If you’re thinking Canada might be your next destination but you don’t know where to begin, here’s a summary of some of Canada’s main economic immigration programs.
Canada’s immigration department, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), classifies immigration into three categories: economic class, family class, and refugees. By far the most popular route is economic class immigration. These immigrants are eligible for permanent residency based on their work experience, education, and other economic factors. Family class immigration makes up the second largest amount, allowing Canadians to sponsor spouses, common-law partners, children, parents, and grandparents. Lastly, refugees can come to Canada if they are referred by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), a designated referral organization, or a private group.
Every year, hundreds of thousands of immigrants come to Canada under its economic immigration program. Some individuals start in Canada as international students or temporary foreign workers, while others may immigrate to Canada without ever stepping foot in the country beforehand. The following immigration programs are a selection of some of the main pathways available for those looking to make Canada their new home.
Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration
Express Entry
Express Entry is a points-based application management system that handles applications for three immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).
The Federal Skilled Worker Program is the most common pathway for candidates who have not worked or studied in Canada before. To be eligible for the FSWP, you need:
- At least one year of eligible work experience;
- A minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 7 on your English or French language test;
- At least one educational credential;
- Proof of funds (if you do not have a valid Canadian job offer); and
- A minimum of 67 out of 100 points on the FSWP scoring grid.
The Canadian Experience Class was developed to streamline the path to permanent resident status for those who already have experience living and working in Canada. To be eligible for the CEC, you need:
- At least one year of eligible work in Canada within the past three years;
- A CLB score of 7 or higher for jobs classified under National Occupational Classification (NOC) A category, or a CLB score of 5 for jobs under the NOC B category.
The Federal Skilled Trades Program is a dedicated pathway tailored for skilled trades workers to gain status as a Canadian permanent resident. To qualify for the FSTP, you need:
- At least two years of skilled trades work experience within the five years prior to applying;
- A minimum CLB score of 5 for speaking and listening and 4 for reading and writing in English or French;
- Proof of funds (if you do not have a valid Canadian job offer).
To enter your profile in the Express Entry system, you need to meet the eligibility requirements for one of these programs. Interestingly, it’s possible to be eligible for multiple programs simultaneously.
Express Entry employs the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to evaluate and rank candidates’ profiles. High-scoring candidates are issued an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residence during Express Entry draws, which occur approximately every two weeks.
Upon receiving an ITA, you must formally apply for Canadian immigration within 60 days. IRCC aims to process 80% of applications within six months after submission.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Most Canadian provinces and territories, except Quebec, which has its own immigration system, manage their own Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). These programs provide unique pathways to immigration that enhance candidates’ chances of economic success in specific regions.
Some PNPs are integrated into the Express Entry system, allowing eligible candidates to receive invitations to apply for a provincial nomination. A nomination adds an automatic 600 points to your CRS score, significantly boosting your chances of receiving an ITA in subsequent draws.
Additionally, many PNPs are handled by the province’s own application system, meaning eligibility for Express Entry isn’t necessary to participate in these streams. If deemed eligible, you will receive a letter of nomination and can proceed to apply to IRCC for permanent residence.
Getting Canadian Work or Study Experience
Possessing Canadian work or study experience can broaden your access to various Canadian immigration pathways.
If you wish to study in Canada, obtaining a study permit is essential. You can apply for one after receiving an acceptance letter from a Canadian institution. Study permits allow you to attend school legally, work part-time during academic sessions, and full-time during scheduled breaks.
To qualify for certain immigration programs, having a Canadian education from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is often required. Many programs at these institutions make you eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which can allow you to work in Canada for up to three years post-graduation.
If studying isn’t an option or if you are unable to manage international student fees, obtaining a work permit might be a feasible alternative. Canada offers two primary types of work permit programs:
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP): This program requires your employer to obtain a positive or neutral Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to support your work permit application. The LMIA verifies that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact Canada’s existing labor force. An example within this program is the Global Talent Stream, which expedites processing for qualifying tech occupations.
International Mobility Program (IMP): This program does not require an LMIA owing to the work’s significant benefits for Canada or its alignment with a reciprocal agreement. Most foreign workers enter Canada through the IMP. Entrepreneurs looking to start a business or be self-employed can potentially obtain a significant benefit work permit, which falls under the IMP category. Demonstrating that your activities in Canada will yield economic, social, or cultural benefits is essential for this route.
Between these two categories, there are over one million job vacancies in Canada, as employers face a challenging labor market. Welcoming immigrants is one of the strategies Canadians are employing to fill these gaps, drive economic growth, and enhance the nation.
Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration
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