13 Easy ways one can use to Travel to Canada as an immigrant

If you’re finding the process of migrating to Canada to be burdensome, don’t worry. You simply need the right information.

Canada warmly welcomes students, entrepreneurs, skilled and unskilled workers, and families seeking new opportunities.

Allow me to provide you with a straightforward solution – 13 easy and legal ways to make your move to Canada in 2024 a reality.

Let’s skip the overwhelming statistics and get straight to the point.

#13. Express Entry

Express Entry is an online system used by the Government of Canada to manage immigration applications from skilled workers.

It consists of three immigration programs: Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program, and Federal Skilled Trades Program.

Eligibility Criteria and Requirements

The eligibility is based on the type of program within Express Entry. Here’s a brief overview:

For Canadian Experience Class

• Must be skilled workers with Canadian work experience gained within the three years before applying.
• Must meet language proficiency requirements (English or French).
• Must be experienced in skilled employment.

For Federal Skilled Worker Program

• You are skilled workers with foreign work experience.
• Must meet minimum requirements for education, language proficiency, work experience, and other factors.
• Must have a valid job offer (optional) or demonstrate the ability to contribute to the Canadian economy.

For Federal Skilled Trades Program

• Must be skilled workers who are qualified in a skilled trade.
• Must meet specific requirements related to language proficiency, work experience, and job offer or certificate of qualification.
• A job offer or certificate of qualification is mandatory.

You determine your eligibility, as an individual, by either answering a few questions to assess if you meet the minimum requirements or reviewing the detailed requirements for each program.

Once eligible, you need to check your score using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), a points-based system used to assess and rank profiles in the Express Entry pool.

The CRS score determines the likelihood of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residence.

Documents Required

When applying through Express Entry, you must gather the necessary documents, such as language test results, to demonstrate your eligibility.

After filling out the profile, You’ll be accepted into the pool and assigned a CRS score if you’re eligible.

The highest-scoring candidates in the pool are invited to apply for permanent residence. Submit your complete application with all supporting documents within 60 after approval.

The processing time for most complete applications with supporting documents is six months or less.

Please note that the information provided here is based on the available information up until February 7, 2022. However, check the latest update for physicians.

#12. Family Sponsor

This Family Sponsor program enables you to send a relative to Canada for school business and visits.

This program serves two ways, if you’re the one to migrate to Canada, you’re an applicant if you’re the one in Canada then, you’re the sponsor and all the expenses are to you.

Eligibility Criteria

• You must be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada, or a registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act.
• You must be 18 years and above.
• You must prove that you are not receiving social assistance, except for disability-related reasons.
• If you have previously sponsored a spouse, partner, or child and received financial support from the government, you must repay the debt before sponsoring again.
• If you have been convicted of certain offenses, such as a violent crime or an offense against a family member, you may not be eligible to sponsor.

Requirements

• You need to download and complete the PDF forms in the application package.
• Both the sponsor and the person being sponsored (principal applicant) must digitally sign the forms.
• The principal applicant must upload the completed forms to their online application and electronically sign the entire application.
• The sponsor and the persons being sponsored need to fill out the required forms accurately, following the instructions provided in the application guide.
• You must pay the required application fees, including processing fees, the right of permanent residence fee, and the biometrics fee.

You may need to provide additional information during the processing of the application, such as medical exams, police certificates, and biometrics.

#11. Provincial Nominees

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is a Canadian immigration program that allows provinces and territories to nominate individuals who have the skills, education, and work experience to contribute to the economy of a specific province or territory.

The program is designed for individuals who want to live in a particular province or territory and become permanent residents of Canada.

Each province and territory has its streams and requirements under the PNP.

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria and requirements depend on the specific stream and the province or territory you are applying to. Generally, the following factors are considered:

Skills, Education, and Work Experience

You must have the necessary skills, education, and work experience that align with the province’s or territory’s labor market needs.

This can include having a job offer from an employer in the province or having experience in an occupation that is in demand.

