How to Immigrate to Canada from the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is in the Middle East and encompasses seven countries. They are Abu Dhabi (the capital of UAE), Dubai, Sharjah, Umm Al-Quwain, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah. 

Newcomers from UAE to Canada tend to be on the lower side. However, residents of the UAE received the fifth most Express Entry Invitations to Apply in 2020. In addition, the most current census (from 2016) reported that over 20,000 immigrants came from the UAE.

Therefore, those from the UAE looking to immigrate to Canada have many options. The reason why they choose Canada is because of the economic opportunities it offers them. There are various sectors foreign workers can apply to in Canada including information and communication technology (ICT), health and other sciences, as well as engineering-related fields. 

What you need to know about Federal Skilled Worker Program for UAE newcomers 

The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) falls under the Federal Economic Class through Express Entry. This pathway accepts the largest number of immigrations with annual levels set to move over 250,000. 

The FSWP operates based on its own point system that helps determine whether or not the applicant will be successful in Canada. The ideal candidate from UAE will possess skills and experience compatible with in-demand jobs. This pathway is best suited for newcomers from UAE who have political-science backgrounds as applicants with government-approved job offers are favoured. 

Skilled foreign workers of UAE would be the most interested in this pathway as it allows them to use their work experience, education, language skills and other human capital factors to ensure they are economically established in Canada. The minimum requirements for this pathway include

• One year of continuous full-time or equivalent paid work experience in the last ten years in a job under the NOC skill level 0, A, or B.
• Validated language ability equivalent to CLB 7 in English or French across all abilities 
• Canadian education credential or foreign credential and Educational Credential Assessment report. 
• FSWP applicants must get at least 67 points on IRCC’s six immigration selection factors 
• Show you have enough money for you and your family to settle in Canada. 

As a UAE newcomer, ensure you meet the eligibility requirements for Express Entry 

Newcomers from UAE who have met these requirements from the FSWP can then upload and create an Express Entry (EE) profile on the IRCC’s website. 

As a refresher, the EE provides a pathway to permanent residence for skilled workers in Canada from overseas. This pathway usually takes six months to complete. It is widely known as the fastest and most popular pathway for immigration. 

To ensure your application is complete, here is a simple checklist you can follow of all the essential documents you’ll need for your application. 

1. Make sure you have your passport or travel documents 
2. Language test results 
3. Education credential assessment report
4. Provincial nomination (if available) 
5. Written job offer from an employer in Canada (if available) 

Every two weeks, the IRCC sends invitations to apply for permanent residence to the highest-scoring candidate. If you’re looking to immigrate to Canada from UAE and already have your name in EE, follow us on Instagram. We do bi-weekly EE updates; yours could be part of the next round. 

Learn about the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) 

If you realize that the FSWP or the EE programs aren’t for you, you might be more suited for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Those looking to come to Canada from UAE using PNP can have the option of immigrating to any of the ten provinces. 

Each province has their own set of rules and eligibility requirements, which can be viewed here. These programs allow each province to design its immigration pathway based on its economic, labour and demographic needs. 

For example, say you are someone from UAE with years of experience working in the medical field. At the same time, the province of Alberta is in need of medical workers. This means you can apply through Alberta’s PNP with a high likelihood of receiving an invitation to apply because of the province’s labour shortage. Your work experience in a field in demand in the province gives you a better chance of getting an ITA than if you applied through EE. 

This program mutually benefits the newcomer from UAE and the designated province they applied to. As the example mentioned, remember to apply to a province where your skills are in demand. This will increase your chances of receiving a provincial nomination. 

Where do UAE newcomers live in Canada? 

Over 20,000 people from UAE call Canada their home. The reason for this high population is because of the rich opportunities that are given to them when they immigrate here. Canada provides newcomers with a top-rated education system, free universal healthcare, and economically stable job opportunities. 

If you’re interested in coming to work in Canada from the UAE and want to become a permanent resident here, the three provinces with high Emiratis populations are Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta. In-demand jobs that each province is looking for include 

• Ontario
  • Database analysts
  • Transport Truck Drivers 
  • Industrial Butchers, meat cutters, and poultry workers 
• British Columbia 
  • Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates 
  • Retail salespersons 
  • Oil and gas drilling, servicing and related labourers 
• Alberta 
  • Information systems testing technicians 
  • Electrical power line and cable workers 
  • Food service supervisors 

Looking to come to Canada from the UAE? 

UAE newcomers are welcomed in Canada as the country has ideal immigrant-friendly laws that make it a perfect country to reside in. Other factors that make Canada an ideal place for relocation for UAE migrants are the high English proficiency, education level, and work experience. 

If you’re from the UAE and are considering coming to Canada to work or do business, make sure you have all the requirements for your application. Contact one of our certified advisors to help you with the process so you too can live your dreams in Canada.