The world has become highly interconnected. You can to live and work from any part of the world. There are many immigration options for those looking to live and work beyond their national borders. Canada is one of these immigration-friendly countries.
While the application for each type of immigration to Canada is open to anyone with relevant qualifications, legal advice is essential since most applicants are not conversant with the Canadian immigration laws. A lawyer is best suited to hold your hand through the process to make the Canadian immigration process easy and expedient.
You can choose from the following seven types of immigration to make your dream of living and working in Canada a reality:
1. Federal Skilled Worker Program
These types of immigration are available to foreign specialists with exceptional experience in specific jobs. Skilled worker applicants with the ability to integrate socially and economically in Canada can apply to immigrate to Canada through this program. Critical considerations for this type of immigration include language ability, work experience, and education.
Successful applicants get Canadian permanent resident visas. Although they remain citizens of their home countries, Canadian permanent residents have the right to study, work and live anywhere in Canada with their dependents. They also enjoy certain rights from the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. These include healthcare and the right to apply for Canadian citizenship.
2. Provincial Nominee Program
While the federal government of Canada reserves the right to issue permanent resident visas, provincial nominee programs sanction territories and provinces to allow specific foreign nationals to apply for Canadian permanent residency. Based on their economic needs and the labour market, provinces and territories nominate applicants, who must plan to live in the region or province they apply from.
Successful nominees are issued with a nomination certificate, which is attached to their application so that the federal government can issue a Canadian permanent resident visa. The applicants can apply under the following five streams:
- family/community connections
- semi-skilled workers
- skilled workers
- international student graduates
- business/investors
3. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The CEC is an immigration program for temporary foreign workers in Canada who intend to get Permanent Resident status. The government of Canada appreciates that a Canadian Experience as a temporary foreign worker increases one’s chances for economic integration as a resident. International students and foreign workers end up establishing critical networks in Canada.
Candidates are accepted once they meet the minimum requirements and are eligible for permanent residency. Such conditions include, but are not limited to, lack of criminal records and freedom from disease. The applicants must also prove their employment experience in Canada. They should also demonstrate that the federal government authorized their entry into Canada.
4. Family Class Sponsorship Program
The objective for these types of immigration programs is to reunite families. Several streams relate to the family reunification. The various family members that may be sponsored under this program include:
- Spouses in case of married couples, conjugal partners and common-law partners.
- Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship by Canadian citizens or permanent immigrants.
- Parent and Grandparent Super Visa to allow them to visit Canada for a prolonged period of two years, and a visa valid for ten years.
- Dependent Child Sponsorship and Other Sponsorship that includes orphaned family members and adopted children.
- Provincial Family Class Sponsorship offered by provinces under the provincial nominee programs.
5. Federal Skilled Trades
If you want to be a permanent resident in Canada based on a trade you are skilled in, this program is ideal. Applicants must possess the ability to be economically successful in Canada.
To apply for these types of immigration programs, applicants must meet the following requirement: Plan to live outside Quebec province, meet requirements for English or French language, have at least two years work experience, meet all job requirements for a specific job, and must have a permanent work opportunity.
6. Investors, Entrepreneurs and Self-Employed
This program is also called the Federal Business. It is ideal for foreign nationals looking to migrate to Canada on the strength of their business experience. The program has four classes: Immigrant Investor, Self-Employed Persons, Federal Entrepreneur and Start-Up Visa Program.
You can only apply under one category, and no changes can be made after applying. To be sure you are applying under the right type and increase your chances of success, you might want to seek the help of an immigration lawyer.
7. Quebec Immigration
The Quebec Immigration system is different from the Provincial Nominee Program, although part of the procedure is identical. Quebec has its immigration laws and protocols for its immigration classes that are different from those of the federal government. It is keen to have those economically established and who can adapt to living in Quebec.
The immigration programs available in Quebec include Skilled Worker Program, Experience Class Program, Investor Program, Entrepreneur Program, Family Sponsorship and Self-Employed Program. You can apply for one of these through the Quebec authorities. Once approved, you are allowed to apply for a Canadian permanent resident visa from the federal government.