Your latest checklist for immigrating
How to immigrate to Canada is a favourite topic of conversation around the world. With Canada recently ranked the best country in the world to live in, the desire to immigrate to Canada will get even stronger.
In planning to immigrate to Canada, it is imperative to first have a clear understanding of the pathway and all the options available. We have put together the latest updated list by the Government on how to rightly immigrate to Canada.
- Express Entry (Federal skilled worker)
The Express Entry remains one of the most recognizable ways for skilled workers to immigrate to Canada. The first step in the Express Entry is to confirm your eligibility based on the detailed list of requirements. Eligible candidates are accepted into an Express Entry pool and then ranked using a points-based system.
Selection is based on age, skilled work experience, language ability, education, and adaptability. These factors are part of a 100-point grid used to assess eligibility for the Federal Skilled Worker Program. The current pass mark is 67 points.
Once you are in the Express Entry pool, the Government uses a different system to rank your profile. The highest-ranking candidates from the pool are invited to apply for permanent residence. This is usually the first option for most skilled workers and professionals who are planning to immigrate to Canada.
- Provincial Nominee Program: (non-Express Entry process)
In this case, you will apply to the province or territory for nomination under a non-Express Entry stream. You must meet the eligibility requirements of a specific province on how to immigrate to Canada. The conditions differ from region to region.
The application package includes the instruction guide and all the forms you need to fill out after a province or territory has nominated you. Once you have been nominated, you will then submit a paper application for permanent residence
- Quebec-selected skilled workers
People wanting to immigrate to Canada can also apply through this process. It is specifically for skilled workers who want to become permanent residents but must live in Quebec.
The province has its own rules on how to immigrate to Canada, based on a special agreement with the Government of Canada. You can only apply for permanent residence after you have been issued a Quebec Selection Certificate (Certificat de sélection du Québec [CSQ]).
- Atlantic Immigration Pilot
Like the Quebec program, the Atlantic Pilot, helps employers hire foreign skilled workers who want to immigrate to Atlantic Canada. It also applies to international graduates who want to stay in Atlantic Canada after they graduate. These locations are:
This Pilot program was launched in 2017. Due to its success, the government has made it a permanent program for people interested in immigrating to Canada.
- The Self-employed Persons / Athletics Program
Have you taken part in cultural activities or athletics at a world-class level or been a self-employed person in cultural activities or athletics? Then this program is for you. Most people thinking of how to immigrate to Canada are not aware of the existence of this program which allows you to immigrate as a self-employed person.
The selection criteria are based on education, experience, age, English / French ability and adaptability. The maximum possible score is 100. The pass mark is currently 35 points, but it may change. If you are thinking about immigrating to Canada as a self-employed immigrant, this option is worth considering.
- The temporary resident to permanent resident pathway
For those already in Canada, the Canadian Government has legitimized their pathway to Canadian citizenship. The Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship recently confirmed a special public policy granting permanent status to over 90,000 temporary workers and international graduates of Canadian institutions who are already in Canada and who possess the skills and experience needed to accelerate the economic recovery. The application portal will remain open until November 5, 2021
Immigration Minister, Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, explained that this new pathway for immigrating to Canada, “recognizes Canada’s need for educated and experienced workers as we work toward our economic recovery. It also acknowledges the extraordinary service of so many essential workers during the pandemic, many of whom are newcomers to our country and have played critical roles as we fight COVID-19.
- Graduate program
Another way to immigrate to Canada is through the study program. After you graduate from your program of studies, you may be able to work temporarily or even live permanently in Canada.
Post-graduation work permit (PGWP), open work permits or employer-specific work permits are given after graduation from one of the colleges or universities.
For those who can afford the international fees, this graduate program is one of the quickest ways to rightly immigrate to Canada.
- Start-up Visa Program
Entrepreneurs and business owners who want to immigrate to Canada can do so using this newly introduced Start-up Visa Program.
The Program targets immigrant entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to build businesses in Canada that are innovative and can compete on a global scale.
Do you have an innovative business idea? If you can get support for your idea from one of the designated organizations, you may be able to immigrate to Canada under the Start-up Visa Program.
- Quebec option
The Province of Quebec is in charge of its business immigration program. If you plan to live in Montreal or any part of French-speaking Quebec, you can also look at their options on immigrating to Canada through Quebec.
10. Family sponsorship
This is another Government approved way of immigrating to Canada. Relatives who can be sponsored include the following:
- Spouse
- Common-law partner
- Dependent children
- Parents and Grandparents
- Brothers or sisters, nephews or nieces, granddaughters or grandsons who are orphaned, under 18 years of age
Another relative of any age or relationship but only under specific conditions
The application package has the list of requirements. Applicants must also provide proof of income and agree in writing to support the relatives for a set amount of time (3 to 20 years)
Covid-19 has delayed the processing of applications. The good news is that with Canada aiming to hit the 70% mark of total population vaccinated, the restrictions will soon be eased and the plans to immigrate to Canada can get on track again.
Get ready immigrate to Canada
Canada has one of the world’s highest immigrant populations. As of 2019, there were about eight million immigrants with permanent residence living in Canada – roughly 21.5 percent of the total Canadian population. Almost 1.2 million immigrants are expected to be admitted into Canada by 2023.
Knowing the pathway and programs approved by the Federal Government is the first step in your journey to immigrate to Canada.
