Are you wondering how you can migrate to Canada? We have listed the six (6) surest ways to easily move to Canada.
Canada has become one of the top destinations for immigrants; and this is because of its high quality of life, strong economy, and friendly immigration policies.
Believe it or not, after Russia, Canada happens to be the second-largest country in the world. Actually, Canada is a lot more than a tourist center, it’s the land of their dreams.
Why Migrate To Canada?
There are more than a million reasons to migrate to Canada notwithstanding, here are just a few:
- Canada is regarded as one of the safest places in the world.
- You can find lots of opportunities in Canada. That’s why foreigners and skilled workers flock to the shores of Canada every year. Those who are willing to work will always find jobs available.
- The country has free basic healthcare and an exceptional educational system.
- Canada has a diversity of landscapes extending from craggy mountains to Niagara Falls.
- When it also comes to personal freedom Canada is ranked above many countries.
How Do I Migrate To Canada?
There are several ways foreigners can actually migrate to Canada. All immigration program has its own qualification criteria and eligibility. Below are the 6 most common ways to migrate to Canada:
1. Express Entry
This immigration pathway is ideal for skilled foreigners who want to settle permanently in Canada. There are three (3) immigration options that prospective immigrants can choose under Express Entry.
i). Federal Skilled Worker Program
To migrate to Canada through the federal skilled worker program, the applicant must score at least 67 points on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The CRS grades you based on 6 factors which include; age, adaptability, language proficiency, work experience, education, and employment offer in Canada.
In terms of language, French and English are the two (2) official languages in Canada. Meanwhile, applicants must take an approved language test to prove how well they know English or French.
The Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) and Niveaux de compétence Linguistique Canadien (NCLC) are the two (2) tests used to measure your proficiency in French and English.
A minimum level of CLB 7 or NCLC 7 is required for the first official language. To obtain points for the second official language, the immigrant must have a minimum level of CLB 5 or NCLC 5.
Federal Skilled Worker Program – Points (Score Calculator)
| Category | Conditions | Points |
| Age | Under 18 years | 0 |
| 18-35 years | 12 | |
| 36 years | 11 | |
| 37 years | 10 | |
| 38 years | 9 | |
| 39 years | 8 | |
| 40 years | 7 | |
| 41 years | 6 | |
| 42 years | 5 | |
| 43 years | 4 |
ii). Federal Skilled Trades Program
The second under the Express Entry is the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and to be eligible for this path, the applicant must:
- Plan to live outside the Quebec province.
- Get at least CLB 5 for speaking and listening and CLB 4 for writing and reading
- Have at least two (2) years of full-time work experience or its equivalent in part-time work experience
- Meet the job requirements for a skilled trade as defined by the NOC (National Occupational Classification)
- Have an offer of full-time employment for at least one (1) year
NOTE: There are no minimum educational qualifications required to migrate to Canada through this program.
iii). Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
This is the third immigration pathway under the Express Entry program. To be eligible for this pathway the applicant must meet the criteria below:
- They must plan on living outside Quebec.
- They must meet the language levels needed for the job in terms of listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
- He or she must have a minimum of 12 months of full-time skilled work experience in Canada within the past three years or its equivalent in part-time experience. Self-employment, as well as work experience, gained while studying does not count.
There are no minimum educational qualifications needed to migrate to Canada through the CEC program.
2). Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Most provinces and territories in Canada can nominate immigrants through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). These immigrants must have to live and work in the province they have been nominated by.
The eligibility criteria for each province in this program are different. While some provinces design their programs to attract business people and students, others may target skilled or semi-skilled workers. Meanwhile, some provinces run Express Entry programs.
To be eligible to immigrate to Canada through the PNP, the applicant must first apply for a nomination to the desired province. As soon as they’re nominated, they can apply for permanent residency at the IRCC.
3). Quebec-Selected Skilled Worker Program
Quebec which is the oldest and largest province in Canada has its own rules for immigration. There’re two (2) stages to this program:
Stage 1: Apply to the government of Quebec for a certificate of selection showing that you have been accepted as an immigrant.
Stage 2: Apply to the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence.
4). Family-Sponsored Visa Program
Citizens and permanent residents in Canada, as well as people registered in Canada as Indians under the Canadian Indian Act who are above 18 years old can sponsor their relatives who desire to migrate to Canada.
A common-law partner, conjugal partner or spouse, can be sponsored provided they are over 18 years old and the sponsor shares a genuine relationship with them. The common-law partner or spouse must live with the applicant to be eligible.
Although in the case of a conjugal partner, the relationship should have lasted a minimum of one (1) year. The dependent children of the applicant can also be sponsored to move into Canada.
Parents and grandparents can be sponsored provided the sponsor is able to financially support them and also ensure that they don’t need government financial aid.
In the case of adopting a child or children from another country, you must first complete the adoption process before sponsoring the child. Anyone who is adopted or related by blood can also be sponsored to immigrate to Canada.
5). Start-up Visa Program
You must meet the following criteria to be eligible to migrate to Canada through this program:
- The applicant must have a business that qualifies for the program.
- The business must be supported by an approved investor organization.
- Applicant must attain at least level 5 proficiency in French or English.
- The applicant must have enough money to sustain his or herself and dependents.
| Number of Family Members | Funds Required (Canadian Dollars) |
| 1 | $12,475 |
| 2 | $15,531 |
| 3 | $19,093 |
| 4 | $23,181 |
| 5 | $26,292 |
| 6 | $29,652 |
| 7 | $33,014 |
| Per additional family member | $3,361 |
6). Self-Employed Program
Foreigners who desire to be self-employed in Canada can easily apply to migrate to Canada through this program. To be eligible they must:
- Intend to be self-employed in Canada
- Have a minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience within five (5) years prior to applying
- Must have participated in cultural events or athletics at a global level
- Must have been self-employed in athletics or cultural activities
- Meet the selection criteria for self-employed people
- Must score at least 35 points on the Comprehensive Ranking System.
- Be in good health.
- Must have good character.
- Must have enough funds to support themselves.
To check your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score or eligibility, ensure you use the free Canada Express Entry CRS Points Calculator. To know the right steps to take in your Canadian immigration plan, then I think you should consult an immigration lawyer.