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South Korea is Asia’s fourth-largest economy, producing and exporting cutting edge technological and automobile brands that continue to remain at the forefront of their respective markets. However, due to the current job crunch, many South Korean graduates are struggling to find jobs and are therefore opting to work abroad. Those who are able to secure employment find themselves constantly stressed due to the hypercompetitive social and work environment. In 2018, over 5,700 people participated in the Korean government overseas employment program, aimed at assisting graduates in finding work in other countries, which is more than triple that of 2013. A recent survey shows that 25.2 per cent of locals seeking alternative job prospects is choosing to immigrate to Canada from South Korea.
So why Canada you may ask? Well, let's have a look at all that the Great White North has to offer.
Job Opportunities
Canada has a wide variety of jobs available to foreign immigrants, so much so that the government has dedicated specific programs and systems in order to make it easier for qualified foreign workers to relocate to the country. Many businesses are actively seeking foreign employees through programs such as the Provincial Nomination Program (PNP) and the Express Entry System, which are both aimed at encouraging growth and economic development in Canada. As an added bonus, most employees also give their employees the chance to further their education in their respective fields.
Almost one in every four young Koreans between the ages of 15 and 29 are reported to be unemployed. Korean business models are favouring family-run conglomerates or “chaebol” and the majority of the workforce is made up of firms with less than 250 employees. With unemployment on the rise and competitive top tier positions reserved for the elite, it is no surprise that young professionals are choosing to relocate to Canada.
The Great Outdoors
For the adventurous at heart, there are numerous national parks to explore, such as Banff and Jasper National Parks. Canada also offers a number of beautiful lakes, such as Moraine and Emerald Lake, which are best experienced by canoe. There are a number of hiking trails along the world-renowned Canadian Rockies and not to mention its endless coastlines, vast expanses of open landscapes that extend as far as the tundra of the north and of course, last but certainly not least, exceptional views of the northern lights.
Multicultural Vibrant Cities
Canada is a multicultural urban playground, offering a wide variety of international festivals, concerts and events to choose from each year. It’s cities offer a bustling nightlife as well as a multitude of art museums, historical landmarks and restaurants to indulge in.
Canada was the first country in the world to officially introduce multiculturalism and is one of the most diverse countries to live in. Almost 40% of its overall population comprises of foreign ethnicity, of which the Korean community is the 7th largest non-European ethnic group. This makes it extremely easy for immigrants to integrate into the community while still retaining their own culture.
Affordable Quality of Life
Canada offers a number of benefits that ultimately equates to a phenomenal quality of life. Housing is relatively inexpensive and cities are less crowded, especially in provinces such as Alberta, Prince Edward Island and Saskatchewan. The most popular destinations for Koreans are Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta. Canada also offers a world-class education system, at no cost to permanent resident and locals up until Grade 12. There are also a wide variety of tertiary institutions to choose from, such as McGill University, the University of Toronto and the University of British Columbia. Free healthcare is another benefit afforded to Candian citizens, however, it is important to note that certain procedures and prescription medications are not covered. There is also considerably less pollution in Canada, which has been ranked 9th on the list of the world’s cleanest countries for overall air quality. Canada also offers a number of state welfare programs including social assistance, the Canada Child Tax Benefit, Old Age Security and the Guaranteed Income Supplement, Employment Insurance, the Canada and Quebec Pension Plan, Workers Compensation, social housing and social services.
Ways To Immigrate To Canada
There are five main programs to choose from once you have decided to immigrate to Canada from South Korea.
| Federal Immigration Programs | |
|---|---|
| Economic Immigrants/Federal Skilled Worker Program | This category is for skilled workers with Canadian experience who qualify under one of three categories: |
| 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 in order to qualify |
| Family Sponsorship | This category is for applicants with close relatives in Canada who have committed to financially support their family member while applying for residence. Permanent residents or Canadian citizens are able to sponsor their spouse, conjugal or common-law partner, dependent child as well as 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: 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 are able to sponsor immigrants who are deemed eligible to settle in Canada under refugee status. |
What Do I Need?
There are a number of requirements to apply via the Federal Skilled Worker Program:
| 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 | |
How Do I Apply?
Once you have all of the necessary documentation, it’s time to get the application process started. The Express Entry System is the most popular way to apply for permanent residency as it streamlines the immigration process. You will need to create an online profile containing information such as your age, education and work experience. Based on this information, you will be ranked against other applicants based on points scored according to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Applicants with the highest scores will receive an Invitation To Apply (ITA) for permanent residency. There are many ways to improve your score, including receiving a Provincial Nominee, which can be obtained by submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) or alternatively receiving a Notification of Interest (NOI) from your chosen province.
How Can We Help?
Applying for a visa can be time-consuming and difficult to wrap your head around, especially with its strict deadlines, procedures and specifications, but when you sign up with our service today you will have the guidance and assistance of one of our knowledgeable Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCIC’s). One of our professionals, Mr Jimmy Park, is South Korean and has been through the process himself, meaning that he will be able to personally identify with any of your queries as well as offer his expert advice on the best way to relocate to Canada from South Korea. All you have to do is fill out our application form to receive your assessment and let us sort out the rest. It’s just that simple!
