Immigrate to Canada from Malaysia
Become a Canadian citizen! Learn about the requirements for immigrating to Canada from Malaysia and the different programs available to help you get started.
Canada is home to over eight million immigrants from various parts of the world.
Reasons for immigration to Canada range from escaping inopportune environments to simply looking for a change in life.
When done legally, Canadian immigration can allow an individual to apply to become a citizen of Canada.
In Canada, authorities evaluate your citizenship eligibility based on several factors, such as how long you have been living in Canada as a permanent resident, your English or French language skills, criminal history, and if you have been paying taxes (if required).
Individuals who do not meet all of the requirements will retain “permanent resident” status until they are able to prove their eligibility to become a Canadian citizen.
Immigrating to Canada from Malaysia can be a long, arduous process riddled with complications.
Nonetheless, over 400,000 people from around the world immigrate to Canada each year.
Before attempting to move to Canada, you should understand the immigration process and what programs are available to help you transition.
This guide will detail essential information on how you can safely emigrate from Malaysia to Canada and how you can become a permanent resident and eventually a citizen.
Table of Contents
Eligibility Criteria for Immigration to Canada from Malaysia?
Canada does not have many if any differences in accepting Malaysian immigrants compared to other foreigners – people from around the world are welcomed to immigrate to Canada!
Your specific requirements for eligibility will depend on which Canadian immigration program you use to migrate.
In general, skilled foreign workers will need to provide several documents, such as:
- language evaluation scores for English or French
- medical exam results
- police certificates to show you do not have a criminal record
- proof of funds to support yourself and your family after moving to Canada
What Visa Programs Are Available to Immigrate to Canada from Malaysia?
Canada offers a variety of programs to help people in different life situations immigrate.
Here are the best options available to Malaysian immigrants.
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
One way to immigrate to Canada from Malaysia is under the Canada FSW (Federal Skilled Worker Program).
The goal of this program is to bring skilled immigrants from abroad to perform important jobs in Canada.
In return, each of those individuals can become a Canadian permanent resident if they satisfy all of the eligibility requirements.
A major requirement to apply for this Canadian immigration program is to have at least 1 year of relevant work experience during the previous 10 years in an eligible occupation.
The FSWP uses a point system and requires skilled immigrants to receive a minimum of 67 out of 100 points for English or French language abilities, education, adaptability, age, relevant work experience, and having a qualifying offer of employment in Canada.
Application to the FSWP is made by filing an online Express Entry profile containing the skilled immigrant’s details.
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is then used to assign an overall score and rank the applicant against other candidates in the Express Entry pool.
Eligibility for this program is highly competitive.
Only professionals with the highest CRS scores will be selected for the opportunity to move to Canada from Malaysia, or those who receive a qualifying offer of employment in Canada, or who get a provincial or territorial nomination.
If an Invitation to Apply (ITA) is received, the skilled immigrant will have 60 days to submit an application for immigration to Canada from Malaysia.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
This is another option to obtain a Canada visa for Malaysian immigrants.
Similar to the FSWP, the Federal Skilled Trades program (FSTP) is designed to employ immigrants in desperately understaffed fields.
However, the eligibility requirements for this program are not as difficult to meet.
The FSTP has a lower English or French language score requirement and no education requirement.
Candidates must, however, have at least two years of work experience in an eligible skilled trade, many of which are found in the construction and manufacturing industries.
Furthermore, the applicant needs to receive a Certificate of Qualification for his or her skilled trade from a province or territory in Canada OR get a valid offer of employment in Canada lasting at least 1 year for an eligible skilled trade.
Application to the FSTP is made through the Entry Express Canada Calculator and an Invitation to Apply is required in order to file an Application for Canadian Permanent Residency.
- Family Sponsorship/Reunification
Immigration to Canada from Malaysia is possible if you have a relative who is a citizen or permanent resident there.
That relative can become a “sponsor” for their spouse or common-law partner, dependent child, parent or grandparent.
Other relatives may be sponsored if certain conditions are met.
The sponsor needs to be at least 18 years of age, able to verify claims of blood or legal relations and have the ability to support their sponsored family member(s) while they are living in Canada.
