Canada has a long history with Norway going back over seventy-five years. They are allies and partners and have a history of cooperating on numerous global issues.
So often when Norwegians think of making a change or immigrating to another country, Canada comes to mind first and foremost.
Because of the friendship between the two countries, the similarities in culture, weather, lifestyle and values, moving to Canada from Norway feels like a natural and easy transition.
How to Immigrate to Canada from Norway
There are many ways to obtain Canadian PR for Norwegian 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 Norwegian 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 Norway.
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.
Why do Norwegians migrate to Canada?
Every year thousands of Norwegians immigrate to Canada for various reasons, including:
- Education and career opportunities:
Although Canada and Norway share many similarities, size of the country is not one of them. Stretching coast to coast, Canada is an enormous country with fantastic educational and career opportunities.
All ten provinces and territories are home to some of the most world-renowned educational universities and colleges. Canada is also home to some of the biggest companies around the world, so the career and professional development opportunities are endless.
- Socialised health care:
While Norway has a socialised health care system that is similar to Canada’s, Norway has some additional rules in place such as deductibles when visiting a doctor’s office.
- Affordability:
The cost of living in Norway is extremely high making Canada a much more attractive and affordable choice for individuals looking to maintain a high quality of life. The taxes are higher, most of food and other items are imported so everything costs more.
- Four seasons and natural beauty:
Few countries around the world have such distinct and separate seasons as Canada. The winters in parts of Norway are definitely milder in comparison to Canada but summers are cooler as well. Many people love Canada’s natural beauty and the distinct seasons and all the fun activities and adventures that come along with it.
How to get a job in Canada from Norway
If you’re looking to move to Canada from Norway, one of the best things you can do for yourself and your family is find a job beforehand. And this is actually quite an easy accomplishment given how seamlessly we can connect with people living thousands of miles away.
So, what are some things you can do to get a job when immigrating to Canada from Norway?
- Employment websites:
Online sites are an excellent place to begin job searching.
Some of the more popular websites like Workopolis or Indeed are good places to start.
When looking for job in a particular province or city, you should check out job sites that are specific to that area. This may require some additional online research. Forums like Reddit are also a great way to get some advice and start building a community for yourself.
- Government of Canada Job Bank
A free website, the Job Bank is run by the Canadian government. The site posts thousands of jobs at any given time. Employers post jobs of varying skill and education level and hire frequently through the website.
Additional resources and tools are also made available to job seekers.
- Networking
Half the battle when it comes to landing a job is creating a connection and building a rapport. And you don’t necessarily have to be living in the same country or city to start networking.
LinkedIn is a great way of getting to know people and stabling relationships before you’ve even stepped foot in the country.
Some things you can do is reach out to the hiring manager or recruiter of a position you are interested in and ask questions about the job or the company. If you manage to make an impression, they will likely keep you in mind for future opportunities.
Conclusion
Finding a job is not an easy feat, but it is not an impossible one either.
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 Norwegian residents. Canada2036 has put together a top Recommended Canadian Immigration Consultants list based on extensive research, customer testimonials, and other vetting methods.
You may learn more about how to find a job in Canada here.
- UIS Canada is a professional immigration consultancy that upholds a spotless and proven track record of providing the highest quality customer service. They make sure that clients have all the most up-to-date information, thus avoiding any unnecessary delays in their immigration process.
- UIS only works with RCICs and they specialize in permanent residency and temporary visas.
- Great North Visa is a top-tier, solution-driven consulting firm committed to facilitating their clients’ main objective of receiving the Canadian visa they require by providing a wide range of immigration services and settlement solutions designed to simplify your immigration process.
- Great North Visa puts an entire team of selected Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCIC) at your disposal.
Remember that you have all the tools you need at your fingertips. Polish off that resume and cover letter (make sure to format in the Canadian way first!) and send it off to as many jobs as you can.
You’ll soon get the call you’re waiting for and can begin planning your move to Canada from Norway.
