Sign up for a free expert consultation
Get Free Counseling
Canada is one of the top-listed immigration-friendly countries with an ever-growing economy. The country boasts some of the most simplified and efficient immigration programs, facilitating around 500,000 immigrants annually. Canada Immigration through a PR visa is the best option for individuals looking to settle in the country permanently. With a PR visa, one can reside, study, and work in Canada for five years. Some immigration programs for migrating to Canada are Express Entry, the Provincial Nominee Program, Family sponsorship, Quebec Immigration, Temporary visas, International student programs, and more.
Y-Axis, one of the leading immigration consultants in Canada, is committed to providing end-to-end immigration support and assistance. Y-Axis offers tailored and all-inclusive immigration services for those looking to immigrate to the country. Be it skilled workers migrating as a family, entrepreneurs establishing a new business, or individuals looking to sponsor their spouses, we are dedicated to fulfilling your Canadian dream. We have a team of experienced and accomplished counselors to ensure a streamlined immigration process.
The country provides over 100 pathways for skilled workers, families, students, entrepreneurs, etc., to immigrate to Canada. The top 7 citizenship immigration Canada programs are as follows:
The Express Entry program is the fastest immigration route for skilled workers to migrate to Canada. The Express Entry system manages the skilled worker applications through three major economic immigration programs, which are the Federal Skilled Worker Program
(FSWP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). Participating applicants are allotted a score out of 1,200 depending on eligibility factors like age, language proficiency, work experience, education, etc. One can score maximum points via the Canada CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System). The Express Entry draws are regularly held by the IRCC once every two weeks, and Invitations to Apply (ITAs) are issued to candidates with a high CRS score. Candidates can acquire an employment offer through any of the Express Entry-related PNP streams. A Provincial nomination can add 600 points to the candidate's overall score, securing an ITA in the next Express Entry draw.
Eligibility Criteria for Express Entry
Candidates must score 67 out of 100 points to be eligible for the Express Entry program. The points can be scored via any of the criteria given below:
Age: Maximum points are given to candidates aged between 18 and 35. Candidates over 35 are given comparatively fewer points.
Education: The educational qualifications must be equivalent to or greater than the secondary educational levels in Canada. Candidates with higher levels of education are given more points.
Work experience: Candidates with at least 12 months of work experience are allotted minimum points. Candidates with more work experience can score higher points.
Language proficiency: 6 IELTS bands equivalent to CLB 7 can get more points. Candidates with higher scores can get more points.
Adaptability: 10 points are allotted for the adaptability factor. Candidates must have family members or relatives residing in Canada who can support them when they move to the country. Additional points are given if the spouse or legal partner migrates along with the primary applicant.
Arranged employment: 10 points are given for a valid employment offer from a Canadian employer.
Requirements for Express Entry
Some of the documents required for the Express Entry program are:
Steps to apply for Express Entry
You can follow the simple steps given below to apply for the Canada Express Entry program:
Step 1: Check if you are eligible for the program
Step 2: Arrange the required documents
Step 3: Create and fill your profile
Step 4: Wait for an ITA
Step 5: Apply for Canada PR
Canadian Experience Class is for skilled workers with at least 12 months of professional work experience in Canada. It is one of the fastest Canada PR routes, with 3-4 months processing time. The CEC is one of the Express Entry immigration streams, particularly for foreign graduates and temporary foreign workers.
Eligibility criteria for CEC
The eligibility criteria for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) are as follows:
Canadian work experience:
To qualify via the Canadian work experience, one must meet the criteria listed below:
You may not qualify for the CEC if:
Language proficiency:
To qualify via the language ability factor, one must meet the criteria listed below:
Under the language ability, you must:
Education:
There are no specific educational requirements for the CEC.
Admissibility to Canada:
Must be admissible to Canada
The Federal Skilled Worker Program is specifically for skilled workers with work experience who wish to become permanent residents of Canada.
