Canada is one of the most popular immigrant destinations in the world. Unfortunately moving to Canada isn’t as simple as packing a bag and catching a flight. Canada does have many procedures required for those who are interested in immigrating, and even those who do everything else right may still be turned away for health, finance or legal reasons. Most individuals, however, are able to find a way to immigrate to Canada if they are determined to do so, even if it is not through the most traditional means. Follow our Canada Immigration blog for details about the programs available.
- Live-in Caregiver
A live-in caregiver or au pair is easily one of the easiest career routes into Canada. To be an au pair you will need a high school education, a job offer from a family needing child care and at least six months of training or experience to apply for this particular work permit. There are a number of Canadian agencies that can help you find work as an au pair if you are willing to work in childcare with a Canadian family.
- Study Permit or Student Visa
A study permit won’t get you into Canada permanently, but it will offer you a chance to study and work in some of the world’s top research facilities and universities. There are options available if you study in Canada and complete a PhD or years toward a PhD in Canada, but requirements can vary and often include a job offer after graduation and a commitment to stay for a set period of time.
- Express Entry
The most traditional way to enter Canada for skilled workers, Express Entry was instituted in 2015 and includes two steps. The first step is to create a comprehensive profile including current job offers. The second is to use your qualifications to earn a certain score of points from your applications. Those with high enough scores will be offered Permanent Residency. The requirements are always changing. Read the Canada immigration blog for updates.
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
Every territory and province but Quebec is able to nominate would-be immigrants under the PNP or Provincial Nominee Program. Nominees must want to live and work in the nominating territory or province and meet a certain level of skill, education and work experience.
- Start-up Visa Program
If you are an investor or entrepreneur with adequate funding, you are encouraged to apply for immigration under the Start-up Visa program. To be accepted you must meet education and funding criteria.
- Self-Employed Programs
There are pathways for the self-employed in athletic, cultural and in the management of agricultural fields. If you are self-employed in these fields with experience and the ability to benefit Canada, your self-employment application may be approved, although this process can be stringent.
- Working Holiday Visa
Officially called International Experience Canada, or IEC, this visa allows you to work in Canada in any profession. If you fall into the right age bracket (18 – 35) and happen to live in the right country you can enter Canada on an open work permit which means you don’t actually need a job offer before you arrive.
- Spousal Sponsorship
If you happen to be married to a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you can be sponsored by that spouse to live in Canada as a permanent resident. As a permanent resident, you would be able to work, go to school and enjoy government benefits like healthcare. This is a pathway only open to spouses (same-sex or traditional), common-law partners, and some fiancés. Boyfriends and girlfriends need not apply.
- Family Sponsorship
If you aren’t married to a Canadian, you may still be eligible for sponsorship if you are closely related to a Canadian. A Canadian permanent resident or citizen may sponsor dependent children or grandchildren as well. Family sponsorship also extends to parents and grandparents beginning January 4, 2016, although there is a cap on the number of applicants.
- Visitor’s Visa
It might be unconventional, but you can come to Canada to visit for a set amount of time. This is certainly not moving or immigrating to Canada, but visiting the country may put you in contact with companies looking for employees. If you are able to arrange a job offer during your visit to Canada, you can then apply for a permanent residence under one of the other immigration programs.
- Humanitarian Aid
Canada’s refugee program is designed to accept those who have been forced to leave their country for fear of prosecution due to religion, race, nationality, politics or social order. The humanitarian aid program in Canada not only accepts refugees but helps these individuals assimilate into their new community.
Follow our Canada Immigration blog
There are many pathways you can follow to immigrate to Canada. None are easy and all require paperwork, applications and necessary waiting as your materials are vetted. Fortunately, understanding the process and finding the right means of immigration can do a great deal to simplify the process. Follow our Canada Immigration blog to learn more about your options for moving to Canada.