If you wish to relocate to Canada this year, we are here to help you.
Relocating to Canada is a dream for many people around the world. Canada offers numerous pathways for those looking to make it their new home.
In this post, we’ll explore some of the ways you can legally relocate to Canada. We’ll break down each method in simple terms to help you understand the process and determine which option might be the best for you.
1. New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot Program
The New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot Program is an immigration pathway aimed at addressing labor shortages in New Brunswick, Canada. It targets critical sectors like manufacturing, food production, agriculture, forestry, and healthcare.
The program not only recruits skilled foreign workers but also ensures they receive settlement support, including language training and housing assistance.
To apply, candidates must first secure a job offer from a participating employer, who then endorses them for the program. Successful applicants are granted permanent residency, allowing them to live and work in New Brunswick while contributing to its economy.
Below is a simplified application process for the New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot Program
- Secure a Job Offer:
Research and apply for jobs with participating employers in New Brunswick’s critical sectors. Once you receive a job offer, your employer will endorse you for the program. - Prepare and Submit Application:
Gather required documents (work experience, education, language proficiency) and submit your immigration application through the Express Entry system or New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), with your employer’s endorsement. - Obtain Permanent Residency and Settle:
If approved, receive permanent residency in Canada. Use the settlement support provided by your employer to integrate into New Brunswick and begin your new life.
2. Express Entry System
The Express Entry system is one of the most popular ways to immigrate to Canada. It’s designed for skilled workers who want to become permanent residents. Here’s how it works:
- Create a Profile: You’ll need to create an online profile where you provide information about your skills, work experience, language ability, education, and other details.
- Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS): Your profile is given a score based on the Comprehensive Ranking System. The higher your score, the better your chances of being invited to apply for permanent residence.
- Invitation to Apply (ITA): If your score is high enough, you’ll receive an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence. You’ll have 60 days to submit your application and supporting documents.
The Express Entry system includes three programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): For people with at least one year of skilled work experience.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): For qualified tradespeople with experience in specific trades.
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For people with at least one year of work experience in Canada.
3. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Canada’s provinces and territories have their own immigration programs called Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). These programs allow provinces to nominate individuals who want to immigrate to Canada and settle in a particular province. Here’s what you need to know:
- Choose a Province: Each province has its own PNP with specific requirements and streams. Research the provinces to find the one that best matches your skills and preferences.
- Application Process: You can apply for a PNP directly through the province or through the Express Entry system if the province has an Express Entry stream.
- Nomination Certificate: If you’re nominated by a province, you’ll receive a nomination certificate, which will significantly increase your CRS score in the Express Entry system.
4. Family Sponsorship
Family sponsorship is a way for Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their family members to come and live in Canada. Here’s how it works:
- Eligible Sponsors: To sponsor a family member, you must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and meet certain financial requirements.
- Eligible Family Members: You can sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, dependent children, parents, and grandparents. There are also options to sponsor other relatives under specific conditions.
- Application Process: You’ll need to submit a sponsorship application and your family member will need to submit a permanent residence application. Both applications are reviewed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
5. Study Permit
If you’re interested in studying in Canada, you can apply for a study permit. Here’s how to do it:
- Acceptance Letter: First, you need to get accepted by a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada.
- Apply for a Study Permit: Once you have an acceptance letter, you can apply for a study permit. You’ll need to provide proof of acceptance, proof of financial support, and other documents.
- Work While Studying: A study permit allows you to work part-time during the academic year and full-time during scheduled breaks.
After completing your studies, you may be eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which allows you to gain Canadian work experience. This experience can be valuable if you decide to apply for permanent residence through the Express Entry system or other programs.
6. Work Permit
A work permit allows you to work in Canada for a specific employer for a set period. There are different types of work permits:
- Employer-Specific Work Permit: Tied to a specific employer. You’ll need a job offer and, in most cases, a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to show that no Canadian workers are available for the job.
- Open Work Permit: Not tied to any specific employer. Examples include the Post-Graduation Work Permit and permits for spouses of skilled workers or international students.
To apply for a work permit, you’ll need to submit an application along with required documents, such as a job offer letter, proof of qualifications, and proof of financial support.
7. Start-Up Visa
If you’re an entrepreneur with an innovative business idea, the Start-Up Visa program might be the right choice for you. Here’s what you need to know:
- Eligibility: To be eligible, you must have a qualifying business, a letter of support from a designated organization (such as a venture capital firm, angel investor group, or business incubator), meet the language requirements, and have sufficient settlement funds.
- Application Process: You’ll need to submit an application with supporting documents, including your business plan and proof of support from a designated organization.
The Start-Up Visa program aims to attract innovative entrepreneurs who can create jobs for Canadians and compete on a global scale.
8. Self-Employed Persons Program
The Self-Employed Persons Program is for individuals who have relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics and can make a significant contribution to the cultural or athletic life of Canada. Here’s how it works:
- Eligibility: You must have relevant experience (at least two years of self-employment or participation at a world-class level in cultural activities or athletics), show your intention and ability to be self-employed in Canada, and meet the selection criteria based on experience, education, age, language ability, and adaptability.
- Application Process: Submit an application with supporting documents, such as proof of your experience and a plan for your self-employment in Canada.
9. Refugee and Asylum
Canada is known for its humanitarian efforts and offers protection to individuals who are fleeing persecution, war, or violence. There are two main pathways for refugees and asylum seekers:
- Refugee Resettlement: For individuals who are outside their home country and need protection. You can be referred by the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), a designated referral organization, or a private sponsorship group.
- Inland Asylum: For individuals who are already in Canada and are seeking protection. You’ll need to submit a claim for asylum and provide evidence of the persecution or danger you face in your home country.
The process for both pathways involves rigorous screening to ensure that applicants meet the criteria for refugee protection.
Wrapping Up
Canada offers a variety of pathways for individuals and families looking to make it their new home. Whether you’re a skilled worker, student, entrepreneur, or someone seeking protection, there’s likely an immigration program that fits your situation. Understanding the different options and the requirements for each can help you choose the best pathway for your journey to Canada.
Remember, immigration laws and policies can change, so it’s important to stay updated and seek professional advice if needed.
In subsequent posts, we’re going to explore other ways through which you can legally move to Canada.