- Provincial Nominee Programs
Sometimes, a Canadian province or territory will nominate a particularly impressive applicant for immigration to Canada through its Canada Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Nine provinces and two territories have created their own PNPs, each with its unique eligibility criteria, in cooperation with the Canadian immigration authorities.
To receive a provincial or territorial nomination, a candidate should be able to demonstrate their ability to sufficiently contribute to the area’s economy and to satisfy all of the criteria for the PNP.
An applicant will generally apply to a PNP and if he or she receives a nomination, the next step is to apply for permanent residency with the Canadian immigration agency.
If approved, the immigrant will live and work in the nominating province or territory.
- Canadian Experience Class
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Program is an option for temporary residents who have completed at least 1 year of skilled employment in Canada during the previous 3 years.
Many international students and temporary foreign workers apply to become a Canadian permanent resident through the CEC Program.
Applicants must have a certain level of English or French language abilities and meet other eligibility requirements.
Application to the Canadian Experience Class Program is made using the Express Entry system.
- International Student in Canada
Immigration to Canada from Malaysia can be obtainable through a Study Permit.
The requirements will depend on which type of study abroad program in Canada you choose.
Usually, you are required to enroll at a Canadian university or other designated educational institution with a minimum number of credits (as a full-time student).
Before applying for a Canadian Study Permit, you must have an acceptance letter from the designated school and proof that you can pay for all educational and living expenses.
Full-time international students have the option to work in Canada by obtaining a Work Permit.
There is also an option to continue living and working in Canada after graduation by getting a Post-Graduate Work Permit.
Once an international student (or temporary foreign worker) has at least 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada during a 3-year period, and meets all other criteria, he or she can apply to become a Canadian permanent resident through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Program.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Immigrating to Canada from Malaysia?
- Choose Where to Live in Canada
Despite having a reputation for being snowy year-round, Canada has a diverse climate depending on where you live.
Some locations are beautiful wilderness areas while others are bustling cities.
When choosing where to live in Canada, you should also consider if you want to be near other Malaysians.
The province of Ontario has the largest community of Malaysian-Canadians, whereas Nova Scotia has very few.
- Pass Eligibility Requirements for Your Chosen Canada Immigration Program
The program you choose will determine what qualifications you need in order to apply and what rules you need to follow after immigrating to keep your Canadian visa.
Carefully study the requirements for the program you want and think realistically about whether you meet them.
Canadian Visa Expert works with authorized immigration consultants who can evaluate your best option for immigration to Canada from Malaysia and also guide you through the application process if you qualify.
To receive your Eligibility Assessment, click here!
- Gather All Important Documents
To immigrate to Canada from Malaysia, you will need several supporting documents during the application process.
For example, you will need proof of identification, such as a valid passport and birth certificate.
You will also need documentation from a medical examination, which you will have toward the end of the Canadian immigration process.
Canada requires skilled foreign workers to be proficient in either English or French, so you will need to submit the results of an approved language assessment taken in the past two years.
Skilled foreign workers will need to provide copies of educational credentials, such as degrees, diplomas or certificates.
An Educational Credential Assessment will be required when applying for the FSWP if your education took place outside of Canada.
The main applicant will normally have to provide Proof of Funds to show adequate financial resources to pay for living expenses after moving to Canada.
Police certificates may be required to prove that an applicant does not have a criminal record.
A marriage certificate, death certificate, adoption certificate or other documents may be requested (as relevant).
- Get Your ECA Education Assessment
An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is crucial to your eligibility for the FSWP. This is what proves the validity of your educational credentials received outside of Canada and matches them to an equivalent Canadian educational credential.
- Apply for Biometrics
You will need to provide your biometrics when applying for Canadian permanent residency.
Biometrics are data used to identify a person via biological markers.
This will generally involve providing fingerprints and a digital photo.
- Use a Canadian Immigration Lawyer or Consultant
Having a lawyer or authorized immigration consultant can help you to understand some of the more complicated aspects of your Canadian immigration process.
They can also guide you through each step of the Canadian immigration process, so that your application will be filed correctly and the complex procedure will be easier for you to complete.
Since 2012, Canadian Visa Expert has been working with authorized immigration consultants who can provide you with an Evaluation Assessment and guide you through the application process if you qualify.
