There are many myths that mislead people and make them give up the great chance to immigrate to Canada. Let's dispel most of the popular myths about moving to Canada and answer common questions for expats immigrating to the country

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The prospect of moving to Canada attracts expats from all over the world. In 2021, a record number of immigrants - 405,000 foreigners - moved to the country. This indicator exceeded the previous annual record, which was set in 1913 - 400,900 people.

According to preliminary estimates, Canada is preparing to welcome between 430,000 and 542,500 permanent residents in 2023. The country's government is constantly working on developing programs for moving and supporting new residents. The largest number of expats come to Canada from India, China and Afghanistan.

Canada has many advantages: large green uninhabited areas, a high standard of living, a society that cares about education, city infrastructure, ecology and human rights.

However, there are many myths about immigration to Canada. Some of them mislead people and force them to give up such a great chance.

We dispel the most popular myths about immigration to Canada in this article.

Myth №1: A job offer is mandatory for entering Canada

There are actually several ways to come to Canada: as a tourist, student, temporary worker or you can immigrate for permanent residence. Students and tourists do not need a job offer. Some temporary visas do require a job offer, but not all. For most federal vocational programs, having a job offer from a Canadian employer is not a strict requirement for participation. A job offer can boost your score, but it is not required.

Myth №2: The immigration program limits residency

Canada has 10 provinces and 3 territories. Each of them has its own provincial nominee programs on immigration (Provincial Nominee Programs). The provinces themselves set the requirements for these programs and decide which candidates to admit. The end result of every immigration program is to become a permanent resident of Canada. After obtaining residency, you can live and work anywhere in the country.

Myth №3: A friend or distant relative can sponsor your trip to Canada

Canadian citizens or residents have the right to sponsor their spouse, with whom they are in an official or civil marriage, children under the age of 22, parents, grandparents. You cannot be sponsored by a sister, aunt, uncle, cousin, friend or other relative, except in extremely rare circumstances.

Myth №4: Immigrants are a burden on the Canadian economy

In fact, Canada's immigration legislation is aimed at attracting talented professionals. This strategy is useful for the development of the country's economy. Most of the foreigners who migrate to Canada have diplomas in various fields, and also bring with them experience and new knowledge. They are an invaluable asset that gives Canada a competitive edge in the global marketplace.

Statistically, for every 10% increase in immigration, there is a 1% increase in exports. A large percentage of businesses owned by immigrants actively export their goods to the world market, thereby stimulating the growth of the Canadian economy.

Myth №5: Immigrants are taking jobs away from Canadians

In fact, due to the lack of Canadian experience, it is quite difficult for immigrants to compete in the labor market with Canadians in the first stages after moving. In most cases, the experience that expats get in their home countries is not comparable to Canadian experience.

Myth №6: Internationally educated professionals are not as skilled as Canadians

Forty percent (40%) of professionals who immigrated to Canada after receiving professional training abroad are now working in the same field. Before they can work in their chosen profession in Canada, these experts must complete extensive training, obtain additional accreditation and pass rigorous testing to demonstrate that they are as trained as Canadian professionals.

Myth №7: With immigrants, the crime rate in Canada increases

According to the International Center for Criminal Law Reform and Criminal Justice Policy, immigrants are significantly less likely to engage in criminal behavior than Canadian citizens. Many newcomers to Canada seek safety for themselves and their families, escaping the hardships they faced in their home countries.

Myth №8: Immigrating to Canada involves a lot of difficulties

In fact, Canada is one of the most welcoming countries for immigrants and offers several immigration paths for foreigners. Of course, the process of moving can be quite complicated. After moving, expats face even more challenges: difficulty finding work, language barriers, lack of resources, including access to government services and social programs, finding affordable housing, getting used to the cold, most have never encountered snow and ice, difficulty obtaining new driver's licenses, fighting discrimination, learning Canadian laws.

In order for the move to Canada to go without unnecessary worries, it is worth preparing for it in advance. We have prepared for you several types of checklists for a comfortable move to Canada. Education, work, obtaining citizenship - everything you wanted to know about your future trip in one place.

Myth №9: You can get a permanent residence permit in Canada if you buy real estate

There is currently no immigration program related to buying real estate in Canada. Therefore, you cannot immigrate to Canada unless you purchase residential, commercial or industrial real estate.

Myth №10: I don't need an IELTS exam to immigrate to Canada as an investor

All foreign nationals migrating to Canada must meet immigration language proficiency requirements. You can choose between IELTS General Training or CELPIP for English language exams; or TEF or TEF for French language exams.

Myth №11: You can apply for a Canadian startup visa even if the business idea is not real

When talking about the Canadian startup visa program, the idea must be genuine. This means that the business idea must be innovative, it must show how it can create jobs for Canadians and compete on a global scale. Although financial investment is also important, the business idea itself must meet the requirements of the program.

Myth №12: Illegal immigrants do not pay taxes

Illegal immigrants cannot legally work and therefore cannot pay income tax. However, they may pay property taxes and all applicable sales taxes, but are not entitled to all the services and benefits that those taxes actually pay for.

Non-status immigrants pay HST, property taxes, CPP contributions, and may have social security numbers. Temporary foreign workers, refugee claimants and permanent residents pay all taxes but cannot access many services based on their status.

Myth №13: Some Canadian business immigration programs help you get a Canadian passport faster than others

The procedure for obtaining citizenship is the same for participants of all business programs. You can apply for citizenship 3 years after issuing a residence permit.

Myth №14: Canada has a lottery for residence permits

There is no special immigration lottery in Canada.

Myth №15: You can prepare documents for Canada yourself

It is certainly not necessary for a foreigner to apply to a representative to apply for immigration to Canada.

Candidates have access to all necessary resources to complete and submit their application. However, preparing an immigration application is a time-consuming process that can take a lot of time and effort. A large number of applications are rejected each year because they were incomplete or inaccurate.

Many applicants feel that it is better to work with a highly qualified lawyer who can review the application and make sure it meets all the requirements and has the best chance of approval.

Canada is a highly developed and safe country that offers citizens and migrants a decent standard of living and career prospects. Canada is open to new residents. Now, knowing the main myths about immigration to Canada, it will be much easier to plan your trip.

Do not pay attention to stereotypes and change your life for the better!

Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in Canada;

Legal advice on business issues in Canada;

Travel insurance for foreigners in Canada;

Medical insurance all over the world;

Insurance for international students in Canada.

More articles on the topic:

How many immigrants is Canada ready to accept in 2024-2026? The government has published a new plan.

CRS system: how many points do you need to move to Canada under the Express Entry program read here.

The best countries in Europe for expats to live in 2023 are here.

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Canadian Labor Law: 10 important rules for foreign employers.