Now that you know the different immigration paths that are available, let’s dive into the process of immigration to Canada from Mexico itself:
1. Choose where you want to live in Canada:
Understand the main factors that will help you decide on one location over the other in Canada.
For some, it might be the climate, and they might choose the sunnier places in Canada, such as the southern part of British Columbia – to settle in Victoria.
Another factor might be Canadian employment availability – you might want to choose the city where it will be easier to find a job in your occupation and settle comfortably.
2. Check what the requirements are for a PR Visa to Canada for Mexican citizens:
Requirements vary depending on the type of Canadian immigration program that you choose to apply for.
Each of the Canadian immigration programs has different requirements, but some of the basics that are common to all of them are that the main applicant must:
- be at least 18 years old to apply
- have no criminal record
- be in good health
- show proof of funds to support yourself and your family in Canada
- pay the governmental fees
- have a valid passport
All of the Canadian immigration programs for skilled foreign workers require a certain level of English or French language abilities, which must be proven by achieving a certain score on an approved evaluation test, such as the IELTS Exam for English or TEF Exam for French.
3. Determine the most suitable Canadian visa program for you and your family:
The most important step for anyone looking to immigrate to Canada is selecting the visa that is most appropriate for their profile.
This will help them save time and money, and ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible.
Many Mexican citizens choose to get professional assistance at this point in order to make sure they are on the right track.
Canadian Visa Expert works with authorized immigration consultants who can provide you with an Eligibility Assessment of your best option for immigration to Canada from Mexico.
4. Start gathering the required documents to support your visa application:
Once you know which Mexican visa to Canada you are going to apply for, you can now start preparing your supporting documents.
Among these documents, you will need your:
- birth certificate
- valid passport
- diploma(s)
- letters from your employers in Mexico
- marriage certificate (if relevant)
- medical exam results
- police certificates (if requested)
- proof of funds
A passing score on an approved English or French language evaluation exam and an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) may also be required.
Keep in mind that you will need to translate the documents into English or French if they are not originally written in one of those two official Canadian languages.
5. Complete an approved language test such as the IELTS or TEF:
In order to be considered for a PR Visa to Canada as a skilled foreign worker, you must pass an approved language evaluation test, such as the:
- IELTS General Training Exam for English
- TEF Canada for French
It is important for you to prepare in advance to take the language evaluation exam, so you can get the highest score possible.
In order to get points for your language abilities on some Canadian immigration programs, you must earn a specific score in each test section (reading, writing, speaking and listening).
6. Find the NOC code for your occupation:
The 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) is a system used in Canada to classify occupations.
It can be used to find out information about an occupation’s main duties, educational requirements, or other useful details.
You will need to indicate your occupation’s five-digit 2021 NOC code on your Canadian visa application.
7. Take a medical exam:
You must be physically healthy and have a medical examination to prove that you don’t have any illness that would prevent you from healthy living in Canada.
You must also be healthy enough to work and support yourself in Canada.
At the end of the medical examination, you will receive an official document which you will submit along with your PR Visa application.
8. File your application for immigration to Canada from Mexico:
Once you know which Mexican visa to Canada you are best-suited to apply for and you have gathered the supporting documents needed up to this point, you must correctly prepare and file your application for immigration to Canada from Mexico.
For skilled foreign workers, this will often involve filing an initial application such as an Express Entry profile, or an application to a PNP, etc.
In general, if your initial application has been approved, the next major step is to receive an invitation or nomination to apply for immigration to Canada from Mexico.
You will then need to correctly file your Application for Canadian Permanent Residency within a specified amount of time (for example, within 60 days after receiving the invitation to apply) with the Canadian immigration agency.
If you are approved for a Mexican visa to Canada as a new permanent resident, you will receive a Certificate of Permanent Residence (COPR) and a Canadian Permanent Resident (PR) Visa will be placed on a page of your passport (if required for immigration to Canada from Mexico).
9. Prepare for Immigration to Canada from Mexico:
- Once you have your COPR and/or Canadian visa, you can prepare for moving to Canada.
- You must move to Canada while your COPR is still valid.
- Make plans for moving to Canada (travel arrangements, housing after you arrive, etc.).
- Start selling things that you will not take to Canada (house, car, furniture, etc.).
- Arrange for how you will stay in contact with family and friends in Mexico (email, Skype, etc.).
- Close accounts in Mexico before moving to Canada (electricity, Internet service, etc.).
- Obtain enough medication to last until you can get a prescription in Canada (if relevant).
- Collect important documents to carry with you when moving to Canada (passport, COPR, etc.).
- Immigrate to Canada from Mexico to start your new life!
10. After Moving to Canada from Mexico:
- Obtain a smartphone with a local Canadian phone number and Internet access.
- Apply for your Social Insurance Number which is required to work in Canada.
- Apply for your Canadian Health Card (also known as a Care Card).
- Open a bank account in Canada (research where to get the best rates and service).
- Search for jobs in Canada (the Canadian government’s Job Bank is a good place to start).
- Contact an immigrant settlement organization for help with jobs, housing, English, etc.
- Build your social network of new friends and other contacts in Canada.
- Once you start working in Canada, look for long-term housing near your employer.
