Canada seems to be on a challenge to break its own record on the number of immigrants it receives yearly. The figures have been on the increase in the last three years and may not decrease yet as the country has a goal of welcoming up to 1.3 million permanent residents between 2023 and 2025. To reach its immigration goal, the country is coming up with new and easy ways to migrate to Canada.
In this article, we will discuss 11 pathways for people who may want to come over, their pros and cons. The best part about these immigration pathways is that they are designed to accommodate different categories of people. There is an option for students, skilled workers, self-employed, entrepreneurs, etc. Some pathways also allow you to come along with family or a family member. Soon, you will learn which one is best for you and aligns with your immigration plans.
Easy Ways To Migrate To Canada in 2023
1. Express Entry System
Migrating to Canada through the Express Entry System is one of the most popular and easy ways to migrate to Canada for skilled workers who want to become permanent residents of Canada. The system manages applications for three main federal economic immigration programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): This program is for skilled workers with foreign work experience in one of the eligible occupations.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): Designed for skilled tradespersons who have at least two years of full-time work experience in an eligible trade within the last five years.
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For individuals who have gained skilled work experience in Canada through temporary work permits or as international students.
The Canadian government conducts regular Express Entry draws, usually every two weeks. In each draw, candidates with the highest Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores will receive Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence. Once you receive an ITA, you have 90 days to submit a complete application for permanent residency.
To participate, you need to create an Express Entry profile, which is then scored using the Comprehensive Ranking System. You get points for various factors like age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and job offers. Having a job offer or a provincial nomination through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) can earn you extra points.
Pros
- Points-based system for skilled workers.
- Fast processing times (usually within six months).
- You do not need to have a job offer (though it helps).
Cons
- Competitive process; high point requirements.
- Limited to specific skilled occupations.
2. Provincial Nominee Program
Migrating to Canada through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) is a pathway for individuals who want to live and work in a specific province or territory in Canada. Each province and territory in Canada has its own PNP, and these programs allow them to nominate individuals who have the skills, work experience, and intent to settle in that particular region.
Most PNPs have different streams, each targeting specific categories of candidates. Common streams include:
- Express Entry-aligned streams: These are designed for candidates in the federal Express Entry system, allowing provinces to nominate individuals directly from the Express Entry pool.
- Skilled worker streams: These are easy ways to migrate to Canada for individuals with skilled work experience in occupations in demand in the province.
- Business/entrepreneur streams: These are for individuals with a plan to invest in or start a business in the province.
- International graduate streams: These are for graduates from eligible Canadian institutions who wish to stay in the province after completing their studies.
- Family support streams: Some provinces have streams that allow nominees’ family members living in the province to sponsor them.
Depending on the PNP, you may need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) or a direct application to the province or territory. An EOI typically involves providing information about your skills, education, work experience, and language proficiency. Then if selected, you will receive a provincial nomination, which can significantly increase your chances of being invited to apply for permanent residency.
Just as with the Express Entry System, while you must not have a job offer, having one can be a strong factor in your favour. Furthermore, some PNPs prioritize candidates who have a job offer from an employer in the province. While others may prioritize individuals who have previously studied or worked in the province.
Pros
- Opportunity for those with skills in demand in specific provinces.
- Lower CRS score requirements than Express Entry.
Cons
- Limited to specific provinces/territories.
- Requirements and processes vary by province.
3. Family Sponsorship
This is one of the easy ways to migrate to Canada for individuals who have close family members who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents and are willing to sponsor them for immigration. The person sponsoring you must be above 18 years old and must also prove that they have the financial means to support you and ensure that you do not need to seek social assistance.
This program is designed to reunite families in Canada. Family members that can be sponsored include: Spouses or common-law partners, dependent children, parents and grandparents, orphaned siblings, nephews, or nieces under 18 who are not married or in a common-law relationship.
The sponsorship process involves two main applications: the sponsor’s application and the sponsored family member’s application for permanent residence. First, the sponsor initiates the process by submitting a sponsorship application to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). After the sponsorship is approved, the sponsored family member can apply for permanent residence. The processing times for these applications can vary significantly depending on the relationship and the country of residence of the sponsored family member.
In family sponsorship, the sponsor will have to sign an undertaking and sponsorship agreement. This legally obligates them to financially support the sponsored family member(s) for a specific period, usually 3-20 years, depending on the sponsored person’s age and relationship with the sponsor. Also, both sponsors and sponsored family members must meet certain admissibility criteria, such as not having a criminal record, not posing a security risk, and not having serious health issues.
Pros
- Easier if you have close family members who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
- You do not need any specific skill or work experience.
Cons
- Limited to certain family relationships.
- Financial responsibility for the sponsored family member.
- Stringent financial requirements for sponsors.
