Recently, the number of people settling in countries other than their home country has increased. Canada is considered a primary destination for many immigrants from different parts of the world due to its strong, thriving economy and high standard of living, which meets the aspirations of young people leaving their homelands in search of a decent life.
So, are you one of those young people aspiring to travel abroad and immigrate to Canada? Is Canada the dream destination you wish to immigrate to? If your answer is yes, then you’ve come to the right place. This article includes everything you need to know about immigration to Canada.
About Immigrants in Canada
Canada is the second-largest country in the world, and for some, it is more than just a study or tourist destination. In 2016, approximately 296,340 people from around the world chose to immigrate to Canada. According to the population census conducted in the same year, individuals born to at least one foreign parent made up one-fifth of the total population. It is also expected that by 2036, half of Canada’s population will be children born to foreign parents.
According to a study conducted by specialists at Statistics Canada, immigration is the primary driver of population growth. This is because Canada’s population is aging, and the fertility rate is below the replacement level. If these trends continue, based on recent population projections from Statistics Canada, immigrants could make up between 29.1% and 34.0% of the Canadian population by 2041.
Why Do People Immigrate to Canada?
When considering immigration, Canada offers numerous reasons that make it an attractive destination, including:
- Job opportunities: Canada provides skilled workers with excellent career prospects and a high standard of living.
- Unique natural landscapes: Canada is known for its breathtaking landscapes, including mountains, plains, beaches, and the famous Niagara Falls.
- Top-tier education system: Canada’s academic system is one of the best and most robust in the world.
- Personal freedom and safety: Canada ranks first globally in personal freedom and is one of the safest countries in the world today.
How Can I Immigrate to Canada?
There are several programs through which you can apply for immigration to Canada, each with its own eligibility criteria. The six most common programs are:
1. Express Entry System
This program is ideal for skilled workers seeking permanent residence in Canada. It is divided into three sub-programs:
– Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
Applicants must obtain at least 67 points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which considers six main factors: age, language proficiency, skills, education, work experience, job offers in Canada, and adaptability.
Regarding language proficiency, English and French are Canada’s official languages. Applicants must prove their language skills through certified tests:
- The Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) for English
- Niveaux de compétence Linguistique Canadien (NCLC) for French
To qualify for this program, applicants must achieve at least CLB 7 or NCLC 7 in their first official language and at least CLB 5 or NCLC 5 in their second official language.
– Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
To qualify for this program, applicants must:
- Intend to live outside the province of Quebec.
- Achieve at least CLB 5 in listening and speaking and CLB 4 in writing and reading.
- Have at least two years of full-time work experience (or part-time equivalent) in a skilled trade.
- Meet the job requirements set by the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
- Have a full-time job offer in Canada for at least one year.
Note: This program does not require a minimum education level for eligibility.
– Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
To qualify for this program, applicants must:
- Have at least one year (12 months) of full-time work experience in Canada within the last three years (or part-time equivalent).
- Meet the language proficiency requirements for the job they are applying for in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
- Intend to live outside Quebec.
Note: This program does not require a minimum education level for eligibility.
2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Most Canadian provinces can nominate specific immigrants under the PNP program. Applicants must agree to live and work in the province that nominates them.
Each province has its own criteria, with some targeting students, others skilled workers, and some focusing on investors or candidates under Express Entry streams.
To apply for PNP:
- You must first apply to the province you wish to immigrate to.
- If nominated, you can then apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residency.
3. Quebec-Selected Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)
Quebec has its own immigration laws. To apply under this program, you must complete two steps:
- Apply to the Quebec government for a Selection Certificate (CSQ), indicating approval for immigration.
- Apply to IRCC for permanent residence.
4. Start-Up Visa Program
To immigrate to Canada through this program, applicants must:
- Have an eligible business project that meets program requirements.
- Receive support from an approved investor organization.
- Score at least CLB 5 in an English or French language test.
- Have sufficient funds to support themselves and their dependents.
5. Family Sponsorship Visa
Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or registered Indigenous people over 18 years old can sponsor their relatives to immigrate to Canada.
Eligible family members include:
- Spouses or partners: Couples must have been legally married for at least one year before applying.
- Children and dependents
- Parents and grandparents (provided the sponsor can financially support them without government assistance).
For adopted children from foreign countries, the adoption process must be completed before applying for immigration.
6. Self-Employed Program
This program is for self-employed individuals who wish to work independently in Canada. To qualify, applicants must:
- Have at least two years of experience in their field within the last five years.
- Have participated in international cultural or sporting events.
- Be self-employed in cultural or athletic fields.
- Intend to continue self-employment in Canada.
- Meet the self-employment eligibility criteria.
- Score at least 35 points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
- Be in good health and of good character.
- Have sufficient funds to support themselves.
These six immigration programs cover a wide range of applicants, meaning almost anyone—regardless of their background or qualifications—can find a suitable pathway to immigrate to Canada.
So, which program is best for you? Is Canada your dream immigration destination, or do you have another country in mind?
Sources:
Immigration World
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