14 Easy Ways to Migrate to Canada: Your Ultimate Guide.
Canada, a country known for its majestic mountain ranges, sparkling blue lakes and vast stretches of pristine forest as well as diverse culture and abundant opportunities, has become a dream destination for many individuals seeking a better life. With its welcoming immigration policies, there is a legal entry pathway that suits anyone who wishes to get an approved visa into the country.
According to data from CIC News and Prime International’s Migrant Access Index 2018, out of 172 countries surveyed, Canada ranked first in overall migration readiness, with a score of 92.8%.
In another study published by the Statista Research Development team,the annual immigration in Canada amounts to around 500,000 new immigrants – one of the highest rates per population of any country in the world. As of 2022, there were more than eight million immigrants with permanent residence living in Canada – roughly 20 percent of the total Canadian population and in just the first half of 2023, Canada has granted over 10,000 Nigerians in 2023 compared to 2021 when almost 16,000 Nigerians were granted permanent residency in Canada which means you can still get yourself a befitting means of immigration and well be on your way to becoming a permanent resident in Canada before the year runs out
There are multiple ways of migrating to Canada and in this comprehensive guide, we will explore 14 most popular and surprising ways to make your dreams of moving to Canada a reality.
14 easy ways to migrate to Canada in 2023
- ● Express Entry Program
The government of Canada uses an online system called Express Entry which processes and organises the applications of skilled workers looking to relocate Canada for permanent residence. The Express Entry Program is one of the most popular and efficient ways to migrate to Canada. Designed to attract highly skilled workers, this program uses a points-based system to evaluate candidates’ eligibility for permanent residency.
In 2024 alone, the Canadian government’s target is to admit 110,000 permanent residents through Express Entry, not including other immigration streams to this figure..
For more information, visit Canada’s Express Entry Program
- ● Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Applicants for Canadian work visas under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) enjoy a speedy visa application process because this pathway allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals with the skills and qualifications that align with their labour market needs.
Each province and territory has its own “streams” (immigration programs that target certain groups) and requirements. For example, in a program stream, provinces and territories may target
● students
● business people
● skilled workers
● semi-skilled workers
This program is mainly for workers who:
● Have the skills, education and work
● Experience to contribute to the economy of a specific province or territory
● Want to live in that province
● Want to become permanent residents of Canada
For details on each province’s PNP, visit the official Government of Canada website
- ● Family Sponsorship
If you have a family member that is already a permanent resident in Canada, then this method is for you.
Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their close family members, including spouses, partners, parents, dependent children and even grandparents for immigration to Canada so if you have a family relative who has been in Canada for a long while and has been able to meet some criterias, they can sponsor your migration to Canada.
- ● Study in Canada
A Canada Student Visa allows those interested in starting or continuing their studies in Canada. The visa for students is basically the same as a Canada Visitor Visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTa), but the student also needs a study permit which can only be given when the student has gotten admission to a Canadian school.
Many international students work part-time while attending college or university. This means you could get experience in your field before returning to your home country to start your career. Many other graduates choose to stay and work in Canada after their studies.
For details to find out more on how to become eligible for a student visa, visit Canada’s official Immigration website:
- ● Work Permit
Most immigrants need a work permit to work in Canada. If you need a work permit, you may be eligible for either an
● Employer-specific work permit
● Open work permit
An employer-specific work permit allows you to work in Canada for a specific employer for a specified period while an open work permit, on the other hand, allows you to work for any employer in Canada, except for certain restricted occupations or employers.
If you already have a job offer from a Canadian employer, you can apply for a work permit. This allows you to live and work in Canada temporarily, with the opportunity to apply for permanent residency later on.
To find out what category of work permit you fall under, click:read
- ● Start a Business
You have a very good business idea or you’re looking to invest in a business in Canada,then this means of migration is very much yours to read.
Canada encourages entrepreneurs to start or buy a business, which can lead to permanent residency through programs such as the Start-up Visa Program or the Self-Employed Persons Program.
Canada’s Start-up Visa immigration program is aimed at entrepreneurs who are ready to come to Canada, set up an innovative business and develop it on the international market while the Self-Employed Persons Program is aimed at allowing eligible self-employed foreign nationals with relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics to establish themselves in Canada as permanent residents.
- ● Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP)
The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP) is a special program designed to help skilled workers and international graduates settle in one of Canada’s Atlantic provinces: Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, or New Brunswick.
The AIPP is a fantastic opportunity for skilled workers and graduates who want to start a new life in Canada’s beautiful Atlantic provinces. It’s a win-win situation for both employers and immigrants, as it helps fill labor market gaps in the region while offering a chance for a brighter future for newcomers.
- ● Canadian Experience Class(CEC)
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is a program that allows people who have gained work experience in Canada to apply for permanent residency.
