Canada has a long history of welcoming immigrants from around the world. In the next few years, Canada will welcome 465,000 new permanent residents in 2023, 485,000 in 2024, and 500,000 in 2025. This is 1.45 million new permanent residents in just the next three years. Canada designed its immigration policies to attract skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and students who can contribute to the country’s economy and culture. As a result, Canada has become one of the most popular destinations for immigrants, with a diverse population of people from all over the world.
If you’re interested in moving to Canada, it’s essential to understand the country’s immigration system and the steps you need to take to navigate it successfully. The immigration process can be complex and time-consuming, but with the proper guidance and preparation, you can increase your chances of success.
This guide will provide a step-by-step process for immigrating to Canada.
Most Popular Immigration Programs in Canada
If you’re considering immigrating to Canada, there are a variety of programs available to help make that happen. These are a few of the most popular immigration programs in Canada at the moment.
Economic Programs
An economic immigration program is a type of immigration program that allows skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and investors to immigrate to a country based on their ability to contribute to the country’s economy.
Express Entry Programs: Express Entry is an online system the Canadian government uses to manage and process applications for permanent residence from skilled workers who want to immigrate to Canada. You can apply to three programs through the Express Entry.
- Canada Experience Class: The Canadian Experience Class is an immigration program that allows individuals who have gained professional work experience in Canada to apply for permanent residency.
- Federal Skilled Worker: The Federal Skilled Worker Program is an immigration program that allows skilled workers with work experience in a designated occupation to immigrate to Canada as permanent residents.
- Federal Skilled Trades: The Federal Skilled Trades Program is an immigration program that allows skilled tradespeople with work experience in a specific trade to immigrate to Canada as permanent residents.
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): PNPs are immigration programs designed by Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals with skills and work experience to settle and work in a specific province of Canada. Depending on the program, it may streamline through the Express Entry System.
Start-Up Visa (Business) Investor Class: The Start-Up Visa Program is an immigration program that allows immigrant entrepreneurs to obtain permanent residency by starting a business in Canada that creates jobs and contributes to the country’s economy.
Reunification Programs
Family Sponsorship: Family Sponsorship is an immigration program that allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their eligible family members to immigrate to Canada and obtain permanent residency.
If you are unsure which program you qualify for, contact our consultants, who can guide the program you may be eligible for.
Determining Your Eligibility
Once you have chosen the immigration program you want to apply for, it is first essential to determine if you meet the eligibility of the immigration program. Your eligibility requirements will depend on the immigration program requirements.
For example, if you want to immigrate to Canada via the Federal Skilled Worker program, you must meet the following minimums.
Within the last 10 years, the same type of experience listed under your National Occupational Classification (NOC) at the skill type of O, or skill levels A or B.
- The work experience must be paid – volunteer and unpaid internships are invalid
- Experience must be at least 1 year (1,560 hours) of continuous work
- Full-time at 1 job: 30 hours/week for 12 months = 1,560 hours
- Equal amount in Part-time: 15 hours/week for 24 months = 1,560 hours
Must be able to communicate and pass language testing. Your language ability determines how well you can navigate English or French. Applicants must take the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Test d’évaluation de français (TEF) to demonstrate their language proficiency.
Required to have a post-secondary academic background. The higher the education, the more promising the applicant’s chances are.
Necessary to provide proof of funds to support yourself and your family.
This is an example of just one program’s eligibility requirements. Each immigration program will have different eligibility requirements. However, all will require you to pass a medical exam and obtain a security clearance. This ensures you are healthy and do not pose a public health risk. While the security clearance ensures you do not have a criminal record and do not pose a threat.
Whether you are trying to determine your eligibility for a specific Canadian immigration program or would like to understand better which program suits your situation the best, our consultants can help you understand your eligibility and guide you through selecting the program that fits your situation.
Prepare and Submit Your Application
Once you have determined your eligibility and chosen an immigration program, the next step is to prepare and submit an application to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This is a vital step, as a well-prepared application will determine your success in immigrating to Canada.
