Luxury cars, high-rise buildings, and a high-quality lifestyle—Dubai may appear to be a paradise to the outside world. However, for many new residents, the reality can be quite different. Fortunately, if living and working in Dubai hasn’t gone as planned, Canada remains an excellent option. Yes, Canada does welcome immigrants, and you can be one of them! Canada aims to welcome over a million newcomers by 2022 (learn more about Canada’s new immigration goals for the next three years here). In this blog, we provide you with expert advice on how to immigrate to Canada from Dubai.
3 Reasons to Immigrate to Canada from Dubai
1. Experience True Freedom
Canada is a liberal democracy, while the government of the United Arab Emirates imposes restrictions on what it deems “offensive” to its religious, moral, and cultural values. This can limit new residents in various ways, such as restricted access to international websites and prohibitions on cohabitation with a de facto partner.
In contrast, Canada recognizes couples of all kinds, whether they are common-law or same-sex couples. You can live and marry whomever you choose in the Great White North, where social acceptance is the norm. Additionally, Canada respects diverse religious views, allowing you to practice your faith freely, whether it be Catholicism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, or Judaism.
2. Fair Work Conditions and High Minimum Wage
Like the United Arab Emirates, Canada has a significant number of foreign workers, including many from South Asian countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh. However, unlike Dubai, which employs the Kafala system, Canada offers protections under the same labor laws as its citizens, ensuring better working conditions and fair wages. The average minimum wage in Canada is $14 an hour!
3. Experience Four Seasons
Most of Canada enjoys four distinct seasons, featuring snowy winters and warm summers, unlike the consistently hot climate of Dubai. Canadian summer temperatures typically range from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius, while Dubai often experiences scorching temperatures of 40 degrees. While Dubai dazzles with its concrete jungle and elegant architecture, Canada offers breathtaking natural landscapes, including trees, waterfalls, mountains, and stunning lakes. With 48 national parks, you can experience far more of nature than the desert sands of Dubai.
3 Easy Steps to Immigrate to Canada from Dubai
There are currently over 70 immigration and visa programs available for qualified foreign nationals, regardless of their work experience or education in Canada. The first and most crucial step in your journey to immigrate to Canada from Dubai is to determine which immigration programs you qualify for. This step, known as the eligibility assessment, is the foundation of your application process. Not everyone is eligible for all immigration and visa programs, and many applicants fail to secure permanent residence due to misinformation.
Successful applicants often utilize the professional services of Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCIC) to help identify the most suitable visa type based on their needs and goals.
Top Canadian Immigration Programs
1. Express Entry
Express Entry (EE) is the primary immigration system used by the Canadian federal government to select qualified foreign workers for permanent residence from an online pool of applicants. It’s aptly named Express Entry because the system processes permanent residence applications in a record six months.
Are you a skilled worker? Here’s a breakdown of skill types:
| Skilled Worker Classification | |
|---|---|
| Skill Type | Example Job Title |
| Skill Type 0: Management | Managers in Healthcare, Agriculture, Construction, etc. |
| Skill Type A: Professionals | Doctors, Copywriters, Teachers, etc. |
| Skill Type B: Technical or Trade Positions | Electrician, Cooks, User Support Technician, etc. |
Candidates in the Express Entry pool are scored using a points-based system known as the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Each candidate receives a score based on eligibility criteria such as age, professional experience, education level, and spouse’s qualifications. Top-rated applicants receive Invitations to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in bi-monthly draws. If you receive an ITA, you can formally apply to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada to immigrate to Canada from Dubai as a permanent resident.
It’s important to note that the Express Entry system manages three Federal Skilled Worker Programs and some provincial nomination programs, including:
- The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- The Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Before creating a profile online and entering the Express Entry pool, you must meet the minimum requirements for one or more of these programs.
2. Provincial Nomination Programs
A provincial nomination is akin to receiving approval from a Canadian province where you wish to settle, based on specific criteria they consider important, such as your profession being in demand or having previous work experience in the province. You can receive a provincial nomination as an Express Entry candidate, which grants you an additional 600 CRS points!
Alternatively, you can apply through Provincial Nomination Programs (PNPs) that are not linked to Express Entry. Most of these programs cater to low to medium-skilled workers who may not qualify for Express Entry, such as truck drivers, nurse aides, farm laborers, and butchers. However, to be eligible, you must first secure a full-time job offer in Canada.
3. Temporary Worker Programs
To work in Canada from Dubai, you must have a job offer and a work permit. Alternatively, you can apply through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) if you are an academic, farmworker, caregiver, or ICT or STEM specialist. This program includes participating Canadian companies that may wish to hire you through the TFWP.
Step 2: Collect Your Documents
Once your immigration advisor helps you identify the best path to Canada, you will need to gather the necessary supporting documents for your immigration application. Here’s a list of documents you may need. Note that some documents may be optional depending on your visa or immigration program:
- IELTS/TEF Language Test Results
- Education Credential Assessment (if applicable)
- Proof of Valid Job Offer (if applicable)
- LMIA Document (if applicable)
- Valid Passport
- Resume/CV
- 2 Passport Size Photos
- Proof of Funds (Bank Statements)
- Letter of Acceptance (for Student Visa)
- Family/Dependants Information
Step 3: Apply to Immigrate to Canada from Dubai
The final step in your immigration journey is submitting your application. If you choose to work with an RCIC, they will handle all these steps on your behalf, submitting your request to the appropriate ministry (provincial or federal) along with all your supporting documents and a completed application. They ensure your application is optimized and error-free. Once your visa or immigration program application is submitted, you will be notified of its success, allowing you to prepare for a new life in Canada.
By following these steps and understanding the various pathways available, you can successfully immigrate to Canada from Dubai and embark on a new chapter in your life. Request to the appropriate ministry (provincial or federal) with all your supporting documents and a duly completed request. They make sure your app is optimized and error-free. Once they have applied for your visa or immigration program, you will be notified if your application has been successful and you can then pack your bags for a new life in Canada.
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