go for a CRS you must bring the following documents:

  • All 10 of your fingerprints from both hands done in black ink;
  • Your full name;
  • Your date of birth;
  • Your sex (male or female);
  • The name and address of the police agency you went to;
  • The signature of the police officer that took your fingerprints;
  • Your reason for applying (visiting family, work etc.);
  • Your contact details like your email, mail address, phone number or fax; and
  • Any fees attached to the document

When getting your fingerprints done you may be asked whether you:

  • Are adopted or have adopted anyone in your family that you plan to immigrate with;
  • Have permanent residency in another country;
  • Have a job or job offer (you may need to include your job title and name of your employer);
  • Have plans to do volunteer work (include your job title and the name of the organization);
  • Have any travel documentation like visas, waivers or other relevant paperwork;
  • Have applied for Canadian citizenship or are wanting to apply soon; and if you
  • Have ever changed your legal name

Medical Exam

You must complete a Medical Exam with an approved doctor. Please note that you cannot use any doctor to complete your medical exam. You can only use an approved professional from the panel of physicians.

Things you must bring to your medical exam include:

  • Your ID, passport or driver's license;
  • Medical reports about any medical condition you have (heart conditions etc.);
  • Glasses or contact lenses (if you have them);
  • Medical Report form IMM 1017E; and
  • Four recent photographs if your doctor does not use eMedical

Make sure you request a copy of your medical exam from your doctor. All reports and scans you apply with will be held by the Canadian government and not returned.

Let Your New Chapter in the Great White North Take Flight


Now that you know more about the ideal and quickest way to immigrate to Canada from Saudi Arabia, all you need to do is check your eligibility and start mapping out your path to the land of maple leaves. With an Aladdin's cave of opportunities and many benefits for you and your loved one, there's never been a better time to move.

With over 100 programs and visa options to choose from, the Canadian immigration process can become quite overwhelming and confusing. But it doesn't have to be. By using our accredited Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs), you will not only improve your chances of success in the visa application process, but you will get expert advice on which program is best for your specific needs. Our RCICs are highly qualified and are granted permission by the CICC to assist you with your eligibility evaluation, review all your documents and application forms, and submit them to the Canadian government for you. Why take the chance of having your application denied because your forms are incorrect or sent in too late? Let us take care of all the fine print while you plan your move to Canada.

FAQS

How Long Will my Medical Exam Results be Valid For?

Your medical exam results will be legal for only 12 months. Do not apply to a visa program if your medical results will expire or you will need to go back and do it again.

How Long Will a Police Clearance Take?

A CRC can take around 120 days if you match any records on police files. On the other hand, if you have no police records, your application will take around three days instead.

How Can I Improve My Proficiency in English Before I Take an IELTS Test?

You can take CanadianVisa.org's IELTS preparation course. Developed by Conley University, it is designed to help improve your IELTS score.