Moving from Colombia to Canada: What You Need to Know

Do you want to move to Canada from Colombia? There are many different ways to immigrate to Canada from Colombia, from the globally popular Express Entry system, to the country-specific options outlined in the Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement. In this article, you’ll learn the best options for moving to Canada from Colombia.

Canada and Colombia have a long and fruitful relationship. The two countries have been officially engaged in diplomatic partnership since 1953. This partnership has only grown in the years since, with the 2011 Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement (CCoFTA) officially cementing those ties.

In 2021, approximately 3,000 Colombians will immigrate to Canada, being admitted as new Canadian permanent residents. For those looking to immigrate to Canada from Colombia, this article breaks down some of the most popular options.

Why Move to Canada from Colombia?

Canada has become one of the most popular destinations for Colombians looking to build a better future abroad. The country’s strong economy, high quality of life, public safety, and immigration opportunities make it an attractive option for individuals and families alike.

Better Employment Opportunities

One of the main reasons Colombians choose Canada is the access to better job opportunities. Canada’s labor market continues to face shortages in several industries, creating opportunities for skilled workers, international graduates, and newcomers.

For many immigrants, finding employment in their professional field can lead to higher salaries and improved career growth compared to opportunities available in Colombia. While success depends on factors such as language proficiency, education, and work experience, Canada offers a dynamic job market with opportunities across a wide range of sectors.

Greater Safety and Security

Canada consistently ranks among the safest countries in the world. Low crime rates, strong public institutions, and well-maintained public spaces contribute to a sense of security that many newcomers appreciate.

As a Colombian living in Canada’s largest metropolitan areas, I have personally noticed a significant difference in everyday safety:

Higher Quality of Life

Canada offers a high standard of living supported by a strong economy, quality public services, and competitive wages. While the cost of living can be higher than in Colombia, salaries are generally higher as well, particularly when compared to the minimum wage.

Many newcomers find that everyday necessities, including groceries, technology, household goods, and consumer products, are more affordable relative to average earnings. Additionally, Canada’s public healthcare system, educational opportunities, and social benefits contribute to an overall higher quality of life for many residents.

Personal and Professional Growth

Moving to Canada can also provide opportunities for personal development. Learning new languages, adapting to a multicultural environment, and gaining international work experience can open doors that may not have been available otherwise.

Downsides of Moving to Canada from Colombia

Although Canada offers many advantages, immigrating is not without its challenges. Understanding the potential downsides can help newcomers prepare for a successful transition.

Language Requirements Can Be Challenging

One of the biggest challenges for Colombians moving to Canada is the need for strong language skills. Whether you are applying as a skilled worker, an international student, or seeking employment, proficiency in English, French, or both is often essential.

Without a solid command of at least one of Canada’s official languages, it can be difficult to qualify for immigration programs, secure employment in your profession, or fully integrate into Canadian society.

For those planning to immigrate, investing time in language training before arriving can significantly improve both immigration prospects and job opportunities.

Higher Housing Costs

Housing is another challenge many newcomers face. Home prices and rental costs in major Canadian cities such as Toronto and Vancouver are considerably higher than in most Colombian cities.

In addition, Canada generally offers fewer government-supported programs for first-time homebuyers than those available in Colombia. As a result, purchasing a home often requires a larger down payment, stronger credit history, and higher household income.

While housing may be more affordable in smaller cities and rural communities, newcomers should carefully research living costs before deciding where to settle.

Can Colombians Live in Canada?

Yes, Colombians can legally live in Canada, but they must have a valid immigration status.

A visitor visa allows Colombian citizens to travel to Canada temporarily, but it does not authorize long-term residence. Most visitors can stay in Canada for up to six months per visit, although the exact length of stay is determined by a border services officer upon entry.

If you wish to live permanently in Canada, you must obtain an appropriate immigration status through one of Canada’s immigration programs. Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify through pathways such as:

• Express Entry
• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
• Family sponsorship
• Study permits leading to permanent residence
• Work permits and employer-sponsored pathways
• Programs under the The Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement (CCoFTA)
• Francophone immigration programs

Each pathway has its own eligibility requirements, including education, work experience, language proficiency, and financial criteria.

In the sections below, we will explore the most common ways Colombians can immigrate to Canada and eventually obtain permanent residence.