Language Proficiency

You must demonstrate proficiency in English or French, as per the language requirements of the province or territory.

Live and Work in the Province

You must show genuine intention to live and work in the province or territory that is nominating you.

Provincial Nomination

You need to be nominated by a province or territory through their specific nomination stream. Each province or territory has its criteria for selecting candidates.

Medical Exam and Police Check

As part of the application process, you will need to undergo a medical examination to ensure you meet the health requirements for immigration to Canada.

You will also need to provide a police certificate to demonstrate good character and no criminal history.

It’s important to note that application processes can vary between the non-Express Entry and Express Entry streams.

In the non-Express Entry process, you apply directly to the province or territory and, if nominated, apply for permanent residence separately.

In the Express Entry process, you can either contact the province or territory for a nomination or create an Express Entry profile and express your interest in the provinces and territories.

If nominated, you update your profile and submit an electronic application to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Remember, the eligibility criteria and requirements can change, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest information from the respective province or territory you are interested in.

#10. Quebec Selected Skilled Workers

If you wish to migrate to Canada(Québec) permanently for work, Quebec-selected Skilled workers suit you.

Eligibility Criteria

• Intention to live in Quebec: You must intend to live in the province of Quebec.
• Eligible occupation: You must have at least one year of work experience in an occupation listed in Quebec’s High Demand Occupation List or Quebec’s Areas of Training List.
• Education: You must have completed a diploma, certificate, or degree that is equivalent to a Quebec secondary school diploma.
• Language proficiency: You must demonstrate proficiency in French, as Quebec places a strong emphasis on French language skills. You may also need to provide proof of English language proficiency.
• Financial self-sufficiency: You must demonstrate that you have enough funds to support yourself and your family members in Quebec.
• Medical and security clearances: You and your family members must undergo medical examinations and obtain police certificates to demonstrate that you are admissible to Canada.

Requirements

• Online application: You must apply online through the Permanent Residence Online Application Portal.
• Schedule A – Background/Declaration (IMM 5669): Provides additional background information.
• Additional Family Information (IMM 5406): Gives details about your family members.
• Supplementary Information – Your travels (IMM 5562): Documents your travel history
• Document Checklist: You must complete and upload the Document Checklist (IMM 5690) that lists the required supporting documents.
• You need to complete Schedule 5: Economic Classes—Declaration of Intent to Reside in Quebec (IMM 0008 Schedule 5) if you intend to reside in Quebec.
• Biometrics: Depending on your age, you may be required to provide your fingerprints and photo (biometrics). You must pay the biometrics fee and follow the instructions for giving biometrics.
• Fees: You are required to pay processing fees, the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF), biometrics fee, and any applicable third-party fees. The fees are paid online.

Application

• You can apply online
• You can demand paper

#9. Atlantic Immigration Program

You can enroll in this program if you’re a graduate from any of the Atlantic regions of Canada involving New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and Labrador.

Eligibility Criteria

• Work Experience: Have eligible work experience an exemption is if you’re an international graduate of a recognized post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada.
• In the last 5 years, you should have worked at least 1,560 hours (equivalent to working 30 hours per week for 1 year).
• Count only paid hours of work, excluding volunteering or unpaid internships.
• Work experience should fall under specific National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 categories.

Educational Requirements

• If you have a job offer in NOC 2021 TEER 0 or 1 category, you need a Canadian one-year post-secondary educational credential or higher, or its equivalent.
• If you have a job offer in NOC 2021 TEER 2, 3, or 4 categories, you need a Canadian high school diploma or its equivalent.
• If you studied outside Canada, you require an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to confirm the equivalency of your education.

Language Requirements

• You must meet the minimum language requirements based on the NOC 2021 TEER category of your job offer.
• Language proficiency can be assessed through Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC).
• Meet the CLB/NCLC 5 for TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3, and CLB/NCLC 4 for TEER 4. Proficiency
• You need to submit language test results from a designated language testing organization, which should be less than 2 years old at the time of application.

