Immigrating to Calgary (Alberta) from South Africa

[Dirk313]

Hello I am writing to inquire about the possibility and likelihood of immigrating to Calgary, Alberta, Canada, along with my spouse.


We are South African citizens currently residing in South Africa, and we are very interested in making a long-term move to Canada, specifically Calgary. Before beginning the formal immigration process, we would appreciate some guidance regarding our eligibility and what options might be available to us, based on our current circumstances.
Here are our details:

Applicant 1 (Myself):​

• Age: 37
• Occupation: Full Stack Software Developer
• Education: No formal matric certificate or post-secondary education
• Work Experience: 4 Years experiece as a Software Developer
• Language: Fluent in English

Applicant 2 (My Wife):​

• Age: 33
• Occupation: Product Manager
• Education: Completed Matric (high school), but no diploma or degree
• Work Experience: 8 years of experience in tech/product teams in agile environments
• Language: Fluent in English

We are especially interested in:

• The Global Talent Stream or other work-permit-based options that could lead to Permanent Residency
• The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) or any pathways specific to Alberta
• Whether my wife could accompany me on an open work permit if I obtain a job offer

We would appreciate any feedback or direction on:

• Whether we meet basic eligibility requirements
• What pathways may be available to us
• What steps we should take next
• Whether securing a job offer would significantly improve our chances

We understand that educational background plays an important role in most immigration streams, and while neither of us holds a diploma or degree, we do have several years of work experience in in-demand fields, particularly in the tech sector

 

[Naturgrl]

Hello I am writing to inquire about the possibility and likelihood of immigrating to Calgary, Alberta, Canada, along with my spouse.


We are South African citizens currently residing in South Africa, and we are very interested in making a long-term move to Canada, specifically Calgary. Before beginning the formal immigration process, we would appreciate some guidance regarding our eligibility and what options might be available to us, based on our current circumstances.
Here are our details:

Applicant 1 (Myself):​

• Age: 37
• Occupation: Full Stack Software Developer
• Education: No formal matric certificate or post-secondary education
• Work Experience: 4 Years experiece as a Software Developer
• Language: Fluent in English

Applicant 2 (My Wife):​

• Age: 33
• Occupation: Product Manager
• Education: Completed Matric (high school), but no diploma or degree
• Work Experience: 8 years of experience in tech/product teams in agile environments
• Language: Fluent in English

We are especially interested in:

• The Global Talent Stream or other work-permit-based options that could lead to Permanent Residency
• The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) or any pathways specific to Alberta
• Whether my wife could accompany me on an open work permit if I obtain a job offer

We would appreciate any feedback or direction on:

• Whether we meet basic eligibility requirements
• What pathways may be available to us
• What steps we should take next
• Whether securing a job offer would significantly improve our chances

We understand that educational background plays an important role in most immigration streams, and while neither of us holds a diploma or degree, we do have several years of work experience in in-demand fields, particularly in the tech sector

Zero chance for PR with no post secondary education, age and not fluent. You don't even have enough points to submit a profile for Express Entry. AAIP quota is cut in half and focus is on specific NOCs and you get more points for working in the province. IT is no longer in demand. Also you are only eligible through Express Entry and you don't even have points to submit a profile. And your AAIP score will be too low.

Getting a job offer with LMIA will almost be impossible with changes. Has to be high wage and also your employer has to prove that no Canadian/PR has the education, work experience and language skills to do the job. With no post secondary and thousands of IT workers in Canada out of work with Canadian Masters and work experience, there is no way you will find employer with a LMIA.

1. You don't meet basic requirements to submit an Express Entry profile.
2. There are no pathways with no post secondary education and lose points for age.
3. Read through the IRCC Express Entry website to confirm. Also read through AAIP.
4. A job offer means nothing. You need an approved LMIA from employer. IT is dead in Canada with thousands out of work, unless in a specialized field/niche field but you don't have post secondary education.

 

[scylla]

Hello I am writing to inquire about the possibility and likelihood of immigrating to Calgary, Alberta, Canada, along with my spouse.


