Immigrate from South Africa to Canada:
Permanent Status

Every year, many citizens from South Africa seek a better life for themselves and choose to immigrate to Canada. Since Canada is consistently ranked as being among one of the best countries in the world to live, it is a popular choice for immigrants. Most South Africans tend to re-locate to Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta. If you are intending to immigrate to Canada from South Africa, your first consideration should be the category of immigration, where you will apply.

Since 1996, the Canada Immigration law firm of Abrams & Krochak has helped thousands of South Africans choose the most applicable Canada Immigration category and the most prompt means of coming to this country, consistent with Canada Immigration laws. Be sure to click on the various links on the right side of this page. This is where you will find an overview of the various Canada Immigration categories available to applicants.

After determining which category best suits your goals and qualifications, you may complete our free Canada Immigration Eligibility Assessment questionnaire, which will allow our Canada immigration attorneys to review your eligibility to immigrate to Canada from South Africa, in accordance with Canadian Immigration laws. This service is free of charge and we’ll respond to you within one business day. Fill out as many Online Assessment Questionnaires that are relevant to your circumstances. Each evaluation is meticulously examined by our team of Canada Immigration lawyers in Toronto.

Canadian Immigration Laws: Permanent Residence Status

Once you have emigrated from South Africa, you will be classified as a “permanent resident of Canada”. This is also known as a “landed immigrant of Canada”. Once your Canada Immigration Application process is successful, you will receive a Canada immigrant visa. This confers permanent status upon you, who, as a permanent resident, will have all the same rights and privileges as those of a Canadian citizen (i.e. free health care, free elementary and secondary education, subsidized post-secondary education, the right to work in Canada) with just a few exceptions.

Unlike Canadian citizens,

1. a permanent resident cannot vote;
2. a permanent resident cannot hold a Canadian passport; and
3. a permanent resident can be deported for certain criminal convictions.

When to Apply for Canadian Citizenship After Emigrating from South Africa

After receiving your Canadian Permanent Residence and residing in Canada for at least a total of 1095 days within any consecutive four (4) year period of time, you will be eligible to apply for Canadian Citizenship. If you would like to apply for a Canadian passport, you may do so only after obtaining Canadian Citizenship.

In keeping with the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act of Canada, a permanent resident must reside in Canada for a total of at least 730 days within the five (5) years prior to the date of expiration on his/her Permanent Resident Card in order to be authorized to renew the Permanent Resident Card, subject to certain exceptions.

When a Canadian immigrant visa has been issued to you, it is required that you meet with a Canada Immigration officer at one of Canada’s official ports of entry. This is necessary in order to become a permanent resident.

To become a permanent resident of Canada, you must meet the requirements of one (1) of five (5) classes of Immigration:

• the Federal Skilled Worker Class,
• the Federal Skilled Trades Class,
• the Canadian Experience Class,
• the Family Class or the Business Class, OR
• qualify as a provincial nominee.