Over the last 200 years, around 4,799,010 Scots have said goodbye to the freezing cold city streets of Edinburgh in favour of… the freezing cold city streets of Ottawa, Canada.
It’s not the weather they have been travelling for, however. In fact, there are a number of reasons why people from all across the world choose to immigrate to Canada. For a long time, Canada has had the fastest-growing economy, with a number of job opportunities and a strong reputation for its openness to newcomers.
In 2023, specifically, reasons such as job opportunities, education system, safety, political system, and diverse, multicultural population are solid factors for anyone who has decided to cross the Atlantic and start up a new life.
If you are thinking of making the same journey, however, you might be thinking: how?
A number of people – Scottish or otherwise – put off moving to another country simply because of the stresses involved in getting there. But there is a simple way to do it. It’s called the “Canadian Express Entry system”, and it has been helping immigrants live and work in Canada for over eight years.
What Is The Express Entry System?
The Express Entry Canada system was founded in 2015 – developed to give immigrants a fast and efficient means of entering the country in as little as six months. It is done by creating an online profile with just a few bits of information about yourself – your age, education, skills, marital status, etc.
The details you input will produce a score based on the transferability of your skills, and then you will be entered into a pool from which applicants are drawn and presented to ITA – Invitation To Apply.
How Do You Do It?
Firstly, as with any visa application, you need to check your eligibility for the program you choose. You also need to have at least one year’s worth of work experience. In other words, whatever you do for work in Scotland, you will need to have a year of experience to transfer those skills over to Canada. Sadly, this isn’t just about visiting the best beauty spots in Canada. It’s about bringing your work skills and contributing positively to Canada’s economy.
You also need a valid travel document, a clean criminal record, a medical certification, and to have completed secondary educational qualification. Check your CRS score – and improve if necessary – before getting your documents together and creating your profile.
Once this is done, it’s then up to you to monitor every draw. If you are chosen and receive an ITA, you’ll have 60 days to pay your processing fees and submit your documentation.
Is It Worth Applying For?
There are many reasons why Canada is worth moving to, and this specific application is the best method to do so. It’s the fastest way to gain permanent residency in Canada, for one, but it is also pretty inexpensive, you would be able to bring your family with you, and you don’t need a pre-established Canadian job to apply.
If you have lived in Scotland all your life, Canada also represents a chance to spread your wings and experience a completely different way of living. It’s a big leap, for sure, but for those who are looking for work in a new place, have an existing family in Canada, or simply want the adventure; the benefits of this new path will certainly be worth it.
