As a skilled professional looking to relocate to an exciting new country with opportunities, Canada should be at the top of your list. With a booming economy, universal healthcare, stunning natural scenery, and a high standard of living, Canada offers an appealing lifestyle for newcomers. However, navigating the immigration process to move to Canada can seem daunting.
The good news is there are several straightforward paths to legally migrate to Canada, even if you are not in a high-demand occupation. In this article, we outline the seven easiest ways to migrate to Canada in 2023 from any country so you can start planning your new life in this welcoming nation. Whether you want to move for work, study, or family, there is an accessible option for you. Read on to determine which path is the best fit based on your unique situation. With some preparation and persistence, you can make Canada your new home.
Overview of Canadian Immigration in 2023
Canada welcomes over 300,000 new permanent residents each year through various economic and family immigration programs. In 2023, Canada aims to welcome over 350,000 immigrants to meet labor market needs and reunite families. If you wish to make Canada your new home, there are several pathways to pursue.
One option is the Express Entry system which manages the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Canadian Experience Class. Candidates submit a profile that is ranked based on factors like age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability. The highest-ranked candidates then get an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
You can also explore Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) where provinces nominate applicants for permanent residence based on local labor market needs. Each province and territory has its streams targeting occupations in high demand. Candidates still need to meet minimum criteria like education, work experience, and language ability.
Family sponsorship is a way for Canadian citizens or permanent residents to sponsor certain family members for immigration to Canada. The sponsor undertakes legal responsibility for the essential needs of their sponsored relatives.
There are also pathways for refugees, caregivers, entrepreneurs, and self-employed individuals. Whatever route you pursue, make sure you understand the eligibility criteria, documentation required, processing times, and costs involved. With proper preparation, you can successfully navigate Canada’s immigration system. The key is finding the right program for your unique situation and needs.
Top 7 Easiest Ways to Migrate to Canada
To migrate to Canada in 2023, here are the top 7 easiest ways:
1. Express Entry
Express Entry is Canada’s main economic immigration pathway. It is a points-based system that evaluates candidates based on factors like age, education, work experience, language skills, etc. Candidates with the highest scores are invited to apply for Canadian permanent residence. The main streams in Express Entry are.
- Federal Skilled Worker Program: For professionals and skilled workers with relevant work experience.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program: For skilled tradespersons with relevant work experience.
- Canadian Experience Class: For individuals with Canadian work experience.
2. Family Class Sponsorship
Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor certain family members for Canadian immigration including spouses, common-law partners, dependent children, parents, and grandparents. The sponsor must be able to financially support the family members they wish to sponsor.
3. Provincial Nominee Programs
Canadian provinces and territories can nominate individuals for permanent residence based on local labor market needs. Each PNP has its eligibility criteria. Candidates must first apply to the PNP of their target province, obtain a nomination, and then apply for PR through IRCC’s Express Entry system.
The Express Entry system is Canada’s points-based immigration system that manages applications for three of Canada’s main economic immigration programs:
- The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) – For skilled workers with sufficient education and work experience.
- The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) – For skilled tradespersons.
- The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – For individuals with Canadian work experience.
Candidates submit an online Express Entry profile and are ranked based on factors such as age, education, language proficiency, and work experience. The highest-ranked candidates are invited to apply for Canadian permanent residence.
To be eligible for Express Entry, you must meet the criteria for one of the federal immigration programs, such as:
- Have at least 1 year of skilled work experience in the past 10 years. For the FSWP, experience must be in a skilled occupation (NOC A, B, or 0).
- Obtain a valid language test score in English or French, such as IELTS or CELPIP. The minimum scores vary depending on the program.
- Have a post-secondary degree, diploma, or certificate. For the FSWP, your education must be equal to at least a Canadian bachelor’s degree.
- Have sufficient funds to settle in Canada. The current settlement fund requirement is around CAD 12,960 for a single applicant.
