How to Move to Canada from South Africa in 2023

How to Immigrate to Canada from South Africa in 2023

Many South Africans are still of the impression that it’s simply not possible to immigrate to Canada from South Africa, or worse still, that it’s a very expensive project.

The truth often comes as a surprise to many; It costs less overall to Immigrate to Canada from South Africa when compared to other countries such as Australia. And better still, the whole project from start to finish can be completed in as little as 12 months for more than half the cost of a move to Australia. Why not take a Free Visa Assessment Today for a FREE personalized consultation to get all the facts.

Steps to Emigrate to Canada from South Africa

To successfully immigrate to Canada from South Africa we first need to ensure you qualify for one of the available immigration programs. These Canadian Immigration programs are split between Provincial and Federal systems.

To Immigrate to Canada from South Africa under a Federal Migration System you’ll need to qualify under either:

Federal Skilled Worker Immigration Program
Federal Skilled Trades Immigration Program
Canadian Experience Class Program
Family Class
Provincial Nominee

Lodge an application for full Permanent Residency in Canada

How does a South African make an application for a full Canadian Permanent Residency Visa? The answer is found in the Canadian Express Entry system for all Immigration programs except the family class visa which is still a paper-based application.

Important Notes on Express Entry for those looking to Immigrate to Canada from South Africa

1. Express Entry is a legal expression of your desire to move to Canada. The questions need to be answered factually and be based on your current situation today. Never complete your Express Entry application based on what might happen in the future or on the anticipated results or outcomes of your education verification or language tests.

2. Specifically, this means that whilst its ok to submit an Express Entry before having your education verified or your trade skills assessed there is little point in doing so because without these key criteria any Express Entry application is unlikely to result in a formal application being made.

Immigrate to Canada from South Africa Under the Family Class Program

To be a member of the Family Class you need to have a Canadian sponsor currently living in Canada, over the age of 18 who is one of the following in relation to you, or the lead applicant.

• Spouse or Partner
• Parent
• Child
• Grandchild

Take our Free Canada Visa Assessment Today and Check Your Eligibility

Emigrate to Canada from South Africa under the Federal Skilled Worker Visa Class

In order to qualify as a Federal Skilled Worker you need to meet all of the following criteria:

• Experience in a qualifying occupation on one of the current NOC Lists
• have at least one year of full time employment in this position
• 67 points or higher based on Canada Visa Points Matrix
• Pass your IELTS English Language exam
• Have a valid educational credential assessment
• Have the required amount of funds based on your family size

Immigrate to Canada from South Africa on the Federal Skilled Trades Program

To successfully immigrate to Canada from South Africa using the Federal Skilled Trades Visa you’ll need to meet the following key criteria:

• Experience in a qualifying occupation on one of the current NOC Trades Lists
• have at least two years of full time employment in this position in the last five years prior to your Canada Visa application.
• Have either an offer of employment OR a Canadian Trades Certificate
• Have passed your IELTS English Language exam
• Have a valid educational credential assessment
• Have the required amount of funds based on your family size

Emigrate to Canada from South Africa on the Canadian Experience Class program

To successfully migrate to Canada from South Africa using the Canadian Experience Class Visa you’ll need to meet the following key criteria:

• At least one year full time work experience in a qualifying occupation in Canada in the previous three years before making your application.
• Have the required amount of funds based on your family size

Emigrate to Canada from South Africa as a Provincial Nominee

To successfully immigrate to Canada from South Africa using the provincial Nominee Visa you’ll need to meet the following key criteria:

• Have passed your IELTS English Language exam
• Received a nomination from a Canadian Province or territory
• Have the required amount of funds based on your family size

Once you have confirmed you are eligible to immigrate to Canada from South Africa and have made your Express Entry application its over to the Canadian Government to select your application from the pool of other Express Entry Candidates based on your CRS Score (Comprehensive Ranking System) which is based on a number of different criteria such as age, language skills, occupation, education and the skills of your partner.

How Long does it take to migrate to Canada from South Africa?

From this point the whole process really does step up a gear into overdrive. After being selected from the Express Entry Pool your Canadian Permanent Residency should be issued within six months.

Can my family immigrate to Canada from South Africa with me?

Yes. You only need to make one application through the Express Entry Immigration system and unlike Australia, your children are classed as dependent until the age of 19.

How much does it cost to Immigrate to Canada from South Africa?

Costs for an application in ZAR:

• Language Test – R 2,500
• Educational Credential Assessment – R 3,525
• Medical Examination – R 2,250
• Police Clearances – R 110
• Canadian Government Fee for main applicant – R 10,000
• Canadian Government Fee for spouse – R 10,000
• Canadian Government Fee for those under 19 – R 1,500

For a family of three (two adults and one child) it will cost in the region of R65,000 to Immigrate to Canada from South Africa.

Find How to Move to Canada from South Africa in 2023