Many people wish to move to Canada from South Africa because of career prospects, study, business opportunities, etc. The nation also has a high quality of life, attracting immigrants from South Africa to move to the North American country. The immigration process in Canada is relatively easy & it takes 6-12 months to obtain a visa. 

Therefore, immigrants who do not have an employment offer can apply for a Canadian PR visa via other criteria, such as:

  • Age
  •  Education 
  •  Language Proficiency
  •  Work Experience 

There are around 80 programs which the nation has introduced to invite people from other countries. In addition, economic, sponsorship, & business immigration programs are common pathways which applicants use to apply for a visa & move to Canada.  

Moreover, economic & business categories are used to invite skilled workers to work in Canada & benefit its economy. Thus, family programs help permanent citizens & Canadian citizens to reside & work here.

Why Move To Canada From South Africa? 

There are numerous reasons why people from South Africa move to Canada. 

  • More than one million jobs are available in Canada 
  • Earn your living in Canadian dollars 
  • Apply for a PR visa 
  • Travel all across the nation 
  • And lastly, invite dependents via Canada dependent visas

Eligibility Criteria To Move To Canada From South Africa 

Applicants have to meet the eligibility criteria before applying for a Canada PR visa. Canada immigration is based on a points system & one has to score at least 67 points out of 100 to be qualified/ eligible to apply for a visa. 

The criteria to score points are as follows: 

  • Age 

You will be able to score maximum points if your age is between 18-35. You will obtain more points if you are over 35 years of age. Moreover, you won’t get any points if you are more than 45 years of age. The maximum points you earn through this factor is 12. 

  • Language Proficiency 

Language proficiency will offer you a maximum of 28 points. However, you should be able to communicate in English or French or both. Moreover, you have to obtain a good score in the following areas: 

  • Writing
  • Reading
  • Speaking
  • Listening 

The minimum score you have to get is 7 in all four areas for the first official language. However, CLB 5 is needed in all four areas for the second official language. 

  • Education 

If you have got a certificate, diploma, or degree from a Canadian educational institution, you will get a maximum number of 25 points.   

However, if you have obtained education outside Canada, you must go for an ECA from a designated organization. This assessment will show that your education is equivalent to Canada’s.

  • Work Experience 

You can earn 15 points via work experience for full-time paid work. Well, if your experience is one year, you will receive 9 points. Similarly, if you have more work experience, the points will increase. Thus, having an experience of six years or more will help you obtain 15 points. 

  • Adaptability 

You can receive ten points through this factor in case your common-law partner or spouse is accompanying you. 

Popular Programs To Move To Canada From South Africa 

  • Express Entry

Express entry is a popular system used by many people intending to move to Canada from South Africa & various other nations. There are three programs under this system:

  • Federal Skilled Trades Program  
  • Canadian Experience Class
  • Federal Skilled Workers Program 

Steps To Apply Via The Express Entry Program 

You must follow numerous steps to apply through the Express Entry program. The steps are as follows: 

  • Create An Express Entry Profile 

The primary step to apply through this system is to create an Express Entry profile. The profile includes credentials like age, work experience, language proficiency, education, etc. Moreover, one obtains a CRS score based on these factors. For instance, if your score is 67, you will be eligible to submit your profile. 

  • Complete The ECA Process 

In case you have completed your education outside Canada, you have to undergo ECA, i.e., Education Credentials Assessment. This assessment will prove that your education is equal to that of Canada. 

  • Undertake A Language Proficiency Test 

The next step is to submit your language proficiency results. However, for this, you have to undertake a language proficiency test. Moreover, a score of CLB 7 is needed for each criterion in the IELTS exam. The total score must be six bands & the result of the IELTS must be less than two years. Furthermore, in the case of the French language, you will get bonus points.

  • Obtaining CRS Points    

The Express Entry pool profiles are chosen based on the CRS score. You will get scores based on: 

  • Skills
  • Work experience
  • Education
  • Language proficiency 
  • Others 

  • Wait For ITA 

In case your profile is selected, you have to wait for an ITA. After obtaining the ITA, you can apply for a PR Visa. 

  • Provincial Nominee Program  

PNP is another way to apply for a PR visa. Here are the steps: 

  • Submit an application in the province where you are planning to reside & work. 
  • If your profile fulfills the criteria for the province, you might obtain an ITA for a PR visa. 
  • However, note that the eligibility criteria varies depending on the region/ province you live in.
  • Lastly, upon receiving the nomination from the province, you can apply for a Permanent Resident visa.   

Each province has its own market needs. Therefore, you need to have the necessary educational qualifications, skills, work experience, etc., so that you become eligible for the program. 

  • Business Immigration Program 

Individuals who wish to start a new business or manage their existing business in Canada can apply for this program. In addition, this program allows the migrants to begin a business or make investments in Canada. Therefore, you need to have managerial or commercial experience to start a business in Canada. 

People eligible under this program include: 

  • Investors
  • Entrepreneurs
  • Self-Made people 

  • Family Sponsorship Program 

Permanent residents & Canadian citizens who are 18 years old or above are eligible to become a sponsor & invite their family members to obtain PR status via this program. The family members you can invite are: 

  • Spouse
  • Conjugal partner
  • Common-law partner
  • Parents
  • Grandparents
  • Dependent children 

Conclusion 

Canada has one of the highest standards of living in the world & is one of the safest nations regarding the security of immigrants/ newcomers. Moreover, people wishing to move to Canada from South Africa will benefit as shared language makes it obvious that they will obtain a high CRS score. 

So, this was all regarding how you can move to Canada from South Africa. Make sure you select an apt pathway for yourself & fulfill the eligibility criteria to finally obtain a Canadian PR visa.