Canada offers one of the most open and dynamic immigration systems in the world. Canada offers more than 100 different immigration pathways for skilled workers, business people and families. There are many reasons why people choose to immigrate to Canada. Whether you are pursuing high-quality education, enjoying the security brought by free universal health insurance, or enjoying Canada’s high-quality life, Canada has it all.
Why Does Canada Need Immigrants?
Canada welcomes three categories of immigrants: economic, family, refugee, and humanitarian.
Skilled workers are welcomed across the economic spectrum to support Canada’s high standard of living. Canada has an aging population and a low birth rate, which is why the immigrants it welcomes are mostly skilled workers. Canada needs these skilled workers to support its workforce and economic growth. These skilled workers have strong language skills, work experience, educational background, and a desire to succeed. As such, they play a vital role in Canada’s efforts to support economic growth and social services such as education and universal health care.
The second largest class of immigrants arrives through family sponsorship. Canada welcomes loved ones of Canadian citizens and permanent residents because strong families are the cornerstone of Canadian society and economy. Allowing close family members to build lives in Canada can provide families with the emotional support they need to thrive socially and economically in the country.
The third largest class is welcomed as refugees and for humanitarian purposes. As one of the most privileged countries in the world, Canada has a moral obligation to provide safety to those fleeing persecution and other suffering, and it has a long tradition of demonstrating humanitarian leadership since the end of the Second World War. In 1986, the United Nations awarded the people of Canada the Nansen Medal, the United Nations’ highest honor for those who have distinguished themselves in helping refugees. Canada remains the first and only country to receive the Nansen Medal.
Skilled Worker Immigration Pathways
Under its immigration levels plan, Canada aims to welcome more than 400,000 immigrants each year. About 60 percent of these immigrants arrive as skilled workers. The main way for skilled workers to immigrate to Canada is through the Express Entry Application Management System. The second major way is through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), followed by Quebec’s Skilled Worker Program, and then a number of other targeted federal programs.
Skilled workers can move to Canada with their families
Skilled workers can also bring close family members to Canada. These family members also receive permanent resident status.
Close family members include:
- your spouse or common-law partner
- dependent children
- Your spouse or common-law partner’s dependent children
- dependent children of dependent children
Dependent children are:
Under 22 years old and not a spouse or common-law partner
22 years of age or older, who before the age of 22 was heavily dependent on their parents for financial support, and who was unable to support themselves financially due to a physical or mental condition.
Express Entry
Express Entry is Canada’s primary way to manage skilled worker applications through three main economic immigration programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Technology Industry Program (FSTP)
- Candidates who qualify for Express Entry can upload their profile to the federal government’s website.
Candidates will receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on criteria such as age, education, language skills and work experience.
Roughly biweekly, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) extends invitations to candidates who possess the top Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores to apply for permanent residency. IRCC aims to process applications for permanent residence in six months or less. Under its Immigration Levels Plan, Canada seeks to welcome an average of 110,000 immigrants each year through Express Entry.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Canadian provinces and territories can nominate people who wish to immigrate to Canada and live in a specific province. Canada seeks to welcome more than 100,000 immigrants annually under the PNP.
All provinces and territories have their own PNP except Quebec and Nunavut. Each province has its own criteria for selecting qualified candidates. The PNP operates an Expression of Interest (EOI) system, similar to Express Entry, with regular draws inviting top-scoring candidates.
You do not need to have an Express Entry profile to apply. You can apply directly for the PNP stream. These are called “base” flows.
You can also apply for the PNP stream in line with Express Entry. These are called “enhancement” flows. The benefit of applying for the enhanced stream is that it gives you more options.
After receiving a provincial nomination through these pathways, Express Entry candidates will receive an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points. This effectively guarantees an invitation to apply for permanent residence in the subsequent Express Entry draw.
Quebec Immigration
Quebec has its own immigration system, with its own selection criteria, independent of the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Program of Canada (IRCC) and independent of the PNP. Applicants selected to immigrate to Quebec will receive a Quebec Selection Certificate or Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ). This is a document issued by the Quebec Immigration Department.
You can apply for CSQ through one of Quebec’s immigration programs.
The Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) is for skilled workers who wish to immigrate to Quebec and become permanent residents of Canada.
The Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) is popular with international students completing higher education in Quebec. The program is also available to foreign skilled workers with work experience in the province.
Quebec also has a business immigration program for entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals who want to run a business in Quebec and for those who want to obtain permanent residence in the province as investment immigrants.
Other federal skilled worker programs
In addition to the primary Federal Skilled Worker Program, there are other federal programs designed to assist specific immigrant candidates in obtaining permanent residency. These programs encompass:
- Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)
- Agricultural product immigration pilot
- Family Child Care Provider Pilot
- Family support worker pilot
RNIP enables small, remote communities across Canada to attract and retain foreign workers. Engage communities to take the lead in attracting newcomers and matching them with the right jobs.
The Agri-Food Immigration Pilot Program provides a pathway to Canadian permanent residence for eligible temporary foreign workers in the agriculture and agri-food industries. To qualify, candidates need to complete 12 months of work experience, hold a high school diploma and meet minimum language requirements.
The remaining immigration programs offer pathways to permanent residence for foreign caregivers, including childcare providers and family support workers. Nursing staff must have at least two years of work experience relevant to the program to which they are applying.
