There are many countries across the world, and each provides a different lifestyle. Although no country is perfect, some provide more opportunities for citizens in terms of work and life overall. However, every country has strict rules and policies and it is only fair that not every individual that comes into a place has the same rights as the people who were born there or have earned their rights. For example, a tourist will not have the same rights as a native citizen. These can range from employment opportunities, financial support from the government, and even access to healthcare services. 

Most people have the chance to travel to another country and even stay there residing permanently if they wish so, however, depending on the country, they may have to undergo official checks to be entitled to the benefits mentioned. If you wish to move to Canada for example, you will need to apply for a permanent resident in the country and this article will advise you of how to achieve this. 

Know The Criteria

The very first thing you should do is know the criteria that you will need to meet so apply for permanent residence. As you can imagine, these checks and procedures are in place for a reason, the main one being that only certain people will be allowed to reside in the country permanently without a visa. Certain factors such as how long you have lived in Canada, your connections to the country (such as family and friends) and your lifestyle (whether you are currently studying, have a job, or even if you have a criminal record) will have an impact on your eligibility. 

Find Out Whether You Are Eligible

Even if you believe that you meet the criteria, you will still need to undergo the process where the authorities will check this and evaluate your eligibility. This starts with completing an appropriate official form that will be sent to you. It only takes a few minutes to complete this, and you will need to send it back so that it can be assessed. This form will ask all the appropriate questions for the government to know whether you are eligible to apply for permanent residence. If you are, you will receive further communication regarding which program you can use.  

Understand The Different Schemes 

There is no one way to apply for permanent residence. Canada offers different pathways which you can use to apply. Not everyone will be suitable for you. As discussed above, you will find out which schemes you can apply for once you submit your answers to the government. You can then complete an online profile which will result in you getting the Canadian ITA or Invitation To Apply. You should note that you only have 60 days to complete this once you receive it, and failure to meet the deadline can result in failure of the process, so get on with it with no delay. 

Have Your Documents in Order

You will be asked many questions as part of this process but what you say is not enough evidence. You will need to make sure that you present your documents as evidence. The more you have, the more evidence to support your application, which is good. Some of the things you will need include your passport, proof of employment or education, proof of funds, medical evidence, birth certificates for your children, and any marriage, death, or adoption certificates if these apply. 60 days is not a long time, therefore make sure that you have all of these documents ready for submission even before you receive the ITA. 

Get The Support of a Professional

The process of applying for permanent residence can be extremely challenging and overwhelming. Having the support of a professional may be beneficial to help you relocate and permanently reside in Canada. There are consultants with expertise in this field that will be able to help you. They will know the policies around every program and how the procedures work as well as what documents you need and when the deadlines are. Doing this on your own can put a lot of pressure on you, considering the importance of getting it right and what is at stake. 

Re-Apply Again if Unsuccessful 

If you go through the process as it fails, do not be discouraged as there are a few things that you can do to improve your chances next time around. Having greater evidence of education or work experience or of your funds, for example, are some of the ways you can improve your score. Your profile should be checked again after one year if you want to re-apply, which is plenty of time to improve. 

a travel influencer wearing a canadian flag

Applying to reside permanently in a different country can be extremely difficult. The information discussed on this page should provide you with a clear idea of how to apply to reside in Canada, so make sure that you follow these steps. 

Published on Holr Magazine