Can retired people immigrate to Canada?
Lisa, a retired US citizen, wishes to immigrate to Canada. However, she is not sure if any options are available to her. She wonders if retired people can immigrate to Canada.
Table of contents
The nature of immigration options to Canada
Canadian immigration options do not target retired people directly. Nonetheless, any of the following significant options could cover retired people as well:
Family reunification immigration for retired people
In family reunification, a family member sponsors you to Canada. However, that family member must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada. Luckily family sponsorship options cover retirees as well. Please visit the following links for more information:
- Sponsorship by spouses or common-law partners
- Conjugal partner sponsorship
- Inside-Canada spousal or common-law sponsorship
- Sponsoring parents and grandparents
- Other family members such as siblings, nephews and nieces, and uncles or aunts
Economic immigration for retired people
Economic immigration occurs when a person moves to Canada and can sustain themselves financially. Of course, this entails not receiving social assistance when living in Canada. Unless you want to return to the workforce, economic immigration is not a good option for you as a retiree. However, the immigration options are open to most age groups, with some exceptions. So if you genuinely intend to return to the workforce, click here for more information.
Immigration as a refugee for retired people
The Canadian refugee program is entirely independent of age. Therefore, read the following options to see if you qualify.
- Refugee resettlement from outside Canada
- Filing a refugee claim at the port of entry or inside Canada
If you are a US citizen, your chance of a successful refugee claim is slim. Consequently, consult with a professional before deciding. Remember that you could face significant consequences if you file a refugee claim and withdraw. I do not deal with refugee resettlement, but I can help you with claims inside Canada.
Temporary to permanent immigration options
Sometimes you could move to Canada to study or work. You may later qualify for immigration. However, choosing these options means you need to go back to school or return to the workforce.
Let us help!
As a retiree who wishes to immigrate to Canada, you could consider hiring me. I have represented thousands of people in their immigration applications to Canada. Please fill out our assessment form or book a consultation session with me. You may also fill out the following form to contact us.
If you are interested in visiting or immigrating to Canada, please complete our free assessment form.
There is no fee for this assessment. We will review your information and contact you if we identify a suitable immigration pathway or other meaningful option for you.
If you would prefer direct advice about your specific situation, you may book a consultation session. This is a paid service and includes formal immigration advice from a licensed Canadian immigration practitioner.
Al Parsai, LLM, MA, RCIC-IRB
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant
Adjunct Professor, Queen’s University Faculty of Law
Instructor, Ashton College, Immigration Consulting Program
Author of 88 Tips on Immigration to Canada and Inadmissibility to Canada for Human Rights Violations
Complete Our Free Canada Immigration Assessment Form in Your Language: