Retiring in Canada from Another Country: Immigration Routes

Canada is globally renowned for its high quality of life, world-class healthcare system, and beautiful landscapes, making it an appealing destination for those looking to retire. However, while retiring in Canada from another country might sound like a dream, it’s important to understand the limitations, costs, and legal challenges associated with this choice. Unlike some countries, Canada does not have a specific retirement visa, making the process more restrictive for foreign nationals who wish to retire in Canada settle here long-term.

Come to Canada as a Visitor

One of the most straightforward ways to stay in Canada temporarily is by applying for a tourist visa. Visitors are generally allowed to stay in Canada for up to six months, but longer stays require additional applications and approvals.

Apply for a Tourist Visa

To visit Canada, you need a valid tourist visa unless you're from a visa-exempt country. While this allows you to enjoy Canada and major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, it’s essential to remember that a tourist visa does not grant the right to live in Canada permanently or access benefits such as Canada's universal healthcare system.

For those hoping to spend extended periods in Canada as retirees, staying on a tourist visa can raise red flags with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Frequent or long-term stays may lead to suspicions that you are trying to reside in Canada without proper status. This could result in entry refusals, particularly if your visits appear to be more permanent in nature.

Furthermore, visitors are not allowed to work or study permits or access public services like healthcare. You will need to purchase private medical insurance, as Canada’s universal healthcare system is only available to permanent residents and Canadian citizens.

Consider Available Immigration Routes

If you’re serious about retiring in Canada, you’ll need to explore one of the established immigration programs. These pathways are typically designed for younger skilled workers, international students, or those with close family connections in Canada. While retirees are not the primary focus of these programs, it’s worth reviewing the options to determine if one might suit your circumstances.

Parent or Grandparent Super Visa

The Parent or Grandparent Super Visa is an excellent option for retirees with children or grandchildren who are permanent residents or Canadian citizens. This visa allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to two years at a time without the need to renew their status during that period.

However, the Super Visa has its limitations. Applicants must demonstrate financial support from their Canadian family members and purchase private medical insurance for the duration of their stay. While it provides temporary access to Canada, it does not lead to permanent residency, which is a crucial status for those hoping to settle long-term.

Work-Related Programs

Canada’s work-related immigration programs, such as the Express Entry system, are tailored to attract younger foreign nationals with valuable skills. These programs prioritize individuals who can contribute to the Canadian economy and meet the demands of the labour market.

Unfortunately, most retirees do not meet the criteria for work-related programs, as they do not plan to work or study in Canada. Moreover, these pathways usually have strict age limits and points-based systems that favor younger applicants with significant professional experience.

Family Sponsorship Program

The Family Sponsorship Program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor close relatives, such as spouses, parents, or dependent children, to immigrate to Canada. While this program can provide a pathway to permanent residency, it requires a strong family connection.

If you do not have children or grandchildren in Canada who can sponsor you, this option will not be available. Additionally, the processing times for family sponsorship applications can be lengthy, making it a less viable option for retirees seeking immediate solutions.

Routes to Permanent Residency in Canada

If you want to retire in Canada, gaining permanent residency is essential. Without permanent residency, you may face challenges such as frequent renewals of your status, difficulty re-entering Canada after trips abroad, and ineligibility for key benefits like the universal healthcare system. Below are some of the most common pathways to permanent residency.

Express Entry

The Express Entry system is one of Canada’s fastest and most popular pathways to permanent residency. It includes programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class. Successful applicants are selected based on a points system that evaluates factors like age, education, language skills, and work experience.

While Express Entry is an excellent option for younger skilled workers, retirees may struggle to qualify due to the age-related point reductions and the lack of recent professional experience. Moreover, the program is highly competitive, favouring the highest-scoring candidates in the Express Entry pool.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) allow provinces like British Columbia, Alberta, and Nova Scotia to nominate foreign nationals for permanent residency based on regional labour market needs. Some provinces even have streams for older adults with family connections in Canada.

However, like Express Entry, PNPs are typically geared toward attracting skilled workers and entrepreneurs. Retirees without ties to the local labour market may find it challenging to meet the eligibility requirements.

Challenges of Retiring in Canada Without Permanent Residency

If you’re considering retiring in Canada without gaining permanent resident status, it’s crucial to understand the risks and challenges involved.

Border Issues and Re-entry Problems

Frequent visits to Canada on a tourist visa or Super Visa can lead to scrutiny from the CBSA. Border officers may question your intent to remain in Canada, especially if your stays appear to be part of a long-term retirement plan. This could result in being denied entry to Canada, disrupting your retirement plans.

Lack of Access to Benefits

Retirees without permanent residency cannot access Canada's universal healthcare system. This means you’ll need to rely on private medical insurance, which can be costly, especially for older individuals with pre-existing health conditions. You also won’t qualify for government pensions or other social benefits available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

Tax Obligations and Worldwide Income

As a retiree living in Canada, you may be subject to tax obligations to pay taxes due on your worldwide income, even if you are not a permanent resident or citizen. Understanding Canada’s income tax system is essential, as you may face tax liabilities in both Canada and your home country, depending on your tax residency status.

High Living Costs

Retiring in Canada can be expensive, particularly in major cities like Toronto and Vancouver. In addition to paying taxes and housing and living costs, you’ll need to budget for private healthcare, transportation, and other expenses.

Why Retiring in Canada Is Restrictive

Canada’s immigration system is not designed to support traditional retirement migration. The absence of a retirement visa and the focus on attracting young, skilled workers make it difficult for older foreign nationals to retire in Canada without significant hurdles.

Unless you gain permanent residency or qualify for programs like the Super Visa, retiring in Canada may not be feasible for most foreign nationals. Moreover, even with temporary visas, the risks of being denied entry or facing scrutiny at the border make long-term retirement plans with foreign income very uncertain.

Hire AKM Law Immigration Lawyers to Help Choose the Best Route for You

At AKM Law, we’re all about helping you sort through your options and find the pathway that actually works for your situation.

We’ll take a close look at your eligibility for programs like the Parent or Grandparent Super Visa, Family Sponsorship, or Provincial Nominee Programs. If permanent residency is the goal, we’ll walk you through the requirements and make sure your application is airtight so there are no delays or hiccups along the way.

And if retiring in Canada doesn’t seem like the right fit for you, that’s okay too. We’ll work with you to figure out alternatives that make sense for your plans and help avoid any unnecessary risks. Whether you’re thinking about longer visits or something more than permanent residence, AKM Law is here to guide you through every step of the process.