Immigrating to Canada is a dream for many, but the perceived costs can be a significant barrier. However, there are several cost-effective pathways available that make this dream more accessible. Whether through job offers, special immigration pilots, or international agreements, prospective immigrants have various options to minimize their expenses. This guide explores the cheapest ways to immigrate to Canada, highlighting programs like the Express Entry system, Provincial Nominee Programs, the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot, and the International Experience Canada program. By understanding these pathways, individuals can find the most affordable route to start a new life in Canada.
1. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Some provinces like Yukon, Nova Scotia, and Northwest Territories do not charge any application fees for their PNP programs. Hence, this makes them a very cost-effective option for immigrants. Even provinces that do charge PNP application fees tend to have lower costs compared to other immigration pathways. For example, the Manitoba PNP has a $500 fee, while the Quebec PNP caps fees at $785
Additionally, PNPs often have faster processing times compared to other immigration pathways. Hence, they are one of the easiest way to immigrate to Canada 2024. Also, quicker processing means less time waiting and potentially lower costs related to document renewals, temporary accommodations, and other living expenses during the application period. Moreover, candidates with a provincial nomination receive an additional 600 points towards their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score in the Express Entry system. This almost guarantees an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence, reducing the need for multiple application attempts and associated costs.
PNPs have different eligibility criteria depending on the province. From skilled workers to semi-skilled workers and healthcare professionals, there is an opportunity for everyone. Additionally, provinces provide various support services and resources to help applicants through the PNP process. These resources can reduce the need for paid immigration consultants or lawyers.
2. Express Entry System
The Express Entry System is one of the most popular as well as one of the cheapest ways to immigrate to Canada. The process requires you to submit a profile that will be added to a pool. The system then ranks your profile relative to that of other participants. The higher your score, the higher your chances of being selected. The good thing is submitting an Express Entry profile does not incur any government fees. Fees are only required when you receive an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residency. Hence, helping to reduce upfront costs for applicants.
Moreover, candidates can be considered for three federal immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program with a single application. Thereby potentially increasing their chances of selection without incurring additional costs.
The Express Entry Canada requirements are easy to meet and majorly centre around work experience, language proficiency and education. However, you have to be a skilled worker in the required job category. Also, there are other additional factors that can increase your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score thereby increasing your chances of scaling through. Some of these factors include age and having a relative in Canada.
3. Family Sponsorship
Family sponsorship is a Canadian immigration pathway that allows citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their eligible family members to come to Canada and become permanent residents. This program aims to reunite families by enabling sponsors to bring their spouses, common-law partners, dependent children, parents, grandparents, and certain other relatives to Canada. To be eligible to sponsor a family member, the sponsor must be at least 18 years old, live in Canada (or plan to return to Canada when the family member arrives), and demonstrate the financial ability to support the sponsored person for a specified period. Hence this is one route for Canada immigration without proof of funds on the side of the immigrant.
The family sponsorship process often does not require expensive language tests, educational credential assessments, or extensive professional qualifications, which are typically needed for other immigration streams. Also, family members already residing in Canada can provide practical support and resources, such as accommodation and assistance with the integration process, which can significantly lower the initial settlement costs for the sponsored individuals. Besides, family sponsorship does not require you to hire legal and consultancy services. The process, although detailed, is straightforward enough that many applicants can complete it without hiring an immigration consultant or lawyer, further minimizing expenses.
4. Trade Agreement
Canada has established numerous trade agreements with different countries. These agreements allow professionals from partner countries to enter Canada without the need for a traditional labour market impact assessment (LMIA). As a result, this can significantly reduce costs associated with obtaining work permits, as the LMIA process can be both time-consuming and expensive. Hence, this is one of the cheapest ways to immigrate to Canada.
