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IMMIGRATE TO CANADA - FIND OUT HOW TO IMMIGRATE TO CANADA

Settling in a new country is a step that can bring a lot of joy but also a lot of stress. Patrick Jacques, lawyer, helps you navigate the complex and often changing rules of immigration. Our goal is simple: to make your project to immigrate, work, invest or study in Canada from dream to reality. Whether you are a skilled worker, business owner, recent graduate or criminally inadmissible, Canada can be your new home. We’re here to help you get there.

WHY DOES CANADA NEED NEW IMMIGRANTS?

Canada welcomes immigrants in three categories: the economic class, the family class, and the refugee and humanitarian class.

Skilled workers are welcomed into the economic class to support Canada’s high standard of living. Canada has an aging population and a low birth rate, which is why most of the immigrants it welcomes are skilled workers. Canada needs these skilled workers to sustain its workforce and economic growth. These skilled workers arrive with strong language skills, work experience, education and a desire to succeed. They therefore play a vital role in Canada’s efforts to support economic growth and social services such as education and universal health care.

The second largest category of immigrants arrives through family sponsorship. Canada welcomes loved ones of Canadian citizens and permanent residents because strong families are the foundation of Canadian society and economy. Enabling close family members to build a life in Canada provides families with the emotional support they need to thrive in the country’s society and economy.

The third largest category is that of people received as refugees and for humanitarian purposes. As one of the most privileged nations in the world, Canada has a moral obligation to provide safety to those fleeing persecution and other hardships, and Canada has a long tradition since the end of the World War II to demonstrate humanitarian leadership. In 1986, the United Nations awarded the people of Canada the Nansen Medal, which is the UN’s highest honor for those who demonstrate excellence in helping refugees. Canada remains the first and only country to receive the Nansen Medal.

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THE DIFFERENT STAGES OF IMMIGRATION IN CANADA

There are different “levels” of immigration, so to speak. Thus, one starts with a temporary immigrant level which takes the form of a visa with an expiry date either as a temporary worker or a student. Then, one becomes a permanent resident, which constitutes an open work permit with no real end date. Finally, the last and most logical step is to become a Canadian citizen and have the same rights as people born on Canadian soil.

AS A TEMPORARY WORKER OR STUDENT

As indicated above, one starts first as a temporary immigrant with a temporary permit, generally closed, that is to say, it is linked to a particular company. A new visa is therefore necessary if you wish to change company. The other possibility is to come and study in Canada and take advantage of a study permit. In addition, you can work on your school's campus without needing a new visa (you will need another visa to work off-campus, however). There is a third possibility as a first step in immigration: the working holiday permit (PVT), which is now obtained by drawing lots. It is an open work permit (therefore not linked to a particular company) with a maximum duration of 24 months.

AS A PERMANENT RESIDENT

The next step is of course to become a permanent resident. The process can take time but some applicants have the option of going through special programs to expedite their application.

AS A CITIZEN OF CANADA

Finally, the last step, the most logical but certainly not mandatory, is to become a Canadian citizen. Thus, you can enjoy the same rights as people born on Canadian soil such as the right to vote, the possibility of standing for election but also to have a Canadian passport. Canada, on the other hand, is one of the countries that allows multiple nationalities. You will therefore not have to choose between your original nationality and the new one.

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DIFFERENT ENTRY DOORS TO IMMIGRATE IN CANADA

IMMIGRATE AS A SKILLED WORKER

Under its Immigration Levels Plan, Canada aims to welcome well over 400,000 immigrants each year. About 60% of these immigrants arrive as skilled workers. Skilled workers can immigrate to Canada primarily through the Express Entry application management system. The second main avenue is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), followed by the Quebec Skilled Worker Programs, and then a few other targeted federal programs.

Skilled workers can settle in Canada with their families

Skilled workers can also bring close family members to Canada. These family members are also granted permanent resident status.

Immediate family members include:

  • your spouse or common-law partner
  • dependent children
  • the dependent children of your spouse or common-law partner
  • dependent children of dependent children.

The dependent children are:

  • under the age of 22 and do not have a spouse or common-law partner
  • 22 years of age or older, significantly dependent on parental financial support prior to age 22 and unable to support themselves financially due to a physical or mental condition

 

WHAT IS EXPRESS ENTRY?

Express Entry is Canada’s primary means of managing skilled worker applications under the three main economic class immigration programs:

  • Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
  • Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
  • Candidates eligible for the Express Entry program can upload their profile on the federal government website.

Candidates are awarded a number of Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points based on criteria such as their age, education, language skills (English and/or French) and work experience.

Approximately every two weeks, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) invites applicants with the highest SRC scores to apply for permanent residency. IRCC aims to process applications for permanent residence in six months or less. As part of its Immigration Levels Plan, Canada seeks to welcome an average of 110,000 immigrants through Express Entry each year.

IMMIGRATE BY SPONSORSHIP AND FAMILY REUNIFICATION

The Canadian government is committed to keeping families together. As such, Canada aims to welcome more than 100,000 new immigrants each year to join their families.

Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their spouse or common-law partner, parents and grandparents, and dependent children.

You will need to sign an “undertaking” in order to sponsor your family. This means that you will be financially responsible for the person you sponsor. For example, if she needs social assistance, you may have to pay her back.

For parents and grandparents, there is also the option of the Super Visa program which allows you to stay for a maximum of 5 years without having to renew your visa.

IMMIGRATE AS BUSINESS PEOPLE

Business people have several options that can help you speed up the Canadian immigration process.

For example, you may be able to immigrate to Canada through the Federal Start-Up Visa Program or the Federal Self-Employment Program.

If you want to immigrate to Quebec, the province also has its own business immigration programs. Many Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) also offer specific immigration streams for entrepreneurs and other business people.

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THE SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT CASE OF QUEBEC

The province of Quebec has its own immigration system, with its own selection criteria, which is different from the programs offered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and also different from the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). People who apply to immigrate to Quebec and who are selected to immigrate to Quebec then receive a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ). This document is issued by the Quebec Ministry of Immigration.

You can apply for a CSQ under one of the Quebec immigration programs. The Quebec Skilled Worker Program (PTQS) is intended for skilled workers who want to immigrate to Quebec and thus become permanent residents of Canada.

The Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) is popular with international students who have completed their post-secondary studies in Quebec. This program is also intended for foreign skilled workers who benefit from work experience in the province.

If you are a business person or self-employed and want to operate a business in Quebec, the province also has business immigration programs.

HOW TO IMMIGRATE TO CANADA FROM USA?

If you are a citizen or resident of the United States, you have many options to consider if you want to live in Canada. Every year, many people leave the United States to move to Canada to work, study or immigrate.

Candidates who wish to work in Canada can choose between different options depending on their situation. For example, there is a facilitated process to help US citizens work temporarily in Canada under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), formerly known as NAFTA. The deal also helps intra-company transfers as well as CUSMA deal traders and investors.

Applicants who have a spouse or common-law partner in the United States can sponsor them to come to Canada. Additionally, U.S. citizens and residents have many options if they want to immigrate to Canada to start a new business or buy an existing business.

HOW TO IMMIGRATE TO CANADA FROM FRANCE?

For a French person, immigrating to Canada from France is quite simple even if the procedure requires time and patience. The PVT or Working Holiday Permit is an excellent springboard that allows young French people between the ages of 18 and 35 to come and work in Canada and in this way see if life here suits them.

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HOW TO IMMIGRATE IN CANADA - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

There are over a hundred different ways to immigrate to Canada. If you want to know which path is best suited to your unique situation, we invite you to contact us as soon as possible.

The easiest way to immigrate to Canada depends on your particular situation. The easiest way to immigrate for one person may be difficult for another. Many potential applicants give up quickly if they find they don’t qualify for a popular immigration route like Express Entry. However, Canada has over 100 immigration pathways. If you don’t qualify for a specific pathway, you may qualify for another. Start shortlisting potential immigration pathways based on your particular situation. Do you have a diploma or certificate? Do you have work experience? Are you looking to start a business? There is something for every taste.

Permanent resident status in Canada gives you the option to live in Canada permanently, provided you stay in Canada for two years every five years. In addition, you have the same rights as Canadian citizens, except for the ability to vote or stand for election.

No, you do not need a job offer to submit your Express Entry profile. The vast majority of successful candidates who enter through the express lane do not have a job offer. However, a job offer can increase your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residence. Indeed, a job offer allows you to obtain additional SRC points.

If you are eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) or the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSP), and you do not have the required settlement funds to support yourself, you will need to have a job offer.

Yes, there are many options available to you. Former international students make up a growing share of people who become new immigrants to Canada.

Generally, you must have one year of work experience in Canada, but this is not always the case (for example, if you have qualifying work experience abroad, you may not need work experience in Canada to qualify for a skilled worker program).

In order to immigrate to Canada under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), you need to be nominated by a Canadian provincial or territorial government, with the exception of Quebec and Nunavut.

To begin, you will need to apply directly to the Canadian province or Canadian territory where you wish to immigrate. You will then be assessed based on various factors such as your education and work experience. If you meet the labor needs of the province or territory, you may be invited to apply for provincial designation.

Once your application is approved, you will be able to apply for Canadian permanent residence. Depending on the program, you will be able to apply through the Express Entry system or through the normal application process. The main benefit of going through the Express Entry system is a faster processing standard for your permanent residence application.

If you want to keep your permanent resident status, you must stay in Canada for two years (or 730 days) within the last five years. This period need not be continuous.

Processing times depend on the program to which you are applying.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) aims to process applications for permanent residence through Express Entry programs in six months or less.

Processing times for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Quebec, and other federal skilled worker programs can take six months or longer.

Family class applications tend to be processed in approximately 12 months (although this time frame may be longer or shorter).

Yes it’s possible. Although age is an important selection criterion, it is one of many other major factors considered by Canada’s skilled worker and business immigration programs. The programs also take into account your education, language skills, work experience, Canadian experience, existence of a qualifying job offer and, in the case of programs for business people, your business experience, your net worth and the amount you want to invest in Canada.

Yes, universal health care is available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Health care eligibility for new permanent residents depends on the province or territory you are moving to. Note that some provinces require new permanent residents to live there for a few months before they can qualify for free medical coverage, meaning you may need private health insurance during this waiting period or deficiency.

The cost of living in Canada depends on the city you are going to live in, the size of your family, your lifestyle, among other factors.

According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), household living expenses can represent half of your monthly expenses in Canada. The expenses to consider are:

  • buying or renting a house
  • heating and utilities such as water
  • the food
  • clothes
  • transportation
  • cellphone
  • Internet
  • hobbies
  • Health insurance (some provinces require new permanent residents to live there for a few months before being eligible for free health care
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