Immigration to Canada: Coming from the Cayman Islands
Immigration to Canada is different from just visiting as a tourist. In several recent years, the number of people wishing to relocate to Canada has increased dramatically, even during the pandemic. People love the country for its excellent quality of life, free medical care, low crime rate, and diversified population.
Before you continue reading, think about it first, consider why you wish to relocate from Cayman Island to Canada. It will help you choose better the pathway or program for your migration to Canada from the Cayman Islands. So now, if you’re planning on permanently moving to Canada, how should you do it? Continue reading to find the answers.
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How Hard is it to Immigrate to Canada?
Moving to Canada is not particularly difficult since Canada welcomes new immigrants. The country has multiple immigration programs for you to choose to qualify. You must, of course, satisfy the qualifications for the pathway for which you wish to apply.
While relocating overseas is not difficult, you should also remember that living in another country is a different story. You must be financially, mentally, and socially prepared for the transfer.
Your Immigration to Canada Checklist
Know which Programs You are Eligible For
Within its three main categories, Canada has a variety of immigration options. Some programs require skills and experience. Some programs need a sponsor, while others do not. You will be more familiar with this as you go on with this article.
Apply for a Permit
Once you’ve determined your eligibility, you can start the procedure for your immigration to Canada. The first thing to do is register an online account or your profile on Canada’s immigration website. In this, you have to complete answering a few questions and remember that you mustn’t miss a field.
Prepare to submit your email address so that you may get instructions for your specific chosen visa type, a list of needed papers, and a reference code. Make sure to take note of your reference number since you will need it for the rest of your application.
Your immigration to Canada application entails fees too. Keep in mind that the prices vary based on the type of visa you are applying for, and there may be additional fees for translation and courier services as applicable.
Start Preparing for the Transfer
It may take several weeks to receive a response after submitting your application. The earliest could be about six months but might take more months. Make sure you prepare all you need for your relocation to Canada during this period.
If you intend to transport your things to Canada, you must create two copies of a complete inventory of everything you own. You must mention things that will accompany you and those that will come later and the value, make, model, and serial number for those goods, if appropriate.
Clothing, furniture, jewelry, family heirlooms, books, computers, musical instruments, and other everyday goods and services are exempt from taxation. However, double-check their admission criteria to ensure that you have nothing to worry about.
Immigrate to Canada by Family Sponsorship
You can permanently move through the Family Sponsorship program if you have a relative who is a Canadian citizen or a Canadian permanent resident. The IRCC will grant you permanent residency once you satisfy all requirements.
Aside from that, as Canada supports same-sex marriage, then you can also apply for reunification. You must first ensure that you and your partner fulfill all of Canada’s qualifying standards. It is vital that you can establish a relationship with your sponsoring partner: a spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner. This route might take roughly 12 months to be approved, as spousal sponsorship processing in Canada takes time.
Canada is separated into multiple jurisdictions identified as territories and provinces. These Canadian provinces and territories play a major role in deciding who arrives at these jurisdictions as new immigrants. Therefore play a significant part in your immigration to Canada from the Cayman Islands.
The PNP route is for you if you already have a province or territory in mind. Take note that you must have the desired skills that the particular territory is looking for. Therefore, you should process your application considering your target province in mind. The following Canadian provinces are participating in the program:
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Ontario
- Prince Edward Island
- Saskatchewan
- Yukon
If you are a skilled worker from the Cayman Islands, you may process your application through the Express Entry system. Canada’s Express Entry system is the most popular Canadian immigration pathway. It is the simplest and the quickest route for your immigration to Canada, completing your application within six months.
The Express Entry system has three immigration programs for Federal Skilled Workers that can lead to permanent residency:
- The Canadian Experience Class (CEC). If you are a qualified worker who has experience working in Canada, this route is for you.
- The Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Program. It is for skilled Caymanians who worked internationally.
- The Federal Skilled Trades (FST) Program. For Caymanians in a skilled trade occupation.
The Canadian government offers this program to international entrepreneurs with an innovative company concept. The startup program will provide excellent chances for you if you’re seeking to move to Canada and establish a business.
Like other types of visas, the Canadian startup visa has a set of conditions and qualifying criteria. As a British citizen attempting to come to Canada and create a company, you must demonstrate the following:
- You own a qualified business.
- You have enough money to meet your expenses.
- You have a letter of support from an authorized organization in Canada.
Important Reminders for Your Immigration to Canada
After relocating to Canada, you will want a bank account to make money transfers and transactions. In this case, you must have an identity card to open a bank account; in your case, a permanent residence card will suffice. To make this process easier, the following banks provide “newcomer” programs:
- The Bank of Montreal
- The Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce is a financial institution in Canada.
- The Canadian National Bank.
- The Royal Bank of Canada
Usually, when you’ve just relocated, you rent your own place. The same goes with your immigration to Canada. You could stay in temporary accommodations such as hotels, hostels, or Airbnb while you gain your bearings. After that, you can consider a more permanent position.
During the first stage of the transfer, renting is always preferable to purchasing. Take note that the average price for a one-bedroom apartment is around CAD 1,500. However, the costs in major cities are significantly higher than the national average.
You must pay taxes at the federal, provincial, and local levels in Canada. Income tax is routinely withdrawn from your paycheck. However, you must pay your taxes in either a lump sum or installments if you are self-employed. Also, you must pay a sales tax in Canada on every transaction you make. So don’t be startled if the price at the cash register changes while you’re shopping.
One of the best things you will enjoy with your immigration to Canada is their healthcare. Canada provides free healthcare to its citizens and residents.
However, you may not have access to national healthcare until three months after arriving in Canada. So, you should invest in private healthcare for the first several months. But, you can still get free emergency medical treatment. Also, remember that the Canadian government healthcare does not naturally cover all dental care, ambulance services, prescriptions, etc.
One of the most crucial things to consider when relocating is how far your money will stretch. The Cayman Islands’ costs of living are more expensive than Canada. So, most probably, you will not feel any problem here; however, it still depends on where you live and what you buy.
Every Caymanian resident must verify to the private operator that they understand the measures to stop the spread of COVID-19. The provincial or territorial government imposes these measures wherever the destination airport of your flight is.
CanadaCIS Help You Immigrate to Canada
Need further help? We are ready to help you! The CanadaCIS team are composed of lawyers and authorized consultants who are expert in the Canadian immigration process. We can make your immigration application process effortless yet successful.
Simply complete the Consultation Form below, and a CanadaCIS authorized consultant will contact you to discuss your immigration to Canada options from the Cayman Islands! Let an expert handle your application. Talk to us now!