- Lengthy processing times, especially for parents and grandparents.
4. Study Permit
The study permit is a popular pathway and among the easy ways to migrate to Canada for international students who want to pursue higher education in Canada. This permit allows you to study at a Canadian designated learning institution (DLI) and, in some cases, work while studying and gain valuable Canadian work experience.
To be eligible for a Study Permit, you need to have an acceptance letter from a DLI in Canada, proof of sufficient funds, good medical and criminal record. When you have met all the eligibility criteria, apply for a Study Permit online or through a Visa Application Center (VAC) in your home country.
After completing a program at a DLI, you may be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which allows you to work in Canada for up to three years. The length of the PGWP depends on the duration of your program. Also, many international students use their PGWP experience as a pathway to permanent residence through programs like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or provincial nominee programs (PNPs).
Pros
- Study in Canada and gain Canadian work experience.
- Potential pathway to permanent residence through Post-Graduation Work Permit Program.
Cons
- Tuition and living expenses.
- Limited work hours during studies.
5. Temporary Work Permit
As its name implies, a temporary work permit is a pathway for people who want to work in Canada on a temporary basis. Typically, you get a temporary work permit for a specific job, employer, and duration. It is among the easy ways to migrate to Canada for this group.
To be eligible for a Temporary Work Permit, you typically need a job offer from a Canadian employer who has obtained a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
An LMIA assesses the need for foreign workers and ensures that hiring them will not negatively affect the Canadian labour market. In some cases, you may be exempt from the LMIA requirement. This may be through international trade agreements (e.g., NAFTA, CETA), intra-company transfers, or as a participant in a working holiday program.
There are several types of Temporary Work Permits, including:
- Closed Work Permit: Allows you to work only for the specific employer mentioned on the permit.
- Open Work Permit: Provides more flexibility, allowing you to work for any Canadian employer.
- Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP): Allows agricultural workers to work temporarily in Canada.
- International Mobility Program (IMP): Covers work permits for certain occupations and situations that do not require an LMIA.
The duration of your Temporary Work Permit will depend on factors such as the type of work you’re doing, the specific program you’re under, and the LMIA’s validity period. If you wish to renew your Temporary Work Permit or change employers, you will need to apply for a new permit. In some cases, you may be exempt from obtaining a new LMIA.
Pros
- Gain Canadian work experience.
- Potential pathway to permanent residence.
- Shorter processing times compared to some other immigration pathways.
Cons
- Job offer required.
- Temporary status with no guarantee of permanent residency.
6. Start-Up Visa Program
Migrating to Canada via the Start-Up Visa Program is an attractive pathway and among the easy ways to migrate to Canada for entrepreneurs who want to establish a new business there. This program aims to promote innovation and economic growth by attracting high-potential foreign entrepreneurs.
To be eligible for the Start-Up Visa Program, you must meet the following criteria:
- Have a qualifying business idea or plan that has the potential for significant job creation and economic benefit to Canada.
- Secure a commitment from a designated Canadian angel investor group, venture capital fund, or business incubator.
- Prove your proficiency in English or French through language tests (e.g., IELTS, CELPIP, TEF).
- Have sufficient settlement funds to support yourself and your family members while you establish your business in Canada.
If they approve your application, you and your family members will receive permanent resident status in Canada. After residing in Canada as a permanent resident for a specified period and meeting other citizenship requirements, you may be eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship.
Pros
- Opportunity to start and operate your own business in Canada.
- No need for a minimum net worth.
Cons
- Risk involved in starting and maintaining a business.
- Stringent application requirements.
- Highly competitive, with limited annual quotas.
7. Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program
This pathway is designed to address the labour market needs of the Atlantic provinces: Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. This pilot program is specifically tailored to help employers in these provinces hire foreign workers and international graduates to fill job vacancies.
To be eligible for the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP), you must have a valid job offer from an employer in one of the Atlantic provinces, meet the education and work experience requirements, and demonstrate language proficiency. If you meet the criteria, it is one of the easy ways to migrate to Canada.
The AIPP is divided into three sub-programs:
- Atlantic High-Skilled Program: For individuals with job offers in skilled occupations.
- Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program: For individuals with job offers in intermediate-skilled occupations.
- Atlantic International Graduate Program: For international graduates with a job offer from a designated institution in the Atlantic region.
The application process involves completing the required forms and submitting all supporting documents, including language test results, education credentials, and job offer details. Once you have a valid job offer and meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply for permanent residency through the AIPP. You can include your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children in your permanent residency application.
Pros
- Designed for skilled workers, graduates, and intermediate-skilled workers in Atlantic provinces.
- Lower language requirements.
Cons
- Limited to specific provinces.
- Employer sponsorship is required.
