During the 2016 Presidential Elections, when Trump was running for President, most of Hollywood reacted very negatively. With many threatening to leave the United States. Some of them even did! Guess where they moved to? Canada!
In this article, we’ll talk about celebrities who already immigrated to Canada and about how you can join them!
Actors Who Live or Have Lived in Canada
Many celebrities find the candian air and scenery appealing. The immigration of actors to Canada has considerably increased in the past few years.
Canada is a very attractive option for celebrities and stars. The stars mentioned below are just the tip of the iceberg!
Drake, a famous singer, rapper, was born and raised in Toronto. His fame and exploding career took him to the US but after years of living the Los Angeles scene, Drake has settled in Canada once more.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex
They are perhaps one of the most famous celebrities in recent years to shift their entire lives to Canada.
When they stepped down as Senior Royals, they first settled in Canada for a period of time before eventually moving to California to be closer to friends and work commitments.
Before Meghan Markle married a Prince, she was living in Toronto and home for her was Canada, so it’s not surprising this was the first place she came back to.
Halle Berry
Oscar-winning actress, Halle Berry is no stranger to Canada.
She purchased a property in Montreal, Quebec years ago and as recently as the pandemic, she was vocal about quarantining in Montreal.
Pamela Anderson
The blond beauty, famous for her iconic role in Baywatch announced in 2021 that she was packing up her life in Malibu and coming back to settle in Canada for good.
She was born in a town on Vancouver Island and that’s where she intends to go back.
If you’re an actor yourself and you want to follow in the footsteps of your idols, it is very much in the realm of possibility.
There’s a reason why celebrities flock to Canada, maybe it’s time you discovered it for yourself.
Why are Celebrities Moving to Canada?
While there was definitely an increased interest in moving from the US to Canada during the Trump years, it’s actually quite common for American actors or celebrities to either settle in Canada or have a home base in the country, and with very good reason. Become an actor in Canada now!
While there are many and varied reasons for wanting to move to Canada, here’s what some of the more popular reasons include.
Diversity
Canada is a very diverse and multicultural country where everyone is accepted and where everyone feels welcome regardless of race, religion, political views or sexual orientation.
Proximity to the USA
For American actors and celebrities, the proximity to the US border is a big draw as it allows them to live in the best of both worlds.
Especially if they live in Vancouver, which is just a short plane ride away from California.
Celebrities can work in the US, attend star-studded events like the Oscars or the Emmys, and come back to the peace, quiet, and privacy of their Canadian home.
Safety
People love Canada for its low crime rate. The rate of mass murders, school shootings, acts of terrorism and random acts of violence are much, much higher in the United States than in Canada.
Check out if you are eligible for immigration to Canada within a few minutes:
How to Become an Actor in Canada?
If you want to become an actor in Canada, there are two paths that you can follow. Since acting is based primarily on talent, it is possible to follow your dreams without having a formal education. You can get headshots, get an acting resume, demo reel, go to auditions, and sign up with a talent agency who will send you for auditions and try to get you work. Many famous celebrities chose this path. They worked hard, and were lucky enough to be discovered.
A second option is to go to an acting school and get a formal education like many other actors. A structured approach will help you improve your public speaking skills, help you communicate more effectively, it will provide you with acting training and experience. Acting instructors can help you develop your techniques, improve your confidence, and fine tune your skills and abilities.
At the end of the day, it really depends on what you want to do. And what kind of actor you want to be. The various types of acting roles for television and movie include:
· Background actors or extras;
· Co-star roles;
· Guest star roles;
· Recurring roles (in television shows);
· Starring role.
If you’re interested in Broadway or theater, acting, singing and dancing classes are strongly recommended.
The beauty with acting is you can get started at any time and you don’t need to have all the answers right away. Look for casting calls and actor jobs in big cities like Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver or Montreal.
How to Immigrate to Canada as an Actor?
It may surprise you to learn that acting and actors are very much in demand in Canada right now.
The Acting occupation falls under NOC code 5135 and it includes everything from Acting Teacher, to Comedian to Voice Coach etc. in short almost anything that falls within the category of “Acting”.
Below are some available options and pathways for actors moving to Canada.
Express Entry System
Express Entry system is the most common pathway to permanent residence in Canada. If using this system, applicants should apply under the Federal Skilled Worker Program. They can apply through this program with or without a job offer in hand.
If they score enough points on their profile, they will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from IRCC.
Here you may learn more about how the Express Entry works and here about the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
Working Holiday Visa
Working Holiday Visa is a more creative approach but it’s a great option for people who are in their 20s and 30s.
If they are approved for the program, applicants can work in Canada while exploring the country. It leaves you plenty of time to go to auditions, open casting calls and truly get a feel for the country.
You may learn more about how WHV works here.
Work Permit
Work Permit This is the ideal program for those who are lucky enough to land a gig or a job as an actor in Canada.
They can apply for a work permit which will allow them to work legally in Canada for a set period of time.
This work experience can then be used to apply for permanent residency through other programs like the Provincial Nominee Program or Canadian Experience Class.
Student Visa
Many youths and young adults choose to pursue higher education in theatre, film studies or acting in Canada.
Once you’re approved for a student visa, it’s a first step towards becoming a permanent resident, if that is what you want.
You may learn more about Student Visa here.
Where to Find Help with Immigration?
If the process of immigrating to Canada as an actor sounds complex or confusing, you’re not alone! Many people feel this way and that’s why they turn to an immigration agency or a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) for help.
An RCIC will not only do all the heavy lifting for you, but they will even help you look for jobs. With any luck, you might even land one before coming to Canada!
