Immigrate to Canada from Russia

This article provides details on how to immigrate to Canada from Russia and what readers should do first.

Russian immigration to Canada has increased in recent years.

There are many reasons why so many Russians have chosen to live in Canada, including the fact that it’s one of the most welcoming countries for immigrants.

Additionally, there is a high standard of living in Canada, thousands of good-paying jobs, educational opportunities, advanced healthcare, and permanent residents can become Canadian citizens after only three years.

Let’s take a look at how you can emigrate from Russia to Canada and what you should do first.

With hundreds of thousands of Russians living in Canada, these tips will help you navigate the confusing world of emigration from Russia to Canada so that you may, hopefully, join them in this incredible country.

Following these steps will help to make your transition as smooth as possible!

Table of Contents

Eligibility Criteria for Immigration to Canada from Russia?

Russia

In order to immigrate to Canada from Russia, you will need to meet the general requirements and the specific criteria for the particular Canadian immigration program you apply for.

General requirements for Canadian immigration include:

  • Good Health – a medical exam is required
  • No Criminal Record – police certificates may be requested
  • Financial Resources – you must show that you can support your family in Canada
  • Government Fees – you must pay the Canadian visa application fee and other fees

In addition to the general requirements, all Canadian immigration programs for skilled foreign workers require the main applicant to demonstrate a certain level of English or French language abilities by getting a certain score on an approved evaluation exam, such as the IELTS for English or the TEF for French (the exact score depends on the Canadian immigration program).

Skilled immigrants will often need to have a certain amount of full-time, paid, relevant work experience in an occupation that qualifies for a particular Canadian immigration program.

Many of the specific requirements of some of the most popular Canadian immigration programs are summarized below.

Visa Programs to immigrate to Canada from Russia?

Express Entry:

The Canada Express Entry points system offers a relatively fast way for skilled foreign workers and their family members to immigrate to Canada from Russia as Canadian permanent residents.

In order to apply for Express Entry to Canada from Russia, you will need to meet the eligibility requirements for one of the following Canadian immigration programs:

  • Canada Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP):
    • Requires 1 year of experience in the past 10 years in an eligible occupation
    • NOC (2021) TEER Skill Level 0, 1, 2 and 3 occupations are eligible
    • At least 67 out of 100 points are required from 6 selection factors
    • Factors: English/French, education, experience, age, job offer, adaptability
    • English/French must be at least CLB 7 for reading, writing, speaking, listening
    • Educational Credential Assessment needed if education was not from Canada
    • Other criteria must be satisfied
  • Skilled Trades in Canada Program (FSTP):
    • Requires 2 years of experience in the past 5 years in an eligible skilled trade
    • Need to have either a:
      • Canadian job offer in an eligible skilled trade lasting at least 1 year; OR
      • Certificate of Qualification from a Canadian province or territory
    • English/French must be at least:
      • CLB 5 for listening and speaking
      • CLB 4 for writing and reading
    • Other criteria must be satisfied
  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Program:
    • Requires 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada during the past 3 years
    • NOC (2021) TEER Skill Level 0, 1, 2 and 3 occupations are eligible
    • Many international students and temporary foreign workers apply for the CEC
    • English/French must be at least:
      • CLB 7 for Canadian jobs at the NOC (2021) TEER 0 or 1 Skill Level
      • CLB 5 for Canadian jobs at the NOC (2021) TEER 2 or 3 Skill Level
    • Other criteria must be satisfied

Skilled immigrants who are applying for Canadian immigration through the Provincial Nominee Program have the option to apply using the Express Entry system or the “traditional” application procedure.

If you meet the eligibility requirements for one of the qualifying Canadian immigration programs, you can file an online Express Entry profile with details about yourself, your family, education, work experience, English/French language skills and other relevant information.

Once you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you will have 60 days to file your application to become a Canadian permanent resident and should get a decision in 6 months or less.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Eleven of Canada’s 13 provinces and territories have a Provincial Nominee Program Canada (PNP), which was developed in collaboration with the Canadian immigration agency.

The main purpose of the PNP is to help Canadian provinces and territories attract qualified skilled foreign workers who can fill jobs in Canada that are in high-demand locally.

Each province or territory that participates in the PNP establishes its own eligibility criteria, based on local needs.

In general, a foreign worker will first apply to a PNP and if he or she receives a nomination from the province or territory, the second major step is to apply to become a Canadian permanent resident with the federal immigration agency.

