Immigration to Canada Overview
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Canada’s federal immigration department, welcomes hundreds of thousands of immigrants annually, predominantly under the Economic Class and Family Reunification Class. Canada offers numerous pathways for immigration, including the Express Entry system, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), and family sponsorship options, all designed to facilitate the entry of skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and family members. Our expertise ensures a smooth and efficient process for those looking to make Canada their new home.
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The Economic Class
Professionals and skilled workers aiming for permanent residence in Canada must exhibit a strong potential for economic stability in the country. Hence, the main selection criteria for all economic programs include suitable education, work experience in high-demand occupations, and language proficiency in one of Canada’s official languages. IRCC manages federal skilled worker immigration programs through the Express Entry system.
Applicants meeting basic requirements submit an online profile to the Express Entry pool, indicating their expression of interest under one of the three federal Canada immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, Canadian Experience Class, or a participating Provincial Nominee Program. Candidates in the pool are ranked using a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The highest-ranked candidates receive invitations to apply for permanent residence in regular draws. Upon receiving an invitation, candidates must submit a complete application within a short timeframe. The government aims to process these applications within six months.
Additionally, the Economic Class encompasses various business and investment-based programs.
Some business immigration programs provide permanent residency, such as the:
Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP), Quebec Entrepreneur Program, Quebec Self-Employed Program, the Federal Immigrant Investor Venture Capital (IIVC) Program, and the Federal Start-Up Visa Program.
Provincial Nominee Entrepreneur programs involve a two-step process to permanent residence: applicants are first selected or nominated by a province based on meeting program requirements. Following this, they can apply to Citizenship and Immigration Canada for permanent residence.
Wealthy business immigrants can also buy or start a new business in Canada and qualify for a temporary work visa under federal owner-operator policies. After some time, eligible applicants may apply for permanent residence under a provincial nominee program or through the Express Entry system.
The Family Class
- The Family Reunification Class promotes the reunion of Canadian citizens and permanent residents with their close relatives in Canada.
- Eligible relatives under the Sponsorship Programs include:
- A spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner aged 18 or older;
- An unmarried dependent child under the age of 22;
- A parent or grandparent;
- An orphaned sibling, nephew, niece, or grandchild, unmarried and under 18 years of age; or any other relative where the sponsor has none of the above relatives or family members, in Canada or abroad.
IRCC has introduced a special visa for parents and grandparents wishing to visit their loved ones, known as the Parents and Grandparents Super Visa. This multi-entry visitor visa is valid for 10 years and allows the holder to stay in Canada for up to two years without needing to leave the country.
This comprehensive overview of Canada’s immigration system highlights the various pathways available for professionals, skilled workers, business immigrants, and family members to make Canada their new home.