Again, each program’s applications are different, and to continue with our example of the Federal Skilled Worker Program. Here are a few things you will need to submit with your application.
- Language Test Results
- Educational Credentials Work
- Experience Documents
- Proof of Funds
The application must meet the requirements and guidelines to include all necessary information. An incomplete application or missing data can lead to delays and even rejection of your application. The application must be accurate and truthful, as providing false and misleading information can lead to severe consequences, such as being barred from Canada. Once the required necessary documents and completed, the application must be submitted to the IRCC. The application can be submitted online or by mail. If you submit it with a consultant, they will submit it to the Canadian government.
While submitting your application, you will also have to pay your application fees. Here is the current breakdown of the Express Entry Program fees that must be paid to the Canadian government.
Application: Processing fee ($850) and right of permanent residence fee ($515) = $1,365
Your application (without the right of permanent residence fee): $850
Include your spouse or partner: Processing fee ($850) and right of permanent residence fee ($515) = $1,365
Include your spouse or partner (without right of permanent residence fee) $850
Include a dependent child: $230 per child
You can view all the application fees directly on the Canadian website.
While it may seem like a straightforward process. It is important to understand that even small mistakes can lead to delays and rejection. Seeking help from a licensed immigration consultant can be a good decision to ensure your application is error-free and meets all requirements.
Wait for Processing
Once the application has been submitted, the next step is to wait for it to be processed by the IRCC. The processing time will vary depending on the program and the volume of applicants. It can range from a few months to over a year. Being patient and checking on the status of your application is important at this time.
While you wait for your application to be processed the IRCC may contact you for additional information or to schedule an interview or medical examination. Respond promptly to any requests and provide information accurately that is requested. If you want to avoid long wait times, responding promptly is important.
If you have any questions or concerns during the processing period, don’t hesitate to contact our licensed immigration consultant team. Our experienced consultants can provide valuable assistance and guidance throughout the application process, including the waiting period. They can answer any questions you may have and help address any concerns. With their expertise and knowledge of the Canadian immigration system, our consultant team can help ensure your application is processed as smoothly and efficiently as possible.
Attending Interviews and Providing Additional Information
Once the application has been reviewed by the IRCC you will be asked to attend an interview and provide additional documents to support your application. This can be a nerve-wracking experience, but it’s important to remember that it’s a normal part of the application process.
Preparing beforehand for your interview is important. Our immigration consultants can assist in preparing for any interviews that are required. They can provide you with valuable guidance and support, helping you to identify potential questions you may be asked and practicing your responses with you to help you build your confidence and improve your performance. With their expertise and experience, our consultants can help ensure that you’re fully prepared for any interviews or additional information requests that may arise during the application process.
Attending interviews is a normal part of the application process, and the best way to ensure it is a smooth application is to be prepared.
Receive Decision and Prepare for Arrival
The last step in your journey will be receiving a decision on your application. This an exciting moment and marks the conclusion of your hard work and determination. If approved, the next step is to prepare steps for your arrival to Canada if you are already not in the country. You will need to prepare living arrangements, and enroll in language and settlement services to help you in your new life in Canada. Our immigration consultants can support you during this time, allowing you to navigate the various processes and requirements involved in preparing for your arrival.
If your application is rejected, it can be a disappointing setback, but it’s important to remember that other options may be available to you. Our consultants can help you assess your situation and determine the best course of action, whether that involves appealing the decision or reapplying later. With their support, you can stay focused on your goals and continue working towards a successful outcome.
We understand that the immigration process can be overwhelming and complex, so we recommend seeking the advice of licensed immigration consultants who can help guide you. Our team of consultants is available to answer your questions, review your application materials, and provide personalized guidance to help you achieve your immigration goals. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you in your journey to immigrate to Canada.
About Us
Canada By Choice is a Canadian Immigration Firm based in Windsor, Ontario. Founded in 2007, Canada By Choice Immigration is widely considered as one of the most respected immigration firms in our region. We have earned our reputation as a world class firm by providing dedication and personalized service to each and every unique case before us.
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