Moving from New Zealand to Canada
Table of Contents
If you are planning to move from New Zealand to Canada, then you have come to right place. I come to Canada on International Experience Canada program in November 2018 and was permanent resident of Canada in June 2020.
In this article, I will be listing all steps that could be helpful in your journey from NZ to Canada. Here is more detailed information about Working Holiday Visa from IRCC website:
Step 1. Obtain a Canadian work permit.
If you are 35 years or younger, you could apply for Working Holiday Visa.
Step 2: Complete a year of work in Canada.
To be eligible for Canadian Experience Class, 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada is required, in the last 3 years before you apply—you can meet this in a few different ways:
- full-time at 1 job: 30 hours/week for 12 months = 1 year full-time (1,560 hours)
- equal amount in part-time work: for example 15 hours/week for 24 months = 1 year full time (1,560 hours)
- You can work as many part-time jobs as you need to meet this requirement.
- full-time work at more than 1 job: 30 hours/week for 12 months at more than 1 job = 1-year full time (1,560 hours)
Step 3: Ensure you meet other eligibility criteria.
Apart from work experience, there are additional requirements such as foreign Education, Language ability. For detailed information, please refer to this link: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/eligibility/canadian-experience-class.html
Step 4: Create an Express Entry profile
This step is completed on the IRCC website. You will be asked to provide some personal information, some of which is self-declared (such as your work history), and some of which must be accompanied with documentation (such as your proof of language ability).
Step 5: Improve your profile and ranking under the CRS
Candidates who completed their studies outside Canada may be awarded these points by obtaining an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). Canadian Experience Class candidates should get an ECA or upload proof of their Canadian education credential in order to maximize their chances of being invited to apply for permanent residence.
Step 6: Receive an invitation to apply
This is arguably the step that brings the most joy, as it allows you and your family, if applicable, to apply for permanent residence. From this point, you will have 60 days to submit a complete application.
If your work permit is about to expire within the next four months, you may also apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit so that you may continue working throughout the rest of the process (though your work permit application can only be submitted after you have submitted your permanent residence application for CEC).
Step 7: Complete a medical, provide security background checks, and submit your electronic application.
All CEC applicants are screened for potential medical and criminal inadmissibility. With your application, you will need to show that you have completed a medical exam with an IRCC-recognized panel physician.
In addition, you have to provide a police background check (also known as a clearance certificate) from each country you have lived in for at least six months since the age of 18. The e-application, which must be submitted within 60 days of receiving an ITA, must also include detailed work reference letters from previous employers.
Given the tight time frame, it is a good idea to gather the background checks and work reference letters before you receive an ITA.
Step 8: Your e-application will be reviewed
A Canadian immigration officer will review the submitted e-application and let you know if anything else is required.
Step 9: Receive confirmation of permanent resident status
80 percent of applications submitted under the Canadian Experience Class are processed within less than six months. Mine took just over 5 months. Me and my family received a confirmation of permanent residence (COPR) document. Due to Covid, soft landing was not required for us.
Step 10: Apply for your PR card
Once you have your confirmation of status, you may then apply for your PR card. If you travel outside Canada, you may use this card as proof of your status in Canada.
FAQs
Can children join on Working Holiday Visa ?
Yes, they can join you as visitors. A separate application is required. Border security officer might extend the visitor visa expiry date for kids same as your work Visa. Generally visitors can stay only for 6 months.
