With its high standard of living, diverse culture, and ample job opportunities, Canada is an attractive destination for individuals looking to start a new chapter in their lives. Particularly for residents of the United Arab Emirates, the prospect of immigrating to the Great White North is not only feasible but also beneficial in various ways.
There are various reasons why people choose to relocate from one country to another. It could be for career advancement, better education, or simply to experience a different culture and lifestyle. In recent years, Canada has been a top choice for immigrants worldwide, including those from the United Arab Emirates.
According to the Canadian Bureau for International Education, there were over 642,000 international students in Canada as of 2019. Moreover, according to the 2016 census, over 7.5 million foreign-born individuals were residing in Canada, making up 21.9% of Canada’s total population.
Canada’s Immigration Programs
The Canadian government offers several immigration programs to attract skilled workers from around the world. One of the main programs is the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), which allows foreign nationals with specific skills to apply for Canadian permanent residency.
This program is especially suitable for UAE residents due to their high English proficiency, education level, and work experience.
Why UAE Residents are Well Positioned for Canada’s Immigration
Residents of the UAE are well qualified for Canada’s immigration programs due to factors such as their high level of English proficiency, educational background, and work experience.
Additionally, the UAE’s diverse population and multicultural environment provide its residents with a global perspective, making them desirable candidates for immigration.
Furthermore, Canadians with entry visas are permitted a 30- to 90-day stay in the UAE, allowing them to explore the country before deciding to make a permanent move. If they wish to extend their stay, they can simply cross borders to renew their visa.
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is a popular choice for those looking to immigrate to Canada. It’s designed to attract individuals with specific skills that are required in the Canadian workforce.
This program provides an opportunity for immigrants to become permanent residents of Canada, enabling them to live, work, and study in any Canadian province or territory.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the FSWP, applicants must meet certain criteria. They must have at least one year of continuous, full-time, or equivalent part-time work experience in a skilled occupation listed by the Canadian government within the last ten years.
Additionally, applicants need to demonstrate proficiency in English or French, meet certain health and security requirements, and score at least 67 points on a selection grid that assesses factors such as education, work experience, age, language proficiency, and adaptability.
Process and Benefits
The FSWP application process involves several steps, including document submission, language testing, medical examinations, and police checks. Applicants who successfully navigate this process and receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) can then apply for permanent residency.
Once granted permanent residency, immigrants enjoy benefits very similar to those of Canadian citizens. They can live, study, and work anywhere in Canada, access free healthcare and education, and even apply for Canadian citizenship after living in Canada for two years.
How to Apply from Dubai to Canada
Before applying for Canadian immigration, there are several prerequisites that individuals residing in Dubai need to meet. These include obtaining the necessary educational documents, health and character certificates, and evidence of sufficient funds to support themselves and their family members in Canada.
Required Educational Documents
Educational documents are crucial when applying for Canadian immigration. Applicants must provide diplomas, degrees, or certificates from secondary or post-secondary institutions.
All educational documents must be translated into English or French by a certified translator. In addition to these documents, applicants are also required to have their educational credentials assessed by an organization approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to ensure that their foreign education is valid and equivalent to a completed credential in Canada.
Health and Character Certificates
Applicants for Canadian immigration must also provide health and character certificates. The health certificate must be issued by a panel physician approved by IRCC, stating that the applicant does not pose a threat to public health or safety.
The character certificate, on the other hand, needs to be issued by local police, confirming that the applicant does not have a criminal record.
Evidence of Sufficient Funds
Another important prerequisite for immigrating to Canada is proof of sufficient funds. Applicants must demonstrate that they have enough money to support themselves and their dependents after arriving in Canada.
This requirement does not apply to those who already have a job offer from a Canadian employer or are authorized to work in Canada.
How to Apply for Permanent Residency in Canada from Dubai
Applying for permanent residency in Canada from Dubai involves a series of steps. These include gathering relevant educational documents, applying for Educational Credential Assessment, creating an Express Entry profile, reaching the latest Express Entry draw score, and submitting visa fees and required documents.
