A Brief Guide to Immigration to Canada

Interested in learning how you can visit the beautiful and prosperous Canada, or move there permanently? This article will explain everything you need to know if you want about immigration to Canada from Israel. If you are not ready to make the permanent commitment of relocating to Canada, there are various ways a person can legally reside in the country for a shorter period.

In this article, we will first provide general background about life in Canada, explain the differences between travel visas, work permits, student permits, permanent residency statuses, family sponsorship, and citizenship, and finally include information for Israelis wishing to flee from war. You can follow the links in each section to reach more in-depth articles.

Why immigrate to Canada?

Canada is a thriving country home to millions of residents with diverse backgrounds from across the world. The Canadian economy and cultural atmosphere benefit greatly from the skills, knowledge, and experience that many of its immigrants bring to contribute to its workforce and academic institutions. Canada’s numerous government agencies at both federal and provincial levels are a wealth of support for people relocating alone or with their family, helping immigrants break the language barriers, navigate the tax, health care and educational systems, and more.

Travel Visas

A travel visa is a document granted to foreign travellers by the Government of Canada stating a person’s eligibility to enter the country, typically extended for up to six months. Canadian travel visas can be given to anyone who:

• Has a passport
• Has no criminal record that would prevent them from entering Canada
• Demonstrates the ability to finance their stay in Canada
• Proof of intent to return to one’s home country (for example, proof of employment, education, ownership of a house, etc.)

Certain individuals may be required to undergo police background checks and medical examinations.

Work visa

A work visa is a legal document allowing a citizen from a foreign country to work in Canada. There are two main categories of work permits: an open work permit, which enables individuals to work anywhere and for anyone in the country, and an employer-specific work permit, which limits individuals to work only for a designated employer. While these are the two main categories for work visa, there are numerous types of work permits that people can apply for extending beyond the scope of this article; such examples include a student-dependent work permit, a working holiday visa, or the temporary foreign worker program, among others.

Student Visa

A study permit is a legal document enabling a foreign citizen to study at any designated learning institution in Canada. Study permits are required for students wishing to study in Canada for more than six months who have demonstrated that they have been granted admission into a designated learning institution. The student must also be able to confirm that they plan to leave the country once they complete their studies, have a passport, and demonstrate they have the means of paying their tuition and living expenses.

Permanent Residency Status

A permanent resident is a person who has immigrated to Canada without obtaining Canadian citizenship and now permanently lives in the country. To qualify for an application, individuals must have resided in Canada for a minimum of 730 days within the last five years. Permanent residents will receive a Permanent Resident (PR) card that can be used as a primary form of identification. Permanent residents can work, study, and live in the country while paying taxes and receiving government benefits.

Family Sponsorship

Family sponsorship provides an opportunity for citizens or permanent residents to sponsor their families to come to Canada. The Government of Canada has categorized family sponsorship into distinct processes, the first being spouses, partners and children, the next as extended family, another as parents and grandparents, and a fourth as adopted children. A citizen will have to pay a sponsorship fee, and must meet the following requirements:

• They are at least eighteen years old
• They are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• They live in Canada
• They can demonstrate financial independence (varies based on the sponsorship of children or not)

Citizenship

To become a Canadian citizen, the following criteria must apply to a person:

• Have resided in the country for at least three out of the five years leading up to the application
• They are a permanent resident
• Demonstrate proficiency through testing in English or French
• Have filed the necessary taxes
• Have completed a citizenship test
• Have completed an oath of citizenship

It takes approximately 7 months for the entire process to be completed from the time a person completes an online application to when they have made their oath at a citizenship ceremony.

How the Current War Affects Israelis in Canada

As of December 21, 2023,  the Government of Canada has enacted various measures to support immigration for people moving to Canada from Israel. For example, there is currently no fee attached to the study or open work permits in Canada for Israelis. As of June 2024, the Government of Canada has provided an option for Israelis currently working under a work visa in Canada to extend it until July 31, 2025, out of concern for the ongoing Swords of Iron war.

Conclusion

Immigrating and visiting Canada can open up many opportunities for taking the next steps toward a bright future. Nonetheless, the options for visas, permits, qualifications and applications can become overwhelming and confusing, creating a necessity for consultation with a legal professional. At Decker, Pex, Levi, our immigration lawyers have years of experience and knowledge and would be happy to help you make the process smoother and stress-free.

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03-3724722

055-9781688

office@lawoffice.org.il