How to Migrate to Canada from UAE in 2024 (Updated Guide)

If you currently live in UAE and consider Canada your possible new home, you are making a wise choice. But you must know how to migrate to Canada from UAE first.

Canada is a great place to live, with plenty of opportunities for career growth and a high standard of living.

UAE is an incredible place to live in as well. However, Canada offers far more in terms of freedom and opportunities.

In this Dbd immigration guide, we will outline the Canadian immigration process from UAE. We will also provide some immigration programs and tips for making the move as smooth as possible.

So, if you are ready to take the next step in your life, read on!

How to migrate to Canada from UAE?

With migration being on the rise globally, the United Arab Emirates is no exception. Many UAE residents are exploring their options for migrating to other countries.

Canada is usually counted as one of the best places to live in. Luckily, UAE residents will find moving to Canada easier than most, thanks to the excellent relationship between these two countries.

There are several methods to immigrate to Canada from Dubai. You can apply for a Canadian permanent residence visa if qualified!

Let’s look at some visas you can apply for in Canada from the UAE.

Method 1. Provincial Nominees Program (PNP)

The Provincial Nominees Program (PNP) lets you migrate to Canada from the UAE by being nominated by a province.

Many Canadian provinces are in need of individuals who have specific skills. As a result, they choose the most qualified skilled experts from those who applied.

Remember that even if you meet the requirements, there is no guarantee that you’ll get a visa.

Who is eligible to apply for a provincial nominee visa?

To be eligible for a provincial nomination, you must have abilities that are in demand in one of the provinces.

Each province has different target occupations, including businessmen, skilled workers, and semi-skilled workers.

However, simply having skills won’t suffice. To prove that you’ve worked in the field for a long time, you’ll need an experience certificate.

What are the documents required for a provincial nominee visa?

The following are the requirements to immigrate to Canada from UAE under provincial nomination: ^[1]Canada.ca, “PNP documents checklist, https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/ircc/migration/ircc/english/pdf/kits/forms/imm5690e.pdf”

• An application form that has been filled out
• Two recent photos of each family member
• Passports and travel documents
• Birth certificates of eligible family members
• Marriage or divorce certificates (if any)
• Medical information
• Financial statements
• Language test assessments
• Work experience
• Police certificate

How to apply for a provincial nominee visa from UAE?

To apply for a provincial nominee visa from UAE, first, you must choose the province you want to use.

You can contact the provinces from the “Choose a province or territory” section of the PNP webpage.

There are two ways to apply — the paper-based process and the express entry stream. Usually, the express entry process is quicker than the paper-based process.

Paper-based application for immigration to Canada from UAE

To apply via the paper-based system, you must apply to one of the provinces from their websites. If you meet all requirements, you might get nominated.

After that, you must submit an application to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada.

Express-entry application for immigration to Canada from UAE

If you apply through the express entry system, you must contact the province and apply. If they agree to nominate you, you must create a profile for express entry.

Another way is to create the account and apply it to a territory or province. If they nominate you, you must contact them directly.

All nominated individuals must also pass a medical and police background check.

What is the cost to apply for the provincial nominee visa?

The cost to apply for Canadian immigration from this method is $1,365 in Canadian dollars. This includes the $515 paid for the right to permanent residency.

If you are taking your spouse with you, you must pay $1,365 more. This also includes the $515 for the permanent residency rights.

If you are taking your children with you, you must pay $230 per child.

Applicants must also pay biometric fees when they apply for immigration to Canada from UAE. The cost is $85 per person. ^[2]Canada.ca, “Pay your application fees online, https://eservices.cic.gc.ca/epay/order.do?category=11″

What is the processing time for provincial nominees?

The processing time for the provincial nominees is shorter if you apply via the express entry system. It usually takes a maximum of 21 months, but it could also be sooner.

For the paper-based process, the approval time is 27 months or less.

See also: Check out this Dbd immigration guide on – How to immigrate to USA from UAE, where we provide comprehensive information on the immigration process, requirements, and solutions.

Method 2. Quebec-selected skilled worker

Much like the PNP, Quebec also selects specific people for residency.

But how is it different from the PNP?

The Canadian government lets Quebec have different immigration policies and regulations. So, they can have a separate immigration system for skilled individuals.

Who is eligible to apply for the Quebec immigration visa?

Quebec currently has an invitation for UAE residents involved in the following professions for permanent immigration:

• Information Technology
• Artificial Intelligence
• VFX professionals
• Food processing workers
• Orderlies

Only those who have got a Quebec Selection Certificate are eligible for this type of visa. The certificate is also called “Certificat de sélection du Québec” or CSQ in short.