Eligibility for FSWP
The eligibility criteria for FSWP are based on the following factors:
Requirements for FSWP
One must meet all the requirements given below to be eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP):
Skilled work experience:
The skilled work experience you have can be considered if it fulfills the criteria given below:
The above factors can also be fulfilled via any of the working modes given below:
Type of work duration:
The type of work and the duration that is eligible for the FSWP are given in the table below:
Type of work |
Duration |
Full-time at one job |
30 hours/week for 12 months |
Equal amount in part-time work |
15 hours/week for 24 months |
Full time at more than 1 job |
30 hours/week for 12 months |
Part-time work experience:
The skilled work experience must be paid employment, including earned commissions and paid wages. Part-time work can be around 15 hours per week, and more than one part-time job can be taken up to cover the work duration.
Student work experience:
The work experience acquired while studying can be considered towards the total work requirement if:
Language proficiency:
You must submit proof of language proficiency where the tests come with a two-year validity period after the result date. The test results must be valid on the day you apply for PR.
To qualify your language ability, you must:
Education:
The educational documents that are to be submitted to qualify for the FSWP are as follows:
For education in Canada:
For foreign education:
The Federal Skilled Trades Program is specifically for skilled workers who have qualified in a skilled trade and wish to become permanent residents of Canada.
Requirements for FSTP
One must meet all the requirements given below to be eligible for the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP):
Work experience in Skilled Trades
To qualify for the work experience:
Language proficiency:
You must submit proof of language proficiency where the tests come with a two-year validity period after the result date. The test results must be valid on the day you apply for PR.
To qualify your language ability, you must:
Education:
There is no specific educational requirement for the FSTP
For education in Canada:
Foreign education:
Candidates are given points if they submit:
Proof of funds:
Candidates must provide evidence of sufficient funds
Admissibility:
Must be admissible to Canada
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) was launched in 1998 and is an immigration pathway for skilled workers. The PNP is one of the fastest and easiest immigration programs for foreign workers wishing to migrate and settle in any Canadian province. The provinces and territories of Canada maintain their immigration program based on provincial needs. There are over 80 PNP programs with at least one immigration stream that aligns with the Express Entry system. The PNP nominations issued via the Express Entry-linked streams are called Enhanced nominations, through which Express Entry candidates can score an additional 600 points. The 11 most prominent Provincial nominee programs are:
Foreign workers who meet the following conditions are considered eligible to apply for Canada PNP:
The requirements for Canada PNP may vary depending on the type of PNP program. However, some of the general requirements to apply for PNP are as follows:
General requirements:
Candidates must satisfy the below requirements to apply for PNP:
Documents required:
Candidates must submit the below list of documents to apply for Canada PNP:
The five simple steps to apply for Canada PNP are as follows:
Step 1: Check if you qualify for the PNP via the Y-Axis Canada Immigration points calculator
Step 2: Go through the PNP criteria
Step 3: Gather the checklist of documents
Step 4: Apply for the PNP program of your choice
Step 5: Migrate to Canada
The application process for Canada PNP depends on the stream you are applying to. You can apply for PNP via two different methods that are listed below:
Express Entry program
Step 1: Check if you are eligible for the province of your choice and any of the Express Entry managed immigration programs.
Step 2: Apply for a provincial nomination
Step 3: Create an Express Entry profile
Step 4: Receive an NOI (Notification of Interest)
Step 5: Apply for PR upon invitation
Non-Express Entry program
Step 1: Apply for provincial nomination
Step 2: Check your eligibility
Step 3: Arrange the requirements
Step 4: Receive a nomination upon meeting the eligibility
Step 5: Apply for the PR
The Atlantic Immigration Pilot program is one of the PR pathways for international graduates from Canadian universities or skilled foreign workers who wish to work and settle in Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, or New Brunswick. The AIPP facilitates employers' recruitment of individuals who qualify for unfilled jobs.
Apply to become a designated organization:
To recruit a candidate, the employer must be from a designated organization, which is designated by the provincial government of the Atlantic province. To become a designated organization, the employer need not pay any fees or costs. Each Canadian province maintains its application process.