8. Caregiver Program
The Caregiver Program is a pathway for individuals who have experience in providing care for children, the elderly, or individuals with medical needs. The program aims to address the need for caregivers in Canada while providing an opportunity for foreign workers to become permanent residents.
The Caregiver Program has two main pathways: the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and the Home Support Worker Pilot. The experience requirements and the type of care you provide can vary depending on the caregiver program pathway.
In most cases, your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children can accompany you to Canada. They may also be eligible for open work permits and study permits. This is one of the easy ways to migrate to Canada with your family.
Pros
- Ability to bring family members to Canada.
- Pathway to permanent residency.
Cons
- Strict work experience and language requirements.
- Demand varies by region.
- Limited flexibility in choosing your occupation and location
9. Self-Employed Persons Program
If you are self-employed and have experience in cultural activities, athletics, or farm management, this pathway is an option you can consider. It is designed to promote cultural and athletic contributions to Canadian society and enhance the agricultural sector. To participate in these easy ways to migrate to Canada, you must have relevant experience in one of the following categories:
- Cultural activities: You should have experience in cultural or artistic activities, such as music, dance, theatre, or visual arts. You must be able to demonstrate that you have been self-employed in these activities or have participated at a world-class level.
- Athletics: You should have experience as a professional athlete or coach in individual or team sports.
- Farm management: You should have experience in managing a farm and the intention and ability to purchase and manage a farm in Canada.
In addition to meeting the eligibility criteria, you will be assessed based on selection criteria, including your age, education, experience, language proficiency, and adaptability. You will need to score a minimum number of points to be eligible for the program.
As part of your application, you must complete and submit the required application forms, along with supporting documents, to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). You may also need to undergo medical examinations and provide police clearance certificates.
Pros
- A potential pathway to permanent residency and Canadian citizenship.
- Flexibility in selecting the profession.
Cons
- Stringent criteria for relevant experience.
- Risk associated with self-employment.
- Requires substantial proof of self-employment or participation at a high level in cultural or athletic activities.
10. Quebec-Selected Skilled Workers
You can try the Quebec-Selected Skilled Workers program if you wish to settle in the province of Quebec. Quebec operates its own immigration system separate from the federal government, allowing the province to select candidates based on its specific economic and social goals. To be eligible for this program, you must:
- Have the intention to live and work in Quebec.
- Be selected by the province based on its points-based system, which evaluates factors like education, work experience, age, language proficiency (French is typically required), and other factors.
- Demonstrate your ability to support yourself and your dependents financially.
To apply for this program, you need to first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through Quebec’s Arrima system, which is a web-based platform for managing applications. If you receive an invitation to apply, you will then submit a full application to the Quebec government. After they review and approve your application, you will receive a Quebec Selection Certificate (Certificat de sélection du Québec or CSQ), which is an essential document for your permanent residency application.
Pros
- Specific immigration program for Quebec.
- Lower point requirements compared to Express Entry.
- No job offer required.
- Relatively straightforward pathway to permanent residency.
Cons
- Limited to Quebec residents.
- Different selection criteria from other provinces.
- French language proficiency is usually a requirement.
- The selection process can be competitive, as Quebec only accepts a limited number of applicants each year.
11. Refugee and Asylum Seekers
These are easy ways to migrate to Canada for individuals who are fleeing persecution, violence, or danger in their home countries and are seeking protection and a new life in Canada. The Canadian government has established refugee and asylum programs to provide support to those in need.
Refugees are individuals who have a well-founded fear of persecution based on factors such as race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. To be recognized as a refugee in Canada, you must undergo a refugee status determination process to establish your eligibility.
On the other hand, asylum seekers are individuals who have fled their home countries and are seeking protection in Canada but have not yet been recognized as refugees. Asylum seekers typically arrive in Canada and apply for refugee status upon arrival.
Canada maintains a list of countries considered safe and unlikely to produce refugees. These countries are known as Designated Countries of Origin (DCOs). Claims from individuals from DCOs may be processed differently and potentially face expedited removal if their claims are denied.
Pros
- Protection for individuals facing persecution or danger in their home countries.
- Opportunity for a new life and freedom from persecution.
- Access to essential services and support for refugees.
Cons
- Uncertain and lengthy processing.
- Strict eligibility criteria.
- Limited choice in the destination city or province in Canada.
Finally
Migrating to Canada requires a lot of planning and financial investment. The route through which you choose to move can ease the process or make it more difficult. Worse still, if you choose a pathway for which you are not the right fit, you may end up wasting a good amount of time and resources. Hence it is important to carefully consider the easy ways to migrate to Canada we have discussed here and decide which one is best for you.
You may qualify for more than one pathway. However, you should conduct further research to discover more details about each one and settle for the one that requires the least resources.
