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Guide to Residency in Canada

By Joshua Wood, LPC

William Russell
William Russell

Summary: How to get residency in Canada. A Guide for Expats, Retirees and Immigrants in Canada.

Moving to Canada - Guide to Residency in Canada

Obtaining a residency visa in Canada is not always easy, but our Guide to Residency in Canada gives newcomers an overview of the steps involved and advice from others who have already navigated the process.

  • Research the different types of residency status available in Canada, such as permanent residency, temporary residency, and student visas.
  • Gather the necessary documents to apply for residency status, such as a valid passport, proof of financial support, and a medical exam.
  • Apply for a Tax Number from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA):
    • Visit the CRA website and create an account.
    • Fill out the application form for a Tax Number.
    • Submit the form and wait for the CRA to process the application.
  • Complete the residency application form and submit it to the Canadian government.
  • Wait for the Canadian government to process the application and issue a residency status.

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Traveling Mailbox

Traveling Mailbox serves thousands of travelers, expats, digital nomads, businesses, individuals and others in over 47 Countries by scanning their postal mail so they can view it online anywhere in the world. They provide customer service 7 days a week so if you need assistance, it is just a phone call away. Traveling Mailbox works with Evernote, Bill.com and Dropbox. And, there are Traveling Mailbox apps available for iOS and Android devices.

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What tips do expats have about residency and visas in Canada?

"If you plan to stay in Canada for a significant period of time, you will need to apply for a residency document, such as a Permanent Resident (PR) card or a Temporary Resident (TR) permit. The immigration processes for each of these documents can be quite different, so it is important to make sure you understand which type of residency document or visa you need before submitting an application. To apply for a PR card, you must meet both residence and eligibility requirements. For a TR permit, you must meet certain requirements such as having a valid passport, a valid job offer, proof of funds to support your stay in Canada, and be able to meet medical and criminality requirements," said one expat living in Canada.

Traveling Mailbox

Traveling Mailbox serves thousands of travelers, expats, digital nomads, businesses, individuals and others in over 47 Countries by scanning their postal mail so they can view it online anywhere in the world. They provide customer service 7 days a week so if you need assistance, it is just a phone call away. Traveling Mailbox works with Evernote, Bill.com and Dropbox. And, there are Traveling Mailbox apps available for iOS and Android devices.

Learn MoreConnect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Traveling Mailbox

Traveling Mailbox serves thousands of travelers, expats, digital nomads, businesses, individuals and others in over 47 Countries by scanning their postal mail so they can view it online anywhere in the world. They provide customer service 7 days a week so if you need assistance, it is just a phone call away. Traveling Mailbox works with Evernote, Bill.com and Dropbox. And, there are Traveling Mailbox apps available for iOS and Android devices.

Learn MoreConnect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

" You can find extensive information about immigrating to Canada on their official website. There is a program where you may be able to apply as a Quebec Skilled Worker. ," commented one expat living in Montreal, Canada.

"There are a number of ways to legally immigrate to Canada: as a skilled worker, entrepreneur, self-employed person and several other options. You may also be eligible to study in Canada, ," mentioned one expat living in Canada.

"In order to be eligible to apply for a visa in Canada, applicants must meet certain requirements, including: having valid identity documents, providing proof of financial support, and satisfying medical and security checks. The process of applying for a visa also includes completing an online application, submitting supporting documents, and submitting biometrics for identity verification. The process for applying for residency in Canada involves completing an online application and submitting supportive documents, such as a police certificate, proof of financial support, and evidence of a valid identity. Additionally, applicants must pass medical and criminal background checks and make a language test to prove they can speak one of Canada's official languages," said an expat in Canada.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


William Russell
William Russell

William Russell
William Russell

SJB Global
SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
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SJB GlobalSJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

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William Russell
William Russell

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