How to Immigrate from South Africa to Canada in 2024
An ever-increasing number of people are getting ready to migrate to Canada from South Africa over the next period of time.
The Canadian Government has stated their intention to allow over 1 million new Canadian Skilled Migrants, specifically including Citizens of South Africa. This opportunity is one of the last remaining mass migration programs in the world.
Most clients thinking of immigrating from South Africa to Canada have a more Permanent move planned and Canadian Permanent Residency visa allows holders (and families) can:
- Live and work in Canada from South Africa
- Enter and leave the Country as they so choose without the need for further visas
- Access medical care
- Access the Canadian Education system for their Children
- Own Property in Canada as well as South Africa
- Get Canadian Citizenship
- Keep South Africa Citizenship if they choose
Canada Wants Immigrants from South Africa. There are hundreds of occupations in demand in Canada across all skill levels.
South African Community in Canada
The biggest South African community in Canada can be found in Ontario. There are over 19,000 South Africans in Ontario, and a lot of South African immigrants are drawn to the city of Toronto. Ontario is considered one of the best provinces to live in Canada and if you have skills in the IT field, job opportunities in tech and IT in Ontario abound. The area offers a high quality of living and the salaries are undeniably attractive.
It is not just IT and tech industries that offer great opportunities to South African expats though. Statistics show that at the end of 2019, over 25,000 jobs were created, predominantly in the construction and administration industries. And the medical sector is consistently seeking out nurses’ aides. Beautiful scenery, national parks, hiking trails, and gorgeous coastlines are also a draw card for those seeking a new life in Ontario.
According to the SA Canada group, the number of South Africans in Calgary is well over 30,000, although this figure has not been confirmed and the source of the statistic is not shared. What makes this particular place so popular? Calgary scores extremely high points in economic stability, free education, free health care and exceptional infrastructure.
It is not an area focused on arts and culture though – that is something to be aware of. When living here, you can expect to benefit from the lowest personal and corporate taxes in the entire country and if you take a close look at the economy, you will notice that it grows and expands steadily each year.
Additionally, a lot of South African immigrants also move to Vancouver, British Columbia, as the climate is a bit warmer than the rest of Canada.
Visa Office in Pretoria, South Africa
The Pretoria Visa Passport Immigration Office is the best embassy to submit your immigration applications to in order to immigrate to Canada. It is located in Brooklyn, Pretoria, South Africa.
Top Reasons to Immigrate to Canada From South Africa
Canada has a history of encouraging immigration and has developed an elaborate system to assess and admit new residents as a result. Citizenship is possible after a mere four years of residence (and that just requires 183 days minimum physical presence during each of those four calendar years.
Furthermore, the Canadian passport is one of the most sought-after travel documents in the world. Residence can be achieved by applying for Canadian Permanent Residence in one of the following categories: investors, entrepreneurs, self-employed persons, and skilled workers and professionals.
A Booming Economy
Canada has a national unemployment rate of under 6%, compared to South Africa’s 29% unemployment. There are many jobs in various sectors available to skilled workers and immigrants.
Canada Is Known For Its Excellent Education System
Canada has one of the top tier educational systems in the world, boasting many wonderful private and public schools, as well as top universities and colleges.
You Can Enjoy Access To Universal Healthcare
Canada's healthcare is exceptional, and it’s predominantly funded by the government. It is also one of the safest countries in the world to live in, so there should be very little concern in terms of physical harm.
You Can Expect A Stable Salary
If you’re looking to work in Canada, you’re going to need a job offer from a Canadian company before you can apply for a Work Permit. Your employer is likely to be required to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment to show that they could not find a suitable Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident to fill the position.
However, certain jobs are exempt from Labour Market Impact Assessments such as clergy, religious or charitable workers or intracompany transferees.
Job stability and a living wage are a big priority to the Canadian government, so you will likely not be discriminated against in the workplace, and you will have plenty of opportunity to grow in your chosen profession and provide for yourself.
Canada Offers Visa-Free Travel Opportunities
The most popular Visa option for South Africans is a visitor visa . This allows individuals to visit Canada for up to six months at a time to explore the country and see if they like it. The cost for this visa is $185 CAD (which includes biometrics).
