How to Immigrate from South Africa to Canada – Your Complete Guide for 2022

Getting a Canada Visa, planning a temporary trip, or even immigrating to Canada from South Africa- all those are doable transparent processes today.

The good news is that it is not all “doom and gloom” for South Africans who are looking to immigrate. Immigrating to the beautiful country of Canada is actually a bigger possibility than you think.

How to Relocate to Canada from South Africa?

There are some really great options available to South Africans. The Canadian government actually wants immigrants in Canada. Although it may depend on various factors, there are actually some great options for immigration to Canada from South Africa that are very practical in nature. 

Let’s take a look at some of the best options for South Africans.

Might be interesting for you to read and find out what can you expect when moving to Canada from South Africa: Top 10 Reasons to Immigrate to Canada From South Africa

How to do it?

There are many ways to obtain Canadian PR for South African 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.

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 the country 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 South Africa. 

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 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.

Recommended Canada Immigration Consultants for South Africa 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 South African residents. Canada2036 has put together a top Recommended Canadian Immigration Consultants list based on extensive research, customer testimonials, and other vetting methods.

In Conclusion

Although it may seem like a full mission of paperwork, technicalities, and hard work, it will pay off in the end. Emigrating to Canada from South Africa is a big life-changing step indeed. But there are many South Africans that have already taken the leap of faith and they are now living safe, happy, healthy, and wonderful lives in Canada.

Come work in Canada from South Africa and see for yourself!