To obtain the CSQ, you must apply from their official website.

What are the documents required for a Quebec immigration visa?

For immigration to Canada from UAE under the Quebec skilled worker program, you need the following documents:

• A complete Quebec application form
• Two recent photos of each family member
• Passports and travel documents
• Birth certificates of eligible family members
• Marriage or divorce certificates (if any)
• Medical information and police certificate
• Financial statements and work experience
• Language test assessments
• Declaration of intent to stay in Quebec
• Quebec Selection Certificate / Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ)

How to apply for a Quebec immigration visa?

First, you must apply for an immigration program offered by the government of Quebec.

Once you get nominated, you must fill out the required application form. You can also check the document checklist to see any document you may have missed.

Once the application forms are filled, print and sign them. Then, pay the necessary fees online and mail your documents to one of the following addresses:

What is the cost to apply for a Quebec immigration visa?

The cost to apply for a Quebec skilled worker visa is the same as the provincial nominee visa. It costs $1,365 in Canadian dollars for an individual to apply. ^[3]Canada.ca, “Quebec-selected skilled workers: About the process, https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/quebec-skilled-workers.html”

What is the processing time for a Quebec immigration visa?

The processing time for a Quebec skilled-worker visa is 15 to 17 months.

It will take at least one year to process your visa application. So you should be applying for Canadian immigration at least two years before your planned move. ^[4]Canada.ca, “Quebec-selected skilled workers: About the process, https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/quebec-skilled-workers.html”

See also: Check out this Dbd immigration guide on – How to immigrate to UK from UAE, where we provide comprehensive information on the immigration process, requirements, and solutions.

Method 3. Business immigration to Canada from UAE

Canada is an excellent destination for UAE businessmen. The process is relatively straightforward.

There are special visa alternatives for entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals as well.

After you immigrate to Canada from UAE, you can also expand your business into the US market.

Additionally, Canada has a highly educated workforce and a stable political environment.

The Canadian immigration process from UAE for business is possible through many immigration methods.

Self-employed visa

You can also apply for immigration to Canada from UAE as a self-employed resident. This requires no invitation to apply from any Canadian employer since you will be your own boss.

Athletics and culture are the two main focuses of a self-employed visa. You must be able to make significant contributions to Canada’s cultural or athletic life to obtain this visa.

The visa is granted based on experience, education, language abilities, adaptability, and age. ^[5]Canada.ca, “Self-employed person: Who can apply, … Continue reading

So, are you confident that your skills will let you earn enough to settle in Canada? If you answered yes, you can apply for this visa and immigrate to Canada from the UAE.

Startup visa

Entrepreneurs are also given an opportunity to move to Canada. If you are establishing a new company or starting a business in Canada, you can apply for a startup visa.

To qualify, you must secure an investment of at least $200,000 from a designated venture capital fund. You can also qualify by securing $75,000 from an angel investor group. ^[6]cic.gc.ca, “Help Center, “https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=653&top=6#:~:text=What%20is%20the,investment%20of%20%2475%2C000.”

Your new business must also create jobs for Canadian residents. If your business plan is innovative and can compete globally, you qualify for a startup visa.

Who is eligible to apply for a business visa?

A self-employed visa is only given to those with at least two years of experience in the relevant field.

There is a scoring system that tests your ability to contribute to the federal economic goals of Canada. You must score at least 35 points on that test to be eligible.

The test calculates your score based on the following criteria: ^[7]Canada.ca, “Self-employed person: Selection criteria, https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/self-employed/eligibility/selection-factors.html”

• Up to 25 points for Education: How much education have you received? The scale is from High school degree to Ph.D. level.
• Up to 35 points for Experience: How many years of experience do you have? The scale is 2 to 5 years or more.
• Up to 10 points for Age: What is your age? People aged 21 to 49 will get a 10/10. The further you are from this age group, the lower your score is.
• Up to 24 points for English/French language ability: How good is your English or French? IELTS and TEF tests should be taken to understand your proficiency.
• Up to 6 points for Adaptability: How strong are your ties to Canada? You score higher if you have relatives in Canada or have prior Canadian experience.

Similarly, the startup visa requires support from one of the designated organizations in Canada. If you have support from investors in Canada, you can apply for a startup visa. ^[8]Canada.ca, List of designated organizations – start-up visa, https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/start-visa/designated-organizations.html

You need to convince the supporters that your business idea is both innovative and competitive on a local level. In addition, it is necessary to create Canadian jobs with your startup plan.

What are the requirements for a business visa?