Settlement Funds

• You must have sufficient funds to support yourself and your family upon arrival in Canada.
• The required amount depends on the size of your family, including anyone you support who is not immigrating with you.
• If you are already living and working in Canada with a valid work permit, you are exempt from showing proof of funds.

Requirements

• Have qualifying work experience, meet educational and language requirements, and show sufficient settlement funds (unless exempt).
• Obtain a job offer from a designated Atlantic employer.
• Gather necessary documents and prepare them for submission.
• Apply for permanent residence through the Atlantic Immigration Program.
• Optional: You can also apply for a temporary work permit if desired.
• After submitting your application, follow the instructions provided and wait for a decision.

If your application is approved, you will receive confirmation and further instructions.

#8. Care Givers

Canada is open to you if you have a heart for children, the elderly, or those with medical needs. There’s a great opportunity to live and work in Canada temporarily or as a PR.

Permanent Residence for Caregivers:

• Caregivers have the option to apply for permanent residence in Canada.
• To be eligible, caregivers must always maintain valid temporary resident status while working in Canada.
• They can apply to extend their work permit before it expires or change its conditions before it expires.
• If they have applied for a new work permit before the current permit expires, they can continue working under the same conditions while waiting for a decision.

Added Advantage of The Caregiver Program

• Caregivers may be eligible to apply for permanent residence through these pilot programs.
• Eligibility requirements include having a job offer to work as a home child care provider or home support worker in Canada.
• Successful applicants receive an open work permit, which is occupation-restricted and does not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
• The work experience gained through these pilots can contribute to the eligibility for permanent residence.

Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP)

The LCP is closed to new applicants.

Applicants can only apply for permanent residence through the LCP if they have at least 2 years of work experience in the program and meet specific criteria.

This includes already working in Canada with an LCP work permit or being approved for the first LCP work permit based on an LMIA submitted before November 30, 2014.

If caregivers have work experience in Canada but don’t qualify for the LCP, they may be eligible to immigrate through the next Program.

Temporary Work for Caregivers

• If caregivers do not meet the requirements for permanent residence, they may be able to work temporarily in Canada.
• They can apply to extend their work permit through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).
• The employer needs to obtain a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) before the caregiver can apply for a work permit.
• Eligibility for a new work permit depends on factors such as the location of the application and the date of the LMIA.

#7. Startup Visa

The Start-up Visa Program is an immigration program in Canada that allows entrepreneurs to immigrate to the country and establish their businesses.

To be eligible for the Start-up Visa Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Have a qualifying business

• You must hold at least 10% of the voting rights in the corporation when receiving a commitment from a designated organization.
• Together, the designated organization and you must jointly hold over 50% of the total voting rights at the time of receiving the commission.

A letter of support from a designated organization:

• The designated organization should be an approved business group that invests in or supports startups.
• They must believe in the value of your business idea before providing a letter of support.

Meet the language requirements:

• Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English or French by taking a language test from an approved agency.
• The minimum language skills required are Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in speaking, reading, listening, and writing.

Bring enough money to settle

• Applicants must provide proof that they have sufficient funds to support themselves and their dependents upon arrival in Canada.
• The required amount of funds depends on the size of the applicant’s family.
• It’s important to note that the Government of Canada does not provide financial support to start-up visa immigrants, and applicants cannot borrow the required settlement funds from another person.

If an applicant meets all the eligibility criteria and requirements, they can apply for the Start-up Visa Program and, if approved, they will be granted permanent residence in Canada.

#6. Self-employed

An innovative way to migrate to Canada is by starting a business that can create opportunities or taking part in profitable entrepreneurs:

Eligibility

• Relevant Experience: You must have at least two years of relevant experience. This can be either: Participation in cultural activities or athletics at a world-class level, or Self-employment in cultural activities or athletics.
• Time: Your relevant experience must be within the five years before the day you apply and should end on the day a decision is made on your application.
• Additional Experience: You can earn more points if you have three, four, or five years of relevant experience.

