There are currently more than 70 programs available for individuals who want to immigrate to Canada from Serbia. For that reason, everyone’s path for immigrating to Canada will be unique.
There are many categories for professionals and workers under which you might qualify for permanent residence in Canada, including the Federal and Quebec Skilled Worker programs, the Provincial Nominee Programs, the Canadian Experience Class, the Quebec Experience Class, and the Federal Self-Employed program. Canada also offers a number of Family Class Sponsorship programs, whereby Canadian citizens and permanent residents may sponsor family members for Canadian immigration.
The specific process to immigrate from Serbia differs depending on which route you choose. The process for individuals, other than those in the family class, starts with the Express Entry (EE) system. The EE process involves two stages. First, individuals will submit an online profile outlining details of their skills, work experience, language ability, education and other details that will help in assessing eligibility. Those individuals who meet the criteria for one of the federal immigration programs are then entered into a pool with other eligible candidates. Second, candidates in the pool are ranked against one another using a point-based system. Points are awarded based on the information provided in the candidate’s online profile. Those candidates with the highest scores will be issued an “invitation to apply” (ITA). Upon receiving an ITA, a candidate will have 90 days to file their application for permanent residence in Canada.
There are a number of relationships that qualify for Family Class sponsorship, including spouses and common-law partners, dependent children, as well as, parents and grandparents. Both the sponsor (Canadian citizen or permanent resident) and the sponsored person (family member) must meet certain requirements to qualify. The documentation requirements for sponsoring a spouse, same-sex spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner or dependent child all differ. It is therefore important to make sure that all documentation submitted is per the requirements of your specific case.
Each of the above mentioned programs have their own criteria and require a variety of documentation. However, there are specific documents required of all individuals wishing to immigrate to Canada from Serbia.
All Serbian citizens require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter or transit through Canada. The TRV application can only be submitted online or via the Visa Applicant Center (VAC) located in Belgrade, Serbia. In addition to the application forms and required fees, you will also need to submit identification photos, proof of financial support, a photocopy of your return ticket and any other documents required by the visa office.
Police certificates are required of all individuals applying to enter Canada from Serbia. The required document is called a Certificate of No Conviction (Uverenje o nekaznjavanju). If you are a citizen of Serbia living in Serbia, you should apply at your local municipal police station of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (Ministarstvo Unutrasnjih Poslova, Policijska Uprava). If you are living outside of Serbia, you can apply at the nearest Serbian embassy or consulate.
Individuals applying to immigrate to Canada from Serbia are not required to undergo a medical examination in order to be granted entry to Canada.
We can help you decide what options are best for you. For a detailed assessment of your immigration options, contact us for a consultation by emailing us at [email protected] or by calling 416-847-3347.