Step 1: Required Educational Documents
The first step towards applying for Canadian immigration is gathering all your educational documents and applying for an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
An ECA is used to verify that your foreign degree, diploma, or certificate is valid and equivalent to a Canadian one. This process is essential for all applicants who have studied outside of Canada.
Step 2: Creating an Express Entry Profile
Once you have your ECA, the next step is to create an Express Entry profile. This is an online system that manages applications for permanent residency from skilled workers.
During the creation of your profile, you’ll be asked several questions about your skills, work experience, language ability, education, and other factors. Your answers will help determine your eligibility for immigration programs managed by the system.
Step 3: Receive an Invitation to Apply
If your Express Entry profile meets the criteria of one of the federal immigration programs, you will be placed into a pool with other candidates.
Periodically, the Canadian government conducts an Express Entry draw where candidates are ranked based on their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
If your CRS score meets or exceeds the cut-off score for the draw, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
Step 4: SubmitVisa Fees and Required Documents
Upon receiving an ITA, you will have 60 days to submit your application for permanent residence. During this step, you will need to pay the necessary visa fees and submit all required documents.
These include police certificates, medical examination reports, proof of funds, and other supporting documents.
Step 5: Send Passport for Stamping to Nearest Embassy
After your application is approved, you will be issued a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and a permanent resident visa. You must then send your passport to the nearest embassy or consulate for stamping. Once your passport is stamped, you can make arrangements to move to Canada.
Who Can You Sponsor for Canada Immigration from the UAE?
As a Canadian permanent resident, you are eligible to sponsor certain relatives to come to Canada under the Family Class Sponsorship. The relatives you can sponsor include your spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, dependent children, parents, grandparents, brothers, or sisters.
Spouse, Common-Law Partner, and Conjugal Partner
If you are a Canadian permanent resident, you can sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner to immigrate to Canada, regardless of their age or where they currently live. The person you sponsor must be at least 18 years old and pass medical, criminal, and background checks.
Dependent Children
You may also sponsor your dependent children, including adopted children. A dependent child must be under the age of 22 and not have a spouse or common-law partner.
Children 22 years or older qualify as dependents if they have depended on their parents for financial support since before the age of 22 and are unable to financially support themselves due to a physical or mental condition.
Parents, Grandparents, Brothers, or Sisters
Additionally, you can sponsor your parents or grandparents to become permanent residents under the Family Class Sponsorship. If you do not have a spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, or dependent child, you may sponsor your brother, sister, nephew, niece, or grandchild who is orphaned, under 18 years of age, and not married or in a common-law relationship.
Costs Involved in the Application Process
The process of applying for permanent residency in Canada from Dubai involves several costs. These include application fees, language exam fees, medical exam fees, police certificate fees, and others.
Cost Breakdown of Provincial Nominee Programs
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows provinces and territories in Canada to nominate individuals who wish to immigrate to Canada and are interested in settling in a particular province. Each PNP has its own set of criteria and application procedures.
The cost of applying for a PNP varies depending on the province and the type of nomination program. On average, the cost ranges from $300 to $1,500 CAD.
Language Exam Fees
All applicants for Canadian immigration must demonstrate proficiency in English or French by taking a language exam. The cost of these exams varies, but on average, you can expect to pay around $300 CAD for the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or TEF (Test d’évaluation de français).
Medical Exam and Police Certificate Costs
In addition to the above costs, applicants must also pay for a medical exam and a police certificate. The cost of the medical exam varies depending on the country where you take the exam. The police certificate’s cost varies as well, depending on the country and the local police service’s fees.
Conclusion
Moving to another country is a significant decision that requires careful planning and preparation. While the process may seem daunting, understanding the procedure and requirements can make the transition smoother and more manageable.
With its diverse culture, robust economy, and high quality of life, Canada continues to be an attractive destination for immigrants from all over the world, including those from the UAE.
Canada offers a wide range of opportunities for immigrants, making it an ideal place for individuals and families seeking a fresh start. The country’s immigration policies are designed to attract skilled workers who can contribute to Canada’s economic growth. With proper planning and preparation, your dream of moving to Canada can become a reality.