You can apply to one of six immigration programs in Canada. They include skilled workers class, business class, provincial nomination, family class, Quebec class and international adoption. Business class is for investors, entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals. Provincial nomination is for those living in a specific province other than Quebec, and these persons are able to be nominated for immigration by that province. Family class is for those who have Canadian relatives willing to sponsor them. Quebec class is for those wishing to live in the province of Quebec. International adoption is for children from foreign countries who are adopted by Canadian residents.
Fill out a visa application. This can be obtained on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website. Which visa application you need to fill will be determined by what program you chose in Step 1 to apply through. This will also explain other documents you will need.
Obtain a medical certificate and criminal record check. A list of agencies approved for medical certificates can be found on the CIC website. The forms for a criminal record check can be downloaded from the FBI website. You will need to have fingerprinting done at a local police station or at a private fingerprinting company. Get these filled out and complete the other documents needed which may include language and/or skills test results, letters from sponsors or a letter from a new employer.
Make sure your passport is updated.
Make two copies of detailed lists of everything you will be shipping to Canada, including anything that will be arriving after you get there and their value. These will be presented to customs at the border.
Once you have received your visa, move to Canada.
Exchange your American dollars for Canadian dollars.
Apply for Canadian personal identification such as a driver's license and a health insurance card. Licenses are issued by each province's motor vehicle licensing agency. A listing of websites for these agencies can be found on the CIC website. You can get an application for health insurance at a doctor's office, hospital, pharmacy, or immigrant-serving organization. There may be a waiting period for health insurance of up to three months, so you might need to keep your private health insurance or obtain health insurance until you are eligible for Canada's public health insurance.