We are South African citizens currently residing in South Africa, and we are very interested in making a long-term move to Canada, specifically Calgary. Before beginning the formal immigration process, we would appreciate some guidance regarding our eligibility and what options might be available to us, based on our current circumstances.
Here are our details:

Applicant 1 (Myself):​

• Age: 37
• Occupation: Full Stack Software Developer
• Education: No formal matric certificate or post-secondary education
• Work Experience: 4 Years experiece as a Software Developer
• Language: Fluent in English

Applicant 2 (My Wife):​

• Age: 33
• Occupation: Product Manager
• Education: Completed Matric (high school), but no diploma or degree
• Work Experience: 8 years of experience in tech/product teams in agile environments
• Language: Fluent in English

We are especially interested in:

• The Global Talent Stream or other work-permit-based options that could lead to Permanent Residency
• The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) or any pathways specific to Alberta
• Whether my wife could accompany me on an open work permit if I obtain a job offer

We would appreciate any feedback or direction on:

• Whether we meet basic eligibility requirements
• What pathways may be available to us
• What steps we should take next
• Whether securing a job offer would significantly improve our chances

We understand that educational background plays an important role in most immigration streams, and while neither of us holds a diploma or degree, we do have several years of work experience in in-demand fields, particularly in the tech sector

I agree that you stand no chance with your current profiles. If the primary applicant can obtain a degree or diploma (preferably a degree) and also learn French fluently, then there may be some chance.

 

[shan83]

Hello I am writing to inquire about the possibility and likelihood of immigrating to Calgary, Alberta, OR ANYWHERE ELSE IN Canada, along with my spouse & 2 children.​

​

Applicant 1 (Myself):​

• Age: 42
• Occupation: Chief Accountant / Accountant
• Education: WES - Bachelor 3 Years
• Work Experience: 16 Years experience in UAE
• EE: 309
• Language: CLB 7

Spouse

• Age: 39
• Education: WES Bachelor 4 Years
• Work Experience: 8 years of experience in tech/product teams in agile environments
• Language: CLB 7
  2 KIDS 11 YEAR AND 9 YEAR.

 

[canuck78]

Hello I am writing to inquire about the possibility and likelihood of immigrating to Calgary, Alberta, OR ANYWHERE ELSE IN Canada, along with my spouse & 2 children.​

​

Applicant 1 (Myself):​

• Age: 42
• Occupation: Chief Accountant / Accountant
• Education: WES - Bachelor 3 Years
• Work Experience: 16 Years experience in UAE
• EE: 309
• Language: CLB 7

Spouse

• Age: 39
• Education: WES Bachelor 4 Years
• Work Experience: 8 years of experience in tech/product teams in agile environments
• Language: CLB 7
  2 KIDS 11 YEAR AND 9 YEAR.

Currently zero chance.

 

[Naturgrl]

Hello I am writing to inquire about the possibility and likelihood of immigrating to Calgary, Alberta, OR ANYWHERE ELSE IN Canada, along with my spouse & 2 children.​

​

Applicant 1 (Myself):​

• Age: 42
• Occupation: Chief Accountant / Accountant
• Education: WES - Bachelor 3 Years
• Work Experience: 16 Years experience in UAE
• EE: 309
• Language: CLB 7

Spouse

• Age: 39
• Education: WES Bachelor 4 Years
• Work Experience: 8 years of experience in tech/product teams in agile environments
• Language: CLB 7
  2 KIDS 11 YEAR AND 9 YEAR.

Due to age, not even sure you are eligible to submit an Express Entry profile. Alberta PNP, no chance. Max English language and learn French to CLB 7 and you may have a chance.

 

[bee2026]

Hi, Im hoping to make a citizenship claim based on my Nan being Canadian.
If im successful we are a family of 4, 2 Adults and 2 children. My Nan was from Edmunton Alberta, I'd like to be in the Calgary area ( I think)

Me: 40 Nurse 20 years experience 6 in a specialist role
Degree trained

Husband: 46 Degree in finance currently working public sector financial position.

Children 15 and 11

Looking for an area goood neighbourhood for families, doesn't have to be too close to the city, good schools. Not cheap but affordable. Budget $650-750,000

we would ideally like warm summers and snowy winters

Any areas anyone would recommend we focus our research on? Its not set on Calgary, but thats where we've been drawn to so far. We also have extended family in Winnipeg

TIA

 

[Naturgrl]

Hi, Im hoping to make a citizenship claim based on my Nan being Canadian.
If im successful we are a family of 4, 2 Adults and 2 children. My Nan was from Edmunton Alberta, I'd like to be in the Calgary area ( I think)

Me: 40 Nurse 20 years experience 6 in a specialist role
Degree trained

Husband: 46 Degree in finance currently working public sector financial position.

