How To Immigrate To Canada: The Ultimate Guide: Canada as a prime destination for immigration has increased over time in the past two decades, with a total of 492,984 people immigrating to the country between July 2021 and mid-2022. This gathered by statista shows that it’s almost double the figure from 2020 – 2021, which is approximately 252,527 immigrants.
Canada has become one of the top destinations for immigrants from all over the world. With a strong economy, excellent healthcare, and a high standard of living, it’s no wonder why so many people are choosing to immigrate to Canada.
In this article, we will explore some of the key factors you need to consider when immigrating to Canada and provide you with practical tips on how to make the process as smooth and successful as possible.
Check If You Need a Visa to immigrate to Canada
First things first, before immigrating to Canada the first thing you need to do is to check if you need the entry visa or not. Some specific groups of people can enter without a visa or with only electronic authorization.
How To Immigrate To Canada: The Ultimate Guide
Easiest Ways to Immigrate to Canada in 2023
These are the four of the most popular ways for overseas applicants to immigrate to Canada in 2023;
- Express Entry Program
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Family Sponsorship
- Startup visa program
Express Entry Program
Express Entry program is the most popular immigration system offering Canadian permanent residence to eligible applicants. This program is the quickest and easiest method to Immigrate to Canada. However, this program falls into the categories of highly experienced and skilled individuals.
Canada plans to welcome over 1.5 million newcomers by 2025. With a large percentage coming through one of the three streams of Express Entry:
- Federal Skilled Worker (FSW);
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC); and
- Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
Express Entry is an online system created to manage Canada’s application intake, and only those who meet the eligibility criteria will be able to submit their application.
The cost of Express Entry is typically about CAD 2,300 for a single applicant, or about CAD 4,500 for a couple. Express Entry application processing usually takes six (6) months or less.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is also leading the way to immigrate to Canada as an experienced skilled personnel. Nearly every province in Canada operates the PNP to welcome newcomers.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals who wish to immigrate to Canada and who are interested in settling in a particular province. The main purpose of the PNP is to spread the benefits of immigration across Canada.
To apply as a provincial nominee, you must:
- meet the minimum requirements of one of the province or territory’s non-Express Entry streams
- be nominated under that stream
Each PNP has its own application processing time. After receiving a nomination, PNP candidates must apply to the federal government for Canadian permanent residence. The time it takes to process the permanent residence application will depend on whether the PNP operates using the Express Entry system. This means that some PNPs require that an applicant have an Express Entry profile to meet the PNP eligibility requirements.
This program is for workers who:
- have the skills, education, and work experience to contribute to the economy of a specific province or territory
- want to live in that province and
- want to become permanent residents of Canada
The cost of immigrating to Canada through a PNP is about $2,300 – CAD 3,800. It varies, depending on the province and the program you integrating with. Some provinces don’t charge a fee to process PNP applications, while others, such as Ontario, can charge up to CAD 1,500. Each province has its own criteria and selection process.
Family Sponsorship
Canada is open to uniting families with their loved ones. As such, Canada aims to welcome over 100,000 new immigrants every single year to join their families. Residing and permanent residents in Canada will be able to sponsor their spouses, parents, siblings, inlaws, and children.
Sponsoring a relative typically costs about CAD 1,135. Additional fees will apply if the sponsor resides in or intends to reside in Quebec.
The processing time for a sponsorship application will depend on the family member who is sponsoring you. For spousal sponsorship, applications typically take about 12 months to process from start to finish.
Startup visa program
A startup visa program can also fast-track the Canadian immigration process for those moving to Canada for business purposes.
For example, you may be able to immigrate to Canada through the Federal Start-Up Visa Program, or the Federal Self-Employed Persons Program.
Best Canadian Immigration Program for skilled workers
Your best options are:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) through Express Entry
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC) through Express Entry
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Quebec Skilled Worker Program (if you wish to reside in Quebec)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) through Express Entry (if you specialize in an on-trade)
- Atlantic Immigration Program
- Consider other federal programs
How much money do you need to immigrate to Canada?
Initially, the cost of immigrating to Canada ranges between CAD 2,300 – CAD 2,500 for a single applicant, or about CAD 4,500 – CAD 5,000 for a couple. This amount does not make you eligible for Canadian immigration with the settlement fee, which is between CAD 13,000 – CAD 15,000 for a single applicant, but higher for couples with kids. If a candidate is applying through a provincial program, additional fees may apply.
Note: Proof of settlement funds is not required for those with a Canadian job offer or who are applying under the Canadian Experience Class, as long as you can support yourself and any dependents you bring with you to Canada.
What are the Requirements to Immigrate to Canada?
Each immigration program has its minimum eligibility requirements. It is important to check for eligibility requirements before applying.
When applying, the Canadian government will request various documents to verify and make sure you meet the following criteria:
- work experience;
- Educational background;
- Identity;
- Criminal records and
- medical background.
These documents depend on the type of program you are applying to.
What is the fastest way to immigrate to Canada?
The express entry program is the fastest method to immigrate to Canada. Application processing usually takes six(6) months or even less.
What is the Maximum Age for Canadian Immigration?
Canadian Immigration does not require any specific age. However, in most categories of economic and business immigration, applicants 25-35 receive the maximum points.
Do I need a job offer to Immigrate to Canada?
No. You can apply for Canadian Immigration without a job offer. Most permanent residents in Canada do not have a job before they apply to move to Canada. But it depends on the program you want to Immigrate with. Here are two (2) programs that move to Canada without a job offer:
- EEP
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Canadian permanent residents
You are a Canadian permanent resident when you have been legally granted permission to live and work anywhere in Canada. Permanent residents in Canada have access to a certain number of benefits, including:
- including access to healthcare and social services,
- the right to live, work, and study anywhere in Canada, and
- protection under Canadian law.
Can permanent residents vote during Canadian elections?
No. Permanent residents in Canada have no right to vote during Canadian elections. But can vote if they apply for Canadian citizenship.
Can I Work Anywhere in Canada?
Yes, you can work anywhere in Canada if you have received permanent resident status. On the other hand, a foreign national with no permanent resident status does not have permission to work in Canada unless they have proper authorization to in Canada.
Canadian Citizens
Canadian citizens have many rights and privileges in Canada. Citizens have access to healthcare, social services, and support under the law. A citizen can live, work, and study, anywhere in Canada, and has the right to vote in Canadian elections
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