If you are approved for immigration to Canada from Russia through the PNP, you and your family will settle in the province or territory that provided the nomination.

Atlantic Immigration Program

This Canadian immigration program offers Canadian permanent residency to qualified foreign workers or international students who want to live in Canada’s Atlantic Provinces of New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia or Prince Edward Island.

In general, an employer who wants to hire a foreign worker or international student must first become “designated” by the province where they live in Canada.

Once an employer is designated by a province, he or she may offer Canadian employment to a foreign worker or international student.

Furthermore, a foreign worker or international student may contact a designated employer about living and working in Canada through the Atlantic Immigration Program.

After the Canadian job offer has been made, the designated employer will need to cooperate with the local immigrant settlement organization to help the worker develop a settlement plan which can make it easier for them to settle in the community.

Before the worker can apply to become a Canadian permanent resident, the province will need to endorse the designated employer’s offer of employment in Canada.

Both the designated employer and the worker must satisfy all of the requirements for this Canadian immigration program.

If approved for the Atlantic Immigration Program, the immigrant and his or her family will live as Canadian permanent residents in the particular province.

Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)

Another pathway for you to immigrate to Canada from Russia as a permanent resident is through the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP).

This Canadian immigration program offers permanent residency to foreign workers and their families who are willing to settle in a rural community that participates in the RNIP where the worker’s occupation is needed.

Most people who immigrate to Canada from Russia or other countries settle in the larger Canadian cities like Toronto, however, there is a high demand for skilled immigrants in many small towns all across Canada.

In general, you will need to get a qualifying offer of Canadian employment with an employer in one of the communities that participates in the RNIP and then submit an application for a community recommendation.

After you receive a community recommendation for the RNIP, you can then apply for immigration to Canada from Russia with the federal immigration agency.

If you are approved for Canadian permanent residency through the RNIP, you and your family will settle in the community that recommended you.

Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)

  • This is a Canadian immigration program to work in Canada’s province of Quebec
  • A single applicant needs 50 points; an applicant with a spouse/partner needs 59 points
  • Points are given for education, French/English, work experience, and other factors
  • It is important to have good French language skills to live and work in Canada with Quebec skilled workers program.
  • You must first file an Expression of Interest (EOI) with Quebec’s online Arrima portal
  • If you receive a Quebec Selection Certificate, you can apply for Canadian immigration
  • Once you become a Canadian permanent resident, you will live and work in Quebec

Step-by-Step Guide to Immigrate to Canada from Russia

  • Choose a Canadian Visa Program:
    • Each Canadian visa program has its own criteria and application procedure
    • Canadian Visa Expert can provide you with an Eligibility Assessment
    • The Eligibility Assessment will explain your best Canadian visa option
    • Canadian visa programs include the FSWP, FSTP, PNP and QSWP
  • Check the Eligibility Requirements:
    • Before you start the process, you need to make sure you meet the criteria
    • You will need to gather the documents needed to support your application
    • Canadian Visa Expert offers a service to guide you through this process
  • Apply for Immigration to Canada from Russia:
    • Skilled immigrants will often file a preliminary application first, such as an Express Entry profile, PNP application, Expression of Interest, etc.
    • A Canadian immigration or provincial immigration official reviews the application
    • An Invitation to Apply (or a nomination, selection certificate, etc.) may be issued
    • After receiving an invitation, the Canadian immigration application will be filed
    • You must pay the governmental fees and provide the required documents
    • If approved for Canadian immigration, you will get a Certificate of Permanent Residency (COPR) and must move to Canada from Russia while it is still valid

Conclusion

Canada is one of the world’s most popular immigration destinations, home to around 8 million immigrants, including about 622,445 people who indicated in the census that they have full or partial ancestry from Russia.

Over 400,000 people per year immigrate to Canada from Russia and many other countries in search of opportunities and a high quality of life.

If you and your family become Canadian permanent residents, you can:

  • Live, study and work in Canada for an unlimited length of time
  • Sponsor eligible family members for Canadian immigration
  • Travel to and from Canada whenever you want
  • Receive free or subsidized public healthcare in Canada
  • Access world-class Canadian education programs
  • Get the opportunity to purchase your own home in Canada
  • Have the option to start your own Canadian business
  • Enjoy freedom and equality in a multicultural and peaceful country
  • See beautiful scenery in the second largest country after Russia
  • Apply to become a Canadian citizen after living in Canada for 3 years

The first step for immigrating to Canada from Russia is to find out which of the several Canadian immigration programs you are eligible to apply for and that best matches your profile.