Hiring a qualified international candidate
Upon becoming designated, employers can recruit foreign candidates for unfilled job roles. The international candidates can either be temporary residents of Canada or be living overseas.
To get hired in Atlantic Canada, you must fulfill the conditions given below:
Quebec maintains its own Quebec Immigration program distinct from the other Canadian provinces. The province offers different immigration programs that allow qualifying candidates to acquire a Canada PR. The Canadian government has given Quebec more authority and access to its own set of immigration programs and policies. The province has French as its official language, making it one of the primary language requirements for some of its immigration programs. Non-French speakers who are looking to migrate are provided with other immigration pathways.
Some of the Quebec immigration programs are as follows:
The documents that are required to be submitted by foreign nationals who are looking to apply for the Quebec Immigration program are as follows:
The job requirements that must be fulfilled to apply for the Quebec Immigration programs are as follows:
The Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP) was first introduced in 1986. It is one of the most popular and sought-after business immigration programs offered by Quebec. The program is specifically for experienced investors with net worth and assets that they plan to invest in for the betterment of the province.
The requirements for the Quebec Investor Program are as follows:
You can follow the steps given below to apply for the Quebec Investor Immigrant Program (QIPP):
Step 1: Check if you qualify for the QIPP
Step 2: Arrange all the required forms and documents
Step 3: Pay the application fee
Step 4: Submit your application
Step 5: Wait for the status of your application
The Quebec Entrepreneur Program is specifically for immigrant entrepreneurs wishing to set up a new business or take over an existing one in Quebec. The QEP allows candidates to apply for a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ – Québec selection certificate). After receiving a CSQ, the candidate can submit the PR application.
The Quebec Entrepreneur program runs two separate streams with different criteria and requirements.
Stream 1:
To be eligible for Stream 1, the applicant must reside in Quebec and set up and run a business backed by a service offer from a university entrepreneurship center, business incubator, or business accelerator. The project can be undertaken alone or with others that have at least three foreign nationals applying for the same program.
University Entrepreneurship Center: Organizations that are regulated by university institutions that offer coaching services at the university level.
Business Incubator: Organizations with an existing establishment in the province of Quebec that supports entrepreneurs who wish to develop inventive businesses.
Business Accelerator: Organizations with an existing establishment in the province of Quebec offering services like financial guidance for entrepreneurs to expand innovative businesses there.
It is required that the service offer-organization must show proof of their ability to support a candidate and the business project financially. A detailed plan of action about how the service offer can help the candidate must include the following:
Suggested support plan: The list of services provided to the candidates, along with complete descriptions.
Plan of operation: A breakdown of the budget for the service offered and a schedule of activities.
Proof of expertise as a university entrepreneurship center, Business incubator, and business accelerator: Skills and accomplishments of the entrepreneur's project.
Note: The application must be submitted to Quebec as a business plan.
Stream 2:
To be eligible for Stream 2, the applicant must reside in Quebec to set up a new business or obtain an existing one and manage business operations. Candidates are required to make two financial deposits as a part of their application:
Security deposit: A minimum of CAD 200,000 as proof of insurance that the business will be established. The amount will be refunded when the business plan is successfully implemented.
Startup deposit: Businesses in Montreal must receive a minimum of CAD $300,000, and businesses outside Montreal must receive $200,000.
The candidates are required to meet the requirements given below:
The Quebec Self-employed Worker program is for specific self-employed individuals who wish to migrate to Quebec and set up their own businesses there. Their net assets are worth CAD 100,000, and they have two years of experience as self-employed workers in the field they wish to practice in Quebec.
The requirements to be fulfilled for the Quebec self-employed program are as follows:
The Canada Startup visa is for immigrant entrepreneurs with expertise and skills to set up a new business in Canada. The business must:
The four major requirements to be fulfilled to apply for the Canada Startup visa program are as follows:
A letter of support from an organization must be included in your application
Candidates must submit proof of sufficient funds to support themselves and any family members accompanying the primary applicant. The funds required vary with the size of the family.
