In 2024, there are several routes if you are looking to make Canada your new home. Relocating to Canada is a dream for many because of its high quality of life, excellent healthcare and education systems, and diverse multicultural society. In this post, we’ll explore the easiest routes to immigrate to Canada, provide a comprehensive guide to each pathway. We will also explore the eligibility criteria, application processes, and tips for getting a successful application.
Express Entry System
The Express Entry system remains one of the most common routes used by skilled workers to immigrate to Canada. It manages applications for three federal economic immigration programs. This includes the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP):
At least a year of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work experience in the past ten years. Job offers not required but can enhance the application. Language proficiency in English or French (minimum CLB 7). Educational credentials assessed (foreign degrees need equivalency). Score at least 67 out of 100 points on the FSWP grid, which assesses factors like age, education, work experience, job offer, language skills, and adaptability.
To apply for the FSWP, create an Express Entry profile. Then, receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on your profile. thereafter, make sure you check regularly for an invite for permanent residence. For more info about FSWP, use this link to Learn more
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP):
The federal skilled trade program is another route skilled workers use to immigrate to Canada. to be eligible, you must have at least two years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade within the last five years.
You must have a valid job offer or a certificate of qualification in that skilled trade issued by a Canadian authority. Language proficiency in English or French (minimum CLB 5 for speaking and listening, CLB 4 for reading and writing) is well required also. Application is similar to FSWP, candidates create an Express Entry profile and receive a CRS score. Then wait for regular draws invite for your permanent residence application.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC):
Canadian experience class is another route for skilled workers to immigrate to Canada. You need at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years. Language proficiency in English or French (minimum CLB 7 for NOC 0 or A jobs, CLB 5 for NOC B jobs). To apply for CEC, first Create an Express Entry profile, receive a CRS score and wait for Invitations to apply for permanent residence.
Click this link to Learn more
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) offers provinces and territories in Canada to nominate individuals for permanent residence based on their specific labor market needs. Each province and territory have its own ways and criteria, offering more opportunities for candidates who may not qualify under Express Entry.
The following are the popular or common streams for Provincial Nominee Programs.
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP):
This stream can be further divided into three sub streams, which are the Human Capital Priorities Stream (HCP), Employer job offer stream, or the French-speaking skilled worker stream.
The HCP Stream targets skilled workers with the necessary education, work experience, and language proficiency. The employer job offer stream is mainly for candidates with a valid job offer from an Ontario employer. The French-speaking stream targets French-speaking skilled workers with strong English language capabilities.
British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP):
The BC PNP is available to candidates under three categories such as skills Immigration, Express Entry BC and Entrepreneur immigration. The BC PNP is open for skilled and semi-skilled workers in high-demand occupations within the province. The Express Entry BC is for candidates who meet the requirements of one of the federal economic immigration programs and have a valid Express Entry profile. While the entrepreneur immigration is for experienced entrepreneurs who wish to invest in and actively manage a business in British Columbia.
Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP):
The AINP is another popular stream under PNP with two sub-streams. These include Alberta Express Entry system and Alberta Opportuniy Stream. The Alberta Express stream is for candidates with strong links to Alberta or who can help support the province’s economic development and diversification. While the Alberta Opportunity Stream is mainly for candidates already working in Alberta who have a valid work permit and meet the program’s requirements.
Application Breakdown For PNP
1. Expression of Interest (EOI):
Some PNPs require candidates to submit an EOI, expressing their interest in immigrating to the province.
2. Invitation to Apply (ITA):
Provinces review EOIs and invite selected candidates to apply for nomination.
3. Provincial Nomination:
Candidates submit a complete application to the provincial government for a nomination.
4. Permanent Residence Application:
Once nominated, candidates apply to the federal government for permanent residence.
C. Family Sponsorship
Family sponsorship is another straightforward pathway for those who have family members who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
Eligibility and Application Process
1. Spousal and Common-Law Partner Sponsorship:
– Eligibility Criteria:
– The sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
– The relationship must be genuine and meet the legal definition of a spouse or common-law partner.
– Application Process:
– Submit a sponsorship application along with the permanent residence application.
– Both the sponsor and the applicant must meet the eligibility requirements, including proving the genuine nature of their relationship.
– The sponsor must agree to provide financial support for the spouse or partner for a specific period.
2. Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship:
– Eligibility Criteria:
– The sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and meet minimum income requirements.
– The sponsor must commit to financially supporting the parents or grandparents for 20 years.
– Application Process:
– Submit an interest to sponsor form.
– Invitations to apply are issued to randomly selected sponsors.
– Selected sponsors submit a complete sponsorship application along with the permanent residence application for the parents or grandparents.
3. Dependent Child Sponsorship:
To apply for dependent child sponsorship, the child must be under 22 years old and not married or in a common-law relationship. The sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Submit a sponsorship application along with the permanent residence application for the child. The sponsor must agree to financially support the child.
Click this link to Learn more
Start-Up Visa Program
The Start-Up Visa Program targets immigrant entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to build businesses in Canada that are innovative, can create jobs for Canadians, and can compete on a global scale. You must have a qualifying business where each applicant holds at least 10% of the voting rights, and the applicants and the designated organization together hold more than 50% of the voting rights. In addition, secure a commitment from a designated organization (venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator) to support the business. Meet language proficiency requirements (CLB 5 in English or French) and have sufficient settlement funds. To apply, first obtain a letter of support from a designated organization. Then submit a complete application for a start-up visa. The application is reviewed for eligibility, including the business plan and the applicant’s ability to settle and establish the business in Canada.
Click this link to Learn more
Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)
The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot is a community-driven program designed to spread the benefits of economic immigration to smaller communities by creating a path to permanent residence for skilled foreign workers. You must have a job offer from an employer in one of the participating communities. Candidate ust meet community-specific requirements, which may include work experience, language proficiency, and educational background. you must intend to live in the community. You must secure a job offer in a participating community. Also submit an application for recommendation to the community. If recommended by the community, apply for permanent residence through the federal government.
Click this link to Learn more
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
The Atlantic Immigration Program aims to attract skilled workers to the Atlantic provinces (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador). In order to apply and be eligible, you must have a job offer from a designated employer in one of the Atlantic provinces. You must meet the education, language, and work experience requirements. must have sufficient settlement funds. To apply, fist secure a job offer from a designated employer. The employer helps with the settlement plan. Then submit a permanent residence application through the AIP.
Click this link to Learn more
Study Pathway
Studying in Canada can also be a pathway to permanent residence. International students who complete their studies in Canada may be eligible for various immigration programs. These include:
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and Transition to PR
1. Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP):
This allows international students to work in Canada after graduation for up to three years, depending on the length of their study program. Work experience gained through the PGWP can qualify students for permanent residence through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or PNPs.
Read also: APPLY FOR 2024 CANADA WORK PERMIT IN 5 STEPS
2. Transition to Permanent Residence:
Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is attained after gaining one year of skilled work experience in Canada on a PGWP. Some provinces have specific streams for international graduates such as Provincial Nominee program.
Conclusion
Canada offers numerous routes for immigration in 2024, which caters to a diverse range of applicants from skilled workers to entrepreneurs, and family members to international students. Each route has specific eligibility criteria and application processes, making it necessary for prospective immigrants to carefully assess which pathway aligns best with their qualifications and circumstances. When you understand the requirements and prepare thoroughly, you can increase the chances of successfully immigrating to Canada and starting a new life in the prosperous country.