Requirements

• Self-employment Capability: You must be willing and able to be self-employed in Canada. This means you should possess the necessary skills, experience, and resources to establish and maintain a viable self-employed business in Canada.
• Selection Criteria: Your application will be assessed based on various selection criteria, including:

a. Experience

b. Education

c. Age

d. Language abilities

e. Adaptability

• Medical and Security Checks: You and your family members must undergo a medical examination to ensure you meet the health requirements. Additionally, you will need to provide police certificates to demonstrate good character and to prove that you do not pose a security risk to Canada.
• Sufficient Funds: You must show that you have enough money to support yourself and your family after arriving in Canada.

#5. Rural and Northern Immigration

The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) Program is an initiative by the Government of Canada that aims to attract foreign nationals who can become economically established to rural and northern communities in Canada.

Eligibility Criteria

Here are the requirements to meet to be eligible for the RNIPP:

Community Recommendation

Applicants must receive a recommendation from one of the participating communities under the RNIP. The specific communities eligible for participation are determined by the government.

Minimum Education Requirements

Applicants must meet the minimum education requirements specified in Guide 0118 – Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot. The specific educational qualifications may vary depending on the community’s requirements.

Minimum Language Proficiency Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in one of Canada’s official languages, either English or French.

The language proficiency requirements may vary depending on the community, but generally, applicants are required to provide language test results to prove their language skills.

Minimum Work Experience

Applicants must have a minimum amount of work experience in a specific occupation or industry.

The required work experience may vary depending on the community’s needs and the occupation or industry in demand.

Minimum Job Offer Requirements

Applicants must obtain a valid job offer from an employer in one of the participating communities. The job offer must meet the requirements specified by the community and be in an eligible occupation.

Minimum Settlement Funds

Applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support themselves and their family members upon arrival in Canada.

The specific amount of settlement funds required may vary depending on the community and the size of the family.

#4. Agri-food Pilot

The Agri-Food Pilot is a program under the Immigration and Refugee Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows foreign workers in specific industries to apply for permanent residence in Canada.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Agri-Food Pilot, applicants must meet the following criteria and requirements:

Work Experience

• Have a minimum of 1 year (at least 1,560 hours) of non-seasonal, full-time work experience in the past 3 years.
• The work experience must be in one or more of the eligible occupations listed under one of the eligible industries.
• The work experience must be gained through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, and a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) with a minimum 12-month duration must have been submitted by the employer when hiring the applicant.

Job Offer

• Must have a genuine job offer in Canada outside of Quebec.
• The job offer must be in an eligible occupation listed under one of the eligible industries.
• The job must be full-time, meaning the applicant works at least 30 paid hours per week.
• The job must be non-seasonal, with consistent and regularly scheduled paid employment throughout the year.
• The employment must be permanent, without a set end date.

Language Requirements

• Applicants must prove their ability in English or French.
• The minimum language requirements are Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) Level 4 in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
• Applicants must submit their results from an approved language test that is less than 2 years old when they apply.

Educational Requirements

• Applicants must have either a Canadian high school diploma or an educational credential assessment (ECA) report from a designated organization or professional body showing completion of a foreign credential at the secondary school level or above.
• The ECA report must be less than 5 years old on the date of the application, and it must have been issued on or after the date, the organization was designated.

Settlement Funds

• Applicants must prove that they have enough funds to settle in Canada.
• If the applicant is already working in Canada with a valid work permit when applying, they do not need to provide proof of settlement funds.

#3. Economic Mobility

The Economic Mobility Pathway Pilot (EMPP) is a program that combines the Refugee settlement and economic immigration program in Canada.

It aims to assist skilled refugees in finding employment opportunities and contribute to the country’s economy.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the EMPP, applicants must demonstrate their ability to establish themselves and support their basic needs and those of their families during their first year in Canada.