- Meet certain criteria for transferable and in-demand skills that match Canadian employer requirements. Some occupations may be eligible for priority processing.
- Be under 50 years of age at the time of application for the FSWP and FSTP. No age limit for the CEC.
If you meet these criteria, create an Express Entry profile and you will automatically be ranked under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The highest-ranking candidates are invited to apply for Canadian permanent residence through Express Entry draws that happen regularly throughout the year.
Express Entry allows for a fast and straightforward immigration process. Most applications are processed within 6 months. This can be the fastest way for skilled workers to gain permanent residence in Canada.
Provincial Nominee Programs – Migrate to Specific Provinces
Each Canadian province and territory operates its own Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) to nominate individuals who wish to settle in that province permanently. These employer-driven PNPs target workers whose skills and experience match provincial labor market needs and priorities.
Under a PNP, prospective immigrants with an existing job offer or in-demand skills are nominated for Canadian permanent residence by a province or territory. Applicants must meet minimum eligibility criteria such as education, work experience, language ability, and an intention to reside in the nominating province.
PNPs allow provinces to nominate individuals who are most likely to economically establish themselves upon immigration.
If nominated under a PNP, applicants can then apply for Canadian permanent residence through the federal Express Entry system and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). A provincial nomination results in an additional 600 points under the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which essentially guarantees an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
PNP options include:
- Express Entry – For skilled workers with a provincial nomination and job offer or in-demand skills. Candidates submit an Express Entry profile and may receive an ITA to apply for PR.
- Skilled Worker – For applicants with skills, education, and work experience targeted by the province. Candidates apply directly to the province which assesses and nominates eligible applicants.
- Business – For applicants wanting to own and actively manage a business in the province. Candidates apply directly to the province which evaluates business proposals and personal eligibility before nominating.
- Family – For applicants with family members who are permanent residents or citizens living in the province. Candidates apply directly to the province which assesses eligibility based on the relationship and intention to reside in the province.
In summary, PNPs are an excellent pathway for immigration to Canada for those with skills and experience that match a province’s specific labor demands and economic priorities. Nomination under PNP results in a high score under Express Entry, leading to an ITA and the ability to apply for Canadian permanent residence.
Study in Canada – Gain Canadian Education and Work Experience
To migrate to Canada through education, you will need to apply for a study permit. Studying in Canada provides several benefits for potential immigrants:
You can gain valuable Canadian work experience through co-op programs and internships. This helps you meet the work experience requirement for permanent residence.
You become familiar with Canadian culture and society. This facilitates your integration upon migrating.
You build professional networks that may lead to job opportunities after graduating.
You may be eligible for post-graduate work permits allowing you to work in Canada after your studies. This provides a pathway to the Canadian experience and permanent residence.
The application process for a study permit is straightforward. You will need an acceptance letter from a Canadian college or university, proof of financial support, medical insurance, and a clear criminal record. Study permits are issued for the duration of your academic program.
Upon graduating, you may be eligible for a post-graduate work permit for up to 3 years. This allows you to work anywhere in Canada in your field of study. With at least 1 year of skilled work experience, you can apply for permanent residence through Express Entry.
By gaining both education and work experience in Canada, you significantly increase your chances of becoming a permanent resident. Many international students transition seamlessly to permanent residents each year through Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs. Studying in Canada provides a direct pathway to immigration for people around the world.
In summary, pursuing education and building your professional experience in Canada is one of the easiest ways to migrate to Canada permanently. You have the opportunity to settle into Canadian life gradually while working towards your goal of becoming a Canadian permanent resident.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are several ways available to resettle in Canada, depending on your unique situation and qualifications. While the process can feel daunting, take it step by step and do not get overwhelmed. Focus on one option at a time, gather the necessary attestation, and apply. With hard work and perseverance, you can make your dream of living in Canada a reality. The key is to start now and keep going. Before you know it, you will be enjoying all that Canada has to offer as a new endless occupant. The openings for you and your family in one of the most indigenous-friendly countries in the world await.
