Let's first understand the Canadian immigration system and different ways to immigrate to Canada to choose the best way for you and your family.
Millions of people from all over the world visit, work, or temporarily study in Canada each year. Furthermore, every year, more than 300,000 individuals are given permission to settle permanently in Canada under three main categories: economic immigration, family reunification, and humanitarian considerations. That does not imply that anyone can enter Canada at will.
There is a strict process in place regardless of whether you have Temporary Protected Status in the United States or not or whether you are coming from a specific region of the world. Even though you might believe that once you're in, you're always in, that isn't the case. There are a number of crucial steps you must successfully complete in our immigration system in order to be allowed to stay in Canada.
Let's look at some of the most popular and legal ways to move to Canada as a temporary resident or a permanent resident.
Permanent Residence
Economic and Family Programs
Express Entry: The majority of economic immigrants must first submit a profile through Express Entry. According to their language proficiency, education, skills, and experience, the person is given ranking points in their profile. The applicants who have earned the most points are invited to submit applications for permanent residence every two weeks.
Provincial Nominee Program: Provinces (aside from Quebec) choose the immigrants they want based on standards they establish that meet their own needs.
Quebec-Selected Skilled Workers: The Province of Quebec selects its own skilled workers.
Start-up Visa Program: Entrepreneurs with business ideas and the support of Canadian investors can become permanent residents and launch their businesses here.
Caregiver Program: People who have experience working in Canada as in-home caregivers for children or those with serious medical needs are eligible to apply for permanent residency.
Family Sponsorship: Canadian citizens and permanent residents can bring their close family members to Canada, including spouses or common-law partners, dependent children, parents, grandparents, and other eligible relatives.
Temporary Residence
Temporary Foreign Worker Program: Employers who haven’t been able to find Canadians or Canadian permanent residents for the jobs they have available can get permission to hire workers from other countries for nearly any type of job.
International Mobility Program: Because of the advantages they will bring to Canada, some people can be hired by employers without needing permission. This includes researchers, specific business professionals, employees whose employers are transferring their specialized knowledge to Canada, as well as other individuals.
International Experience Canada: Young people can apply to come to Canada for a working holiday, an internship, or to gain experience as a young professional from nations with which Canada has agreements.
Refugee resettlement
In addition, Canada has a long history of humanitarianism. This custom includes resettling refugees from other countries and providing an asylum system within Canada for those who have a genuine fear of being persecuted, tortured, or killed. While eligible asylum seekers may reside in Canada while their application is being processed, if their application is denied, they will be required to leave the country immediately or face removal.
Great! Now that we have a bit of background on the Canadian immigration system and options, let's understand the most famous pathway to permanent residence in Canada - Express Entry.
What is the Express Entry System, and how does the Express Entry System Work?
Express Entry is an online system that allows immigrants to submit their profiles to a database and be given ranking points (CRS) based on their language proficiency, level of education, employment history, and other factors. Every two weeks, the Canadian government conducts draws and establishes a threshold for each draw. To keep track of the latest draws and observe CRS score patterns, click here.
Once you submit your profile, you need to wait to receive an ITA (invitation to apply). Not everyone gets an ITA. Only the candidates who meet the requirements are invited to submit an application (ITA) for permanent residence (PR).
Upon receiving an ITA, applicants have 60 days to accept or decline the invitation. If you decide to accept, you have 60 days to collect and submit the required documents to support your points.
Tip: Collect as many documents as possible before hand. Also, be mindful of the fact that for every point you claim, you will need to submit proof that you earned those points.
I received an ITA; what are my next steps?
Congratulations on receiving an ITA! Now, you need to complete your profile and submit the required documents, medical and biometric clearances, and background checks within the timeframe suggested by IRCC. Click here for a step-by-step guide.
How do I prepare for an ITA and express entry application for permanent residence in Canada?
You can do the following:
Check eligibility and monitor the latest express entry CRS score.
Find your NOC code and understand how to use it.
Obtain an Education Credential Assessment (ECA) report for all degrees and diplomas you have obtained from outside Canada.
Prepare and appear for your language tests. Canada recognizes English and French as its two official languages. You will need to submit your language test result report to obtain corresponding points. A higher proficiency score will help you earn more Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) points.
Get your medical assessment done. Based on a recent update, IRCC now requires applicants to submit a medical assessment report before hand. Medical assessments for immigration can only be done by approved panel physicians.
Gather proof of funds documents.
The detailed explanation of the Express Entry Points Calculator and stream is really helpful, especially for newcomers who might find it confusing. The step-by-step breakdown of the process, from submitting a profile to getting an Invitation to Apply (ITA), is great. The practical tips for preparing for an ITA and collecting the required documents are also super useful.