Getting Prepared

Step 1: Immigrating to Canada

To travel, study, work or immigrate to Canada, you will need to apply and gain approval for a Canada Visa. Currently, these are the five easiest ways to immigrate to Canada:

  • Express Entry program, which providers a faster way for skilled immigrants to come to Canada permanently and take part in our economy.
  • Family Class Sponsorship
  • LMIA Work Visa
  • Provincial Nominee Programs
  • Canadian Investor Programs

Only a registered Canadian Immigration Lawyer can provide you with specific guidance on immigration and citizenship matters.

For more information about how apply to travel, study, work or immigrate to Canada, apply for citizenship, a permanent resident card, or refugee protection, please visit the Government of Canada’s Immigration and Citizenship portal.

Step 2: Register for Pre-Arrival Services

After you have received your Canada Visa, we recommend making a plan before you arrive in Sault Ste. Marie to ensure you and your family experience a worry-free journey.

Pre-Arrival services can help you with:

  • Finding work in in Canada
  • Getting your education, work experience and professional licenses or certificates recognized in Canada
  • Connecting with employers and with free support services when you arrive in Canada
  • Understanding life in Canada
  • Learning about official languages and other skills for adapting to Canadian society
  • Registering for free settlement services available after you arrive

The Government of Canada provides many free online or in person services to help you prepare for life in Canada. You can sign up for as many services as you need at no charge.

Visit their Government of Canada’s website for a full list of pre-arrival services, including:

  • Active Engagement and Integration Project (AEIP) is the first overseas initiative of S.U.C.C.E.S.S. which provides free pre-landing services to support the smooth transition of individuals moving to Canada. AEIP offers 1-on-1 Help, Workshops, Webinars, Employment Supports and more.
  • Build ON helps you prepare to work in the skilled trades, engineering and construction in Ontario before you arrive in Canada. We offer free online employment consultations, webinars, training workshops and resources.
  • Canada Infonet provides 1-on-1 specialized online employment preparation, connections to a professional mentor, interactive webinars, customer service skill orientation, access to job matching platforms, Canadian workplace culture support and linkages to settlement support services in Ontario.
  • ACCES Employment offers customized programs that can help you successfully find work that reflects your skills and experience. They help job seekers make connections in Canada through workshops and employment counselling, as well as job matching, placement, and retention services.
  • Planning for Canada provides services to economic and family class immigrants before coming to Canada. We support newcomers prepare for their move, settlement and employment in Canada.

Step 3: Get your essential and other useful documents ready

In order to enter Canada, you must bring the following documents with you:

  • Confirmation of Permanent Residence for each family member travelling with you or a Canadian immigrant visa (if applicable)
  • Two (2) copies of a detailed list of all items you are bringing with you into Canada
  • Two (2) copies of a detailed list of all the personal or household items that will arrive after you have entered Canada. Be sure to include the monetary value of each item.

We strongly recommend that you prepare these documents carefully and well in advance of your journey to Canada.

These essential items should be carried with you at all times.

We also recommend you bring the following useful documents with you.

  • Children’s vaccination or immunization records
  • Birth certificates or marriage certificates
  • Adoption, separation or divorce papers
  • Diplomas, professional certificates and licenses
  • Driver’s license

 Crossing the Border

Sault Ste. Marie is located on the border of Canada and USA. Our twin city, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, is only a 10-minute drive across the International Bridge, and offers interesting maritime history, a quaint downtown, and plenty of shopping opportunities.

Further away, but still within easy access, are the many hidden gems of the Upper Peninsula and Detroit, America’s world-famous “Motor City.”

Crossing the international border between Canada and USA is quick and easy if you have your documents in order.

US Customs and Border Protection website is the place to go for up-to-date information on documents you need as a Canadian to cross into the United States of America.

You can learn about purchasing Duty Free items in the USA and bringing them back into Sault Ste. Marie here.

Move your skills north.