The Great White North is one of the top immigration destinations in the world. It is often the country of choice for many who require a first-world setting that is more financially accessible and welcoming of all cultures and creeds. So if you want to immigrate to Canada from Saudi Arabia, let us take you through everything you need to know.
Saudis in Canada
According to Statistics Canada data from Census 2021, Saudi Arabia is the place of birth for 9,560 recent immigrants. Most Saudis are known to settle in cities like:
Why Move to Canada From Saudi Arabia?
When it comes to reasons anyone should move to Canada, there are many! So let’s touch on some.
A Society That Celebrates Diversity
Canada has a policy on multiculturalism, which was implemented in 1971 by Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau. It was a world first, recognizing the benefits of cultural diversity and multicultural citizenship to Canadian society. Today, immigrants from all over the world, along with First Nations, Métis, and the Inuit, proudly celebrate their cultural heritage and faith freely, across the Great White North.
A Stable Economy
Canada continues to enjoy a stable, thriving economy due to its wealth of natural resources and flourishing industries. The service industry is the most dominant. It employs around three-quarters of the working population. Other important sectors include transport, timber, paper, natural gas, fish, and chemicals. The country is also a leader in mining gold, nickel, aluminum and crude oil and has the second-largest oil reserves in the world.
A Booming Job Market
Canada’s job market is booming. With an aging population and low birth rate, there are now close to a million vacancies nationwide. For this reason, there are multiple immigration programs to facilitate the immigration of skilled and unskilled foreign workers.
One of the Safest Countries in the World
With high-quality policing, a low level of poverty and a low crime rate, Canada is one of the world’s safest countries. Children can walk to school, and the general public feels safe to wander about freely.
Free Education
One of the most important things you’ll look at as a parent hoping to move to a new country is schooling for your children. Education is a top priority in Canada, so children do not pay for this up to the high school level.
Universal Healthcare
Canada has one of the world’s most accessible, high-quality health systems. Canadian citizens and permanent residents have access to universal healthcare. This is funded through taxes. As a result, most of your essential primary care is covered, but there are some exclusions, like, for example, dental care, eye care, cosmetic surgery, etc.
Your Ideal Pathway to Canada From Saudi Arabia
There are over 100 immigration programs and visas available to help pave your way to living and working in Canada. However, if you’re set on a permanent relocation, the Express Entry System is the best option for making this happen sooner rather than later.
Why Choose Canada’s Express Entry Route?
Canada’s Express Entry System, one of the most popular immigration pathways, lets you apply and qualify in six to eight months. Not only is this program one of the fastest ways to become a permanent resident of Canada, but it also gives you a chance to assist the rest of your family into the land of the maple leaf. There are three main programs under this system:
Here’s what you need to do to gain Canadian PR with this program:
What You Need to Immigrate to Canada
In most cases, if you want to immigrate to Canada you will need your:
ID and Passport
You will need a valid ID and passport when you apply for any document or application. Always ensure that your documents will not expire before or during your application process, or you might need to reapply.
Language Results for English and French
If you plan to apply, you must prove that you have the right language skills in French and English. You can do this through several tests that the IRCC accepts.
First, you must choose which of the two, English or French, is your first language.
What Language Tests Does the IRCC Accept
English language tests that are accepted by the program are:
The French language test accepted by the program is the:
What Scores Do You Need For The Three Programs?
First Language Speakers for the FSWP must score:
Second Language Speakers must score:
For the CEC, you must score:
For the FSTP, you must score:
Educational Credential Assessment
First, you must know what an ECA is. It is a document that evaluates your education if you were taught outside of Canada. It is a way to prove that your qualifications, like a degree, diploma, certificate, and Ph.D., are equal to Canadian standards.
You will need to have an ECA if you:
You must include these results in your applications
Where Can I get my ECA?
You can apply for an ECA on the WES website. This website also includes an option for professionals to get their credentials licensed, for example, doctors, nurses, and other skilled professionals. Most ECA for immigration will take around 20 business days to process and complete.
What Are Biometrics
Biometrics are information stored on Canada’s database that links to your identity through fingerprints and facial recognition. Canada introduced it to help ensure that no one can use or abuse your identity because of the increasing amount of online identity fraud worldwide.
You must include a photo and fingerprints for identification purposes if you are between the ages of 14 and 79.
Registration for this program is needed if you plan to study, work, or live in the province.
Where To Apply
You can only apply for biometrics in certain places. You can apply in Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar in Saudi Arabia. Just make sure you book an appointment at their registration offices before you arrive.
Find Your NOC
This is the code needed to determine what visas you can apply for for a specific job. The previous NOC 2016 was replaced by NOC2021, a 6-category system that represents the training, education, experience and responsibilities needed to work in an occupation. Most notably, the 4-digit occupation codes are now 5-digit codes.
If You Have a Provincial Nomination
In most cases, you will not need a PN to apply for certain visa programs. This nomination allows you to apply for permanent residence in one of Canada’s provinces or territories.
You can get nominated when you:
Canadian Job Offer
A Canadian job offer is made by an employer who lives in the country. There are certain requirements that they must meet before they can offer you employment. Job offers must be full-time. Sadly part-time work does not count.
To be honest, you do not need a Canadian job offer to apply for programs like Express Entry, but they do help to market you as a potential applicant.
In some cases, your employer will need to provide you with a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to prove that only you have the right work experience, qualifications, or skills needed for the job.
When You do Not Need An LMIA
There are certain jobs that do not need an LMIA, these include:
Criminal Record Check (CRC)
Next thing you will need is a Criminal Record Check to show that you have a clear background. When you go for a CRS you must bring the following documents:
When getting your fingerprints done you may be asked whether you:
Medical Exam
You must complete a Medical Exam with an approved doctor. Please note that you cannot use any doctor to complete your medical exam. You can only use an approved professional from the panel of physicians.
Things you must bring to your medical exam include:
Make sure you request a copy of your medical exam from your doctor. All reports and scans you apply with will be held by the Canadian government and not returned.
Let Your New Chapter in the Great White North Take Flight
Now that you know more about the ideal and quickest way to immigrate to Canada from Saudi Arabia, all you need to do is check your eligibility and start mapping out your path to the land of maple leaves. With an Aladdin’s cave of opportunities and many benefits for you and your loved one, there’s never been a better time to move.
With over 100 programs and visa options to choose from, the Canadian immigration process can become quite overwhelming and confusing. But it doesn’t have to be. By using our accredited Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs), you will not only improve your chances of success in the visa application process, but you will get expert advice on which program is best for your specific needs. Our RCICs are highly qualified and are granted permission by the CICC to assist you with your eligibility evaluation, review all your documents and application forms, and submit them to the Canadian government for you. Why take the chance of having your application denied because your forms are incorrect or sent in too late? Let us take care of all the fine print while you plan your move to Canada.
How Long Will my Medical Exam Results be Valid For?
Your medical exam results will be legal for only 12 months. Do not apply to a visa program if your medical results will expire or you will need to go back and do it again.
How Long Will a Police Clearance Take?
A CRC can take around 120 days if you match any records on police files. On the other hand, if you have no police records, your application will take around three days instead.
How Can I Improve My Proficiency in English Before I Take an IELTS Test?
You can take CanadianVisa.org’s IELTS preparation course. Developed by Conley University, it is designed to help improve your IELTS score.