Express Entry: Immigration to Canada for skilled workers

Express Entry is Canada’s major system for skilled workers looking to become Canadian permanent residents. Express Entry is a highly-competitive immigration system that ranks eligible candidates based on their personal profile and experience (factors include age, education, work experience, ability in English and/or French, and more).

Notably, if you’re planning to immigrate to the province of Quebec, you cannot apply through Express Entry, as Quebec has its own separate immigration system.

Due to its competitiveness, Express Entry is not the best option for everyone. However, if you are a younger candidate with skilled work experience, high levels of post-secondary education, and strong command of English and/or French — Express Entry could be a good option for you.

Through Express Entry, you can apply directly for Canadian permanent resident status. This grants you the ability to live and work freely, anywhere in Canada, for as long as you’d like. Express Entry also allows you to include your spouse/common-law partner and any dependent children, so you’ll all become permanent residents at the same time.

The Canadian government aims to process 80 percent of Express Entry applications in 6 months or less (although processing times have been impacted significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic).

The Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement (CCoFTA)

The Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement (CCoFTA) provides a unique opportunity for Colombians who wish to move to Canada. The CCoFTA allows professional workers and technicians working in select specialty occupations to obtain Canadian work permits.

In order to be eligible for a Canadian work permit through the CCoFTA, you must be:

• A Colombian citizen or permanent resident;
• A professional or technician working in an eligible occupation (see below for eligible occupations); and
• Entering Canada to provide pre-arranged professional services (i.e. have a job offer from a Canadian employer).

To be considered a professional through the CCoFTA, you must be practicing in an occupation at National Occupational Classification (NOC) Skill Level 0 or A, which requires theoretical and practical application of a body of specialized knowledge. Your occupation must require completion of a post-secondary degree of at least four years of study.

Most NOC Skill Level 0 and A occupations are eligible. However, the following occupations are excluded for CCoFTA work permits for professionals:

To find out if your occupation is NOC skill level 0 or A, use this Government of Canada tool.

To be considered a technician through the CCoFTA, you must be practicing in an occupation at NOC Skill Level B, which requires theoretical and practical application of a body of specialized knowledge. Your occupation must require completion of a post-secondary degree or technical degree of at least two years.

Only some NOC Skill Level B occupations are eligible. The following occupations are eligible for CCoFTA work permits for technicians:

To find out if your occupation is NOC skill level B, use this Government of Canada tool.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Most of Canada’s provinces operate their own mini-immigration programs, called Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). These PNPs allow the provinces to select new immigrants based on their own needs. Depending on which province you’d like to call home, a PNP could provide you with a pathway to Canada!

Each province operates multiple PNP streams with different eligibility requirements. For example, the province of British Columbia has one stream for healthcare professionals, another for businesspeople, and another for people who completed university in the province.

When it comes to PNPs, one of the biggest challenges is assessing your eligibility for all of these PNP streams to determine which ones could be an option for you.

You can check the basic eligibility requirements for all of Canada’s PNP streams using Moving2Canada’s handy PNP Tracker Tool. But if you want to have a more comprehensive analysis of your immigration options, consider booking a consultation with an immigration consultant.

Study permits: Come to Canada as an international student from Colombia

Another excellent option for immigrating to Canada is to begin as an international student. Canada has world-renowned educational institutions and is one of the top destinations in the world for international students. Plus, studying in Canada can make it much easier to stay in the country permanently.

Many international students in Canada are eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after they complete their Canadian studies. The PGWP allows you to stay in Canada and work for up to three years. And — Canadian work experience could make you eligible for a permanent residence program, like Express Entry or certain PNP streams.

One important consideration for prospective international students is the cost. Canadian tuition fees are not cheap, and they vary dramatically depending on the program and the school. Smaller community colleges, like the New Brunswick Community College, offer international tuition fees around CAD$10,000 per year, but Canada’s bigger and more prestigious universities sometimes charge upwards of $50,000 per year.

International students in Canada can be eligible to work part-time while studying, so you may be able to offset your tuition costs. However, careful financial planning is important if you want to pursue the international student route.

Get help with your immigration

This article covered some of the most popular options for moving to Canada from Colombia, but it didn’t cover everything. There are other types of work permits, regional immigration programs, and sponsorship options for partners of Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

If you want professional assistance in assessing your Canadian immigration options and in preparing and submitting your application, get started today by booking a consultation.