You might be surprised to learn that the answer is likely yes! While the idea of immigrating to Canada may initially seem daunting, understanding the Canadian immigration process can alleviate your concerns. Your eligibility to move does not solely hinge on your financial status or your country of origin; it primarily depends on whether you meet the necessary criteria. Even if your first application is unsuccessful, with the right guidance and accurate information, you can improve your chances for future attempts.
What is the Fastest Way to Immigrate to Canada?
Although the journey to work and reside in Canada can be lengthy, following the correct procedures and qualifying for the appropriate program can lead to approval and permanent residency in as little as six months. With hundreds of thousands of successful applicants each year, you may wonder if you too can relocate to the Great White North.
If you find that you are eligible, you’ll be pleased to know there are numerous pathways to immigrating to Canada. The primary programs that facilitate quick visa approvals include:
- Express Entry (EE)
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Post-Graduate Worker Program
- Family Sponsorship
These programs cater to a wide range of applicants, from skilled professionals seeking employment in Canada to those with existing job offers.
Before selecting the right program for you, it’s essential to create an online application and complete the required fields to determine if you can achieve the necessary score to compete with other applicants. Given the high volume of applications from countries like India, Pakistan, China, Nigeria, and the UK, it’s crucial to not only follow the right steps but also enhance your score to maximize your chances of obtaining permanent residency.
Express Entry (EE)
The Express Entry system is designed to align with the evolving needs of the Canadian labor market by welcoming qualified individuals from around the globe. Since its launch in January 2015, Canada has aimed to accept 195,800 applicants through federal economic programs. In 2020, the system issued 91,800 invitations to apply (ITA) for permanent residency, surpassing expectations with 107,950 invitations. With projections of over 1.2 million immigrants expected by 2021 and 2023, many are turning to Express Entry for a successful application, as the Canadian government continues to set ambitious targets for Express Entry applicants.
How Does Express Entry Work?
The Express Entry process consists of two main steps: submitting your profile and, upon successful evaluation, receiving an ITA. Your profile must include language test results, educational credentials, and a valid passport or travel document. If you receive an ITA, you must accept it within 90 days and provide additional documentation, including reference letters from previous employers, identity documents, medical exam results, and authorization certificates.
Candidates with tertiary education and relevant work experience, along with moderate proficiency in English, French, or both, are ideal for the three Express Entry programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
To enhance your chances of a successful Express Entry application that further makes immigrating to Canada easier, aim for a high Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. If your score falls short, consider improving your language skills and retaking tests, or gaining additional work experience to boost your profile.
Express Entry Points Breakdown
Achieving a higher CRS score significantly increases your likelihood of receiving an ITA. Factors that can enhance your application include:
- Being under 30 years old, although candidates up to 44 can still be competitive.
- Holding at least one Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, with two degrees being more favorable.
- Demonstrating strong English or French language skills.
- Having a minimum of three years of skilled work experience.
Additional factors that can further elevate your score include:
- High language proficiency or bilingualism in English and French.
- Advanced degrees such as a Master’s or Ph.D.
- Work or educational experience in Canada.
- Having a sibling residing in Canada.
- Securing a job offer from a Canadian employer.
- Receiving a nomination from a Provincial Nominee Program.
Express Entry profiles remain active for up to 12 months, and higher scores correlate with faster results.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
The Provincial Nominee Program is another popular pathway, focusing on attracting skilled workers from abroad. As Canada’s economy grows rapidly, there is an urgent need for skilled professionals, making it likely that qualified candidates will receive job offers and immigration approval.
Canada aims to welcome between 64,000 and 81,500 immigrants through the PNP in 2021. With over 80 PNP programs available, applicants can seek guidance from a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) to identify the best fit for their situation.
The PNP process involves selecting a province where you wish to reside, which will assess your application based on its employment and immigration needs.
What is the Duration of the Application Process?
The initial step in the PNP application process is obtaining approval from your chosen province, which can take anywhere from two weeks to nine months. After provincial approval, you will need to submit medical and police certificates, along with security documentation, which may take an additional six to eight months. Once these steps are completed, the PNP can assist you in obtaining a temporary work visa before you settle in Canada.
You have two options for applying for permanent residence through a PNP:
- Direct application to a province or territory
- Express Entry-linked process
The direct application process can take between 15 and 19 months for feedback on approval, while the Express Entry-linked process can be completed in six to eight months.
