Every year, roughly 300,000 immigrants move to Canada. Most come looking for new opportunities, to start a new life, to be near family, or for a wide range of other reasons such as attending world class universities and starting new business ventures,
If you're keen on becoming a citizen of one of the most sought after countries in the world, you'll need to obtain a visa for permanent residence. Here's what to know about becoming a permanent resident in Canada.
The Importance of Immigration in Canada
Immigration is extremely important in Canada because it helps create jobs and boosts the economy. The more immigrants that the country receives, the more tax revenue is available to put back into the economy and provide citizens with services such as education and healthcare.
On top of that, studies have shown that Canadians are living longer and having fewer children. The result is that there are huge gaps in the labour force, which can create big problems for employers.
When immigrants enter the country, they fill those gaps. They make it possible for Canadian businesses to continue running successfully and provide citizens with the services they need.
Express Entry
Express Entry is a program designed to help skilled workers achieve immigration status in Canada faster than the normal processing time. With Express Entry, immigrants can get their visas approved in as little as six months.
Let's take a look at a brief overview of what Express Entry entails. For full and complete details on how to apply, please refer to our step-by-step process.
Express Entry Eligibility
To receive Express Entry, you'll need to first apply for the Express Entry Pool. You must either be eligible for the Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades Program, or the Federal Skilled Worker Program in order to apply.
Explaining the Invitation to Apply Process
After creating your profile into the Express Entry Pool, you'll receive a score to determine your place in the pool. The higher the score, the better your chances of getting an invitation.
You'll be invited to apply if you are one of the top-ranked members of the pool or if a province or territory nominates you. Once you receive your invitation, you have 90 days to submit your application.
How Do I Submit an Express Entry Profile?
To create an Express Entry Profile, you'll need to head over to the Canadian Government's immigration website. From there, you'll be able to go to the online portal where you can fill out all the required information and upload the necessary paperwork to apply for the Express Entry Pool.
How Much Score Is Required for Canada Express Entry?
In order to qualify for the Express Entry program, you have to have a CRS score of at least 392. The maximum score for the program is 1200, although selected candidates typically have scores starting in the 800s.
What Is a CRS Score?
A CRS Score, or a Comprehensive Ranking System Score, is a score that monitors your eligibility for Express Entry. The score uses factors such as skill level, average income, and language ability to determine how eligible you are for Express Entry to Canada.
Required Work Experience for Express Entry to Canada
In order to qualify for Express Entry, you have to have 12 months of full-time work, completed within the last three years. Alternatively, you can have an equal amount of work completed in part-time hours (1,560 hours) in the last three years.
Business Immigration to Canada
Aside from Express Entry, you can also come to Canada through Business Immigration. We've put together a quick guide to Business Immigration in Canada. For full and complete details on how to apply, please refer to our step-by-step process.
Business Immigration Eligibility
No matter where you want to live in Canada, you'll need to achieve business immigration eligibility first. To be eligible, you have to be immigrating to Canada in order to start a business.
What Defines a Startup Business?
A startup business is defined as an angel investor investing more than $75,000 or a venture capital investment of $200,000 or more. It can also be considered a startup if a business incubator gives written consent that an applicant is applying with them.
Designated Entity
A designated entity is an investor, venture capital fund, or business incubator designated by the Prime Minister. They must receive confirmation of eligibility to issue commitments under this program.
What Is a “Commitment”?
A commitment is an established agreement between a designated entity and an applicant to conduct business in Canada. The commitment has to have details and proof that can be submitted with a person's immigration application.
What If a Person Decides to Reside in Quebec?
Individuals who want to live in Quebec cannot apply for the Start-up Business Class of Immigration. They'll need to apply for immigration directly through Quebec's government as this province establishes its own immigration policies.
Family Class Immigration
Another way to immigrate to Canada is through Family Class Immigration. Here's a quick guide to this type of immigration. For full and complete details on how to apply, please refer to our step-by-step process.
Definition of Family Class Immigrants
Family Class Immigrants are individuals who are sponsored to come to Canada by a relative. Their relative has to either be a permanent resident of Canada or have Canadian citizenship.
Processing Goals for Family Class Immigration
The goal of processing this type of immigrant is to reunite close family members. Applicants who are applying for common-law partners, dependent children, orphans, and adopted children receive priority.
Sponsorship Agreement and Undertaking
Sponsors can either complete their sponsorship agreement under the general Canadian government or under the Quebec government. Sponsorship agreements mean that an individual will provide for the basic needs of their family member for a specified amount of time.
