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A new year begins, and most people start planning big and small goals.
If this is the year you've decided that coming to Canada is your goal, I bring you five things you can do today to make your trip or whatever you're looking for in Canada a reality.
Let's jump right in...
Table of contents
1. Define what step you are at
Everyone's journey is different, no matter how much it resembles that of another person or family; you must first understand what stage you are in:
Do you already know what program might be useful for you to come to Canada? If not, check item 2.
Are you fluent in languages (English or French)? If not, maybe you should start with point 3.
Are you between 18-30 years old or 18-35 years old, and have you noticed that you might be able to apply for a working holiday? If you don't quite understand what this is about, check item 4.
Are you planning to apply for a permanent residence this year? You can start with the steps indicated in point 5.
You are already in Canada, and you want to travel more in the country? Check item 6.
2. Research and decide which program works for you
You have been thinking that moving to Canada would be a good idea, but you are still not sure where to start; I am going to summarize the basics you should know:
Canada is a country that has several immigration programs that could allow you to travel and settle in this country either as a student, worker, visitor or permanent resident.
There is only one official website where you can find all the information and where the applications are made; that website is Canada.ca.
You can do all the paperwork yourself, or you can hire agents authorized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to do it for you. In that case, you have to pay them for their work, but remember that no one can guarantee work, study, visit permit, etc.
If you don't know where to start, you can read this blog post I created with a Basic Guide on How to Move to Canada.
3. Start Learning English or French
Canada has two official languages, English and French (used mainly in the province of Quebec).
No matter which province you want to live in Canada, language is important. Whatever level you are at, if you want to facilitate the process of getting a job, interacting with other people or carrying out day-to-day activities comfortably, you will need to learn the language.
Maybe now is the time to start that English or French course you've been thinking about. Learning English or French will never waste time or money; it is an investment in yourself.
You can check out 6 tips to improve your English if you are considering moving abroad to see what other options you can explore to start learning the language.
4. Apply for a Working Holiday
Canada has Working Holiday agreements with more than 30 countries. Usually, Working Holidays are open work permits that allow you to work between 6 months and 2 years in Canada.
Normally the calls for applications open at the beginning of the year, and you only need your passport to create your profile.
You can check Everything you need to know about working holidays and create your profile following the instructions in How to submit a profile for Canadian Working Holiday.
5. Start your permanent residence application
You have researched, and your profile meets the requirements to apply for permanent residence in Canada through the Express Entry Program.
There are two steps you can take so that when the time comes to create your profile for Express Entry, you already have the documents ready:
You are required to have the results of an English test, either CELPIP or IELTS. You can find more information about the CELPIP test in Everything you need to know about the CELPIP test.
Did you obtain a degree in your country? You can start to process the validation of your credentials; the report lasts five years so you can use it in the future. You can guide yourself through this process following the instructions in How to get an Educational Credential Assessment for Employment or Immigration Purposes.
If you are already in Canada and meet the Canadian Experience Class category requirements, you can check How to Create a profile under the Canadian Experience Class.
6. Do you want to travel more?
You are already in Canada or your home country but have decided you want to travel more this year.
A good option is to create a profile on an app called TrustedHouseSitters, which allows you to access a database of thousands of pet owners who offer their homes for free to stay there while you take care of their pets. All you have to do is pay for a TrustedHouseSitters membership.
We've had this membership for a year now and have been able to travel to places like Victoria, BC; Montreal, QC; and Peterborough, ON, just by investing in the tickets to get there.
If you want more tips for cheap travel in Canada, you can read How to travel in Canada on a budget.
I hope this post has given you some ideas of what you can do to start or continue your trip to Canada.
If you have any questions, feel free to send me a DM on Instagram.