How to Immigrate to Canada from Ghana

Starting your Canada visa application Ghana can be a prolonged process. You might have questions like, where do I start? Who needs my skills and experience? We have created a guide detailing all the essentials to help you immigrate to Canada from Ghana. We are here to set your mind at ease and find the best-suited immigration option.

The first step is identifying which immigration category you are applying under. All the requirements for immigration focus on specific needs and links to the appropriate immigration program. There are over 70 immigration programs and streams in the 13 provinces and territories. Each program is different. Discover how to migrate to Canada from Ghana with us.

How to Migrate to Canada from Ghana

Canada is set to welcome approximately 500,000 people per year by 2025. While there is a plethora, below are some popular immigration options.

The Express Entry System

The Express Entry system is Canada's most popular immigration pathway. It was designed to speed up approving qualified, skilled foreign workers and their families for permanent residence in Canada. Applicants create a profile on the Express Entry web portal on the Canadian government website. Applicants enter details such as age, language proficiency, education, work experience, and ability to adapt to Canada.

All profiles are evaluated under the Canadian Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to produce a CRS score. Scores are then entered into the Express Entry pool, and every two weeks, the Canadian government hosts an Express Entry Draw. Applicants with scores over a certain number are presented with an Invitation To Apply (ITA) for permanent residency. They then have 60 days to submit all corroborating documentation to the Express Entry portal. Applicants receive their Permanent Canadian residence in approximately six months if all goes well.

There are three programs through which you can apply for Express Entry:

The Federal Skilled Worker Program

This program is specifically designed for professional workers who work in an occupation that generally requires a degree, like a lawyer, doctor, or software developer.

Find out if the Federal Skilled Worker Program is right for you here.

The Federal Skilled Trades Program

This program is specifically designed for skilled tradespeople with significant work experience or qualifications in their chosen trade.

Here's a full breakdown of the Federal Skilled Trades Program and how to apply.

The Canadian Experience Class

This program is specifically designed for skilled workers who have already been living and working in Canada for at least one year on a visa like a Canadian work permit or study permit.

Find out how to be eligible for the Canadian Experience Class.

The Provincial Nomination Program (PNP)

Canada's provinces and territories have created skilled worker programs for those who want to live and settle in a particular Canadian province. You can either apply through these program streams directly or enter the Express Entry system from where you can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). Getting a provincial nomination can add up to 600 points to your CRS score, effectively guaranteeing you get your ITA at the next Express Entry draw.

When applying for a PNP, candidates must have the skills, education, and work experience needed to make an immediate economic contribution to the province or territory. In addition, they should be ready to establish themselves in the selected region successfully.

If you apply directly to the province, meet all the criteria, and score the province's required points, you are then issued a nomination and ITA for permanent residence with the federal government. If you apply for the nomination from the Express Entry pool, your nomination from the province will boost your CRS score, and if you are drawn from the pool, you are then issued your ITA.

Learn more about the different Provincial Nominee Programs here.

Family Sponsorship Program

If you have relatives living in Canada, they could help you immigrate from Ghana to Canada. Both you and your sponsor must meet certain criteria to use this program. The relative sponsoring the immigration must:

Be at least 18 years old;
Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada; and
Have sufficient funds to support themselves and you during your time in Canada.

The Family sponsorship program includes spouses and common-law and conjugal partners. However, the Canada Visa application Ghana process differs based on your relationship with your sponsor.

Here's a full breakdown of the Family Sponsorship Program and how to apply.

Work and Study Permits

If you are not eligible for permanent residency programs, you can start your journey in Canada via a work or study permit. Working or studying in Canada can allow you to spend enough time in Canada to qualify for the CEC or get started in Canada. At the same time, you apply for your permanent residency program. However, to receive a work or study permit in Canada, you need to have a job offer in Canada or an acceptance letter from a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI).

Learn more about how to apply to a Canadian DLI here.

If you're still unsure how to migrate to Canada from Ghana, it's best to speak to a certified expert. Our Team of Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) can give you a full evaluation to help you determine which program works best for you and your credentials.

Is Canada A Good Place To Move To As A Ghanaian?

While everyone's experience differs, Canada welcomes international immigrants from all backgrounds. The country prides itself on its multiculturalism and place as a haven for internationals looking to start a better life in a new country. Here's a full breakdown of Canada's multicultural attitude to better understand how you will be accepted and represented in Canada.

