Every year thousands of Colombians leave their country and begin a new chapter of the lives in Canada.
Since establishing a diplomatic partnership with Canada in 1953, Canada has become one of the top destinations for Colombians looking for a better life.
How to Immigrate to Canada from Colombia
There are many ways to obtain Canadian PR for Colombian citizens. It could be governed by your skill level and reason for moving.
Let’s have a look at some of the main programs for the most common goals.
Immigrate to Canada as a Worker / Express Entry
Do you have any skills and professional background?
If that is the case, you might want to have a closer look at the programs that are processed under the Express Entry system:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – if you have at least a year of full-time Canadian work experience in the last 3 years;
- Federal Skilled Trades Class (FSTC) – if you are skilled in a trade listed in the NOC & have at least 2 years of recent full-time Canadian experience in the last 5 years;
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) – if you want to settle in a certain province or city;
- Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) – if none of the above fit to your case.
Check Now If You are Eligible For One of Canada’s Working Programs or Just Book a Free Consultation Call with An Immigration Expert
As for the Express Entry system, we tell more about how it works here.
Immigrate to Canada with Your Family
Looking to immigrate to Canada with your family?
If the answer is yes, you should know that if one of the parents or one partner has received a visa, the rest of the family can come along. That’s why as partners you may want to submit 2 applications as you never know who has better chances of receiving the visa.
Also, a student visa is easier to obtain than a working visa, and if one of the family members managed to achieve one, it can help bring the whole family to Canada.
This is the kind of creative solution a Canadian immigration consultant can help you with. That’s also why the best advice we can give you is to consult with an Immigration expert!
Temporary Immigration for Young Adults (18-35yo): IEC / Student Visa
Do you want to “try on” Canadian life before immigration?
Then you might want to explore International Experience Canada (IEC Canada).
This program is ideal for Colombian citizens between the ages of 18 and 30 who are looking to test the waters in Canada.
If approved for the program, applicants are permitted to live in Canada for up to two years to work, travel, and experience Canadian life.
This allows the individual to get a feel for what life in Canada would be like without making a full commitment from the start. If they can see themselves living here permanently, they can start the process of moving to Canada from Colombia.
Immigrate to Canada as a Student
Are you interested in studying in Canada?
Luckily, Canada is very welcoming for those who are looking for higher education.
In Canada, you can obtain a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) following most programs of study. Your PGWP can be valid for the same duration as your study permit, up to three years.
With its reputable educational system and high-ranking universities, Canada is one of the most attractive countries for students from around the world.
To get into a Canadian university, students need to get the student visa.
We described the process of becoming a Canadian student here.
Immigrate to Canada as an Entrepreneur or Investor
Do you want to get citizenship by investing in Canada’s economy?
If so, then you may learn more about the Investor Visa.
Do you have the skills, talent, and funds to build or establish a business in Canada?
Then Start-up visa could be an option for you. You may learn more about it here.
You may also have a look at our guide that covers business immigration.
Family Sponsorship In Canada
Immigration is faster and easier for those who have relatives in Canada. Possibly, you have someone you want to move your family after you immigrate.
If that is the case, Family Sponsorship options could be perfect for you.
This pathway works in one of two ways – inland or outland. The inland sponsorship is when the individual sponsored is already living in Canada, while the outland sponsorship is for someone currently living outside of Canada.
You may learn about Family Sponsorship here.
Canada – Columbia Free Trade Agreement
Another option open to individuals who are looking at moving to Canada from Colombia is the Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement (CCoFTA).
Using CCoFTA, professionals and technicians who are skilled in certain specialized or high in-demand occupations can apply to get a work permit.
To qualify, the individual has to be a Colombian citizen or a permanent resident. They have to be employed in an eligible occupation as a technician or professional, and they must have a job offer in hand from an employer in Canada.
For people who qualify, this is one of the easiest ways to move to Canada from Colombia.
Why Canada? Top Reasons Why Columbians Move to Canada
Colombians began to emigrate from their country in the early 20th century in trickles. However, mass emigration began to happen in the mid 1960s during when the Colombian Armed Conflict began.
More than fifty-eight years later, the conflict is still ongoing leading to millions leaving the country. And what better place to immigrate to than a safe haven like Canada?
A few of the biggest reasons why they choose Canada over any other country in the world is:
- Safety and security – after living through instability and daily fear, Colombians who emigrate just want peace and they want to feel safe. Canada offers them both.
- Better quality of life – ruled by a corrupt government, a significant percentage of the Colombian population is quite poor and barely able to make ends meet. Canada offers them a chance at having a much better life. Most Canadians enjoy a middle class life and have access to free health care, free education and a host of other government programs and services.
- Democracy and diversity – being an immigrant is hard, especially when you’re a minority, but Canada’s multicultural and democratic society makes everyone feel welcome and gives an equal opportunity to all.
How to Get a Job in Canada from Colombia
The silver lining of the pandemic is that nearly everything has gone virtual, or at least has a virtual alternative.
Finding a job, interviewing for it and getting a job offer is no exception!
With the internet, the world can be at your fingertips, which means searching for jobs in Canada for Colombians has become a super easy process.
Looking at jobs in Canada from Colombia? Here are some things you can do to get started.
Recruitment Agencies
When you first start the job searching process, it can feel very daunting and feel like there are a lot of steps or you may have a lot of questions. One of the best steps you can take is look at getting some help from recruitments agencies like Adecco Staffing or Randstad.
The experienced Human Resources professionals will take the time to interview you, set up your profile, answer your questions and match you with your ideal job.
A big positive of seeking help from a recruitment agency is that they do all the hard work for you! All you need to do is make sure your documents are in order and keep in contact.
Job Bank
Another extremely popular option is the Government of Canada’s Job Bank.
It was established by the Canadian government and has thousands of occupations listed that are currently vacant. All types of skill and education levels are required and you’re almost guaranteed to find something that you’re suited for.
The service is free and you can rest assured it’s a reputable and safe sight. Unfortunately, immigrants or hopeful immigrants are very vulnerable and can easily become the victims of a scam, it’s always a safe bet to go with something that is government approved.
Employment websites and LinkedIn
With everything available online these days, most jobs are posted online. Therefore, employment websites are an absolute must when job hunting.
Many employment websites have sections that are specific to foreign workers, so that can make your job search much easier!
A few great websites to check out are:
Don’t forget to scope out LinkedIn as well. Many companies choose to advertise only on LinkedIn and nowhere else, so make sure to update your profile and your CV. Applying for a job on LinkedIn can be as easy as clicking a button.
Have questions about the job or the hiring process? Reach out to the hiring manager or recruiter on the platform. Even if you don’t get the job, you’ve built a new connection in your network, which will help you down the road.
Job sites specific to communities and cities are also worth checking out, especially if you know exactly where you want to live in Canada. A simple google search will give you the information you need.
Recommended Canada Immigration Consultants for Colombian Residents
Don’t know where to begin?
Immigration could be challenging. But there are professionals (RCICs) who know everything about available immigration programs and how to come up with a plan that would bring you the desired permanent residency.
The trick is finding the right RCIC or agency for Brazilian residents. Canada2036 has put together a top Recommended Canadian Immigration Consultants list based on extensive research, customer testimonials, and other vetting methods.
One of Trudeau’s priority mandates is to increase the number of immigrants in Canada. The federal government is working hard to put in programs and policies in place to facilitate the immigration and arrival of newcomers.
Those considering immigration to Canada for Colombia, know that now is the perfect time to start your immigration process!