When Does a Family Class Application Exist?
A Family Class Application exists once the sponsors have submitted all the signed forms and proper documentation to the appropriate governing body. The required forms include:
- Application to Sponsor, Sponsorship Agreement and Undertaking
- Generic Application Form for Canada
- Sponsorship Evaluation
- Relationship Information
- Background and Declaration
- Police Certificates
- Authority to Release Personal Information to a Designated Individual
- Proof of fee payment
What Responsibilities Do the Sponsors Have?
Sponsors have to read all the information provided in the application guide. This will help them make sure that they're completing all the required documentation and submitting the appropriate fees.
They'll also be responsible for providing for their family members for a specified period of time. This is to ensure that the immigrating family member won't rely on social services in order to stay in the country.
Sponsors also have to pay the Right of Permanent Residence Fee. They can either pay this with their application or can wait to pay it once their family member receives permanent residence.
Can New Family Members Be Added to the Application?
Sponsors can add new family members to the application if any changes occur. A few examples of new family members include newborns, previously ineligible family members, a previously single family member's new spouse, and previously non-accompanying family members.
If the amendment is approved, the IRCC may require additional documentation. Or, they may require additional income for the application to receive approval.
Canadian Experience Class
Another way to immigrate to Canada is as part of the Canadian Experience Class. This is a group of skilled workers and is a good option for those who have specific expertise.
The process is quite complex and requires you to meet several requirements in order to apply. For full and complete details on how to apply, please refer to our step-by-step process.
Is Canadian Experience the Same as Express Entry?
Although similar, Canadian Experience is not the same as Express Entry. In fact, Canadian Experience is a program that is organized and run by the Express Entry governing body.
As such, you can actually qualify for the Canadian Experience program and qualify for the Express Entry program as well. However, the two are not synonymous and you can qualify for either one without qualifying for the other.
What are the Minimum Requirements for Canadian Experience Class?
The minimum requirements for the Canadian Experience class, in order, are achieving language proficiency in either English or French and having one year of skilled work experience in the last three years. The work experience must have been gained in Canada under temporary visas.
Education Credential Assessment
An Educational Credential Assessment assesses your diploma, certificate, or degree. It compares it to Canadian degrees and deems it to be up to the same standards as those of Canada.
You need to have your education documents pass this assessment in order to apply for the Canadian Experience Class.
Language Ability
In order to qualify for the Canadian Experience Class, you need to achieve sufficient levels in writing, reading, speaking, and listening skills in either English or French. You'll receive bonus points for the Express Entry program if you can prove your ability in both languages.
Admissibility
After being approved for the Canadian Experience program, both the applicant and their family members will need to complete a medical exam. This is required even for family members who aren't moving to Canada with the applicant.
Provincial Nominee Program
The Provincial Nominee Program is a way for people to immigrate to Canada and get a permanent residency visa. Here's what to know if you're considering this as an option for moving to Canada.
How Does the Provincial Nominee Program Work?
The Provincial Nominee Program is designed to help workers who have work, education, and skills that could contribute to a specific province's economy. It's ideal for individuals who want to live in a specific province and become permanent residents of Canada.
Just about every province in the country participates in the program. However, Quebec is the exception, and people who want to become residents of that province must complete other steps to achieve immigrant status.
Understanding the Application Process
In order to apply for this program, you first have to meet your chosen province's eligibility requirements. Then, you need to send a paper application to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada governing body.
Next, you'll be required to get a police check and pass a medical exam. After that, you're ready to submit your application.
Choosing a Province or Territory
Each province has its own laws surrounding the program. It's important to check out the individual requirements and eligible groups in order to find out which province to live in.
By visiting the immigration website of your desired province, you can learn what you need to do in order to receive a PR visa.
Other Options for Immigrating to Canada
Aside from the aforementioned immigration options, there are a few other ways that you can immigrate to Canada. These include:
- Live-in Caregiver Program
- Federal Skilled Workers Program
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
- The Self-Employed Persons Program
- Start-up Visa Program
- Temporary Foreign Worker Program
Each of these programs has its own requirements. You'll need to meet the requirements in order to apply for permanent residency under one of these programs.
Final Thoughts of Becoming a Permanent Resident in Canada
Becoming a permanent resident in Canada can provide you with great work, health, and education opportunities. It can be a way to transform your life and open up a world of possibility.
Once you've got your PR residency, make sure that you get a solid insurance policy to keep you protected. Get in touch with the team at Insurdinary and we'll help you find the best insurance policies.