Regional EMPP

Applicants can apply through various streams within the Regional EMPP, such as the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), or Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP).

Candidates under the Regional EMPP must meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the Public Policy supporting the EMPP – Phase 2.

Additionally, they have access to EMPP-specific services.

Federal EMPP

Applicants can apply through the Federal EMPP stream, which consists of two streams: the Job Offer stream and the No Job Offer stream.

Candidates under the Federal EMPP must meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the Public Policy supporting the Federal Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot.

Like the Regional EMPP, applicants under the Federal EMPP also have access to EMPP-specific services.

Intake Caps

While there is no total intake cap for the EMPP program, there are specific intake caps for the Regional EMPP and the No Job Offer stream of the Federal EMPP.

Monthly reports are monitored to ensure compliance with these intake caps.

Important Note

This article provides a summary of the EMPP program and may not cover all the details and specific requirements.

For comprehensive information, it is recommended to visit the Government of Canada website.

#2. Seeking Asylum in Canada

If individuals face a threat upon returning to their home country, they have the option to seek asylum in Canada.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible to make a refugee claim in Canada, individuals must be physically present in the country and not be subject to a removal order.

Requirements

If individuals are outside Canada, they may be eligible to resettle in Canada as a refugee or through Canadian immigration programs.

To make a refugee claim, they need to submit their claim to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB), an independent tribunal responsible for making decisions on immigration and refugee matters.

Exceptions

In some cases, individuals may not be eligible to have their refugee claim referred to the IRB.

These cases include if they have already been:

• Recognized as a Convention refugee in another country they can return to
• granted protected person status in Canada,
• arrived via the Canada-United States border,
• made a refugee claim in another country,
• are inadmissible to Canada due to security grounds,
• criminal activity, or human rights violations, or have a previous ineligible
• rejected, abandoned, or withdrawn refugee claims.

IRB Decision

The Institutional Review Board IRB determines whether individuals qualify as Convention refugees or persons in need of protection.

#1. Study Permit

One of the best and easiest ways to migrate to Canada is as a student. The study permit, also known as a student visa, is a temporary residence permit issued to international students studying in Canada.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for a study permit, students must be enrolled in a program at a recognized Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.

Financial Requirements

Students must demonstrate they have sufficient funds to cover their tuition fees, living expenses for themselves and their accompanying family members, as well as return transportation costs.

Character and Health Requirements

Students must adhere to the law, have no criminal record, and, depending on the case, may need to undergo a medical examination to prove their good health.

Intent to Leave Canada

Students must provide proof to the immigration officer that they intend to leave Canada upon the expiry of their study permit.

Additional Information

For students who are legal residents of certain countries, the Student Direct Stream offers faster processing of study permit applications when applying online.

Responsibilities While Studying in Canada

Students are required to make academic progress and comply with study permit conditions.

If they no longer meet the requirements, they must stop studying.

Study permit conditions may include permission to work, travel restrictions, specific departure dates, or limitations on the designated learning institution (DLI). It is crucial to follow these conditions.

FAQs

What documents are required for entry into Canada?

When entering Canada, there are several documents that you need to present for validation.

The most important one is a valid National ID card or any acceptable proof of citizenship from your country.

Additionally, you must make the following documents available:

• Language test results
• Education assessments
• Job offers
• Police certificates
• Medical exams
• Proof of funds

What are the high-demand skills in Canada?

Canada is actively seeking skilled and semi-skilled individuals as well as those with innovative business ideas, whose expertise can contribute positively to the country.

Some of the in-demand skills include, but are not limited to:

• Biomedical Engineers
• Architects
• Web developers
• Teachers
• Nurses
• Drivers
• Midwives
• Fruit pickers and more

Conclusion

Canada has become an attractive destination for immigrants worldwide. Whether you are a student seeking scholarships or a skilled worker looking for better opportunities, Canada offers numerous avenues for growth.

It is important to note that this content provides a summary, and for more comprehensive and detailed information, it is advisable to visit the official authority websites.