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Canada is accepting more than one million immigrants to the country during the period 2024 -2034, through its various immigration programs. ImmiLaw wants the Canada immigration aspirants to have a better understanding of the different immigration programs, and given below is a brief description of all the major immigration programs of Canada.
Economic immigration programs
Canada accepts the majority of its new immigrants through economic immigration programs. These programs are designed in such a way to allow international candidates with relevant work experience and education to settle in Canada and contribute towards the growth of the country’s economy.
Express Entry system
Canada introduced the Express Entry system of managing applications for economic immigration to the country in 2015. Three different economic immigration programs are managed under the Express Entry:
- Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
- Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Besides, most of the provinces and territories in Canada have their own immigration programs called the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Almost all these programs have at least one stream aligned to the federal Express Entry system. Through these streams, provinces and territories can nominate eligible candidates for Permanent Residence in Canada.
The Express Entry system is a merit/point-based system, where each candidate is assessed on some eligibility factors and ranked accordingly. The highest-ranking candidates are invited to apply for permanent residence in Canada.
Quebec immigration
Compared to other Canadian provinces and territories, Quebec enjoys a higher level of autonomy over the matters related to migration to the province. It offers some exclusive pathways for immigration. The first step for migrating to Quebec is to obtain a Certificat de sélection du Québecor Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ). With a CSQ, a person may apply for permanent residence in Canada. The two major economic immigration programs of Quebec are Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW) program and the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ).
Provincial Nominee Programs
All territories other than Quebec and Canadian provinces manage their own immigration programs. Each of these programs is designed according to the specific economic and demographic needs of that particular province. They are different from one another in terms of eligibility requirements and application procedures.
Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program
The Atlantic provinces of Canada are New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP), launched in 2017, is mainly aimed to promote the economic growth of the Atlantic provinces of Canada. Currently, the program is striving to accept a maximum of 2000 new immigrants every year. But the target will be 4000 in 2020.
Under the program, designated employers in the Atlantic provinces of Canada can hire foreign workers without having to obtain an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment). The employers are also able to assist foreign workers in applying for PR and a long-term settlement.
Business Immigration Programs
Canada offers a lot of options to those who wish to start a new business in the country. These programs aim to attract international entrepreneurs, investors and self-employed persons who can contribute their skills and capital for the benefit of the country’s economy.
Investor programs
Investors with a personal net worth of millions and a willingness to make significant investments in Canada may obtain permanent residency in Canada through investor programs.
Entrepreneur programs
Foreign entrepreneurs with significant experience and proven track record may immigrate to Canada through the entrepreneur programs.
Self-Employed Programs
Self-employed individuals may immigrate to Canada through the Self-employed programs. However, they need to submit documented proof of self-employment and an intention to remain self-employed even after they arrive in Canada.
Family Sponsorship
Canada’s immigration policies give high priority to families. There are immigration programs that aim to reunite families. Under these programs, Canadian citizens and permanent residents may sponsor spouses, common-law partners, children, parents and grandparents.
Spouse/Common-Law Partner Sponsorship programs
Permanent residents and Canadian citizens may sponsor their spouses or common-law partners for Canada migration. However, in the case of married couples, the marriage has to be legally recognized in both Canada and the country of marriage. For common-law partners, they need to meet Canada’s definition of common-law partnership.
Sponsoring child/dependent
parents who are permanent residents or Canadian citizens may sponsor their dependent children and other legal dependents for permanent residence in Canada. A dependent, who meets Canada’s definition of a dependent is eligible to be sponsored. A dependent child is any child under the age of 22, who does not have a spouse or common-law partner. However, a child above the age of 22 is eligible to be sponsored if they cannot financially support themselves because of their mental or physical condition.
A Canadian citizen/permanent resident may sponsor their parents/grandparents if they meet the financial requirements. The sponsors have to prove that they will be able to support their parents/grandparents if the need arises financially.
Refugees and other immigrants
Canada accepts refugees and other immigrants for humanitarian reasons. Canada set-asides a particular portion of the country’s annual immigration target for admitting refugees.
