As the world’s 12th largest economy (according to Investopedia), South Korea produces and exports leading automotive and technology brands that continue to dominate their respective industries. However, many Koreans are finding it difficult to find employment due to the current labour shortage and are choosing to work in Canada instead.
If you are interested in moving to Canada and wondering how to immigrate from South Korea, PAIC has all the information you need! Canada’s user-friendly immigration system makes moving to Canada easy. Many Koreans are looking for opportunities and believe that moving to Canada will be a step towards a bright future.
Canada’s first and only accessible trade agreement in the Asia-Pacific region – the Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement – has helped many Koreans immigrate to Canada. There are so many occupations available to foreign immigrants in Canada that the government has put in place programs and frameworks to make it easier for skilled foreign professionals to enter.
Immigrating to Canada from South Korea as a permanent resident
The Canadian Permanent Resident (PR) program is open to people from all over the world, including Korean citizens. To be eligible for PR, you must meet specific criteria. Once you have met all of these requirements, you can apply for PR and, if approved, you can live and work permanently in Canada. Tram PAIC is here to help Korean citizens who wish to apply for PR in Canada. To obtain PR in Canada from South Korea, you must be eligible for one of the following immigration programs.
- Study Permit
- Express Entry
- Provincial Nominee Program (with Express Entry without Express Entry)
Canada offers a variety of paths to becoming a Canadian citizen. Choose the path that suits you best.
Immigrating to Canada from South Korea as an international student
In collaboration with the Canadian and South Korean governments, BIO Korea 2023 is a program for Canadian life science students to be held from May 10-12, 2023. Before applying for a study visa as a Korean, if you know which universities are preferred by international students, your chances of obtaining a Canadian study permit will increase.
The following universities have a higher acceptance rate for international students than others:
| Province | University Name | Acceptance rate |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta | University of Lethbridge | 93% |
| Manitoba | University of Winnipeg | 75% |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Memorial University of Newfoundland | 67% |
| Manitoba | Brandon University | 47% |
To apply for a Canadian study permit, you need to know the following:
Designated Institute of Learning
To apply for a study permit, you must register with a university or institution of higher learning that is authorized by a provincial or territorial government to accept foreign students. You should check online to see if the institution you have chosen is on the list of designated educational institutions by province/territory.
Letter of acceptance
The first step in applying for a Canadian study permit from Korea is to obtain a letter of acceptance from a designated Canadian educational institution. A prospective student may first request a letter of acceptance from a designated educational institution. The institution may issue a letter of acceptance if the applicant is accepted.
Canada’s GPA for study permit
Each university has its own grading system, and if you are applying for a PhD in Korea, you must have the minimum required grade set by the university in question. Grades in Canada range from 4.0 to 9.0.
Cost of study
For some universities (Brandon University), the cost of studying in Canada depends on the number of credits. At some universities, it depends on the program you are applying for: Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctorate.
Level of study :
If you wish to study in Canada from Korea, you must obtain a study permit before your arrival. Canadian universities offer four levels of study programs for international students: bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. Several universities and private institutions also offer short-term programs that allow students to obtain diplomas, certificates or professional designations.
Immigrating to Canada from South Korea through Express Entry
Express Entry is the fastest route to Canada for international skilled workers. There are three programs described in Canada’s Express Entry system.
- Canadian Experience Class
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
Applying under the Canadian Experience Class
Assume you have Canadian work experience. If you meet the eligibility criteria, people with Canadian work experience are awarded additional points under the CRS Express Entry system (maximum 80 points). Most Korean employers with Canadian work experience choose the CEC program for Canadian immigration and receive an ITA for Canadian PR quickly.
Applying under the Federal Skilled Worker Program
The Federal Skilled Worker Program is for skilled people who wish to immigrate permanently to Canada and who have previously worked abroad. Let’s say you are interested in this program and want to move to Canada from South Korea. In this case, you need to be aware of the six selection factors that influence the scoring process under Express Entry through the Federal Skilled Worker Program. Let’s say you work as a computer engineer or a health professional. In this case, this is the best time to apply for permanent resident status in Canada, as both occupations are on the list of occupations in demand.
Applying under the federal skilled worker exchange program
Let’s assume that you have already worked in Canada. If you meet the eligibility criteria, people with Canadian work experience get extra points in the CRS Express Entry system (maximum 80 points). Most Korean employers with Canadian work experience choose the CEC program for Canadian immigration and quickly receive an ITA for Canadian PR.
Minimum score required to immigrate to Canada from South Korea
The MCP score required for Express Entry may change from one round of invitations to the next. The MCP score fluctuates within a range of federal government requirements. In the last draw on January 18, 2023, the minimum score was 490, while in the January 11 draw it was 507.
Immigrating to Canada from South Korea through the Provincial Nominee Program
There are two ways to access Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program:
- without Express Entry,
- with Express Entry.
If you selected a province when you applied for Canadian immigration through Express Entry, you will get an additional 600 points for your Express Entry profile. British Columbia, Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan are the provinces chosen by the majority of Koreans.
Documents required to immigrate to Canada from South Korea
If you obtain an ITA from the federal government, you must be prepared to provide the following documents:
- Evaluation of credentials
- Language test results
- Job offer from Canadian employer (if applicable)
- Provincial Nominee Certificate
- Express Entry profile number
- Job seeker validation code
- Passport
- Birth Certificate
- Police certificate
- Civil status document
- Proof of funds
Why do Koreans immigrate to Canada?
- Many Koreans have obtained PR in Canada. You will get extra points for your CRS if you have a bilateral relationship with a PR applicant in Canada.
- More than 200,000 Canadians identify themselves as being of Korean origin.
- South Korea is Canada’s seventh largest trading partner.
- Close cooperation with South Korea is essential in preparing for the Combined Forces Command on the Korean Peninsula.
Korean communities in Canada
There are many Korean communities in Canada that welcome people from South Korea. These communities help Koreans by providing - skills development and expertise in their field of work:
- mentoring newcomers and helping them become familiar with Canadian culture
- connecting them to community services or providing language support.providing language support.
Korean Canadian Cultural Association
Established in 1965, the KCCA is a non-profit, community-based charitable organization. It has been instrumental in encouraging Canadians from all walks of life to recognize and appreciate Korean culture and history.
Korean Canadian Business Association of Ontario
Established in 2021, the KCBA is a non-profit organization representing Korean Canadian business owners in North York and surrounding communities. To help immigrants, students and seniors enter the Canadian workforce, the KCBA offers a variety of Korean language courses, certificates and seminars.
Travel information for Koreans entering Canada
Monitor developments, remain vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities. The APIC team recommends registering with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive the latest updates on travel guidelines.
Starting a New Life in Canada
Starting a new life in Canada as a Korean can be a rewarding experience. There are many opportunities to explore and enjoy Canada’s unique culture, language and cuisine. To begin, it is essential to become familiar with the Canadian immigration process. To start a new life in Canada as a Korean, you need to know the following.
- Canadian tax system
- Canadian housing rents
- PR card
- Immigration services for newcomers
- Documents required to travel outside the country
- Rights and Freedoms in Canada
