Immigration to Canada for Lebanese citizens offers over 100 pathways to settle in the country. In the past five years, nearly 1,800 individuals have decided to move to Canada from Lebanon, contributing to a community of between 200,000 and 400,000 people from Lebanon.
The primary reason many newcomers choose Canada is its reputation as a safe and welcoming environment for families. With excellent educational opportunities, a publicly funded healthcare system for all permanent residents and citizens, and well-paying job prospects, Canada stands out as an attractive destination. The country’s liberal government is committed to supporting its citizens, especially during uncertain times, making it an ideal place for families to thrive.
However, with so many options available for immigration, how can you determine the best path for your situation? Let’s explore some of the top immigration options for Lebanese citizens looking to move to Canada.
How Can I Apply for Canada Immigration from Lebanon?
- Take the Fast-tracked Path: Express Entry System
The Express Entry system is a favored method for immigrating to Canada due to its speed and accessibility. The average processing time for an Express Entry visa application can be as short as six months. Applicants are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which considers factors such as age, language proficiency, skills, education, job offers (if applicable), and adaptability to life in Canada.
Every two weeks, thousands of skilled workers receive Invitations to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence through Canada’s Express Entry draws. The three main programs available under this system are:
- The Federal Skilled Worker Program
- The Federal Skilled Trades Program
- The Canada Experience Class
Recently, the Canada Experience Class and Express Entry-linked Provincial Nominee Programs have been issuing a significant number of ITAs.
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Express Entry-Linked Canada Immigration Programs
Many people are unaware that nearly all Canadian provinces have an Express Entry Provincial Nominee Program—11 in total. These programs can significantly enhance your chances of receiving an ITA. By expressing interest in a province where your skills and experience are in demand, you increase your likelihood of receiving a Provincial Nomination (PN), which is worth an impressive 600 points in the CRS. This can greatly improve your chances of success in your Canada visa application.
For instance, in the most recent Express Entry draw, the required PR points were 771. With a PN, you would only need an additional 171 points to qualify for an ITA. Discover how easy it is to boost your CRS score and earn the extra points necessary for success.
- Work in Atlantic Canada: Atlantic Immigration Pilot
The Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP) is an excellent option for Lebanese citizens looking to immigrate to Canada. To qualify, you need a job offer from a designated employer in one of the Atlantic provinces: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland & Labrador. The AIP has recently streamlined its visa application process, allowing you to apply for a Canada work permit online, with processing times reduced to as little as six months!
Top Jobs in Atlantic Canada
Here are some of the in-demand jobs in Atlantic Canada:
- Registered & Licensed Nursing Assistants
- Dentists
- Optometrists
- Doctors
- Senior Managers (in various sectors such as finance, trade, engineering, healthcare, tourism, and food service)
- Teachers
- Home Support Workers
- Graphic Designers
- Sales Executives
- Food & Beverage Servers
- Security Guards
- Contact Centre Agents
- Delivery Workers
- Material Handlers
- Long Haul Truck Drivers
- Cooks
- General Farm Workers
- Industrial Butchers
- Fish and Seafood Plant Workers
- Post-Graduate Work Program: Why You Should Study in Canada
The Post-Graduate Work Program (PGWP) is designed for international students who have completed their studies at a designated educational institution in Canada. This program allows graduates to stay in Canada and gain valuable work experience, which can help them apply for permanent residence through various immigration programs, including the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). When choosing a college or university, it’s essential to select a program with a minimum duration of eight months to one year. If you qualify for the PGWP, it will be valid for the same length as your study program, and you will need at least one year of work experience in Canada to be eligible for permanent residency through the CEC.
- The Road to Permanent Residency: Temporary Foreign Work
While it may seem unconventional, considering temporary jobs for foreign workers can be a viable option for Canadian immigration. The reality is that immigration is competitive, and not everyone will meet the requirements for immediate permanent residency. The good news is that if you are an experienced worker willing to take on a temporary job in Canada, you may find numerous opportunities opening up for you within six months to a year!
Taking a temporary job in Canada not only allows for quicker entry into the country but also provides the chance to explore different regions and determine the best fit for you and your family. The International Mobility Program has an average processing time of about 18 weeks and enables employers to hire you without requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which typically necessitates local job postings for three months before considering international applicants. Additionally, this experience can help you qualify for permanent residency through provincial programs, such as the Saskatchewan Experience Streams, which cater to experienced workers in industries like healthcare, hospitality, and transportation, allowing you to apply for permanent residency after just six months of employment in Canada.