How to immigrate to Canada from the U.A.E.

Every year, thousands of expatriates living in the United Arab Emirates apply to immigrate to Canada.

In fact, the Emirates is the fifth most popular country of residence of successful Express Entry candidates, after Canada, India, the U.S. and Nigeria.

Many of those who immigrate from the Emirates are expatriates. When it comes to applying for immigration from the Emirates, both Emirati citizens and foreign expats are equally considered.

Even though the Emirates boasts a high quality of life, many people choose to immigrate to Canada for a number of reasons.

These include a pathway to citizenship, universal health care, high quality education, job opportunities, as well as a plethora of nature and wildlife.

The most popular way for expats living in the Emirates and Emirati citizens to immigrate to Canada is as skilled workers.

Canada is looking to welcome over one million new immigrants by the end of 2022, as per the Immigration Levels Plan 2020-2022.

Find out if you are eligible for Canadian immigration

Although the coronavirus pandemic has slowed down immigration, Canada continues to process skilled workers’ applications.

Skilled workers are evaluated based on a number of factors including age, work experience, education level and language proficiency. The majority of immigrants from the Emirates have a strong grasp of the English language. It is for that reason that they have an advantage when applying for permanent residence.

Express Entry

The system that the federal government uses to manage permanent residence applications is called Express Entry.

Through this system, skilled workers are able to submit their interest in immigrating to Canada.

Interested candidates should be eligible for one of three immigration programs: the Foreign Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Foreign Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

If you have not lived in Canada before, your best chance to be eligible for Express Entry will likely be under the FSWP.

Those who are eligible are able to create their Express Entry profile.

You will be required to take a recognized language proficiency test in English or in French. You will also be required to get your foreign educational credentials assessed.

However, creating an Express Entry profile is free.

You are given a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on your Express Entry profile.

Every two weeks, the Canadian government invites the highest ranking candidates to apply for permanent residence.Even with the travel restrictions in place, Canada continues to issue invitations to individuals living abroad. This is because Canada recognizes the importance of immigration to economic recovery post-pandemic.

Find out if you are eligible for Express Entry

PNP

Another option for people immigrating from the Emirates is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The PNP gives provinces and territories the ability to nominate foreign skilled workers to meet their economic needs.

Candidates are able to apply for a specific PNP stream directly. In addition, creating an Express Entry profile gives you more options. Once you are in the Express Entry pool, you may receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence, or you may receive an invitation to apply for a provincial nomination, if the province or territory is interested in your profile.

100+ options

In all, Emirati citizens and foreign expats have over 100 skilled worker options to choose from. Beyond Express Entry and the PNP, Canada operates many other skilled worker immigration programs that those from the Emirates can benefit from in pursuit of their Canadian immigration goals.

Get a free Canada immigration eligibility assessment