Do you want to Travel To Canada As An immigrant? If the process of moving to Canada feels overwhelming, fret not. The key lies in acquiring the correct information.
Canada warmly embraces individuals—students, entrepreneurs, skilled and unskilled workers, and families—seeking fresh prospects.
Let me simplify the path for you with 13 straightforward legal strategies to turn your Canadian aspirations into reality without delving into overwhelming statistics.
1. Canadian Study Permit
One of the most accessible routes to migrate to Canada is through student status. The study permit, also called a student visa, grants temporary residence to international students pursuing education in Canada.
Eligibility Criteria
Students must be enrolled in a program at a recognized Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada to qualify for a study permit.
Financial Obligations
Applicants must demonstrate they possess ample funds to cover tuition fees, living expenses for themselves and any accompanying family members, and funds for return transportation.
Character and Health Criteria
Maintaining a clean criminal record is essential. Some cases may necessitate a medical examination to validate good health.
Intent to Depart Canada
Students must show immigration officials their intention to leave Canada after their study permit expires.
Additional Insights
The Student Direct Stream expedites study permit processing for eligible students from select countries for online applications.
Responsibilities While Studying
Students must adhere to study permit conditions and show academic progression. Failure to meet requirements necessitates cessation of studies.
Study permit terms might encompass work permissions, travel limitations, specified departure dates, or restrictions on the designated learning institution (DLI). Adherence to these terms is critical.
2. Express Entry
Express Entry is Canada’s online system for managing immigration applications from skilled workers. It encompasses three immigration programs: Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program, and Federal Skilled Trades Program.
Eligibility Criteria and Requirements
Eligibility hinges upon the specific program within Express Entry. Here’s a concise breakdown:
For Canadian Experience Class:
- Skilled workers with Canadian work experience gained within the three years preceding the application.
- Meeting language proficiency prerequisites (English or French).
- I possess skilled employment experience.
For Federal Skilled Worker Program:
- Skilled workers with foreign work experience.
- Meeting minimum education, language proficiency, work experience, and other criteria.
- Holding a valid job offer (optional) or demonstrating economic contribution potential to Canada.
For Federal Skilled Trades Program:
- Qualified skilled workers in a specialized trade.
- Meeting specified requirements for language proficiency, work experience, and a job offer or a qualification certificate.
- A job offer or qualification certificate is mandatory.
Your eligibility is determined by responding to a few questions to assess meeting the minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), a points-based system.
Once deemed eligible, you must ascertain your score through the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), a point-based system that evaluates and ranks profiles within the Express Entry pool.
Your CRS score significantly influences the likelihood of being invited to apply for permanent residence.
Necessary Documents
- Under the Express Entry application, gather essential documents, including language test results, to substantiate your eligibility.
- Eligible candidates enter the pool and receive a CRS score upon profile completion.
- Top-scoring individuals within the pool receive invitations for permanent residence applications. Ensure prompt submission of your comprehensive application and all supporting documents within 60 days of approval.
- The typical processing time for most complete applications, accompanied by requisite documents, is six months or less.
Please note that the information shared here reflects details available until February 7, 2024. Stay updated regarding the latest updates, especially concerning physicians.
3. Provincial Nomination Program (PNP)
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is a Canadian immigration initiative empowering provinces and territories to nominate individuals possessing skills, education, and work experience beneficial to a specific province or territory’s economic development.
This program caters to individuals aspiring to reside in a particular province or territory and attain Canadian permanent residency.
PNP Streams and Requirements
Distinct streams and prerequisites exist under each province or territory’s PNP.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility criteria and requisites vary based on the chosen stream and the respective province or territory. Typically, the following aspects are evaluated:
Skills, Education, and Work Experience
Relevant skills, education, and work experience aligned with the province or territory’s labor market requirements are essential.
This may involve securing a job offer from a local employer or possessing experience in a high-demand occupation.
Language Proficiency
Demonstrating proficiency in English or French in line with the province or territory’s language mandates is imperative.
Residence and Employment Commitment
A genuine commitment to residing and working in the nominating province or territory must be demonstrated.
Provincial Nomination
Nomination by a province or territory through their specified stream is mandatory. Each region follows distinct selection criteria.
Medical Examination and Police Clearance
As part of the application process, a medical exam to meet Canada’s health immigration requirements is necessary. Additionally, a police certificate showcasing good conduct and a clean criminal record is vital.
Distinguishing Processes: Non-Express Entry vs. Express Entry
Application processes differ between the non-Express Entry and Express Entry streams:
Non-Express Entry: Direct application to the province or territory; if nominated, a separate permanent residence application is made.
Express Entry: Option to contact the province or territory for nomination or express interest through an Express Entry profile, updating it if nominated, and subsequently submitting an electronic application to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Eligibility criteria and requirements may change, necessitating staying abreast of the latest information provided by the province or territory of interest.
4. Family Sponsorship
The Family Sponsor program facilitates the migration of a relative to Canada for educational purposes, business, or visits.
This program operates in two ways: as an applicant migrating to Canada or as the sponsor residing in Canada, responsible for all associated expenses.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada, or a registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act.