While initially intended for temporary work, many individuals who enter Canada through trade agreements can transition to permanent residency. This pathway can be more affordable compared to other routes that require higher fees or extensive documentation. Hence, as a professional, you can benefit from the ability to work in Canada under trade agreements which allows you to gain Canadian work experience. You can later leverage this experience to apply for permanent residency through programs like the Canadian Experience Class or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
Keep in mind that there are specific occupations that these agreements favour. Therefore, you need to confirm if your profession is eligible for this program. Some trade agreements also facilitate the transfer of employees between affiliated companies in the member countries. In addition to the specificity of the eligible jobs, not all countries are eligible. Only citizens of countries that are in a trade agreement with Canada can have access to this program. So, you have to confirm your country’s eligibility, and then confirm the eligibility of your profession before starting the process.
5. Job Offer
If you can secure a job with an employer in Canada, you can migrate to Canada with ease. Getting a job is simply how to move to Canada with no money. Of course, not totally. You will need money for a number of things including the process of applying for a work permit. However, this reduces the total sum of money you would be spending by a great deal.
For instance, you may get a waiver of the often compulsory proof of sufficient funds. Hence, significantly reducing the amount of money you will need upfront. Moreover, your employers can provide financial support in various forms, such as covering relocation costs, offering temporary accommodation, and assisting with the integration process. This support can substantially reduce the initial expenses for your immigration.
Additionally, holding a job offer can make you eligible for specific pathways to permanent residency, such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Being employed in Canada provides valuable work experience that you can use to qualify for permanent residency. Hence, making the overall immigration process more straightforward and less costly. Immediate employment also helps in quicker integration into Canadian society. Arriving in Canada with a job already secured means that you can start working and earning immediately. Thereby reducing the financial strain of searching for a job after arrival.
6. International Experience Canada (IEC)
International Experience Canada (IEC) is a program that allows young individuals from partner countries to work and travel in Canada for up to two years. The participating countries (35 of them) have bilateral agreements with Canada, facilitating this exchange. This bilateral agreement means that citizens of these countries have a more streamlined and supported process for entering Canada. This international cooperation can reduce bureaucratic hurdles and associated costs. Hence, making it one of the cheapest ways to immigrate to Canada.
The application fees for the IEC program are relatively low compared to other immigration pathways. As of 2024, the IEC participation fee is CAD 172, which is significantly cheaper than fees for many other types of work permits or immigration applications. Also, participants in the IEC program often receive an open work permit, allowing them to work for any employer in Canada. This reduces the costs and time associated with changing jobs or securing employer-specific permits.
Besides, since IEC participants are typically young (aged 18-35), they may not have the same financial commitments as older immigrants, such as supporting a family. Additionally, the ability to work upon arrival means they can start earning money immediately, reducing the need for substantial savings before moving.
7. Agri-Food Immigration Pilot
The Agri-Food Immigration Pilot (AFIP) is one of the government’s economic programs. It is a pathway designed to help address labour shortages in the Canadian agri-food sector by offering a route to permanent residency for experienced, non-seasonal workers in specific industries and occupations. Although this may not be one of the easiest migration routes for some people due to the Canadian work experience needed. Still, it makes its way to this list as part of the cheapest Canada immigration way because it is a relatively cheap option.
The program will run until 2025 and has an application fee that starts at CAD 1,525. The program targets specific agri-food sectors including:
- Meat processing (e.g., butchers, industrial butchers)
- Greenhouse and mushroom production
- General farm work and specialized livestock work
Eligible employers in the meat processing sector can obtain a two-year Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to support their applications. This reduces the financial burden on workers, as they do not need to cover the costs associated with obtaining an LMIA themselves.
Conclusion
Navigating the immigration process to the Great White North can seem daunting, but knowing the cheapest ways to immigrate to Canada can ease the financial burden. Programs like Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot, and International Experience Canada offer affordable and efficient ways to achieve permanent residency. These options often waive or reduce certain fees, streamline application processes, and provide financial support mechanisms. By leveraging these opportunities, aspiring immigrants can significantly lower their costs and expedite their journey to becoming Canadian residents.
