🇦🇪 Country guide

Immigrate to Canada from the UAE

Many professionals living in the United Arab Emirates, both Emiratis and long-term residents of other nationalities, choose Canada for permanent residence, education and family stability. Skilled work experience gained in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and across the Emirates can count towards Express Entry and provincial programs.

What applicants from the UAE should know

  • You can apply from the UAE as a citizen or as a legal resident of another nationality. Skilled work experience in the Emirates counts for Express Entry and most provincial programs.
  • UAE citizens can usually visit Canada with an electronic travel authorization (eTA) instead of a visa.
  • Police certificates: you need one from the UAE (issued by UAE police) and from every country where you lived six months or more since age 18.
  • Biometrics and visa services are available at visa application centres in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
  • IELTS General Training, CELPIP and PTE Core can be taken in the UAE. Degrees from your home country need an educational credential assessment (ECA).

Typical government fees for economic PR

Processing fee, principal applicant$990
Processing fee, spouse or partner$990
Processing fee, dependent child$270
Right of permanent residence fee (per adult)$600
Biometrics (per person)$85

Fees in Canadian dollars, in effect since April 30, 2026. Most Express Entry applicants also need proof of funds.

Proof of funds table

Your first steps

  1. 1Take our free evaluation to see which programs fit your profile
  2. 2Book a language test (English or French) and, if needed, an education credential assessment
  3. 3Gather identity, education, work and financial documents
  4. 4Let us prepare and review your application before submission

Support in your language

English · فارسی · العربية · Türkçe · Русский · हिन्दी · اردو · Español · Português · Filipino

  • Licensed RCIC team
  • We speak 10 languages
  • Free first evaluation

Frequently asked questions

Does my UAE work experience count if I am not Emirati?

Yes. What matters is that the work was skilled, paid and continuous. Your nationality does not change how the experience is assessed.

Can we meet you if we live in Dubai?

Yes, by video call and WhatsApp. Many of our clients live in the Gulf, and our team speaks Arabic, Farsi, Hindi, Urdu and Filipino.

What CRS score do I need?

There is no fixed score. Cut-offs change with every draw and differ between general and category-based draws. We estimate your score and compare it with recent draws so you know where you stand.

Which language tests are accepted?

For English: IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General or PTE Core. For French: TEF Canada or TCF Canada. Results are valid for two years.

Can you help me if I live outside Canada?

Yes. Many of our clients live abroad. We work by video call, WhatsApp and email, and applications are submitted online. Clients in Toronto can also visit our North York office.

Which language test should I take?

For English, IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General or PTE Core are accepted for economic immigration. For French, TEF Canada or TCF Canada. Strong French can significantly increase your chances.

Ready to take the next step?

Start with a quick evaluation. We’ll follow up with clear next steps.

We respond within 1–2 business days