These are the documents that are required for a business visa for Canadian immigration: ^[9]Canada.ca, “Document checklist, https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/ircc/migration/ircc/english/pdf/kits/forms/imm5784e.pdf”

• Two photos
• Valid passport
• Education certificates
• Police certificate
• Birth certificates
• IMM-0008 application form
• A qualifying business and letter of support from a designated organization for startups
• Language test reports
• Funds of $13,310 for you and an additional $3,586 for every other family member if you are applying for a startup visa
• Proof of relevant experience

In addition, you need to provide information about the jobs you held in the past ten years. You also need to submit marriage and divorce certificates if applicable.

Lastly, you must provide declarations for intent to stay in Canada, background declaration, and dependents declaration.

How to apply for a business visa?

To apply for a business visa, UAE residents must fill out an IMM 0008 form. It can be found on the immigration page of the canada.ca website.

After that, you must pay the required fees and mail the signed forms to a Canadian consulate.

Remember to attach all the necessary documents before you mail them. If you miss any documents’ submission, it will take longer to approve your application.

What is the cost of applying for a business visa?

This is the cost breakdown for the business visa. All currencies are in Canadian dollars.

You must pay $1,625 as an application processing fee and $515 as the fee for the right of permanent residence.

You also need to pay $850 more if you want to bring your spouse with you. For their right of permanent residence, you must pay $515 more.

A $230 fee must be paid for every dependent child you want to bring along. ^[10]ircc.canada.ca, “Fee list, https://www.ircc.canada.ca/english/information/fees/fees.asp”

What is the processing time for a business visa?

The processing times for business visas are pretty long.

The processing time for the self-employed visa application is 41 months. Similarly, the processing time for a startup visa is between 12 and 16 months. ^[11]Canada.ca, “Immigrate as a self-employed person: About the process, https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/self-employed.html”

UAE residents who wish to apply for Canadian immigration must make a long-term strategy. It is a time-consuming process that may last several years.

See also: Check out this Dbd immigration guide on – How to immigrate to Australia from UAE, where we provide comprehensive information on the immigration process, requirements, and solutions.

Method 4. Work visa for immigration to Canada from UAE

If you look forward to working in Canada, you will need a work visa. It is possible to apply for a work visa online in the UAE.

There are many benefits to working in Canada. Some of them are high-quality healthcare, a stable political environment, and a thriving economy.

So, how to migrate to Canada from UAE with a work visa? Let’s find out.

Who is eligible to apply for a work visa?

A UAE resident who has been given a job offer can apply for a work visa.

To be eligible, the work offer must be genuine. You must also prove that they will return to their home country after their visa term is up.

The Canadian authorities will assess the employer’s history, wages, and working conditions being offered to you.

In addition, you must be in good health and have a clean police record. If these requirements are met, you will likely be granted a work visa and work permits.

What are the documents required for a work visa?

Here are the documents you need to provide to get a work visa from UAE: ^[12]Canada.ca, “Guide 5487 – Applying for a Work Permit Outside Canada, … Continue reading

• UAE passport
• Two photos taken recently
• Proof of employment in Canada
• Birth and marriage certificates of your family members if they are coming to Canada from Dubai with you
• All documents in Arabic must be translated to English or French

How to apply for a work visa?

The process is simple and straightforward. All you need to do is fill out an online application form and submit it with the required documents.

Once your application is approved, you will receive a work permit allowing you to work in Canada for a specific period.

First, you need to download the work visa application form and fill it out. You must enter your personal & passport details, job information, and background information.

After you fill out the form, print the whole form and sign it. Then you can make the necessary fees online and send them to a Visa Application Center in your area. ^[13]Canada.ca, Find a visa application centre, https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/contact-ircc/offices/find-visa-application-centre.html

What is the cost to apply for a work visa?

You need to pay the work permit fee of 155 Canadian Dollars per person. In addition, you also need to provide your biometrics which cost 85 Canadian Dollars per person.

For open work permit holders, additional fees of 100 Canadian Dollars must also be paid.

These are the fees you need to pay as of June 2024 in Canadian Dollars. These fees might change in the future. ^[14]Canada.ca, “Guide 5487 – Applying for a Work Permit outside Canada, … Continue reading

What is the processing time for a work visa?

The total time it takes to obtain the visa from the day you apply is 62 weeks. ^[15]Canada.ca, “Check processing times of Canada Work Visa, https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-processing-times.html”

The processing time for the application itself is around 30 days from the date you submit your visa application. ^[16]Canada.ca, “Work permit: After you apply, https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/permit/temporary/after-apply-next-steps.html”

However, the processing time might change depending on how precise your documents are. If they are unclear or you miss some documents, you will need to submit them, which will take more time.

Moreover, the immigration authority may ask you to send some more supporting documents. In such cases, your processing time will increase as well.

