Due to the numerous forms, requirements for supporting documentation, and deadlines, applying for a Canadian visa independently is a difficult and time-consuming process. For your application to be successful, you must know which of the more than 100 available Canadian immigration options best fits your individual situation. However, it’s not required to be.
We’ve selected the three simplest Canadian immigration options to help you get started on the path to beginning a new life in one of the most multicultural and diverse countries in the world.
The followings are the ways in which you can obtain permanent residency in Canada.
1. The Express Entry System
2. The Provincial Nominee Program
3. Family Sponsorship
1. What is Express Entry System?
In order to expedite and make the Canadian immigration process easier for qualified foreign candidates who wish to live and work in Canada, the Express Entry System was launched in 2015. The best part of the Express Entry system is that you don’t need a job offer to apply, and that it’s now one of the simplest and quickest ways to move to Canada since the processing period has been slashed to just 6-8 months. The following three federal immigration programs are open to applicants:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP);
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP); and
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
According to the Comprehensive Ranking System, all qualified visa applicants are given a score based on things like their age, employment experience, and educational background (CRS). After that, they are ranked against other applicants in a draw pool. The highest-scoring candidates are selected by the Canadian government to submit applications for permanent residency in the Express Entry drawings, which typically take place every two weeks in Canada.
The Express Entry system is also linked to the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Nine of Canada’s 13 provinces and territories have Express Entry-linked PNPs, making it both quicker and easier to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) to live and work in Canada permanently.
2. The Provincial Nominee Program
In order to bridge the present deficit in the Canadian labor market, the Provincial Nominee Program seeks to entice experienced workers to relocate to the province. If your job title appears on a province’s list of in-demand occupations and that province has a high shortage in that particular occupation, you will be given priority over other applicants to acquire a provincial nomination (PN). Receiving a PN almost ensures that applicants for permanent residency will receive 600 additional points to be added to their CRS score.
However, that isn’t the best aspect. If you have an Express Entry profile and have expressed interest in a particular PNP, they may choose your profile from the draw pool if you meet their requirements. Some PNPs have express entry streams. You will receive additional points in addition to your application being expedited, making it very simple to obtain permanent residency through some PNPs.
Below are the PNPs that have Express Entry streams or categories.
1.The British Columbia PNP Express Entry Stream;
2. The PNP Express Entry Labour Market System in New Brunswick;
3. The Saskatchewan PNP Express Entry System for International Skilled Workers;
4. PNP Demand Express Entry Stream in Nova Scotia; and PNP Experience Express Entry Stream in Nova Scotia;
5. PNP Express Entry for Skilled Workers in the Northwest Territories
6. PNP Express Entry for Skilled Workers in Newfoundland and Labrador
7. Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream in the Ontario INP Human Capital Category; and
Express Entry Skilled Worker Stream for French-Speaking Individuals; and Skilled Trades Express Entry;
8. PNP Express Entry Stream in Prince Edward Island;
9. Express Entry Stream for Yukon PNP
3. Family Sponsorship Visa
Permanent residents and citizens of Canada over the age of 18 may sponsor a spouse, common-law partner, relative, or dependent to remain and work in Canada through the Family Sponsorship Visa. This visa has 4 streams, including the following:
- Visa for Spousal and Family Sponsorship;
- Spousal and common-law Sponsorship Programs
- Parents and Grandparents’ Sponsorship Program; and
- Super Visa
Other Programs to Consider:
The Working Holiday Visa or International Experience Canada (IEC) visa is a great way to not only experience all that Canada has to offer, but is a potential pathway to get permanent residency in Canada. You could apply for an employer-specific work permit for six months or longer in order to stay in Canada after your IEC program. The work experience that you accumulate on an employer-specific work permit will count towards your PR points when you eventually apply to immigrate to Canada permanently.
Take a look at what you could look forward to when applying for a working holiday visa for Canada.
The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program assists immigration by connecting foreign nationals wanting to relocate to Atlantic Canada with government-designated employers. There are 3 programs to apply to, each with their own set of requirements:
- International Graduate Program at Atlantic University;
- Atlantic High-Skilled Program; as well as
- The Atlantic Intermediate-skilled Program
How Do You Become a Permanent Resident in Canada?
Depending on the immigration program you select, If your application for permanent residence is accepted through one of the Express Entry System’s or a Provincial Nominee Program, you will be sent an Invitation to Apply (ITA). You have 90 days to accept your invitation, so make sure you have all the necessary supporting documents on hand. Upon evaluation and approval of your application, you will be sent a Confirmation of Permanent Residency.
Why Does Immigration Matter to Canada?
It’s not surprising that so many people have listed Canada as one of their top 3 places to move to given that 350,000 immigrants are invited to live and work there each year. You and your loved ones can live in safety and security in Canada, where there are also abundant job opportunities, free healthcare, and free public schools.
Canada needs immigrants to help fill its current labour gap. The economy is growing rapidly and the rate at which Canadians are retiring is increasing, which means that soon there won’t be enough skilled workers to meet the demands of key industries in Canada. According to Statistics Canada, it is estimated that by 2036, between 23 and 25% of Canada’s population will be over the average retirement age of 65. By 2035, approximately 5 million Canadians will have retired, which means that there will be fewer people working to support retirees. This is why immigration matters so much to Canada. By immigrating to Canada, you will not only have the opportunity to live a high quality of life while you are working, but you will also be able to look forward to joining a community that will one day take care of you in your later years.
Canadian immigrants are also instrumental in the business sector. In fact, immigrant business owners are responsible for creating almost 25% of jobs in the private jobs sector, and bringing their business venture to Canada, increase the interest of investors.
Immigrants are also a very important part of the health sector, with more than 335,000 skilled healthcare workers working in health-related jobs in Canada today.
65% of Canada’s population growth is accredited to immigration, and by 2022, the government aims to invite 1 million newcomers to join the Canadian community.
How To Apply For a Permanent Resident in Canada
Follow these steps to fill out the online form:
- Sign up for an account.
- Click the link to apply for permanent residence under Express Entry.
When filling out the form:
- Make sure you submit all of the required documents.
- All of your answers must be complete and true.
- Make sure all the mandatory fields are completed, or you won’t be able to submit your application.
- You can save your information on the form and go back as often as you need to.