Work and Jobs In Canada for Foreigners

Canada offers ample job opportunities for skilled workers, and its government actively encourages immigration to address labor shortages. This creates a welcoming environment for foreigners seeking employment, and the country's strong economy provides various job prospects in diverse industries. A job offer from Canada can make all the difference for those looking to land a Canadian work permit or apply for permanent residency. You cannot get a work permit without a job offer, and having work waiting for you in Canada can make a massive difference to your chances of landing a permanent residency in Canada.

Canada currently has over 1 million job vacancies nationwide across all of Canada's primary industries. As a result, Canada, as a nation and each of its provinces and territories, releases a list of the most in-demand occupations in the region. To see which occupations are most in demand in each province, consult the map below.

Finding a job within these fields can still be tricky, but if you act proactively and join online recruitment sites before immigrating, the various networks and job boards can assist. A few popular sites are:

You must start your application process once you find an opening that's right for you. The Canadian job application process can be slightly different from that in Ghana. Here's a full breakdown of how to apply for a job in Canada and how to find jobs in Canada for Ghanaians.

A Safe and Secure Political Structure

Canada is renowned for its peaceful society and stable political structure. Its government is committed to promoting tolerance and cultural diversity, creating a harmonious living environment for all residents. You can learn more about Canada's political structure here.

High Average Standard of Living

Canadians enjoy a high standard of living, with access to quality healthcare, education, and government services. The country's social welfare system supports needy residents, ensuring a comfortable lifestyle for all. According to Numbeo.com, a single person's monthly cost of living in Canada is CAD 1,284.20, whereas the average salary in Canada is CAD 4,079.30. As a result, Canada is currently in the Top 15 countries in the world in terms of Standard of Living, according to the UN Human Development Index, 2021/2022 Report.

Here's a handy guide to the cost of living in Canada to help you determine your possible standard of living.

World-Class Government Services

Canada's government provides exceptional services to its citizens, including free healthcare and education. These services contribute to Canadians' high quality of life and help attract immigrants seeking better opportunities. Learn more about how healthcare in Canada can change your life here.

Some of the Best Education in the World

Canada is recognized as the most educated country globally and invests heavily in its education system. Primary, secondary, and post-secondary education is free, ensuring access to world-class learning opportunities for all residents, including immigrants. You can learn more about Canada's education and the world-class universities in Canada here.

A Welcoming, Diverse People

Canada is renowned for its welcoming and inclusive attitude towards diversity, embracing individuals from various ethnic, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds. This open-mindedness has fostered a thriving multicultural society, providing Ghanaian immigrants a secure and supportive environment. Furthermore, the Canadian government's commitment to nurturing diversity through progressive immigration policies and social programs has enabled immigrants to maintain their unique cultural identities while integrating seamlessly into the larger community. For Ghanaian immigrants, this presents not only a chance to build a new life in a country that values their contributions but also an opportunity to enrich the cultural fabric of Canada through their distinct heritage. Learn more about Canada's multiculturalism here.

FAQs

What Documents Do You Need for Your Canada Visa Application Ghana?

While different programs have different requirements for documentation, here is a list of documents that almost every Canadian immigration program requires.

ID and Passport of current citizenship;
Police clearance;
Doctor's certificate;
Language test;
Education Credential Assessment;
Your NOC (National Occupational Classification) code;
Provincial Nomination (if you have one);
Biometrics; and
Job offer (if you have one).

Is It Easy To Migrate From Ghana To Canada?

This primarily depends on your eligibility, the program you choose, and your intentions for when you arrive in Canada. However, Canadian immigration is far more open to international immigrants than countries like Australia and the USA due to Canada's need to fill the vast and growing number of vacancies in their job market. One of the best ways to make your immigration from Ghana to Canada is to utilize a Canadian Immigration company, as they have a far greater knowledge of Canada's immigration system than the average person.

One of our clients, Derrick Tuffour, explains how working with immigration professionals like a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) helped him start his Canadian journey.

How to Relocate to Canada from Ghana the Right Way for You

Now that you know how to migrate to Canada from Ghana, it's time to see how you can make that move. The best way to determine which option is right for you is to have an experienced immigration consultant find which program you're most eligible for. Our RCICs can help determine which program you're most suitable for, fill out your application forms, help you gather the necessary documentation for your program, advise and guide you through every step of the application process and represent you with the relevant immigration authorities.