What are the ways to immigrate to Canada?

Canada is the hotspot for immigrates in the world. Simple and easy immigration process, making the immigration process as effortless and trouble-free for immigration is the main pillar stone of Canadian immigration policies.

Canada offers immigrants high-standard of life, daily life with more safety, free healthcare and free education and opportunities for growth in their professional career. Immigrants can avail from over 60 immigration programs that are being provided by Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

For immigrating to Canada there are three main categories for consideration:

  • Permanent Residence: These are long-term immigration programs that include economic programs and family sponsorship.
  • Work Permits: This program allows the candidates to work in Canada for a limited period of time.
  • Study Permits: These are required to study at approved institutions, with the possibility to work during which can help you to gain work experience and apply for Canadian permanent residence.

Every kind of immigrants is being covered by the Canadian immigration programs. For Skilled worker, there is the number of occupations that are in demand in Canada. The government of Canada has done classifications of occupations in National Occupational Classification (NOC) with skill level type of O, A or B. Based on occupation categorization candidates are invited via Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) streams of Express Entry program or via provincial nomination program.

For Businessmen & Investors, there are business immigration program to attract foreign investment. Applicants needed to invest certain amount of money into the country and require meeting some requirements. Business visa are the key source for creating jobs in the country.

For International Students, government has relaxed their immigration rules, for them to get the permanent residence visa and citizenship in Canada. International students are considered as the potential workforce to fill the gap for skilled immigrants in Canada.

Immigration Programs

Now, there are various types of immigration programs and they are categorized under the following categories:

Economic Immigration:

Express Entry Program: It is the fastest way to get a Canadian permanent residence visa. It is a point-based program that awards points to the candidates based on various eligibility factors. Based on these points candidates profiles are ranked in Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Profiles with the highest rank are given an Invitation to Apply (ITA) to apply for permanent residence visa. There are sub-categories under this program: Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

Provincial Nomination Program: This program is for candidates who want to reside on the province of their own choice or for the province to nominate highly skilled immigrants to live and work in the province. Provincial nomination program of each province have their own requirements and demands based on the labor market of each province. Candidates can apply directly to provincial immigration office or can apply via express entry program.

Quebec Skilled Workers Program: Quebec province has their own nomination program. This program is for candidates who want to settle and work in Quebec province. Quebec immigration issues a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) that means that the candidate is selected for living in the province. Second step would be to apply for permanent residency to the Canadian government. Certificates are issued to skilled workers under Quebec Skilled Worker Program, to international students, graduates, and workers in Quebec under Quebec Experience Program (QEC).

Entrepreneur Start-up Program: This category is for entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to build innovative business in Canada that will be able to create jobs for Canadian citizens or residence. Eligible candidates who have the Commitment Certificate and Letter of Support that is issued by a designated organization that may qualify for short term work permit before they can apply for permanent residency.

Family Class Immigration:

Spouse/Common-law Sponsorship: This category is for spouse and common-law partner of Canadian citizens who wants to settle in Canada. Total fees for the process amounts for $1,040 which is divided into sponsorship fee – $75, principal applicant fee – $475 and right of permanent residence fee – $490.

Refugee and Humanitarian Resettlement plan: This category is for candidates who have fled their countries. There are mainly two parts – Refugee and Humanitarian Resettlement Program (for candidates who need protection from outside Canada) and In-Canada Asylum program.

Temporary Work Permit:

International Experience Canada: This IEC program is for pass-port holders from 33 countries. Every year, numbers of work permits are given to assigned countries. Candidates have to visit government’s immigration to Canada and show Expression of Interest (EOI). After this candidates will be able to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Applicants who are selected are issued a Letter of Introduction that they have to show when they land in Canada.

Temporary Foreign Worker Program: Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) may considered by a job that is offered to a candidate by an eligible employer of the country. Employers have to prove that no eligible Canadian citizen or resident could be found to perform the job and pay the respective fees. Employers have to meet other requirements in order to deem eligible to hire foreign workers.

Study Permit: This category is for individuals who wish to enroll in a study program at university or college in Canada. If the study program duration is more than 6 months, study permit is required. For candidates to get a study permit, they must have a Letter of Acceptance to a DLI and proof of funds.