Every year, Canada welcomes thousands of immigrants to the country, providing them with various work and study opportunities. However, moving to Canada can be complicated as the rules for immigration keep changing. Moreover, there are many steps involved in the entire process and sometimes, it can take years for your application to get approved.
Knowing your options can improve your chances of success and ensure that your immigration process goes smoothly. This article includes five immigration pathways that you should know about in order to immigrate to Canada.
1. Express Entry
Express Entry is the main immigration pathway to Canada. This program operates on a points ranking system. The more work experience or education you have, the more your points.
Express entry allows skilled workers to live and work in Canada. Immigrants who possess the relevant qualifications are selected under the following programs:
If you need more points to qualify for the Express Entry program, you can apply to the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
One increasingly popular way to move to Canada is through the PNP route. This is a fast-track process followed by all provinces except Quebec.
In the PNP process, you first apply to the respective province. If you get a nomination, you can then apply to the federal government.
With PNPs, there are two categories involved:
· Enhanced PNP (uses the Express Entry candidate pool).
· Base PNP (operates independently of Express Entry).
If you get an enhanced PNP nomination, you automatically get an additional 600 points to your Express Entry score, making you a top candidate for permanent residency.
On the other hand, base PNP is more focused on choosing candidates who don’t fit the Express Entry criteria, including people with local study or work experience.
3. LMIA Work Visa
Many people immigrate to Canada by first securing a job offer. Once the job has been secured, your Canadian employer would then have to apply for an LMIA. The LMIA then needs to get approved by Service Canada after which the applicant can apply for a work permit.
4. Family Sponsorship
To be eligible for family sponsorship, you must have a family in Canada. Canadian citizens can sponsor their spouses, children, relatives, parents, and grandparents.
A set criterion is followed by both parties involved. The sponsor must demonstrate that they can financially support you whereas the person being sponsored has to pass the criminal and medical criteria.
Proof of genuine relationship should also be shown to the immigration officer.
5. Quebec Immigration Program
Quebec has its own immigration program. To immigrate there, you need a Certificatde Selection du Quebec (CSQ). You can acquire CSQ by applying to one of the following immigration programs provided by the province:
· Regular Skilled Worker Program for French-speaking foreign workers in skilled occupations.
· Quebec Permanent Immigration Pilot Programs for technology or food industry workers, and orderlies.
· Quebec Experience Program for French-speaking international students and skilled workers.
Conclusion
Each Canadian immigration program has its specific eligibility criteria. Depending on where you are coming from and what your situation is, you would have to choose an option that is best suited for you and your loved ones.