Canada’s immigration system faced significant delays and difficulties resulting from drastic measures taken by the Canadian government to address the aftermath of the pandemic.
The new year ushered in new hope, as Canada plans to welcome 432,000 new immigrants in 2022. Though IRCC may recess Federal Skilled Worker draws for some time, this will in no way abate the potential to migrate to Canada. With multiple immigration programs that provide numerous pathways to immigrate, Canada will remain one of the most preferred countries to migrate.
If one is thinking of migrating to Canada, it is very important to firstly choose the right path and program. Secondly, to complete the documentation for the same. Through this article we attempt to provide Canadian immigration aspirants with details of some of the top Canadian immigration programs to help them make the right choices.
Three Most Popular Canada Immigration Pathways
Express Entry Program (EE) was officially rolled out on 31 January 2015. This program was developed to ease the immigration policies. It is one of the quickest and most popular pathways to permanent residence in Canada.
An applicant for Canada’s Express Entry Program is ranked based on the CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System). Key information required for the CRS includes age, educational qualification, work experience, language proficiency score, and proof of funds to settle in Canada. On submitting the documents and applying for the program, an applicant’s profile is given the CRS score and entered into the EE Pool. If an applicant meets or exceeds the cut-off score set for an EE draw, they receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from IRCC.
The Express Entry System consists of three immigration programs, namely:
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)
The FSW is for highly skilled and experienced workers to apply and get permanent residence in Canada. As per the pre-scoring system, an applicant needs to score 67 out of 100 points—which they can calculate with help of immigration consultants—before submitting documents for CRS evaluation and entry into the EE Pool. The criteria are the same as for CRS.
- A minimum of one year experience in a managerial, professional, or technical/skilled job (NOC Skill Level 0, A, or B).
- Requisite score in French or English language proficiency.
- Have a certificate, diploma, or degree to be evaluated and ratified by WES (World Education Services).
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
The FSTP is for individuals skilled in trades listed by the Government of Canada under this program. Candidates need experience in one of the following trades—industrial, electrical, construction, maintenance and equipment operation; supervisor or technician in agri-tech, manufacturing, processing; Chefs, Butchers, Bakers—to apply and get permanent residency in Canada. Other requirements:
- Requisite score in English or French language proficiency.
- A minimum of two years of job experience (within the last five years).
- Meet all job requirements set out in the National Occupation Classification (NOC) for the specific trade for which the applicant wishes to apply for PR.
- A valid job offer of full-time employment for at least one year or a certificate of qualification in the applicant’s trade issued by a provincial or territorial authority.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The CEC applies to applicants who have at least one year of Canadian work experience or have studied in Canada for one year. To qualify for CEC, an applicant must have:
- Requisite score in English or French language proficiency.
- A minimum of one year of experience working in Canada in the last three years.
- Educational certificates evaluated and ratified by WES.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Applicants who are looking to migrate to a particular province or territory can use the Provincial Nominee Program. This program allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals who wish to immigrate to Canada based on their skill requirements. Each province has its own PNP and at least one immigration stream is aligned with the Federal Express Entry selection system. Most provinces have streams that relate to Express Entry, where an applicant’s nomination is also awarded 600 additional CRS points.
A provincial nomination is a near-certain route for an applicant to receive an ITA at a subsequent draw from the EE pool. Candidates must have entered the EE Profile pool if they wish to apply for a PNP stream.
Some of the popular PNP programs include Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP), Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP), Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP), Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP), and Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP).
Explore Express Entry and Canada PNP.
Canadian Immigrant Investor Program (IIP) / Canada Investor Visa
The Canada Investor Visa pathways were created by the Government of Canada to attract foreign investors to the Canadian economy. Through these programs, the applicant can earn Permanent Resident status in Canada along with family members. On completion of three years in Canada, the candidate is eligible to apply for Canadian Citizenship. The most popular investor pathways are:
1. Canada Start-up Visa
Canada’s Start-up Visa Program targets immigrant entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to build businesses in Canada that are innovative, can create jobs for Canadians, and can compete globally. It is designed to help entrepreneurs who have the capacity to compete internationally, provide jobs to locals, and bring innovative business ideas to grow.
2. Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) — Entrepreneur
Saskatchewan is backed by a strong economy—agriculture, forestry, and fishing are key sectors. You can invest in a running business or a start-up in Saskatchewan. Through the SINP Entrepreneur Program, you and your family can start, obtain, or partner in a business in Saskatchewan and be actively involved in managing it, while residing in the province.
3. Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) — Entrepreneur
This stream is for entrepreneurs from outside Canada interested in starting a new business or buying an existing business in Ontario. It gives an entrepreneur the opportunity to be nominated for permanent residence once their business has been established in Ontario. This program is designed for high-net-worth individuals who intend to invest in Ontario in a running business or a start-up, in exchange for a pathway to Permanent Residency in Canada.
To Know More About the Application Process and Your Eligibility
Please get in touch with our expert consultants at +91-9019-400-500 or email us at [email protected]. You can also reach us via our contact page.
FAQs
Q1. What is the fastest pathway to immigrate to Canada in 2022? A. Express Entry is often the fastest for eligible candidates, particularly under CEC or with a PNP nomination that adds 600 CRS points.
Q2. Do I need a job offer to apply through Express Entry? A. A job offer is not mandatory for FSW or CEC, but it can improve your CRS score. Certain FSTP applicants or PNP streams may require a job offer.
Q3. Can investors obtain Canadian PR through business immigration? A. Yes. Programs such as the Start-up Visa and entrepreneur streams under SINP and OINP provide pathways to permanent residence, subject to meeting eligibility and performance criteria.
