Canada Immigration: The Complete Guide to Immigrate to Canada

Are you considering to immigrate to Canada in 2024? The process of immigrating to Canada or Canada immigration is extensive and complex, requiring careful planning and knowledge of the numerous options. This in-depth guide will take you through the whole immigration process to Canada or Canada immigration. This includes all of the different visa programs and qualifying standards. You’ll learn about Provincial Nominee Programs, the Express Entry system, and the most recent changes to immigration laws. This comprehensive guide will assist you in navigating the process of becoming a resident of Canada.

Express Entry Program

Many people want to become permanent residents of Canada, and Express Entry is one of the most popular and promising programs for helping them achieve this goal.
The Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC) selects top candidates using the online points-based Express Entry system, considering the country’s labor market demands and near-term economic outlook. To be eligible for Express Entry, one must qualify for one of Canada’s three economic programs.

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
  

Who is eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker Program?

To qualify for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), candidates must achieve a minimum of 67 points based on six selection factors. Here are the maximum points available for each factor:

• Language Skills: Up to 28 points
• Education: Up to 25 points
• Work Experience: Up to 15 points
• Age: Up to 12 points
• Employment Offer in Canada: Up to 10 points
• Adaptability: Up to 10 points

The selection factors assess a candidate’s potential to establish themselves in Canada successfully.

Who is eligible for the Federal Skilled Trades Program?

To be considered for the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), candidates must fulfill certain requirements that assess their abilities and potential to boost the Canadian economy. The following are essential conditions for the FSTP:

• Work Experience: At least two years of full-time work experience (or an equivalent amount of part-time work) in a skilled trade within the last five years.
• Job Offer or Certification: A valid job offer of full-time employment for at least one year or a certificate of qualification in the skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial, or federal authority.
• Language Proficiency: Candidates must meet the minimum language levels for speaking, listening, reading, and writing that approved language tests assess (Canadian Language Benchmark—CLB 5 for speaking and listening and CLB 4 for reading and writing).
• Admissibility: Be admissible to Canada, meaning you must not have a criminal record or pose a risk to Canadian security.
• Residence in Canada: Plan to live outside the province of Quebec, as Quebec manages its skilled worker program.

These requirements ensure that candidates possess the necessary skills, experience, and language abilities to integrate successfully into the Canadian labor market.

Who is eligible for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program is intended exclusively for applicants who, under NOC 0, A, or B, have a valid year of work experience within the last three years in Canada. This program aims to assist international graduates and temporary employees in their transition to permanent residence in Canada. To be eligible for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Work Experience: The Canadian Experience Class is open to anybody who has completed one full year or an equivalent amount of part-time, paid skilled work experience in Canada within the three years before application. According to the Canadian government, experience is classified as skilled work under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 0, A, B. The NOC primarily defines occupational tasks and responsibilities.
  Full-time work experience requires a minimum of 12 months and 30 hours per week or 1560 working hours. This experience must be legitimate, and a valid work permit must be required.
  Self-employment and job experience gained while enrolled full-time in classes, co-ops, and internships do not qualify as acceptable forms of work experience for CEC.
• Language Proficiency: Meet the minimum language level for their job in each language ability (speaking, listening, reading, and writing). The required Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels are CLB 7 for NOC 0 or A jobs and CLB 5 for NOC B jobs.
• Admissibility: To be eligible for the CEC, you must be able to enter Canada and have a lawful immigration status if you already live there. You can apply for CEC through Express Entry if you work or live in Quebec, but if your application is accepted, you must provide proof that you intend to leave the province.
  

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

The provinces and territories of Canada run Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) to nominate individuals who want to immigrate and settle in a specific province. Each PNP is tailored to meet the respective province or territory’s unique labor market and economic needs.

Key Features of PNPs:

• Provincial Autonomy: Each province or territory has its criteria and streams targeting specific groups such as skilled workers, semi-skilled workers, business people, and students.
• Express Entry Alignment: Many provinces and territories align their PNPs with the federal Express Entry system, streamlining the process for candidates to receive a provincial nomination and apply for permanent residence through Express Entry.
• Enhanced and Base Streams: Provinces link enhanced PNP streams to Express Entry while they manage base streams outside of Express Entry, leading to permanent residence through a different process.

