Are you considering the move to immigrate to Canada from Colombia? Canada has continually attracted immigrants globally, including many Colombians.
The bustling Colombian diaspora in cities like Bogotá, Cali, Cartagena, and Medellin shows you’re not alone in this endeavor. The comforting news is that the Colombian community in Canada is ever-growing.
Most Colombian immigrants have settled in Ontario and Quebec, but communities are growing in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan.
For Colombian immigrants’ convenience, the Colombian Embassy in Canada provides notarial and consular services.
I will show you the best routes to immigrate to Canada from Colombia.
Colombian Canadians and Other Colombian Immigrants in Canada
A lot of Colombians are moving to Canada. We’re talking more than 60,000! Plus, about 150,000 Canadians trace their roots back to Colombia.
They come from different backgrounds like the Mestizo, Wayuu, Romani, and African Colombians. From 2006 to 2015, around 44,000 Colombian immigrants became permanent residents in Canada.
Most are choosing to live in Ontario and Quebec. But, we’re also seeing more Colombians in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. The Colombian Embassy in Canada is a big help, providing necessary services for these new residents.
Reasons to Immigrate from Colombia to Canada
If you’re pondering why Canada could be your new home, here are some compelling reasons:
- Economy stability: Canada’s got a strong and dependable economy, and it’s a piece of cake to do banking, get loans, or find help with your business. This makes it a sweet spot for people who want to invest, start a business, or buy a house.
- Healthcare: Here’s a big plus — everyone in Canada, whether you’re a citizen or a permanent resident, gets free healthcare. So, rest easy knowing you’re covered if you get sick.
- Cultural melting pot: Canada is like a beautiful patchwork quilt with over 30 different cultural communities. Almost a quarter of Canadians are from diverse backgrounds; a similar percentage were born in other countries. So, keeping your cultural traditions and religious practices alive will be easy.
- Education: Now, let’s talk about schools. Canada’s education system is top-tier worldwide. They invest in education even more than many other wealthy countries. Some of their universities, like McGill, the University of Toronto, McMaster, and the University of British Columbia, are in the global top 100.
How cool is that?
How to Immigrate to Canada from Colombia
There are several pathways available to Colombians seeking to immigrate to Canada, including:
Express Entry
Express Entry is your go-to way if you’re a skilled worker. It works like a competition – you create an online profile, and they score you based on your age, education, work experience, and how well you speak English and French.
Once done, you get thrown into a pool with everyone else who’s applied. Those with the highest scores are then asked to apply for permanent residency.
But, heads up! Express Entry is competitive, so make sure you sell yourself in your profile. Also, just a side note, if you plan on setting up a home in Quebec, you won’t be able to use Express Entry. Quebec has its own immigration rules.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Each province in Canada, except Quebec, has its immigration programs known as Provincial Nominee Programs.
The provinces use these programs to meet their specific labor market needs. For example, if a province needs more healthcare professionals or IT specialists, it can use its PNP to attract these professionals.
There are over 80 PNP streams across Canada, and the requirements vary for each. Some focus on attracting students, others entrepreneurs, skilled workers, semi-skilled workers, or even specific professions.
It’s important to research each PNP to see if you’re eligible. If nominated through a PNP, you can apply for permanent residency.
Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement (CCoFTA)
This agreement allows Colombians in specific occupations to apply for a Canadian work permit. The CCoFTA has defined a list of occupations eligible under this program.
To qualify, you must be a Colombian citizen or permanent resident, work in an eligible occupation, and have a job offer from a Canadian employer.
This pathway is particularly attractive for skilled professionals and technicians in certain fields, as it offers a chance to work in Canada and potentially transition to permanent residency.
Study Permits
This option could be perfect for young individuals from Colombia who aspire to receive top-notch education while laying the groundwork for a future life in Canada.
Studying in Canada as an overseas student permits you to work part-time while continuing your education.
Once you’ve completed your studies, you might qualify for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This permit allows you to work in Canada for three years after graduation.
Working in Canada after your studies can greatly boost your chances of qualifying for different immigration schemes. These could include the Canadian Experience Class, part of the Express Entry system, or certain Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
This way, your journey in Canada can extend beyond just your studies.
Family Sponsorship
If you have family members in Canada who are citizens or permanent residents, they could help you move there under the Family Class Sponsorship. This includes husbands or wives, partners, kids who rely on you, parents, and grandparents.
Caregivers’ Option
You could move to Canada through the caregivers’ program if you’ve been a caregiver. This is for those looking after children, older adults, or people with health issues.
It’s important to note that each path has different rules and steps to apply. You should research each option carefully and maybe get advice from immigration experts to find the best path.
Cost of Immigrating to Canada from Colombia
The costs of immigrating to Canada for Colombian citizens are comparatively reasonable. The total amount depends on your family size and the type of immigration program you apply for.
It includes settlement funds, visa processing fees, document collection, and pet relocation.
An individual might need around CAD 12,500 as a rough guide, while a couple might need about CAD 15,000. Families with children may require between CAD 28,000 and CAD 32,000.
These figures, of course, are only estimates, and the actual costs may vary.