Moving to Canada: A complete guide to immigrating to Canada without an attorney

Book Synopsis: Let me walk you through the process of moving to Canada, either temporarily or permanently. This easy to follow guide explains all of the different programs (and legal jargon) allowing people from around the world to move to Canada, and how each of these ways can put you on the pathway to Canadian citizenship. Benefit from my experience as someone who's actually gone through the immigration process so you know what to expect.

In addition to covering the skilled worker program, work permits, student permits, working holidays, free trade agreements, retiring in Canada, and family reunification, I address other issues faced by newcomers, including:

• Options for people who are currently out of status / undocumented
• Options for people coming from Hong Kong
• Claiming asylum from within Canada or through irregular entry
• Quebec specific immigration for temporary and permanent residents
• Applying with incomplete documentation
• Importing your belongings (and pets)
• Setting up a new home, including mortgage information
• Banking in Canada without a credit history
• Getting a SIN, enrolling in health insurance, and exchanging your driver's license
• Accessing settlement services and finding a job in Canada
• Understanding primary and secondary schools for your children
• Renewing or changing your work permit or PR card
• Traveling without valid travel documents
• Studying French for free in government classes and independently
• Going from a temporary resident to a permanent resident
• Virtual landings, flag poling, and changing status
• How to communicate with the IRCC and their online portals
• What happens if you leave Canada temporarily or permanently

Not everyone will be eligible to move to Canada or stay forever. I also provide a guide to your other options for moving to countries around the globe as well as information on how to end your status as a Canadian resident.

This guide contains links to all relevant forms and sources, so I highly recommend the ebook version. Completely updated in January 2022.