The table below has the complete breakdown of the proof of funds required per family member.
Number of family members |
Funds you need (in Canadian dollars) |
1 |
$14,690 |
2 |
$18,288 |
3 |
$22,483 |
4 |
$27,297 |
5 |
$30,690 |
6 |
$34,917 |
7 |
$38,875 |
If more than 7 people, for each additional family member, add $3,958
A minimum of CLB 5 must be scored in all four testing sections of the language test.
Here are some of the reasons why you should apply for the Canada Startup visa:
You can follow the steps given below to apply for a Canada Startup visa:
Step 1: Fill out the IMM 0008 E application form
Step 2: Arrange the required checklist of documents
Step 3: Pay the required fee
Step 4: Submit the application
Step 5: Wait for the status of your visa
The country provides sponsorship opportunities for Canadian citizens or permanent residents who wish to bring their family to Canada. The Family class immigration programs allow certain family members to become Canadian permanent residents. The family sponsorship program is one of the most sought-after immigration pathways for individuals who plan on bringing their immediate family to Canada.
You can sponsor your common-law partner, conjugal partner, or spouse to apply for Canada PR via the spousal/common-law sponsorship program. Candidates currently residing in Canada can also apply for an open work permit. The spousal open work permit allows sponsored individuals to work in the country while the sponsorship application is processed.
You can sponsor your partner or spouse if:
You may not be eligible to sponsor your spouse or partner if:
You can sponsor a common-law partner, spouse, or conjugal partner.
Common-law partner:
You can sponsor the joint law partner if:
A spouse:
Conjugal partner:
You can sponsor if the conjugal partner is:
You can follow the steps given below to apply for the Spousal/Common-Law Sponsorship:
Step 1: Apply to sponsor the spouse
Step 2: Apply for Canada PR
Step 3: Pay the application fees
Step 4: Submit the application
Step 5: Wait till your application gets processed
The Parents and Grandparents program allows you to sponsor parents and grandparents to become Canada PR holders. The PGP program is a part of the Family Reunification program. Individuals offering sponsorship must sign an undertaking, admitting to provide for their parents and grandparents for 20 years throughout their stay in Canada. The individuals sponsoring from Quebec must be willing to sign an undertaking for ten years. The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) works on a lottery basis and takes applications once a year. The program is currently accepting applications until August 2, 2024.
The eligibility criteria to sponsor your Parents and Grandparents program (PGP):
You can sponsor your parents and grandparents if:
You can follow the steps given below to apply for Canada PGP:
Step 1: Receive an Invitation to Apply
Step 2: Apply for Canada PR via the official portal
Step 3: Pay the application fees
Step 4: Submit the application
Step 5: Submit additional documents and wait for the status of your application
One of the programs offered by family sponsorship is the sponsorship of dependent children. Canadian citizens or PR holders with children living abroad can sponsor them to come live in Canada and apply for a Canada PR visa. Dependent children, including biological and adopted children, can reside with their parents in the country.
To sponsor your child to come to the country via sponsorship of dependent children, you must:
For dependent children to qualify for the sponsorship of dependent children, they must:
Children over 22 years of age may also be eligible if:
The steps to apply for the sponsorship of dependent children are as follows:
Step 1: Apply to sponsor the dependent child
Step 2: Apply for Canada PR
Step 3: Pay the application fees
Step 4: Submit the application
Step 5: Wait till your application gets processed
The Refugee and Humanitarian Resettlement programs are specifically for people who have fled their country due to fear of persecution. The refugee system of Canada is divided into two major parts:
Given below is the list of five Canadian temporary work permits:
The International Experience Canada (IEC) program allows individuals aged 18-35 to work and travel in the country. The government-initiated program helps candidates work in Canada, gain foreign work experience, and enhance their English and French language skills.