Children 15 and 11

Looking for an area goood neighbourhood for families, doesn't have to be too close to the city, good schools. Not cheap but affordable. Budget $650-750,000

we would ideally like warm summers and snowy winters

Any areas anyone would recommend we focus our research on? Its not set on Calgary, but thats where we've been drawn to so far. We also have extended family in Winnipeg

TIA

When did you apply for citizenship for you and your children? Your spouse cannot move with you until you start the sponsorship process for PR, one a citizen. That could take years. Husband will have difficulty finding work.

Focus should be becoming licensed to practice in Alberta through NNAS.

Your budget is possible for a townhouse. Oldest may be in post secondary by the time you come to Canada. Would join a Calgary FB group to ask questions.

 

[bee2026]

Thank you,
So we are starting his application for PR first as it takes longer than my citizenship claim.
Can I ask, why would he struggle for work?

 

[bee2026]

When did you apply for citizenship for you and your children? Your spouse cannot move with you until you start the sponsorship process for PR, one a citizen. That could take years. Husband will have difficulty finding work.

Focus should be becoming licensed to practice in Alberta through NNAS.

Your budget is possible for a townhouse. Oldest may be in post secondary by the time you come to Canada. Would join a Calgary FB group to ask questions.

Or would it be because you’re suggesting I get my citizenship and then do a sponsorship so because he’s sponsored he can’t get work?

The research I have done has recommended we start his immigration visa first and then my citizenship, we all come over at the same time and then once here after the time required he also applies for citizenship

 

[Naturgrl]

Thank you,
So we are starting his application for PR first as it takes longer than my citizenship claim.
Can I ask, why would he struggle for work?

He cannot apply for PR until you are citizen. He is not eligible for PR unless invited through Express which he wouldn't be unless fluent in French and English. His age will not help. He will struggle because he is in his mid 40s and in a field that is not in demand. He is competing with Canadians who have years of experience and Canadian degrees or masters.

Are children apply for citizenship at the same time?

 

[bee2026]

He cannot apply for PR until you are citizen. He is not eligible for PR unless invited through Express which he wouldn't be unless fluent in French and English. His age will not help. He will struggle because he is in his mid 40s and in a field that is not in demand. He is competing with Canadians who have years of experience and Canadian degrees or masters.

Are children apply for citizenship at the same time?

Thank you for explaining,
Yes I would be applying for the children at the same time as me. I’d read that they can make their claim under my citizenship (if given) we knew that his would be the more difficult route, so I guess it’s much like any other country, you can only get a visa if you fit the requirements etc.
I didn’t realise he had to be fluent in French as well!

 

[Naturgrl]

Thank you for explaining,
Yes I would be applying for the children at the same time as me. I’d read that they can make their claim under my citizenship (if given) we knew that his would be the more difficult route, so I guess it’s much like any other country, you can only get a visa if you fit the requirements etc.
I didn’t realise he had to be fluent in French as well!

This is not a visa but citizenship. He doesn't need to be fluent but he is not eligible for PR on his own without French. He will struggle to find work because he will be almost 50 by the time he gets PR (you will still need approval and then apply for passports), and competing with qualified Canadian citizens with years of experience.

Just so he knows that he may never work in Canada in the job he expects and may work minimum wage. He has no Canadian experience and nearing retirement.

 

[bee2026]

Thank you again for explaining as this is helping the decision if we go for it or not.
Just so I’m clear. I can claim citizenship (possibly) my children come on my claim we all get passports, could take up to a year+

I would then need to sponsor my husband to come, but he may not get work whilst only on a sponsorship and may struggle to get PR? Because of his age, his skill and not speaking French? And if he does come he may have to work in a role that he’s not trained in for minimum wage because of the above?

Sorry if I’ve got anything wrong

 

[Naturgrl]

Thank you again for explaining as this is helping the decision if we go for it or not.
Just so I’m clear. I can claim citizenship (possibly) my children come on my claim we all get passports, could take up to a year+

I would then need to sponsor my husband to come, but he may not get work whilst only on a sponsorship and may struggle to get PR? Because of his age, his skill and not speaking French? And if he does come he may have to work in a role that he’s not trained in for minimum wage because of the above?

Sorry if I’ve got anything wrong

You need citizenship before you can sponsor your husband. Your children claim based off your citizenship and great-grandparents.

Nothing to do with French but he is in his mid 40s, not in an in-demand occuptaiton so will be difficult to find work especially if in government sector. Calgary is not a capital. Once citizen then you have to show proof moving (job, house etc.) and processing for him is about 15 months. That is why I say he will be close to 50 by the time he gets PR.

You will not work as nurse until licensed so should be a focus.