Canada has become an ideal haven for many immigrants, and immigrating to Canada provides benefits for Mexicans in Canada seeking a safe, happy, and productive life. While the benefits may be worth pursuing, the application process contains many steps. Working with a good immigration lawyer can help you understand the requirements and complete what is necessary for you to become a Canadian citizen.
Step by Step Immigrating from Mexico to Canada
Step 1: Explore Where You Want to Live in Canada
There are 13 provinces and territories in Canada that all have different cultures, job markets, economies, and visa programs. It is important to explore all your options for each province so that you find the location that best fits your lifestyle. For example: if you’re in the fishing industry you would have a better chance of getting accepted into a visa program in provinces near the ocean with large fishing businesses.
Step 2: Find the Right Visa Program for You!
If you’re a Mexican citizen looking to move to Canada there are several immigration programs you could qualify for. The Federal Skilled Workers Program is the most usual way for skilled workers to migrate to Canada from Mexico. Each year Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), invites from all over the world skilled workers to migrate to Canada with the help of permanent residency visas. The most popular visa programs that Mexicans apply for are:
- Express Entry
- Canadian Experience Class
- Student Visa
- Family Sponsorship
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
There are also two other options:
- Immigrating as Self-Employed: The Self-employed Persons Program allows people to immigrate to Canada permanently as a self-employed person.If you’re interested in this program, you must:
- have relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics and
- be willing and able to make a significant contribution to the cultural or athletic life of Canada
- Refugees and Asylum: Refugees are people who have been forced to flee from their countries and they are not able to return home because of fear of persecution, risk of torture, or cruel or unusual punishment in their home countries.
Not everyone is eligible to seek asylum. For example, people are not eligible to make a claim if they have: been convicted of serious criminal offenses or
had previous refugee claims denied by Canada.
Step 3: Canada Visa Requirements for Mexican Citizens
The citizenship requirements for most applicants are relatively clear. Immigrants who were adopted by Canadian citizens and children under the age of eighteen must meet different requirements. While there are restrictions regarding individuals with past criminal activity, a qualified applicant must be:
- Eighteen years old or older
- A permanent resident
- A Canadian resident for three years or more
Being able to communicate in English or French will help your case and this sort of language proficiency may help you find employment as a new resident as well. Your application for citizenship will include being able to demonstrate your knowledge about Canada, and your language skills may make this portion of applying for citizenship easier to accomplish. The immigration process may be lengthy, but your lawyer can help you avoid any problems when coming to Canada from Mexico.
Step 4: Obtain Required Documents for Canadian Immigration
- The Medical Examination Confirmation
- Police Certificates
- The Copy of Passport / Travel Document Bio Data Page
- The Proof of Work Experience
- The Proof of Funds
There are several other documents that may be required for different visas. It is important to look up the required documents and requirements for the specific visa you are applying for.
Step 5: Complete a Language Test
To successfully obtain a Canadian visa, you will need to prove your English or French proficiency to the IRCC by taking a standardized language test. Qualifying tests include:
- IELTS – International English Language Testing Program
- CELPIP – Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program
- TEF – Test d’Evaluation de Français
Step 6: Find Your NOC Code
In most cases, you will need to know your NOC Code which stands for the National Occupational Classification. This system was designed to classify and group jobs by title and type of work. You will find the NOC Code that best correlates with your previous work experience. It’s important to find the best match code for your immigration application.
To learn more about NOC codes and find out your NOC code today!
Step 7: Take a Medical Exam
You may need a medical exam if you want to come to Canada from Mexico. This is to make sure you’re not inadmissible for medical reasons.
Find out more about medical exams for:
You will need to find a doctor that is approved by the Canadian government, you can not use your doctor.
Step 8: Give Biometrics
Generally, you need to give biometrics if you apply for:
- a visitor visa
- a work or study permit (excluding U.S. nationals)
- permanent residence
- refugee or asylum status
You have to give your biometrics and pay the fee, even if you gave your biometrics in the past to support a visitor visa, study or work permit application, or a different permanent resident application.
After you submit your application, the IRCC will send you a letter that says you need to give your biometrics and where to go. You’ll have up to 30 days to go in person to an official biometrics collection service location.
Advice for Mexican Immigration to Canada
While Canada has a history of welcoming individuals from many nations, there are some traits that may be especially appealing. Canadian immigrants who have characteristics that will complement and enhance the surrounding community are looked upon favorably.
You may have an advantage in your quest to immigrate to Canada from Mexico if you:
- Speak French or English
- Have special skills
- Have a unique work experience
There are other ways to immigrate legally, and your attorney can help you determine how you may qualify. You may request entry into Canada to be reunited with family members, as long as those family members are permanent residents themselves. Adoption is another way that you may immigrate from Mexico to Canada.
Canadian Citizenship Benefits for Mexicans Who Want to Immigrate
You will have many rights when you become a citizen. This means that you will be viewed the same way under the law as other Canadian citizens. Some of these benefits include the right to:
- reside permanently in Canada
- work in Canada
- receive a fair trial
Being recognized legally will also afford you protection against various discriminatory practices. The freedom to assemble peacefully will be another benefit. You will be able to express yourself freely according to the law as well. While being able to live in Canada temporarily may have some advantages, being a citizen may make you eligible for many more career and personal opportunities. As a citizen, you will have the right to vote, and you may leave and enter the country without jeopardizing your status. This may be a welcome relief for you and your family, and your immigration attorney can help you understand all of the wonderful benefits that come with citizenship.
Are You Interested in Immigrating from Mexico to Canada?
If so, Contact VisaPlace today. All our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals, and consultants who work for Niren and Associates an award-winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.
Ready for the next step? Book your 1 on 1 consultation now or call us at 1-888-317-5770.
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