Canada is amongst the most popular countries for Brits considering moving abroad, as well as being home to some of the happiest Brits living abroad, as reported in October 2013 90% of British expats living there are happier in their new surroundings.
It is widely reported that foreign skilled workers are in demand in Canada, as well as entrepreneurs that can apply for a visa via the Start-up Visa Program if they can secure the funding through a government-recognised venture capital fund or angel investor group. The drive for entrepreneurs is to last for five years and is limited to 2,700 applicants per year.
The country’s second largest route for welcoming expats into Canada is the Provincial Nominee Programme (often abbreviated to the PNP), which allowed around 41,000 people to move to Canada in 2012 (including the applicants and their spouses or dependents). This is a route that is often encouraged to people that do not wish to live in the cities of Vancouver, Toronto or Montreal.
The most popular option for expats moving to Canada is the Canadian Experience Class, which will be expected to bring in an estimated 15,000 expats in 2014. Under this programme applicants must meet a minimum language requirement and have at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada.
Canada’s citizenship and immigration minister Chris Alexander said: “Securing economic growth is and will remain our government’s top priority. Canada is in a global competition for the best and brightest immigrants, and this plan is crafted with attracting the people we need for Canada to succeed.”
If you are considering moving to Canada, Cadogan Tate will assist you every step of the way – from your first enquiry to unpacking at your new home, we are here to help and advise you.