How to move to Canada with family from Dubai, UAE?

Surya Rathee
[Published 19 Apr, 2025 | 06:47 AM]
About Author - 6 min read
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Canada is one of the most popular countries for immigrants around the world. With its high quality of life, excellent education and healthcare systems, strong job market, and family-friendly environment, many families living in Dubai dream of moving to Canada.

If you are planning to move to Canada with your family from Dubai, UAE, this blog is for you!

Check Your Eligibility for Canada PR

Why move to Canada?

• 1 Million+ job vacancies
• Earn 5 to 8 times more
• Free world-class education for your children
• Universal free healthcare for the whole family
• Bring your family with you - no separation
• Enjoy a safe, clean & high standard of living
• Clear roadmap to Canadian Citizenship
• Access to healthcare, employment & social benefits
• Excellent work-life balance & paid leaves
• Live a modern, state-of-the-art lifestyle

Choose the right immigration program

Canada offers several immigration pathways for families. The most popular ones are:

• Express Entry Program: The Express Entry Program is a points-based system for skilled workers. This is the primary pathway for economic immigration to Canada. You can apply for PR (Permanent Residency) and include your spouse and children in your application.

• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Each province in Canada has its own immigration program. If you have skills in demand in a particular province, you can apply through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Some PNPs are linked with Express Entry, which can help boost your score.

• Family Sponsorship: If you have close relatives who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents, they can sponsor you. Eligible sponsors can help bring their spouse, children, parents, or grandparents to Canada.

• Start-Up Visa or Investor Program: If you are a business owner or investor in Dubai, you can explore Canada’s business immigration programs. These require a business plan and proof of investment or funds.

Take the IELTS exam and get ECA

You (the primary applicant) must prove your language ability by taking an approved test like IELTS (General Training). This test checks your English speaking, reading, writing, and listening skills. Also, if you studied outside Canada, your educational qualifications need to be assessed to match Canadian standards. WES (World Education Services) is one of the most commonly used agencies.

Create an Express Entry profile

Once you have your IELTS and ECA ready, you can create your Express Entry profile. You will get a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on your age, education, work experience, language ability, and other factors. If your score is high enough, you may receive an invitation to apply for Canada PR. If your CRS score is low, you can:

• Improve your IELTS score
• Get a provincial nomination (worth 600 additional points)
• Gain more work experience

Gather all the supporting documents

When you get an ITA, you’ll need to submit the following documents:

• Passports for all family members
• Police clearance certificates
• Medical exams
• Proof of work experience
• Proof of funds
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Birth certificates for children

Make sure all documents are scanned clearly and translated (if not in English or French).

Apply for PR and pay fees

You’ll need to apply online and pay the government fees:

Once submitted, the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) will process your application. The average time is 6-8 months under the Express Entry Program.

Prepare to move after getting PR

Once your PR application is approved, you’ll receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and a PR visa in your passport. You should then:

• Book your flight to Canada
• Decide which province or city to live in (Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and Ottawa are popular)
• Arrange temporary accommodation
• Pack necessary documents and belongings, including your documents.

Settle in Canada

After landing in Canada, here are a few things you should do:

• Apply for your PR card
• Get your SIN (Social Insurance Number) - needed for jobs and taxes
• Enroll your kids in school
• Open a bank account
• Register for provincial healthcare
• Start looking for a job

There are many settlement services offered by the Canadian government to help newcomers with job search, language classes, and community support.

Book a Free Consultation

Make sure to start early.

The entire process can take 8–12 months or more, so plan ahead. Keep all your Dubai work and education records updated and in good condition. You might need them in later stages. Keep sufficient savings ready and well-documented. Also, Canada is colder than Dubai, so prepare your family for the weather change.

Moving to Canada from Dubai, UAE, with your family is a big step, but a rewarding one. Canada offers a peaceful, safe, and opportunity-rich environment for families to grow and succeed. If you meet the eligibility requirements and follow the right steps, the dream of settling in Canada can become a reality.

You may also consider taking professional help from our ICCRC-registered immigration consultants in Dubai, UAE, to make the process smoother, faster, and error-free. They can guide you at every stage - from choosing the right visa pathway to settling in Canada.

Ready to make the move?

Read more:- Canada PR from UAE: Express Entry vs PNP