Immigrate to Canada

There are several pathways to immigrating to Canada and acquiring permanent residency status.

1. Express Entry

Federal Express Entry is an immigration scheme in Canada that creates a pathway to submit an application for permanent residence. Express Entry is a points-based system where points are allocated to applicants based on their personal profile (age, occupation, years of work experience, education, language proficiency, adaptability, and family connection in Canada). Job offer also adds to your points but a lot of applicants have successfully applied for and acquired permanent residency status in Canada without a job offer. The Express Entry system is designed to accept applications under three programs:

1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
2. Canadian Experience Class Program (CEC)
3. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

2. Provincial Nominee Programs

Provinces in Canada also have various programs through which prospective immigrants can become permanent residents of Canada. These pathways are called Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Most PNPs are points-based and points are allocated based on your age, occupation category, years of work experience, education, language proficiency, family/friends connection in Canada, previous study, and a job offer. The majority of the PNPs require a job offer and/or some level of connection (previous studies, family within the province). However, a few of them do not require job offers. Furthermore, some PNPs are open for application at all times, while others accept applications periodically.

For some PNPs, you would need to create an Express Entry profile as part of the application process for permanent residence. A nomination from a province carries 600 points. If your PNP requires an Express Entry profile, you can submit your application for permanent residency online, otherwise, you would need to submit a paper-based application.

To find out if you are eligible for any PNP, click on the link below for a free online eligibility assessment.

3. Self-Employed Person Pathway To Permanent Residence

If you are self-employed, you could immigrate to Canada. To apply under this category, you must have relevant experience.

Your experience under the Self-Employed category is relevant if:

(a) You have participated in Athletics or Cultural activities at a world-class level, or
(b) You have been a self-employed person in Cultural activities or Athletics

You must have at least 2 years of work experience, though the more years of experience you have, the more points you can get.

You are required to score at least 35 points out of 100. Points are allocated based on the following:

1. Education

2. Experience

3. Age

4. Ability in English and/or French

5. Adaptability

Examples of Cultural Activities Include:

• Authors and Writers,
• Creative and Performing Artists,
• Musicians,
• Painters,
• Sculptors and Other Visual Artists,
• Technical Support and Other Jobs in motion pictures,
• Creative Designers and Crafts Persons

Examples of Athletics Include::

• Athletes
• Coaches
• Sports Officials and Referees
• Program Leaders and Instructors in Sports, Fitness, and Recreation

4. Sponsorship

Sponsorship allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada to sponsor their family members to join them in Canada.
You can sponsor your:

1. Spouse or Common Law Partner
2. Biological or Adopted Child or Children under the age of 22
3. Parents and Grandparents