If you have prior work experience in Canada, you may be eligible for permanent residency through the CEC. This program is specifically designed for individuals who have gained work experience in Canada and have adapted to the Canadian society.
That means you need to have lived and work in Canada for at least a year.
- ● Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot
The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) is a program that aims at attracting skilled foreign workers to rural and northern communities in Canada. It allows eligible employers in participating communities to recommend foreign workers for permanent residency.
This pilot program is purposed to bring skilled foreign workers to smaller communities in Canada to help fill labour market gaps and strengthen local economies.
- ● Caregiver Program
If you’re a certified elderly caregiver nanny, then this means of migration to Canada will work seamlessly well for you.
As a result of the Covid 19 pandemic that crippled virtually the whole world, the chances of getting a visa to Canada on the caregiver program has been on the rise since the end of the pandemic.
If you have experience working as a caregiver, you may be eligible for permanent residency through the Caregiver Program. It provides pathways for caregivers who have work experience in Canada to become permanent residents but you must have at least one year of full-time work experience or 24 months of part-time work experience in the past four years as a caregiver, either in a private household or healthcare institution.
- ● Refugees’ Claim
Seeking refuge is a fundamental human right, and Canada has long been known as a compassionate country that welcomes refugees and to qualify as a refugee in Canada, you must meet the United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees’ definition.
This type of visa is strictly meant for people who are in actual need of refuge and they’re coming from a country that meets with the United Nation Refugees’ Claim convention.
This means proving that they have a well-founded fear of persecution based on factors such as their race, religion, nationality, political opinions, or membership in a particular social group. They must show that they are unable or unwilling to seek protection from their home country or that the country is unable or unwilling to provide them with adequate protection.
Click here to see the United Nations Status of Refugees’ definition
- ● Quebec Skilled Worker Program
Quebec, located in eastern Canada, is a unique province with its own distinct culture, language, and rich history.
Whether you’re strolling through Old Quebec’s narrow streets or immersing yourself in Montreal’s bustling multicultural neighbourhoods, Quebec offers a captivating blend of history, culture, nature, and gastronomy that promises an unforgettable experience.
This is the application process for skilled workers who want to become permanent residents of Canada and live in Quebec and it is perhaps one of surest way of becoming a permanent resident within a short period after migrating to Canada
- ● Agri-Food Immigration
Considering the fact that Agriculture is widely practised in Nigeria, Canada offers a very special type of visa to farmers in Nigeria and other parts of the world that wish to migrate to Canada.
The Agri-Food Immigration Pilot is a program designed to address labour shortages in the agriculture and food processing sectors in Canada. It aims to attract and retain foreign workers who have experience in specific agri-food occupations and meet the needs of the Canadian agricultural industry. This method offers a guaranteed pathway to permanent residency if successful
- ● Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is a category of immigration under the Express Entry system that allows individuals with Canadian work experience to apply for permanent residency. It is designed for international students and foreign workers who have acquired valuable work experience in Canada and wish to become permanent residents.
The Canadian Experience Class is a popular pathway for individuals who have established themselves in Canada through work or studies and wish to make Canada their permanent home. It provides an opportunity to leverage their Canadian experience to increase their chance of obtaining permanent residency.
As promised, here are some of the easiest ways of getting yourself a very high chance of migrating to Canada and as earlier mentioned, there’s something for everyone regardless of field of specialty either labour or high end jobs.
Below are some frequently asked questions by people who are very much interested as yourself.
Q:How can I immigrate to Canada?
A: Canada offers various immigration programs, including Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), family sponsorship, and more. The specific pathway depends on factors such as your qualifications, work experience, language proficiency, and whether you have a job offer or family connection in Canada.
Q:What are the language requirements for immigration to Canada?
A: To immigrate to Canada, you must demonstrate language proficiency in English or French. The most commonly accepted language tests are the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) for English and the TEF (Test d’évaluation de français) for French.
Q:How long does it typically take to get a Canadian visa?
A: The processing time for Canadian visas can vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for and other factors like the volume of applications. Generally, the Express Entry Program aims to process applications within six months, while other programs might have different processing times. It is recommended to check the official government websites for the most up-to-date processing times.
Q:Can I bring my family members with me to Canada?
A: Yes, Canada allows you to sponsor certain family members for immigration, including your spouse or common-law partner, dependent children, and parents or grandparents. Each family class program has specific eligibility criteria.
Canada offers a variety of immigration pathways for individuals seeking a better future. Whether you possess in-demand skills, have family connections, are pursuing education, or want to start a business, there are numerous routes to explore.
The Canadian government has designed these programs to attract talented and motivated individuals from around the world. However, it’s essential to carefully review the specific requirements and criteria of each program to determine the best fit for your unique circumstances. With determination and the right guidance, you can make your dream of migrating to Canada a reality. Good luck on your journey to Canada!