The Takeaway
The process of immigrating to Canada from Malaysia might be a complicated one, but the benefits are invaluable.
Research the various Canadian visa programs to begin planning your immigration today.
Do you need some more help before you get started?
Don’t be afraid to contact us with any questions you may have.
If you would like to learn about your best option for immigration to Canada from Malaysia, click here!
Canadian Visa Expert makes the process easy and affordable!
Discover Frequently Asked Questions from Our Support
What Are the Fees for a Canadian Visa for Malaysian Immigrants?
How much it costs to immigrate to Canada from Malaysia will depend on which visa and program you choose (for example, permanent resident, international student, temporary foreign worker, etc.). In general, the Canadian Permanent Residence Application Fee is about 2,834 Malaysian Ringgits (MYR); the Right of Permanent Residence Fee is around 1717 MYR; the fee for each dependent child is about 767 MYR per child; the Biometrics Fee is 283 MYR for 1 person or 567 MYR for a family of 2 or more people; and the Canadian Permanent Resident Card is 167 MYR per person. Please note that these fees and the exchange rate were as of November 28, 2022, and are subject to change.
Is Canada Permanent Residence Suitable for Malaysians?
Absolutely! Although Canadian citizenship may be the ultimate goal, permanent resident status will still provide you many benefits. Benefits of Canadian permanent residency include: authorization to live, study and work in Canada for an unlimited amount of time; free or subsidized public healthcare; access to quality education programs; option to open a business; traveling to and from Canada; opportunity to buy a home; sponsoring eligible family members for Canadian immigration; living in a peaceful, prosperous and beautiful country; being able to apply for Canadian citizenship after living in Canada for 3 out of 5 years!
Who Can Sponsor a Migrant to Canada?
An adult currently living as a permanent resident or citizen in Canada can sponsor a relative living abroad. The sponsor must be able to provide proof of certain information, such as their relationship to the immigrant and their ability to support their sponsored family member(s) without government assistance.
How Much Does It Cost to Immigrate to Canada from Malaysia?
The answer to this question will depend on your individual circumstances, such as which Canadian visa program you apply for, the size of your family, where you will live in Canada, etc. Immigration to Canada from Malaysia generally costs several thousand Canadian dollars (CAD) for governmental fees and non-governmental expenses. Plan ahead and always make sure you have extra money saved up for unforeseen expenses.
How Can Malaysians Immigrate to Canada for Work?
Skilled foreign workers can immigrate to Canada from Malaysia through any of several Canadian visa programs. The top options include the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Provincial Nominee Program, and Federal Skilled Trades Program.
Is It Easy to Immigrate to Canada from Malaysia?
The process can be demanding, yet, over 400,000 people immigrate to Canada each year. Receiving guidance from an authorized immigration consultant can make the process easier to complete correctly. Outside of meeting eligibility requirements, adjusting to living in Canada (or any new country) can be difficult for an immigrant. If you find yourself struggling to adapt to the new culture, reach out to a local immigration support group. Canadians are known for generally being friendly and are particularly welcoming toward newcomers, so you can also speak with your new friends in Canada and find most people very supportive.
What Is the Age Limit to Immigrate to Canada From Malaysia?
There is no age limit to move to Canada from Malaysia, but there are application requirements. Children will need to be accompanied by a legal guardian or be part of an international study program. You must be at least 18 years of age to file an application for a Canadian visa.
How Long Can Malaysians Stay in Canada?
As permanent residents or citizens, Malaysians can stay indefinitely in Canada. A temporary resident of Canada can stay in Canada for the time specified on his or her Canadian visa or permit, however, there may be an option for renewal of the visa if the temporary resident qualifies.
Where Do Most Malaysians Live in Canada?
Nearly half of all Malaysian immigrants live in Ontario. With over 14 million residents, this is the most populated province in Canada. Other areas with a large Malaysian population are British Columbia and Alberta. Combined, these three provinces are home to over 94% of Malaysian immigrants.
How Many Malaysians Live in Canada?
The most recent census (2016) recorded almost 17,000 Malaysian-Canadians. This number has undoubtedly risen in recent years.
