Every province in Canada operates its own Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). If you’re eligible for one of these PNPs, you can apply for a provincial nomination. If successful, you can then usually apply directly for permanent residence from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Learn more about the process of applying to a Canadian PNP here.
Many provinces operate PNP’s that require work experience in an occupation or industry that has been identified as ‘in-demand’ in the province. That usually means that there are a lot of employment opportunities in those fields in the province.
Keep in mind, though, that the end result of any Canadian immigration program, including PNPs, is Canadian permanent residence. As a permanent resident, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects your right to live and work anywhere in Canada.
EMPLOYMENT
In an ideal situation, everyone would secure a job before coming to Canada but unfortunately this is not always possible. Searching for work is always more difficult if you are not physically present in the country. Employers may want to meet you in person first and travelling to the country purely for an interview may not be something that is financially feasible for everyone.
You do not need a job offer to qualify for most Canadian immigration programs, but finding a job once you land in the country is usually a top priority for newcomers.
The Canadian economy is beginning to show strong signs of recovery after therecent downturn caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
According to the latest jobs report by Statistics Canada, the Canadian economy added nearly one million jobs in June as businesses forced closed by the pandemic began to reopen.
The agency says 953,000 jobs were added last month, including 488,000 full-time and 465,000 part-time positions.
Always keep in mind, however, that the industry you want to work in plays a big role. Some provinces have strong markets for particular industries, so it’s important that you do thorough research.
CLIMATE
Canada is infamous for its weather, so the climate is definitely something to consider before choosing what part of Canada to move to. Canada may be known for its cold winter weather, but Canada is actually one of few countries that experiences four distinct seasons. While it’s true that the winter months can be cold, the summer months are equally warm!
Certain parts of Canada are colder than others, too. Canada is the second largest country in the world, behind Russia. So the weather experienced in one part of the country can be very different from another part. Most major Canadian cities are clustered along Canada’s southern border, where temperatures stay more mild.
Each province has its own distinct climate – don’t make the mistake of thinking that winter in Montreal is the same as winter in Vancouver, Winnipeg, or Halifax!
HEALTH INSURANCE
In Canada, health insurance is handled by the province where you choose to live. Once you reach a new province, you must apply for health coverage. Once you receive a health card, you will be able to receive health coverage, usually after a maximum waiting period of three months.
Since healthcare is operated by individual provinces, there are some differences in service depending on where you choose to live. For example, British Columbia, Albert,a and Ontario require you to pay health care premiums for services provided. However, if for some reason you are unable to pay your premium, health care services cannot be denied.
For more information on how you can move to Canada, complete our free online assessment today: