How to Immigrate to Canada | Complete Canadian PR Guide

Canada has become one of the world’s top destinations for immigrants. High living standards, unparalleled healthcare, better education, and the ability to live in a diverse society, make Canada close to ideal. Skilled workers, students, and budding entrepreneurs, all have the same starting point – knowing how to immigrate to Canada.

Popular Immigration Pathways

Canada has multiple routes to permanent residency (PR) depending on your background and goals:

• Express Entry — the most commonly used system for skilled workers. It has three programs:
  • Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
  • Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) — each province may nominate applicants based on market labor requirements. A nomination from a province greatly improves the chances for PR approval.
• Family Sponsorship — Canadian citizens and PR holders can sponsor their spouses, children, parents, and other approved relatives.
• Start-Up Visa Program — for entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas in the hands of a Canadian designated organization.
• Study Permit to PR Pathway – International students can pursue their education in Canada and in turn gain permanent residency by means of the Post-Graduation Work Permit and Express Entry pathways.
• Temporary foreign workers, as well as freelancers and digital nomads, may be eligible to apply for specific employer work permits as well as open work permits.
• Quebec seeks to promote the immigration of French speakers, and all others seeking to settle in the province will find immigration pathways tailored for them as Quebec has distinct immigration policies.

General Requirements and Eligibility

Although each immigration program has varying requirements for eligibility, most candidates will have to meet the below baseline requirements:

• Age: Younger individuals have better chances to score higher in Express Entry.
• Education: Degree or diploma from a post-secondary institution is a minimum requirement.
• Language: Competence in English or French is proven by various certifications like IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF.
• Work Experience: Relevant skilled work experience is needed for the proposed pathway.
• Proof of Funds: You and your family must have sufficient funds to meet living expenses.

Step-by-Step Immigration Process

Step 1: Take an eligibility Assessment, and calculate using the official CRS calculator or any other government tools.

Step 2: Documents needed can be your passport, results of your language proficiency test, ECA, work experience, and sufficient funds.

Step 3: Create an Express Entry profile or resume other document submissions like other programs that use their application forms.

Step 4: Receive Invitation To Apply (ITA) If you are chosen, you’ll get an Invitation To Apply ITA for permanent residency.

Step 5: Medical Exams, Background Checks, and Biometrics. The Canadian government also requires that you have medical and security clearance.

Step 6: Get Permanent Residency and Relocate. You have new life in Canada which is possible through the Confirmation of Permanent Residence COPR.

Common Mistakes and Pitfalls

• There are supporting documents that are not filled in/completed.
• The CRS scores are not calculated correctly.
• You are not biometrics done and missed a scheduled appointment.
• Complex procedures and applications are filled without the assumption of professional help.

Take the Next Step

Although planning is essential for smooth immigration to Canada, it is doable. If you are applying through the Canadian Express Entry, sponsorship from family, or through the PR academic route, it is essential to have a good strategy.

Take the first step to immigrate to Canada:

• There are free assessments and consultations available with certified immigration experts at Dimov Tax.
• You can assess your eligibility and immigration options with our free assessment.
• A PR application checklist can be downloaded for your convenience.

FAQs