Canada's affinity with immigrants dates back to when its first immigration programme was introduced in 1867. Since then, the country has attracted millions of immigrants from all around the world, drawn to Canada by its world renowned quality of life and fantastic scenery.

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Country Profile
Capital City: Ottawa   
Area: 9,976,000 sq km or 43,851,734 sq miles
Population: 31,825,000
Time Zone: GMT -3.5 to -8
Country dialing code: 1
Currency: Canadian Dollar (c$)

Climate
Varies from temperate in south to subarctic and arctic in north

Country Highlights
One of the greatest aspects of Canada is that no matter where you are, fantastic scenery is never far away. From thousands of crystal clear lakes to rolling countryside, from forest land to mountains, there are landscapes to suit every taste.

Permanent Move
Emigrating to Canada will require a visa – but which immigration route offers you the best chance?
 1. Business Visa – designed to encourage experienced business people to head to Canada, breaking down into three categories – Investor, Entrepreneur and Self Employed.
 2. Skilled Worker – aimed at bringing in migrants whose education, work experience and skills contribute the most to the Canadian economy.
 3. Family Class – If you have a relative who is already a Canadian citizen, and is willing to sponsor your application to emigrate, then you are in with a great chance of sealing a permanent move.
 4. Provincial Nominee – Designed to give each province more control over the immigrants they select, the nominee programme is becoming increasingly popular.

Accessibility
There are many regular flights available throughout the UK to most major cities in Canada.

Buying Property in Canada
The major advantage of buying property in Canada compared to the UK is that once an offer is accepted, the seller cannot accept another bid even if it is higher. Providing everything is in order the purchase process can be completed within two weeks – at the most 90 days. If you are buying property in Canada, offers have to be made in writing to the realtor selling the property.

Destination Hot Spots

Ontario
Easily Canada's most populous province, and home to two major cities (the capital Ottawa and Toronto) takes nearly 60% of Canada's current annual intake of immigrants, unsurprising considering its combination of ideal locations for business and its rugged scenery, including Lake Superior on the southern border.

British Columbia
Canada's most westerly province has long been a favourite with British migrants. With its clean air, healthy economy, temperate climate and plenty of space it is no surprise nearly 1,000 Brits settle in North America's most mountainous region every year.

Alberta
There are many reasons why Brits tend to prefer Alberta, such as no French language restrictions being imposed. Alberta's strong economy, low unemployment rate, low property prices and no provincial sales tax are others.

Search for property in Canada 

Related articles about Canada:
Skilled Brits emigrate to Canada
Which visa to Canada suits you best?

Useful websites:
A multifinctional information site about Canada
The official Canadian government's website
Emigrate2: A comprehensive site about hot to emigrate

Article first published in May 2006 and updated in June 2007