- The age requirement is 18 years or older.
- Demonstrate no reliance on social assistance except for disability-related reasons.
- Previous sponsors who received government financial support for a spouse, partner, or child must settle debts before sponsoring again.
- Individuals convicted of specific offenses, like violent crimes or offenses against family members, may face ineligibility for sponsorship.
Requirements
- Download and complete the PDF forms available in the application package.
- Digital signatures from both sponsor and sponsored individual (principal applicant) are mandatory on the forms.
- The principal applicant must electronically submit completed forms and sign the entire application online.
- Accurate completion of required forms by the sponsor and sponsored individuals following the application guide’s instructions.
- Payment of mandatory application fees, covering processing, right of permanent residence, and biometrics.
- Additional information might be required during the application processing, such as medical exams, police certificates, and biometrics.
5. Quebec Skilled Worker Program
For those seeking permanent migration to Canada, specifically Quebec, the Quebec-selected Skilled Worker program is tailored to meet your needs.
Eligibility Criteria
- Quebec Residence Intent: Intention to reside in Quebec is mandatory.
- Occupational Eligibility: Minimum one-year work experience in occupations listed in Quebec’s
- High Demand Occupation List or Areas of Training List.
- Education: Completing a diploma, certificate, or equivalent to Quebec’s secondary school diploma.
- Language Proficiency: Proficiency in French is pivotal due to Quebec’s strong emphasis on French language skills. English proficiency proof might also be necessary.
- Financial Self-Sufficiency: Demonstrating sufficient funds to support yourself and your family in Quebec is crucial.
- Medical and Security Clearances: Mandatory medical exams and police certificates for your family to demonstrate admissibility to Canada.
Requirements
- Online Application: Apply through the Permanent Residence Online Application Portal.
- Background/Declaration (IMM 5669): Furnish additional background information.
- Additional Family Information (IMM 5406): Details regarding family members.
- Supplementary Information – Your Travels (IMM 5562): Documentation of your travel history.
- Document Checklist (IMM 5690): Complete and upload this checklist of required supporting documents.
- Schedule 5: Economic Classes—Declaration of Intent to Reside in Quebec (IMM 0008 Schedule 5) if Quebec residency is intended.
- Biometrics: Depending on age, provide fingerprints and photos (biometrics). Follow payment and instructions for biometrics submission.
- Fees: Pay processing fees, Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF), biometrics fee, and relevant third-party fees online.
- #9. Atlantic Immigration Program
Eligible if you graduate from any of Canada’s Atlantic regions, including New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and Labrador.
6. Caregivers in Canada
Canada presents an excellent temporary or permanent residency opportunity for those drawn to nurturing children, older people, or individuals with medical needs.
Permanent Residence for Caregivers:
- Eligible caregivers can seek permanent residence in Canada.
- They must maintain a valid temporary resident status while working in the country.
- Extending or changing work permit conditions before expiration is vital. If a new work permit application is submitted before the current one expires, they can continue working under the same conditions while awaiting a decision.
Additional Benefits of Caregiver Programs:
Eligible caregivers can apply for permanent residence through specific pilot programs.
- Requirements include securing a job offer as a home child care provider or home support worker in Canada.
- Successful applicants receive an occupation-restricted open work permit exempt from a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
- Work experience gained via these programs contributes to permanent residence eligibility.
Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP):
- Closed to new applicants.
- Applicants may seek permanent residence through LCP if they possess at least two years of LCP work experience and meet set criteria.
- Eligibility involves current employment in Canada under an LCP work permit or approval for the first LCP work permit based on an LMIA submission before November 30, 2014.
Temporary Work for Caregivers:
- If caregivers don’t meet permanent residence requirements, temporary work in Canada might be an option.
- They can extend work permits through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).
- Employers need a positive LMIA before caregivers apply for a work permit.
- Eligibility for a new work permit is determined by application location and the LMIA’s date.
7. Self-Employed Immigration to Canada
An innovative way to immigrate to Canada involves initiating a business or engaging in profitable entrepreneurial activities:
Eligibility:
- Relevant Experience: At least two years of relevant experience in world-class participation in cultural activities or athletics or self-employment in these domains.
- Timeframe: The relevant experience must be within the five years preceding the application and should conclude on the decision day.
- Additional Experience: Extra points can be gained with three, four, or five years of relevant experience.
Requirements:
- Self-Employment Capability: Candidates should demonstrate the skills, experience, and resources to establish and sustain a viable self-employed venture in Canada.
- Selection Criteria: Applications are evaluated based on diverse criteria like experience, education, age, language abilities, and adaptability.
- Medical and Security Checks: Mandatory medical exams ensure compliance with health standards and police certificates to exhibit good character and no threat to Canada’s security.
- Sufficient Funds: Proof of ample financial support for the applicant and family post-arrival in Canada is required.
Conclusion
Canada has become a desirable destination for immigrants globally, offering abundant opportunities for students seeking scholarships or skilled workers exploring better prospects.
Note: This content provides a summary. For comprehensive and detailed information, refer to official authority websites.