Immigration is a long, costly and sometimes painful process. The most important key for a successful immigration request is to be organized and to have an acute knowledge of its process. For instance, failing to submit a document could further delay your request as well as cost you a lot of money.
We at WhoWeAre would like to help you get prepared for this life-changing adventure by giving you some useful resources! This site is for you, and if you know of any other good websites that would be relevant to this community, please do not hesitate to share in the comment section!
1 – CIC | Citizenship and Immigration Canada
This is an obvious one and should be your primary source of information for all official procedures concerning immigration to Canada. Make sure you read everything on this site, and understand under which category you should apply for immigration. Some categories of immigrants are more “favourable” to the Canadian Government than others, which means your application process could be sped up greatly. Also, all forms and necessary documents to be submitted are listed on this site (though not in the most ergonomic way). Do not count on Canadian High Commissions to provide you with information, we’ve heard countless times that they are not being really useful to immigrants. Basically, this site is a fantastic source of official information.
2- Immigration.ca | A forum for immigrants just like you
Along the years, this forum has grown to become a great source of unofficial information regarding immigration to Canada, and in a way completes nicely the CIC website. Powered by people looking to or in the process of immigrating, it covers everything from Processing times for people in the Philippines to How much money has to be shown to Canadian officials upon arrival. It’s also a great place to build up a sense of community and to share with people who are going through the same process as you are.
3- Not Canada
This website has sprung up to give a voice to immigrants who are disillusioned by their arrival to Canada. We know this is an odd reference for a post that actually is pro-immigration. Even though this site tends to be over dramatic, the stories of these people are real. NotCanada might shine some light about some realities of Canada that are unknown to immigrants before their arrival. For instance, it’s important to know that your diplomas and work experience might not be recognized upon arrival in this country. To avoid any disillusion and to get prepared properly for what’s really awaiting you in Canada, we strongly suggest you take a look at this website. Again, we want to stress that preparation is key for success. Get to know what you’re getting into, and this way you won’t end up on NotCanada!
4- Settlement | A source of information for those who want to immigrate to Toronto and Ontario
Of all the provinces in Canada, Ontario is the primary destination for immigrants, especially Toronto. Here, you will find information and help to find a job, learn English, organize daycare services for your kids, learn about your community and get your legal documents such as your driver’s license sorted out. Don’t wait till you’ve arrived in Canada to get accustomed with all those elements. The more you know about Canada before you get here, the easier your integration to this nation will be.
5- Nabeez’s blog
Nabeez immigrated to Canada some time ago and he is sharing on his blog some very useful information on how to get settled in this country. His experience is especially relevant to those who want to immigrate to Ontario, but it is still informative for most of you.
This completes our first post in this 25 Articles serie on How to Immigrate to Canada. We want to hear what you have to say and your inputs on immigrate. Start sharing now in the comments section!
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This post takes part in a 25 Articles serie on How to Immigrate to Canada. Stay tuned for what’s to come next!