Saffa.globalSearch

🇨🇦 Moving to Canada from South Africa

Canada's points-based system gives skilled South Africans a clear path to permanent residence without needing a job offer first. Calgary, Toronto and Vancouver have growing Saffa communities.

Visa routes for South Africans

  • Express Entry: Permanent residence through the Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class and Federal Skilled Trades programs. Candidates are ranked by a points score (CRS) and invited in regular draws.
  • Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP): Provinces nominate candidates for occupations they need. A nomination adds a lot of points in Express Entry.
  • Work permits: Employer-specific permits, often supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
  • Study permits: Studying in Canada can lead to a post-graduation work permit and then permanent residence.

Getting your qualifications recognised

  • Qualifications: An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), for example from WES, is needed for Express Entry.
  • Language: IELTS General or CELPIP results count for a lot of points, even for native English speakers.
  • Nurses: Start with the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS), then register with your province's regulator.
  • Engineers: Licensing is provincial (for example Professional Engineers Ontario or APEGA in Alberta).
  • Accountants: CPA Canada has recognition arrangements for some international designations, including CA(SA).

Where South Africans live in Canada

Calgary and Edmonton (Alberta), the Greater Toronto Area, Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, and Ottawa all have active South African groups, churches and braai meet-ups. Browse South African shops, restaurants and pubs in Canada and upcoming Saffa events.

Settling in: practical tips

  • Budget for winter clothing, winter tyres, and a few months of job hunting if you arrive without an offer.
  • Provincial health coverage can have a waiting period of up to three months in some provinces. Buy private cover for that gap.
  • Build Canadian credit early, and expect employers to value 'Canadian experience'. Volunteering and contract roles help.

Official sources

Before you go, work through our emigration checklist and read up on SARS and tax residency.

This guide is general information, not immigration advice. Visa rules, thresholds and fees change often, so always check the official sources above or speak to a registered migration adviser.

Visa-sponsored jobs in Canada

✈︎ Visa / relocationMining, Energy & Engineering

Senior Electrical Engineer

Powell Industries · Acheson, Edmonton region

As a top player in Switchgear and E-house Manufacturing and field servicing, a career with us will challenge you to solve some very tough problems. You will be rewarded with growth, personal development & industry expertise. At Powell, we provide a comprehensive salary package, RRSP matching, extensive benefits and job training all within a professional & friendly working environment. Based out of…

16h agoApply via Adzuna ↗
✈︎ Visa / relocation

Winter 2027: Product Research Co-op (8 months)

Intuit, Inc. · Toronto, Ontario

About our Emerging Talent Program: Intuit invests in Emerging Talent because fresh perspectives strengthen our products and teams. The program is backed by a culture that values curiosity and collaboration, and you'll be supported by dedicated managers and mentors who are invested in your growth. As an intern or co-op, you'll work on meaningful projects with business impact, many centered on AI…

16h agoApply via Adzuna ↗
✈︎ Visa / relocationIT & Software

Staff Product Engineer, Enterprise AI

Mozilla-Corporation · Canada

Thunderbird is one of the world’s most trusted open-source email applications, empowering more than 20 million people globally. At Thunderbird, we build privacy-respecting communication and productivity tools that help people manage their digital lives while staying in control of their data. We are open source by design. Our products are developed transparently and in collaboration with a global…

16h agoApply via Adzuna ↗
✈︎ Visa / relocationMining, Energy & Engineering

Lead, contracts Specialist

Adecco Portugal · Canada

Adecco is currently hiring a Lead, contracts Specialist for a full-time opportunity within a large industrial environment in Sparwood, BC (relocation support provided). This role is ideal for experienced procurement and supply chain professionals with expertise in strategic sourcing, contract management, supplier performance, commercial negotiations, and project procurement. As a key member of the…

16h agoApply via Adzuna ↗
See all 476 →

A taste of home in Canada