In this increasingly globalized world, many desire to migrate to foreign countries to experience different cultures, better opportunities, and peaceful living, and this is why I bring to you five pathways to Relocate to Canada. Why do I think Canada embodies the aforementioned qualities? The reason is not far-fetched. Canada is one of the top choices of immigrants and according to Statista around 500,000 new immigrants migrate to Canada annually.
The country is pro-immigration especially since its foundation is built on multiculturalism. From the top-notch educational system, innumerable job opportunities, prioritization of the healthcare system, stable political system, and thriving economy, it is no wonder that Canada is one of the top choices of Immigrants. There are over 89 ways of immigrating to The Great White North, but in this article, we will explore only five pathways to Relocate to Canada.
Relocating to Canada
When considering immigrating to Canada, you just have to be prepared to undergo several stages and a documentation process. Well, this shouldn’t deter you because no good thing comes easy, right? For the different pathways of relocating to Canada, be prepared to encourage terrorism some take just months, while others take years. However, if done correctly with the proper documentation, you will be successful in the end.
The process of applying for a Canadian Visa is dependent on the type of visa you need. But generally, be prepared to visit the Canadian immigration website, create an account, and follow the instructions specific to your visa type. Every information you need is on the website and it is often updated with the latest developments, such as new relocation pathways, fees to be paid at every stage of application, and pathways that are no longer operational, among others.
Relocation Pathways to Canadaย
Here are some of the pathways that you can use in migrating to Canada 2024:
The Express Entry Program
This is one of the popular and fastest methods to relocate to Canada. Applying through this means is for only skilled workers and professionals and those that qualify get permanent residence from the Canadian government immediately. Over 1.3 million individuals are expected to be permanent residents from 2023 to 2025. It is known as the fastest method of immigrating because most applicants get their permanent residence in six months, provided they meet all the application requirements. When you want to apply, you are expected to apply as a skilled immigrant who is qualified under any of these three significant economic immigration programs:
- The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) – This is for skilled workers who have foreign work experience and have met the criteria for education and other factors.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) – This is for skilled workers who are professionals in a skilled trade and have a valid job offer or a certificate of qualification.
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – This is for skilled workers who have gotten 3 years of Canadian work experience before application.
Additionally, your skills must fall into any of these major job skill groups O, A, and B. The skill type 0 or zero are management jobs which include restaurant managers, mine managers, shore captains (fishing), etc. Skill type A are professional jobs with university degrees which include doctors, dentists, architects, etc. Skill type B comprises technical jobs and skilled trades with college diplomas or apprentice training and they include chefs, plumbers, electricians, etc.
Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
If you have come across job postings that promise Visa sponsorship for foreigners, then this is another relocation pathway to Canada. The Covid pandemic brought about labor shortages which is why Canadian companies resort to using this means to fill up the vacant roles within their establishment. What is the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)? This is a document that Canadian organizations need to acquire before employing a foreign worker
The process of hiring foreigners is not a straightforward one and the organization must prove that the open position has not been filled by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. To achieve this, the employer will apply to the Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and prove that the job position has been advertised in the local market for at least four weeks, without success.
After the assessment, the organization will be issued either a positive or negative Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). If it is positive, the employer is deemed fit to hire a foreign worker and sponsor their visa to Canada. This is when you would see that job posting in your foreign country and can relocate to Canada if employed.
Business Immigration Program
This pathway is for intending immigrants who have a high net worth because it involves a huge amount of money. Being a country that is open to business investors, people with ideas and resources for the establishment of a business are encouraged to migrate through this pathway by the federal and provincial/territorial governments.
The government of Canada is ready to give you all the needed facilities in your endeavors and it is a win-win situation for the investor and the country. It allows you to start up your business in Canada to help boost the Canadian economy.
Student Visa to PR Pathway
This is another popular relocation pathway. Many international students who seek to pursue their undergraduate or postgraduate degree in Canada have become permanent residents or even gained their citizenship through a study Visa. How so? After completing your study in Canada, you can obtain a post-graduate work permit (PGWP) which gives you Canadian Work Experience.
Post-graduate work permits can vary but graduates may be able to work in Canada for up to three years after study. With the Permit, you can pursue different federal and provincial permanent residence programs such as the Express Entry Systems Canadian Experience Class after obtaining 1 year of Canadian work experience, and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). With your previous education in Canada, you are at an advantage over other applicants.
Family or Spousal Sponsorship
Canada has always prided itself as a country that prioritizes connecting families. This is why family relations such as spouses or relatives of Canadian citizens and permanent residents are eligible to relocate to Canada if their family sponsors them. However, the sponsor must express their willingness to sponsor you financially.
The process of this pathway usually takes about 12 months to process. Some applications take longer if there is difficulty in proving your relationship with your sponsor. So, when applying for relocation through this pathway, ensure all your documents are intact and your relationship can easily be proven, to save yourself some stress.
Conclusion
For every prospective immigrant, the process of moving to Canada may be tedious but it is valid. Pick anyone of the listed relocation pathways and do further research on what is needed. Ensure you meet the requirements for whatever visa type you are applying for, to increase your chances.
While applying, be careful not to make any mistakes as this may jeopardize your chance of success. Finally, prepare yourself financially and mentally, because moving and adapting to a new environment can be challenging.