To take part in the International Experience Canada (IEC), your territory or country of citizenship must have a Youth Mobility Agreement with Canada. In rare cases, youth from non-partnered countries can also participate in the IEC program via specific recognized organizations. The eligibility to apply for the program differs based on the country, as different countries have different sets of IEC eligibility requirements. While some countries allow the participants to take part only once, others allow for twice in various other categories. The time you participate will be considered only after you enter the country and get the work permit. Members of your family cannot accompany you through the IEC program. The family members can, however, apply to visit, work, or study in Canada by themselves.
Some of the benefits of the IEC program are as follows:
The steps to apply for Canada IEC are as follows:
Step 1: Create a profile
Step 2: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Step 3: Get invited to apply
Step 4: Pay the required fee and apply for a Canada work permit
Step 5: Migrate to Canada
The Intra-Company Transfer category permits foreign countries to temporarily transfer eligible employees to Canada. This could improve management effectiveness, expand Canadian exports, or increase Canadian competitiveness in overseas markets. The Refugee Protection Regulations assist the intra-company transferees, and the international trade agreements for citizens of signatory countries supplement the general provisions.
The general requirements for the Intra-Company Transferees to be able to apply for a work permit are they:
The list of documents required for the Intra-Company Transfer is as follows:
The country has around 15 free trade agreements with 51 foreign countries, which cover over 1.5 billion customers worldwide. These agreements are specifically for business people and qualifying foreign workers from countries with a free trade agreement with Canada that includes the exchange of specific categories of workers. Traders, investors, and business visitors can get a simplified and streamlined entry to Canada through the Free Trade agreements.
Some of the benefits of Canada's Free Trade Agreements are as follows:
A Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is an official document that the Employment and Social Development of Canada issues after assessing the impact that a foreign worker would have on the Canadian labor market. A positive LMIA proves that no Canadian citizen or PR holder can fill a specific job opening or position.
The LMIA is of two types:
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) allows Canada-based employers to recruit the foreign talent needed for the position. Foreign workers who enter the country through the TFWP are given protection and access to certain rights in the country.
The LMIA majorly has eight different streams that are listed below:
Some of the advantages of the LMIA are as follows:
The work permit for spouses and partners of Foreign Workers and Students is for certain groups of foreign workers and international students in Canada.
You can be eligible for an open work permit if:
Some of the benefits of an open work permit are:
You can apply for a Canada study permit if you wish to study in Canada or enroll in any of the study programs in Canadian schools, colleges, or universities. A Canadian study permit is required for more than six months of study courses.
The universities in Canada offer three major intakes:
Fall intake: September
Winter intake: January
Summer intake: April/May
You are eligible to apply for a Canada student visa if:
The requirements to study in Canada are:
Given below are five simple steps to apply for a Canada student visa:
Step 1: Check if you are eligible to study in Canada
Step 2: Sort out the documents required for the student visa
Step 3: Apply online for the visa
Step 4: Wait for your student visa status
Step 5: Fly to Canada for your studies
The cost to apply for a Canada student visa ranges from 150 CAD to 200 CAD with a 2-16 weeks processing time.
Application (per person) |
CAD |
Study permit (including applications for extensions) |
150 |
Biometrics fee (per person) |
85 |
After immigrating to Canada, one must have complete knowledge and understanding of navigating the country. It is advisable to consult an established and well-known immigration company like Y-Axis to help you with all your immigration-related queries.
Finding Jobs in Canada
You can avail of Y-Axis Job Search services to help you find the right job that aligns with your goals and matches your qualifications. Finding a job in Canada can be difficult; however, with the help of experienced professionals, looking for your dream job can become manageable. Our Resume marketing services will assist you in creating an updated and professional resume. The first step would be to look for a suitable job post, for which you can find a sponsor and apply for a Canada work visa.
Healthcare Coverage Considerations
Availing of Canadian medical insurance is one of the most important things to do after immigration to Canada. Canada PR holders are generally granted public coverage to help cover their medical expenses.
Y-Axis, the leading overseas immigration consultancy in Canada, offers customized and tailored immigration services for every client based on their requirements. Some of our services include: