Immigrating to a new country is a difficult process and for newcomers looking to settle in Canada, there are many immigration programs to choose from. Here are 5 popular ways to immigrate to Canada as a permanent resident!
1. Express Entry:
In 2015, the Federal Government of Canada introduced Express Entry, an application management system that governs all federal streams of economic immigration. Since then, thousands of principal applicants and their families have been invited to apply for Canadian permanent residence.
Currently, Express Entry is an umbrella system that governs the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). There are also some Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) that are aligned with Express Entry.
Applicants looking to apply to one of the immigration streams governed by Express Entry must submit an Expression of Interest to the government of Canada. If you meet the minimum eligibility requirements of the program in question, you will be invited to the Express Entry pool.
There, you are given a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score that is used to rank you against other applicants in the Express Entry pool. Every so often, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issues Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to the highest ranking individuals in the pool during an Express Entry draw. If you are among those issued an ITA, you will have 90 days to submit your application online for permanent residence
2. Provincial Nominees Program:
There are currently ten provinces and three territories in Canada, each of which has authority over its own immigration programs and policies. These provincial immigration streams are more commonly known as Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
Requirements for PNPs:
With so many PNPs to choose from, it’s difficult to determine which programs you qualify for and what eligibility requirements are needed. However, ideal candidates for PNP programs usually fall under one of these categories:
1. Have recently worked in Canada, or are currently working on a valid work permit
2. Are currently in the Express Entry pool and meet the eligibility criteria for one of the Provincial Nominee Programs aligned with Express Entry
3. Have a connection to the province, in the form of studies, prior work experience, or a formal job offer
4. Have a family member living in the province in question, which may assist your application for some PNPs.
If the Provincial Nominee Program you are interested in is aligned with Express Entry, you will need to submit an Expression of Interest first to enter the Express Entry pool.
3. Quebec Immigration:
While Quebec is also a province of Canada, it has much more autonomy on how it runs its immigration programs and policies. Currently, there are no Quebec immigration streams that are aligned with Express Entry. Instead, you may choose to apply directly to the Quebec government for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program, the Quebec Experience Class, or Quebec Business Immigration.
4. Student Immigration:
If you’re ineligible for one of the immigration streams mentioned above, the student pathway can be an excellent option for becoming a Canadian permanent resident. When you choose to study in Canada, the credentials you gain make you a great candidate for permanent residence. With many immigration programs valuing Canadian student experience, your prior studies in Canada can be a great way to bridge the gap from temporary student status, to Canadian permanent resident.
If you currently qualify for an immigration program, studying in Canada can increase your chances of being accepted. If you do not qualify for an immigration program, studying in Canada can help make you eligible.
5. Canadian Family Sponsorship:
Family reunification is the second largest class of Canadian immigration and another way of obtaining permanent residence. If you have a spouse or child that is currently a Canadian permanent resident or citizen, they are allowed to sponsor you to come to Canada.
To find out if you are eligible, start your free assessment today. Our authorized consultants from ICCRC and Marvel Immigration Services will guide you in the best possible ways for your immigration to Canada.