See also: Check out this Dbd immigration guide on – How to immigrate to New Zealand from UAE, where we provide comprehensive information on the immigration process, requirements, and solutions.

Method 5. Family Sponsorship for immigration to Canada from UAE

Do you have a relative who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident? Then they can sponsor you to come to Canada through the family class sponsorship program.

To be eligible for sponsorship, your relative must meet specific requirements set by the Canadian government.

The family member must be 18 years of age or older and be able to provide for your basic needs. Additionally, they must be financially stable and have no criminal history.

If your relative meets all of these requirements, they can begin the sponsorship process by submitting an application to the Canadian government.

Once approved, they will be responsible for supporting you financially for a period of time. After you have been in Canada for a certain number of years, you will also be eligible to apply for permanent residency. ^[17]Canada.ca, “Family sponsorship, https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/family-sponsorship.html”

Method 6. Student Visa for immigration to Canada from UAE

Canada has some of the world’s best educational institutions. That is why thousands of students travel to Canada for studies.

Students in the UAE can apply for a student visa to study at an undergraduate or postgraduate level.

The Canadian immigration process from UAE for studying is possible for minors too. But if they are under 17, their guardian must either accompany them or prove that the minor has a custodian in Canada. ^[18]Canada.ca, “Studying in Canada as a minor, https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/prepare/minor-children.html”

You can also apply for scholarships to help cover the cost of your studies. The website educanada.ca can help you look for schools and courses in Canada.

Keep in mind provinces and territories have their education system. Make sure to do your research to choose a school that is right for you.

Funds for your studies should also be a consideration when choosing a school. Some schools are more expensive than others.

You must have enough funds to cover your rent and other expenses. You can apply for a study permit from canada.ca’s official website.

What are the benefits of permanent residence in Canada?

Canada is a land of opportunity with a high standard of living, excellent education, and world-class health care. As a result, it’s no surprise that many people choose to make Canada their permanent home.

Permanent residents enjoy several benefits. They have the right to live, work and study anywhere in Canada, as well as protection under Canadian law.

In addition, permanent residents are eligible for free health care and social services, such as Old Age Security and Employment Insurance.

After immigration to Canada from UAE, permanent residents can eventually apply for Canadian citizenship too.

Given these advantages, it’s easy to see why so many people choose to make Canada their home permanently.

Our research methodology

To find how to migrate to Canada from UAE, we evaluated different options available for the UAE residents.

Canada’s official website, Canada.ca, was our primary source of information. The site contains all visa details in several sections, which we have brought together in this research article for your ease.

The Canadian government provides multiple short and long-term visa options.

We have listed visa processes for immigration to Canada from UAE that let you stay in for more extended time periods.

We selected the immigration options which allow you to stay in Canada for a longer period of time. On top of that, we also made sure that these methods will enable you to get a permanent residence in the future.

To get an idea of the processes, we reached out to the people with real experience of going through these processes and currently living in Canada.

Just to make sure, we contacted a few renowned consultants to learn about the visa application processes.

For visas with shorter terms, such as the work visa, we made sure that they could be extended. Doing so will help you stay in Canada until you get a permanent residence.

We also took a look at the following official documents from Canada’s immigration authority:

• “Generic application form for Canada” by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada ^[19]Canada.ca, “Generic application form for Canada, https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/ircc/migration/ircc/english/pdf/kits/forms/imm0008enu_2d.pdf”
• “Application for work permit made outside of Canada” by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada ^[20]Canada.ca, “Application for work permit made outside of Canada, https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/ircc/migration/ircc/english/pdf/kits/forms/imm1295e.pdf”
• “Application for study permit made outside of Canada” by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada ^[21]Canada.ca, “Application for study permit made outside of Canada, https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/ircc/migration/ircc/english/pdf/kits/forms/imm1294e.pdf”

Finding suitable visa applications that fit your needs and eligibility is very confusing. We planned this research article to make it easier for you to see how and where you can apply.

We compiled all the possible visas UAE residents can apply for migrating to Canada from official sources only.

All the information contained in this article is entirely accurate as of its publishing date.

FAQs about Canadian immigration from UAE

Final thoughts

There are several alternatives for immigrating to Canada. With some research, you can find a method for which you may be eligible.

Canadian immigration from UAE is undoubtedly easier than it is from most countries. But the process is still lengthy and challenging.

By now, you should have a good idea of how to migrate to Canada from UAE. So we suggest you prepare as soon as possible, as the process can take a while.

We hope this Dbd guide provided you with all the necessary information to decide on your migration process.

Please feel free to share it with others who may find it helpful. We always appreciate the support from our readers!