Can I Immigrate to Canada Without a Job Offer?
Yes, the best way to increase your chances of immigrating to Canada without a job offer is through Express Entry programs, specifically the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). Additionally, the Graduate Work Permit and Family Sponsorship programs do not require a job offer for eligibility.
What is the Post-Graduate Worker Permit (PGWP)?
The Post-Graduate Worker Permit (PGWP) is designed for international students who have completed a program at a Designated Learning Institute (DLI) in Canada, allowing them to work for any employer. The validity of the PGWP is based on the length of the study program, with a maximum duration of three years.
To apply for the PGWP, you must do so within 180 days of receiving your final grades. If your study permit expires before you receive your grades, you can either apply for a visitor record or leave Canada to apply for the PGWP.
What Are the Requirements for PGWP?
To qualify for the PGWP, you must have:
- Completed a study program at a DLI for at least eight months.
- Been a full-time student in Canada for each semester.
- Graduated from a public post-secondary institution or a private school that grants degrees under provincial law.
Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your PGWP; otherwise, it will only be issued until your passport expires.
How Do I Immigrate With a Post-Graduate Worker Permit?
The PGWP allows you to gain valuable Canadian work experience, which can qualify you for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). To be eligible for the CEC, you must have at least one year of qualified work experience in Canada, which must be full-time or the equivalent part-time, legally obtained, and classified under the Canadian National Occupational Classification (NOC) as level 0, A, or B.
Family Sponsorships
Family sponsorship is an increasingly popular method for immigrating to Canada. In the first half of 2020, over 24,000 new permanent residents arrived through the family class program, even amid the pandemic.
The Family Sponsorship Program allows adult citizens or permanent residents to sponsor a spouse, partner, or parent for immigration. The main benefits of sponsorship include:
- Gaining permanent residency in Canada.
- Immigrating without a job offer.
Who You Can Sponsor
- Your spouse
- Your common-law partner
- Your conjugal partner
- Your child
- Your spouse or partner and their children
- Dependent children
Children qualify as dependents if they are under 22 years old and do not have a spouse or common-law partner.
Who Is Eligible to Sponsor?
You can sponsor your spouse, partner, or dependent child if you:
- Are 18 years or older.
- Are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act.
- Plan to live in Canada when your sponsored family members become permanent residents.
- Can prove you are not receiving social assistance for reasons other than disability.
- Can provide for the basic needs of the individuals you wish to sponsor.
As a sponsor, you must commit to providing financial support to your sponsored family members and repay any provincial social assistance they may receive during that time.
Length of Undertaking for All Provinces Except Quebec
- Spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner: 3 years
- Dependent child (biological or adopted) under 22 years: 10 years or until age 25, whichever comes first
- Dependent child 22 years or older: 3 years
The family sponsorship application process typically takes around 12 months, though it may take longer depending on the applicant’s country of origin.
Did You Know?
Spouses can work in Canada under Sponsorship Programs, allowing them to gain employment while their application is being processed. However, this benefit is only available to individuals already residing in Canada on a temporary visa.
Cost of Living in Canada in 2021
When planning on immigrating to Canada, researching the cost of living in your chosen city is crucial. The cost of living can vary significantly based on lifestyle, city, family size, and other factors. Fortunately, there are ways to live modestly and affordably.
Affordable Cities in Canada
| Expenses | Thunder Bay, Ontario | Halifax, Nova Scotia | Edmonton, Alberta | Abbotsford, British Columbia | |——————————|———————-|———————-|——————-|—————————— | Rent (3 bedrooms) | $1,614 | $1,656 | $1,505 | $1,814 | | Utilities | $295 | $172 | $225 | $110 | | Monthly Bus Pass | $71 | $83 | $98 | $56 | | Groceries | $360 | $340 | $305 | $350 |
Is Canada a Good Place for Immigrants?
Canada is widely regarded as one of the best countries for immigrants to live and work. The nation is known for treating everyone equally, regardless of race, culture, or religion, which is particularly important for newcomers seeking a sense of belonging. Beyond the pursuit of better opportunities in education, healthcare, and overall quality of life, many people immigrating to Canada value the safety and acceptance that Canada offers, contributing to its reputation for rich cultural diversity.