Specific Examples of PNPs:

• Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) Targets skilled workers, students, business people, and entrepreneurs.
• British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP): This program offers streams for skilled workers, healthcare professionals, international graduates, and entrepreneurs.
• Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP): Focuses on workers with job offers and those in high-demand occupations.

Benefits of PNPs:

• Fast-Track to Permanent Residence: Receiving a provincial nomination can add 600 points to your Express Entry CRS score, almost guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
• Targeted Selection: PNPs allow provinces to select candidates who can address specific labor market needs and contribute to regional economic development.
  

Study in Canada

For many, studying in Canada is the first step towards permanent residency. International students can apply for a study permit, which allows them to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada. After completing their studies, they may be eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP), which can help them gain valuable Canadian work experience. This experience can significantly enhance their chances of qualifying for permanent residency through programs like the Canadian Experience Class​.

Study Direct Stream (SDS) vs. Non-SDS

Study Direct Stream (SDS)
The SDS streamlines the process, making it easier and faster for students from certain countries to apply for a study permit. It is available to legal residents of the following countries: China, India, Morocco, Pakistan, the Philippines, Senegal, and Vietnam.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Language Test Results: An IELTS score of 6.0 or higher in each skill (reading, writing, speaking, and listening).
• GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate): Proof of a GIC of CAD 10,000.
• Proof of Tuition Payment: Proof that the first year’s tuition fees have been paid.
• Medical Exam: Completion of an upfront medical examination.
• Transcripts and Certificates: Provide your most recent secondary or post-secondary school transcripts.

The SDS process typically results in faster processing times than the regular study permit application process.

Non-SDS
The Non-SDS is the standard study permit application process available to students from all countries. While it doesn’t have the streamlined benefits of the SDS, it still allows students to apply for study permits.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Proof of Funds: Proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation.
• Acceptance Letter: An acceptance letter from a DLI in Canada.
• Language Proficiency: While not mandatory, demonstrating language proficiency (such as IELTS scores) can strengthen the application.
• Additional Documents: Depending on the country of residence, additional documents such as police certificates and medical exams may be required.

The processing time for Non-SDS applications can vary significantly based on the applicant’s country of residence and the completeness of the application.

Temporary Foreign Worker Program

Employers can temporarily engage foreign nationals under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) to address labor shortages in Canada.
Through the TFWP, Canadian firms can hire the necessary international talent. Additionally, it ensures that these foreign laborers have the rights and safeguards to work in Canada without risk.
Under the TFWP, employers may hire temporary foreign workers through the following streams: high-wage workers, Low-wage workers, the Global talent stream, foreign agricultural workers, and In-home caregivers.

Note: The TFWP’s demand for a labor market impact assessment (LMIA) is one of its main features. An LMIA proving they could not locate a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to fill the post is a prerequisite for any company hoping to hire a foreign national through TFWP. An employer can only formally hire a foreign individual after receiving an LMIA. This permits the foreign national to apply for a Canadian work permit or permanent residence.

Thanks to a variety of temporary worker choices, firms can hire employees without obtaining an LMIA. The International Mobility Program organizes these opportunities by processing applications for work permits exempt from the LMIA.

Canada Business Immigration Program

Entrepreneurs and self-employed workers may apply to the Canada Business Immigration Program for permanent residence in Canada. However, they are expected to start or invest in a significant business that helps the country’s citizens and economy.

Start-Up Visa Program
Through Canada’s start-up visa program, entrepreneurs can come to the country to launch a new company. Immigrant entrepreneurs must show that their company is unique, that it will employ Canadians, and that it can compete globally.

Requirements for Canada’s Start-up Visa

1. You must own at least 10% of the voting rights associated with each share of the business.
2. You must own at least 50% of the voting rights linked to the company’s shares and the specified organization.
3. You must have a letter of support from a designated organization.
4. To demonstrate that you fulfill the minimal requirements of the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in speaking, reading, writing, and listening in either English or French, you must take a language exam administered by an authorized organization.
5. Once in Canada, you must prove you have enough money to sustain yourself and your dependents. The size of your family determines how much you require.