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The information here is an AI summary of the advice people in our Discord have shared. Their experiences may not always reflect the accurate process. None of this should be considered financial, immigration, or real estate advice.

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A rough order of operations synthesized from the channel.

Everyone's situation is different. The order above is only one example of a very general case.

Your own specific circumstances (age, family, profession, funds) will change what you should do and in what order.

🇺🇸 START IN THE U.S.

  1. Pick your profession's pathway. Healthcare workers should register with HealthMatchBC at healthmatchbc.org and start the credential recognition process with BCCNM (for nurses) or the relevant regulator. This takes weeks to months. Allied health workers who are not covered by HealthMatch should still register their credentials with the provincial regulator.
  2. Talk to an RCIC for a consultation on your specific immigration pathway. (CUSMA is faster to get to work. PNP is faster to PR.)
  3. Start applying for jobs as soon as your credentials are in progress. Having a licence application in motion is often enough. Ask every recruiter and interviewer about PNP sponsorship early. Get it in writing if you can.
  4. Get your medical exam at an IRCC panel physician. Timing it to your scouting trip is smart if a BC clinic is cheaper.
  5. Take your language test (IELTS General or CELPIP General).
  6. Get your ECA via University of Toronto CES, not WES if you have a professional doctorate.
  7. Request your FBI police clearance.

🇨🇦 THEN COME TO CANADA

  1. Apply for your work permit at the border for CUSMA, or online for PNP. If you apply at the border, you get it same-day. Online applications can take weeks.
  2. Get your SIN at the border, at Service Canada, or online.
  3. Open a Canadian bank account in person.
  4. Apply for MSP on arrival and buy bridge insurance for the 3-month gap.
  5. Apply for your BC driver's licence and import and register your car within 30 days of arrival.
  6. Apply for BC Services Card via ICBC.
  7. Upload your immunization records to the health authority if you work in healthcare.