Canada’s welcoming spirit and diverse opportunities make it a top choice for immigrants worldwide, as of 2023, 24% of the total population of the country are immigrants. The country’s commitment to multiculturalism means you can celebrate your heritage while becoming a part of the Canadian mosaic.
Canada’s education system is globally renowned. With numerous universities consistently ranking among the best in the world, international students flock to Canada for their higher education.
Over the last few years, the country has welcomed over 400,000 immigrants annually. Whether you’re an aspiring professional, a student with big dreams, or someone looking for a fresh start, Canada has an immigration pathway for you.
The nation’s strong economy and diverse industries offer a range of job prospects and a chance for you to grow your career. If you are interested in migrating to Canada, here are the various ways to immigrate to Canada.
Ways to Immigrate to Canada
Express Entry
This is the swift route; Express Entry is like the express lane to Canadian immigration. It’s a system that manages applications for three major economic immigration programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): If you are a skilled worker with experience in high-demand occupations, you can migrate to Canada through this program.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): For tradespeople with skills in specific trades.
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): If you have Canadian work experience; you have worked for a Canadian employer before, this path is great for you.
The cool part? Express Entry uses a points system called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to rank individuals based on their age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. If you score high, you will be invited to apply for permanent residency.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Canada has provinces and territories that can nominate immigrants based on their specific needs. The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) lets you connect with a province and, if you are nominated, you will get extra points for Express Entry.
The beauty of the PNP lies in its diversity. Each province and territory in Canada has its own set of criteria for nomination.
This means that you have the opportunity to check provinces that best match your skills, qualifications, and goals. Whether you’re an IT whiz eyeing tech hubs like Ontario or a nature enthusiast drawn to the natural beauty of British Columbia, there’s a province for everyone. You can explore any of the provinces.
Pathways within the PNP
Within the PNP, there are various streams, each stream caters to a particular group:
- Skilled Workers: If you have skills that are in demand in a particular province, you could be nominated through the Skilled Worker stream.
- International Graduates: Did you graduate from a Canadian institution? If yes, the International Graduate stream might be your ticket to staying and working in your preferred province.
- Entrepreneurs and Investors: Some provinces offer pathways if you have entrepreneurial dreams. If you’ve got a business plan or investment capital, there are provinces in Canada that are eager to welcome you.
Study route
If you’re a student, Canada’s a great place to learn and grow. you can migrate to Canada through the study route.
Studying in Canada can lead to a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), this work permit lets you work after you graduate. The length of the PGWP depends on the duration of your study program.
How does it work?
To migrate to Canada through the study route, you need to follow the steps below:
- Choose your program: Start by selecting an educational program that aligns with your interests and career goals. Canada’s universities and colleges offer a wide range of options to cater to various fields of study.
- Apply and get accepted: Once you’ve chosen your program, you need to apply to the educational institution. If you are accepted, you’ll receive an acceptance letter – you will need this acceptance letter to obtain a study permit.
- Obtain a study permit: A study permit is a must-have document if you are a student in Canada, it allows you to study in Canada. To get this permit, you need to provide your acceptance letter, provide proof that you have enough money to cover your tuition fees and living expenses, you may also be asked to go through a medical examination.
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): Upon completing your studies, you might be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). With this permit, you can work in Canada for up to three years, depending on the length of your study program.
- Gather work experience: Working in Canada not only provides you with financial stability but also grants you the opportunity to gain Canadian work experience.
- Transition to permanent residency: With Canadian education and work experience under your belt, you might be eligible to transition to permanent residency through various immigration pathways, such as Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs.
- Family Sponsorship
If you have family members in Canada who are citizens or permanent residents, they can sponsor you.
This Family Sponsorship program aims to reunite families, whether it’s your spouse, parents, or dependent children.
How it works
- Check sponsor and sponsored eligibility: Ensure you and your sponsor (Canadian citizen or permanent resident family member) meet the eligibility criteria.
- Apply to sponsor: Your sponsor will need to apply to become an approved sponsor through IRCC.
- Apply for permanent residency: Once sponsorship is approved, you can apply for permanent residency after.
Start Up visa
Do you have a business idea that’s ready to take off? Canada’s Start-Up Visa program could be your ticket.
If a designated organization agrees to support your business idea, you might get an invitation to apply for permanent residency.
How it works
- Secure a letter of support: Get a commitment from a designated organization to support your business idea.
- Meet business requirements: Ensure your business plan meets the ownership and control criteria.
- Apply for permanent residency: With a designated organization’s commitment and meeting requirements, you can apply for permanent residency.
Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP)
This is a sweet deal if you’re looking to settle in Canada’s Atlantic provinces – New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.
The AIP offers pathways for skilled workers, intermediate-skilled workers, and international graduates.
How it works
- Find an employer: You need a job offer from an employer in one of Canada’s Atlantic provinces.
- Get endorsement: The employer will endorse you for the Atlantic Immigration Pilot.
- Apply for permanent residency: With the endorsement, you can apply for permanent residency.
Refugee and Asylum Seekers
Canada is known for its humanitarian efforts. If you’re facing persecution or danger in your home country, you can apply for refugee status or asylum in Canada.
How it works
- Seek asylum: If facing persecution or danger, apply for refugee status or asylum in Canada.
- Refugee claim and process: You will undergo a process to determine eligibility for refugee status, including interviews and assessments.
- Resettlement: If you are granted refugee status, you can start working towards rebuilding your life in Canada with the support of settlement services.
Final words
Each immigration pathway has its requirements, so before starting your application, ensure you meet the requirements of your chosen pathway. The number of immigrants welcomed to Canada has been on the rise, with around 400,000 newcomers welcomed annually. You can be one of them.
Canada’s doors are open – it’s up to you to take the first step if you wish to migrate to the country.
