Immigrate to Canada:
A Practical Guide
Nick Noorani, Best-selling author “Arrival Survival Canada” and Catherine A. Sas, QC
Self-Counsel Press
(a division of)
International Self-Counsel Press Ltd.
USA Canada
Copyright © 2015
International Self-Counsel Press
All rights reserved.
A Word From the Authors
It has been 16 years since I first landed in Canada, and it has been a journey of tremendous challenges and wonderful discoveries. Born in Mumbai, India, I had a terrific career in advertising and marketing, working with some great companies and people. Like most parents, my wife, Sabrina, and I wanted to give our children the best in the world. With my family in tow, I moved to the Middle East (Muscat, Abu Dhabi, and then Dubai) to seek my fortune.
A few years later, it was Sabrina who suggested that we move to Canada. With my brother already here, we knew a little bit about the country, or at least we thought we did. We felt it was the right place for us to build a new life, not only for ourselves, but for our children and our future grandchildren. We no longer wanted to be just “visitors”; we wanted to settle in a place we could call home. We weren’t alone in this sentiment; most newcomers to Canada come with similar dreams and hopes for their future as “Canadians.”
We applied for immigration under the Federal Skilled Worker category and received our letter of acceptance a few months later. Back then, it was easier to get into Canada, even though the wait time was still lengthy. Since coming to Canada, I have been working with immigrants helping them find their success. The first step was a book my wife and I coauthored called Arrival Survival Canada, which is now in its third edition published by Oxford University Press; it’s a Canadian bestseller (http://arrivalsurvival.com/).
You could consider Immigrate to Canada as a prequel to Arrival Survival Canada. While that book goes into everything you need to know in your first year after arriving in Canada, this book concentrates on how to get here, and some of the initial steps you need to take before and after you arrive.
Over the years, I have met thousands of immigrants face to face through my “7 Success Secrets for Canadian Immigrants” seminar and on the streets of Canada. In 2012, I did ten seminars in five cities in India speaking to hundreds of brilliant professionals who wanted to come to Canada but didn’t know where to start!
Skilled workers who want to migrate to Canada often fall victim to fraudulent immigration consultants, paying huge fees with no results. Even legitimate immigration lawyers and consultants will cost you a lot of money with no guarantee of getting you approved to come to Canada.
I wanted to create a level playing field for prospective immigrants. I wanted to write a book that would be a quick and simple read for immigrants who could use the information to apply themselves, and learn pertinent information on Canada at the same time.
Several reports have shown that immigrants who do not do their research prior to arriving have a harder time settling here!
My “Know Before you Go!” program and “Prepare for Canada” (http://www.prepareforcanada.com/) website provide a wealth of information to prospective immigrants. Please do use it!
Catherine Sas is a well-known Canadian immigration lawyer and a friend of mine, so when I asked her about contributing to this book, she responded enthusiastically.
Immigration policies change all the time and it’s important to keep on top of new policies and rules, so Catherine and I have included web links for the programs so if there are any changes, you always have the latest information!
Immigrating to Canada means so many things to so many people. All immigrants, be they skilled immigrants, students, or temporary workers have one thing in common — dreams of a better tomorrow for themselves and their families. Welcome to the beginning of your Canadian dream! I hope this book helps you on your journey to Canada.
— Naeem “Nick” Noorani, www.nicknoorani.com
As an immigration lawyer, I have been assisting immigrants and their families to settle in Canada for more than 20 years. The immigrant journey is far more than coming to a new country. It is a complicated application process that may take many years; it is the leaving of familiar territory to a strange new one; and it is an emotional journey of resettling and adapting to a new homeland.
While Canada is a welcoming country, the immigration experience can still be a challenge. This book is meant to demystify that ever-changing process by explaining the various avenues for immigration as well as important tips for arriving and settling in Canada.
Naeem “Nick” Noorani has experienced firsthand becoming a Canadian. These pages offer considerable insight to the immigrant experience. The immigrant’s story is Canada’s story: Its past, its present, and its future, and it will be Canada’s future for many years to come. May this book smooth the process of immigration for you. Nick and I will also keep you informed with regular updates and new editions found at www.canadacountdown.ca.
— Catherine Sas, QC
What This Book Will Do For You
With so many different programs, finding the correct category to apply is critical to getting your visa approved! This book will help you with the following:
1. Provide you with the detailed information you need to know to determine if you are eligible and how to successfully apply.
2. Cut through government jargon so Canada’s immigration process is easier to understand.
3. Provide an overview of what immigrating to Canada will actually be like — challenges and all!
4. Save you money by helping you apply and arrive!
5. Help you choose which immigration category to apply to your situation.
Abbreviations
ADR: Alternative Dispute Resolution
CBSA: Canada Border Services Agency
CELPIP: Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program
CIC: Citizenship and Immigration Canada
CLB: Canadian Language Benchmarks
COPR Confirmation of Permanent Residence
CPC: Case Processing Centre
CRA: Canada Revenue Agency
DMP: Designated Medical Practitioner
EI: Employment Insurance
ELT: Enhanced Language Training
ESL: English as a Second Language
FCRO: Foreign Credential Referral Office
FLE: Français Langue Étrangère
GST: Goods and Services Tax
HST: Harmonized Sales Tax
IELTS: International English Language Testing System for English