Do you want to immigrate to Canada? Are you aware of the Canada Immigration visa programs? However, Canada needs immigrants as immigrants are in Canada, and therefore, have launched new Canada immigration visa programs to make it easier for foreigners to become permanent residents of the country.
Moreover, one of the major aims of Canadian immigration is to take in foreigners especially from Asia and Africa to help contribute to Canada’s growing economy. The country is known to be built by immigrants and is still in need of more skilled workers who can help boost the country’s economy. With the idea that the country can become more stable through the contributions of others, Canada welcomes every foreign national regardless of race or religion.
There are different means to become a successful applicant for the Canadian immigration visa programs. However, I’ll be explaining them to you and linking you to the assessment forms. I believe at the end of the tunnel, you’d get everything straight. According to the Canadian legal law, permanent immigrants are categorized by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as either of the following class:
- Family: These are persons that are closely related to one or more Canadian residents who live in Canada.
- Economic: Includes skilled workers, caregivers, or business persons.
- Protected persons or Refugees: This class consists of persons who are escaping persecution, torture, and/or cruel and unusual punishment.
- Humanitarian or other: These are persons accepted as immigrants for humanitarian or compassionate reasons.
In other words, these are the ways one can immigrate to Canada. Then, under these classes of immigrants, you will find the specific Canadian immigration visa program that fits your motive or that you which you meet the eligibility criteria.
Canada Immigration Visa Programs
The Canadian government constantly updates its visa programs. However, any update would be notified via the assessment form we provide. So, going through this guide keeps you updated equally. Also, there are over 80 programs available for immigration to Canada.
Major Categories for Canada Immigration Visa Programs:
We have major categories for workers and professionals under which can qualify you for the Canadian immigration permanent resident visa. This includes;
Federal and Quebec Skilled worker programs:
This is to primarily welcome skilled workers traveling to Canada. Skilled workers as said who permanently settle in Canada are especially valuable to Canada’s economy. These are two separate/ different Canadian immigration visa programs.
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) will issue immigrant visas to candidates with experience in specific occupations and their ability to become economically established in Canada. The skilled workers will be assessed based on certain factors such as work experience, language abilities, education, etc.
Successful candidates of the Federal Skilled Worker Program are issued Canadian permanent resident visas. Which allows them to immigrate to Canada with their dependents, and have the right to live, study, and work anywhere throughout the country.
The Quebec-selected Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) on the other hand, is for foreign skilled workers who want to become permanent residents of Canada and live in Quebec. However, Quebec is one of the thirteen provinces and territories of Canada. You can apply for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program if have the experience in the occupation required in Quebec and are also fluent in French. You can visit Quebec’s immigration website if you want to live in the province.
Provincial Nominee Programs:
The provincial nominee programs authorize allows Canadian provinces and also territories to be able to nominate individuals who wish to immigrate to Canada. Also, individuals that are interested in settling in a particular province are not left out.
However, only the federal government of Canada may issue permanent resident visas. The visa under the provincial nominee program will be issued to semi or lower-skilled workers who can contribute to Canada’s economy through their work. The provincial nominee programs authorize Canadian provinces and territories to nominate particular foreign nationals to apply for their Canadian permanent residency.
Moreover, nearly every province and territory in Canada has a provincial nominee program. After the applicant is nominated by a province or territory, the foreigner will be given a nomination certificate that is to be submitted with their application to the federal government for their Canadian permanent resident visa. The workers will be placed in different provinces of Canada where the demand for their work is higher.
Canadian Experience Class Immigration Program:
This is an immigration section for Canada’s foreign workers who have a temporary residence visa and wish to become permanent residents. The Canadian experience class immigration process is done by submitting an online profile to the Express Entry pool, under one of the three federal Canada immigration programs or a provincial immigration program. After that, the candidates with the highest ranks will then be invited to apply for permanent residence.
Federal self-Employed Immigration Program:
This category of the program is directed only to self-employed with relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics seeking permanent residence in Canada. You may be eligible to obtain a business immigrant visa for yourself and your dependents if you are interested in settling in Canada as a professional athlete, farmer, or artisan.
Moreover, the self-employed immigration program allows a foreign national to immigrate to Canada permanently as a self-employed person. However, you must meet the following criteria to be eligible for the program. They include:
- have relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics and
- be willing and able to make a significant contribution to the cultural or athletic life of Canada
Family Class Sponsorship:
This is another program that allows many Canadian citizens and permanent residents to bring loved ones abroad to Canada. This is to say, your relatives can live, study and work in Canada if they become permanent residents of Canada. You can sponsor certain relatives to come to Canada if you meet the following eligibility criteria:
- You must be at least 18 years
- Be a Canadian citizen or
- Permanent resident of Canada
Moreover, family members eligible to sponsor are as follows:
How Much Does Canada Immigration Cost?
Moreover, the amount of funds you need to immigrate to Canada varies considerably. Besides, most immigration programs do not require any other fee more than the processing fees for your visa application. However, below is a breakdown of the fees for each category of immigration:
Family Sponsorship: However, in most cases such as spousal or dependent child sponsorship, you may not need to meet any financial requirements. But sponsoring other family members a parent or grandparent, you must meet a certain financial requirement to be eligible to apply.
Economic/ Business Immigration: You will need significant investment for any form of business immigration in Canada. While most economic categories of immigration will require proof that you can financially support yourself while in Canada, some do not. However, the categories of economic immigration that do not require proof of sufficient funds are ones that usually require the applicant to have work experience and a job offer in Canada.
Humanitarian and Refugee Sponsorship: Applying for immigration under this category does not involve any financial requirements. However, the only time financial requirements may be needed is if the refugee is privately sponsored.
What Canadian Immigration Visa Programs can I Apply for?
There are different ways to identify which Canadian immigration program that is best for you, and this depends on your current career status. If you have a post-secondary school education, then applying for the skilled worker and province nominee program is the best.
Having at least one year of skilled work experience makes you eligible to apply for the skilled worker and province nominee program. This is so because it helps assimilate the Canadian labor market as you are a contributing member of the Canadian economy.
Moreover, if you have a Canadian job offer, then you can simply go through the assessment form provided before the end of this guide. If you have a friend or relative in Canada, then applying through the Family Class program is the best option. Also, Canada may give you an option through the Provincial Nominee program to apply.
If you’ve worked or studied in Canada. Then you can apply through the Canadian experience class and also Quebec experience class programs. They offer permanent Canadian immigration options for these individuals. If you own a business or have a high net worth or significant financial resources. Then applying through the Provincial Nominee program or federal self-employed program is the best option to get a Canadian immigration visa.
Furthermore, there’s also an online tool known as Come to Canada. It helps foreign nationals find out which category of visa immigration they are eligible to apply for. The tool is only for reference, it guides you through some questions about your personal and work history. Then, according to your responses and your situation, it gives you:
- a list of options, and
- step-by-step instructions on how to apply
Canada Immigration Visa Programs: Conclusion
In summary, the Canadian immigration visa has nothing to do with your educational qualifications. Just as explained above, students and non-students can apply. Some visas also include student Canadian visa, visitor Canadian visa, transit Canadian visa, pilgrimage Canadian visa, tourist Canadian visa, skilled worker Canadian visas, and lots more.
Know our current status and use the above guide to know the exact Canadian immigration visa program to apply for. At the end of the tunnel, then you can go through the free assessment form to complete your application. Also, read about the 5 easiest ways to migrate to Canada.