How to Relocate to Canada from South Africa?
In order to immigrate to Canada, you need to qualify for one of the open immigration programs, which are split into Provincial and Federal Programs.
Canadian Immigration Process
Many people who have been doing their homework on immigrating to Canada from South Africa would have come across the “Express Entry” program. Express Entry is an immigration system implemented by Canadian immigration authorities, which manages skilled worker applications under Federal Economic programs. This includes the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program the Canada Experience Class and parts of the Provincial Nomination Programs.
In order to be eligible to get your application through Express Entry, you must meet the criteria of one of the four immigration programs below and be able to show the appropriate amount of settlement funds for your family size.
If you need help during the difficult application process to immigrate to Canada, My Visa Source is always here for you, whether you want to call us toll-free or take our one minute Online Assessment.
Immigrate to Canada as a Worker / Express Entry
As a South African worker seeking to immigrate to Canada, you have four pathways you can choose from.
Option 1: Federal Skilled Worker
- You need to have one year or more of full-time paid work experience in an O, A or B classified occupation and;
- You must achieve 67 points or higher on the Federal Skilled Worker Points System (based on age, education, language, work experience, and adaptability.
Option 2: Federal Skilled Trades
- You require at least two years of work experience in a skilled trade in the past 5 years and;
- You need to have lined up a job offer from a Canadian employer for at least one year OR enrolled for a Canadian skilled trade certificate or qualification.
Option 3: Provincial Nominee
- You have a nomination certificate from one of the Canadian provinces or territories.
Option 4: Canadian Experience Class:
- Have at least one year of full time paid skilled work experience in Canada.
Under Express Entry, Federal Skilled Workers across 347 eligible occupations who meet minimum entry criteria, can submit an expression of interest profile to the Express Entry Pool. Candidate profiles will be ranked under a Comprehensive Ranking System, with the highest-ranking being invited to apply for permanent residence. Candidates must submit a full application within 60 days of invitation.
Immigrate to Canada with Your Family
If you are looking to immigrate to Canada with your family, you should know that if one of the parents or one partner has received a visa, the rest of the family can come along. That’s why as partners you may want to submit 2 applications as you never know who has better chances of receiving the visa.
Also, a student visa is easier to obtain than a working visa, and if one of the family members managed to achieve one, it can help bring the whole family to Canada.
Immigrate to Canada as a Student
Luckily, Canada is very welcoming for those who are looking for higher education.
In Canada, you can obtain a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) following most programs of study. Your PGWP can be valid for the same duration as your study permit, up to three years.
With its reputable educational system and high-ranking universities, Canada is one of the most attractive countries for students from around the world.
To get into a Canadian university, students need to get a student visa.
Temporary Immigration for Young Adults (18-35yo): IEC / Student Visa
If you want to see if Canada is the right home for you before committing to immigration, then you might want to explore International Experience Canada (IEC Canada).
This program is ideal for the country citizens between the ages of 18 and 30 who are looking to test the waters in Canada.
If approved for the program, applicants are permitted to live in Canada for up to two years to work, travel, and experience Canadian life.
This allows the individual to get a feel for what life in Canada would be like without making a full commitment from the start. If they can see themselves living here permanently, they can start the process of moving to Canada from South Africa.
Family Sponsorship In Canada
Immigration is faster and easier for those who have relatives in Canada. Possibly, you have someone you want to move your family after you immigrate.
If that is the case, Family Sponsorship options could be perfect for you.
This pathway works in one of two ways – inland or outland. The inland sponsorship is when the individual sponsored is already living in Canada, while the outland sponsorship is for someone currently living outside of Canada.
Immigrate to Canada as an Entrepreneur or Investor
If you want to get citizenship by investing in Canada's economy, then you may learn more about and apply for the Investor Visa.
If you have the skills and funds to build or establish a business in Canada, then the start-up visa could be an option for you.
How My Visa Source Can Help with Canada Immigration From South Africa
Congratulations on taking your first step towards Permanent Residency in Canada!
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