Since 2012, Canadian Visa Expert has been working with authorized immigration consultants who can provide you with an Eligibility Assessment and also guide you through each step of the application process if you qualify.

To receive your Eligibility Assessment for immigration to Canada from Russia, click here!

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GENERAL INFORMATION

Discover Frequently Asked Questions from Our Support

Does Canada have a Russian community?

Yes, there are Russian communities all across this vast country, proud of their Russian culture and language and, yet, happy to be Canadians!

Where do most Russians live in Canada?

According to Statistics Canada (2021), 187,460 Russians are living in Canada’s province of Ontario; 121,755 in British Columbia; 97,890 in Alberta; 48,570 in Manitoba; 47,195 in Quebec; and 35,920 in Saskatchewan.

 

How many Russians live in Canada?

According to census data, there are around 622,445 Russians living in Canada (over 130,000 in the Greater Toronto Area), including people who identify as having full Russian ancestry or partial Russian ancestry.

Why do Russians immigrate to Canada?

People generally immigrate to Canada from Russia to have more opportunities and a better quality of life; to find good-paying jobs in Canada; to live in a peaceful country; to experience freedom and equality; to give their children access to world-class education and excellent career options; to start their own company in a business-friendly environment; and to live in a multicultural country that welcomes newcomers.

Does Canada accept refugees from Russia?

Yes, Canada accepts thousands of refugees each year from Russia and other countries around the world who are fleeing persecution, conflict, violence, war or for other humanitarian reasons.

How long does it take for a Russian to get a Canadian visa?

In general, it takes about 9-18 months for a skilled foreign worker to immigrate to Canada from Russia as a permanent resident. The amount of time it takes for a Russian to get a visa to Canada depends on which Canadian visa program they are applying for; how long it takes for them to do what is required (such as get a passing score on an English or French evaluation exam); how much time it takes the Canadian immigration agency to process their application; and other factors.

Is it easy to immigrate to Canada from Russia?

Immigration to Canada from Russia is a lengthy and complex process which involves several steps, however, over 400,000 people from around the world immigrate to Canada each year. You can apply for immigration to Canada from Russia on your own, but it can be helpful to receive guidance from an authorized immigration consultant so that the process is done correctly and efficiently. Canadian Visa Expert works with authorized immigration consultants who can provide you with an Eligibility Assessment and guide you through the application process if you qualify.

How much money do I need to immigrate to Canada from Russia?

It will generally cost several thousand Canadian dollars (CAD) for governmental fees and non-governmental expenses to immigrate to Canada from Russia. The exact amount will depend on which Canadian visa program you apply for, how many people are in your family, where you will live in Canada, and other variables. The Canadian Permanent Residency Fee is about 38,344 Russian Rubles; the Right of Permanent Residence Fee is around 23,214 Russian Rubles; the Dependent Child Fee is about 10,364 Russian Rubles per child; and the Canadian Permanent Resident Card Fee is around 2,255 Russian Rubles per person. Non-governmental expenses may include the cost of the English or French language evaluation exam; Educational Credential Assessment; English or French translations of documents; medical exams; police certificates; travel to Canada (e.g., airfare); and living expenses after you move to Canada from Russia (e.g., housing, food, transportation, clothing, Internet, etc.). Note: The fees and exchange rate were as of November 30, 2022, and subject to change.

How much money do I need to show for Proof of Funds?

The Canadian immigration agency reports that a skilled foreign worker applying for Express Entry will need to show Proof of Funds to pay for living expenses after moving to Canada as follows: $13,310 CAD (about 600,267 Russian Rubles) for 1 person; $16,570 CAD (around 747,660 Russian Rubles) for 2 people; $20,371 CAD (about 919,780 Russian Rubles) for 3 people; $24,733 CAD (around 1,116,681 Russian Rubles) for 4 people; $28,052 CAD (1,266,371 Russian Rubles) for 4 people; etc. Please note that these amounts and the exchange rate were as of November 30, 2022, and subject to change. Be aware that these are the minimum amounts required to support yourself and your family after you move to Canada from Russia and you may need more money, depending on where you live in Canada and other factors.

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