Welcome to Canada
Canada is a diverse, multicultural society with exciting job opportunities for skilled professionals in all regions of the country. Stretching from the Pacific coast to the Atlantic, and from the Arctic in the north to the Great Lakes on our southern border, Canada’s 10 provinces and three territories also provide a wide variety of lifestyle benefits for skilled workers from overseas. The lower cost of living, reduced housing prices, good transportation networks and relaxed pace of smaller communities make living in Canada’s regions an attractive option.
Each year, over 130,000 skilled workers, business immigrants and provincial/territorial nominees are granted permanent residence in Canada. We encourage you to join them and to see for yourself what Canada has to offer.
Who we are
The Canadian High Commission in London processes applications for all categories of Permanent and Temporary Residence Visas. The Immigration and Medical Division checks all applications for completeness and proper fee payment before reviewing the documentation and screening the applicant for compliance with the provisions of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. If all requirements are met, a visa will be issued to enable the holder to travel to Canada.
Canadian immigration officers based in London regularly attend migration events to provide information and answer questions from the public concerning Canada’s various immigration programs.
The Provincial Nominee Program
One of the fastest ways to immigrate to Canada is to be nominated by one of Canada’s provinces or territories. These jurisdictions have the ability to select their own immigrants according to their regional labour market or other economic needs. If you have a skill that’s in demand, or a history of successfully managing a business, you may apply directly to the province or territory for a nomination certificate.
Once nominated, you can submit an application for permanent residence to the High Commission. If it is approved, you and your dependants will receive visas to settle in the province/territory that nominated you. You will be required to fulfil the conditions of your nomination certificate, but your permanent resident status means that your dependants can work or study without further authorisation.
The Skilled Worker Program
Federal skilled workers are granted permanent residence in Canada based on a combination of factors including their age, level of education, length of work experience in a skilled trade or profession, and knowledge of English and French. While it will take more time to receive a visa under this program than in the Provincial Nominee category, federal skilled workers are free to settle and work in any province or territory (except Quebec, which has its own selection system).