How to Immigrate to Canada from the Philippines

The Philippines is the third-largest source of new immigrants to Canada according to 2020 data. But even long before, fulfilling the most sought after Canadian dream has always been the talk of the town. In this article, we’ve compiled the steps you need to take if you’re planning to move to Canada.

Choose the most applicable program for you

Briefly, the following are your options:

Federal Economic Class

The system used for this class is the Express Entry. It uses a point system for core factors such as age, education, work, experience, and language ability.

Provincial Economic Class

Each one of Canada’s provinces runs its own immigration programs targeting the specific demands of local labour markets. There could be a provincial stream waiting to accept you if you have specific skills.

Quebec Immigration

Quebec has autonomy over its immigration system. They have their own immigration levels and the power to operate their own programs. They recently launched an Expression of Interest System where candidates submit profiles and are issued periodic invitations to apply. Very similar to the Express Entry system.

Business Immigration

With the goal of attracting entrepreneurs and investors, the following options are available for this program: Self Employed Program, Start-Up Visa Program, and Immigrant Investor Venture Capital (IIVC) Pilot Program.

Temporary Residence First then Transition to Permanent

This is a popular route for candidates who do not immediately qualify for permanent residence when applying from the Philippines. The following options are available for this program: Temporary Foreign Worker Program, International Mobility Program, and International Experience Canada Program.

Family Class Sponsorship

Filipinos who are permanent residents or citizens can sponsor their family members in the Philippines to come to Canada. The following family members can be sponsored: spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, dependent children, parents, grandparents, brothers or sisters, nephews or nieces, granddaughters or grandsons who are orphaned, another relative of any age or relationship but only under specific conditions and accompanying relatives of the ones that are mentioned.

Assess if you are qualified

Read and understand all the qualifications under your chosen program and see if you can fulfill all the requirements. Best to make a checklist and figure out which requirements you already meet and plan on working on the others for you to qualify. It may take some time but it will ensure better chances of successfully immigrating to Canada.

Work on your application

If you have assessed that you do not meet the minimum level of education or the years of work experience, then you can take the time to continue your studies or continue your current job to gain more years of education or work experience. If you haven’t taken the language test yet, such as IELTS, you can do so but remember to prepare and take it seriously even if you feel like your English is already good.

Having a high score can earn you a lot of points in immigration point systems. Also, some programs require you to show proof of funds. Now is the time to prepare, save up, and gather the amount you need to complete your required funds. And lastly, have your diploma, degree, or certificate re-assessed so you can prove that your education and training levels meet the required equivalent in Canada’s educational system.

Prepare all the necessary documents and certificates

The following are the usual required documents. Additional documents may be requested from you depending on the immigration program you are applying for.

• Birth Certificate
• Educational Credential Assessment Report
• Language Test Results
• Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
• Medical Exam Results
• Passport
• Police Certificate
• Proof of Funds
• Proof of Relevant Employment
• Written Job Offer from an Employer

Find a job

It is necessary to prove that you are capable of providing for yourself or your family once you arrive in Canada. Here’s a list of top employment opportunities for Filipinos in Canada

Verify your employment

Employment scams are very common nowadays. So make sure to confirm the company’s authenticity before you get started on your visa application.

Apply for the visa program where you’re eligible

Start your application to the visa program you’re eligible to apply for. Gather all the documents needed and prepare your debit or credit card to pay for the fees.

Get to know Canada before you prepare to fly

Try to learn about the following before the big move:

• Provinces and territories in the country
• Study the laws
• Your rights and duties as an immigrant
• Weather situation
• Know the average cost of living per city or province
• Find out the best cities or provinces to live in depending on your needs and occupation

Prepare to immigrate to Canada

• Double-check all your immigration details
• Job Specifications
• Visa Details
• Documents and Certificates
• Funds
• Book a flight
• House/Apartment hunting
• Look for schools or universities for your children
• Attend seminars

There are pre-departure seminars organized in the Philippines to prepare for the big move. Upon arriving in Canada, there are also some seminars designed specifically for immigrants.

While it is very exciting to prepare for immigrant applications, the coronavirus pandemic of 2020 has a big impact on permanent residence applications to Canada. The government’s website says that they are still accepting most permanent resident applications but unfortunately their ability to review and process them is being affected by COVID-19.

As a result, they can’t process applications normally as well as provide accurate processing times. You can read the information on travel restrictions and other COVID-19 information related to immigration applicants here

The process may be long and tedious but it is definitely possible for you to achieve your Canadian dream. We wish you all the best in your journey, Kabayan!