5 Ways to Migrate to Canada

Canada continues to be a popular choice for immigrants, even during Covid-19. With its fantastic reputation and Canada’s blessing, thousands migrate to Canada every year; they have successfully used different immigration pathways such as the Provincial Nominee Program and Express Entry Canada, just to name a few.

If you made up your mind about moving to Canada, and you are just looking for the right direction to get started, our immigration consultants at Great North Visa recommend a number of ways you can make a successful move to Canada. Keep reading to learn about the 5 ways you can migrate to Canada, and why you should.

Why Canada?

Canada is well-known for being a warm and welcoming destination for immigrants. Just recently, the Minister of Immigration spoke about the incredible contributions immigrant communities have made to Canadian society. Minister Mendicino said, “newcomers bring their heritage and culture, but also their talent, ideas, and perspectives”. Many people who migrate to Canada are an important reason why it has been very successful over the years. 

With over 200 ethnic communities, you can easily find your place and community in Canada, even more so with today’s social media groups and social apps, where you can easily connect with people, find information about local activities in Canada, and more.

The country is often praised for its tax-funded health care system called Medicare. This means that health services are mostly free for Canadian residents. In 2018, a journal called the Lancet published a study reviewing global health care services, and Canada ranked in the top 15 of healthcare systems in the entire world! 

Canada also has a top-rated education system. Education is, of course, an important factor for any person considering a move to a new country. The Canadian education system has been praised by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The OECD runs studies on educational systems around the globe, and according to them Canada’s education system is one of the best.

Last but not least – it’s Canada’s scenery; breath-taking landscapes and miles upon miles of natural attractions, snowy mountains and wildlife… It’s easy to see how Canada earned its nickname: “The Great White North”. Explore the variety of national parks, clear water lakes (there are more than 1 million!), mountain ranges, and other scenic sites. 

How to Migrate to Canada 

Time for the most important part – how can you migrate to Canada? Lucky for you, there are dozens of visas that can suit any circumstance. The visas below provide options for you to move to Canada on a temporary basis or as a permanent resident. Here are 5 ways you can move to Canada:

1. Get a Business visa – this option is best suited to entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners. Self-employed immigrants who can boost business in Canada are also invited to apply. The Canadian government created this category to enhance the economy and create more job opportunities for Canadian citizens and permanent residents. 

To be successful, applicants must show how their business or investments will create benefits for the Canadian economy and people. So, it’s important for applicants to describe how they will enhance the economy and create employment.  The two main visa types in this category are: 

• The Start-Up Visa 

• Self-Employed Persons Program

The Start-Up Visa: This visa allows business owners/part-owners to migrate to Canada. People applying for this visa must have a strong track record, with at least 3 years of experience running a successful business. This type of business visa allows you to settle anywhere in Canada.

If you have an existing business or a solid business plan, you could be eligible for the Start-Up Visa. Your business plan also needs to be supported by an approved Canadian organization such as Venture Capital Fund. There are language requirements (in English or French) and fees associated with this visa. 

Self-Employed Persons Program: This option works well for those wanting to migrate to Canada as self-employed. The applicant should have at least 2 years of relevant experience, especially in the Cultural or Athletics fields. You’ll need to make a ‘significant contribution’ to these areas under the Self-Employed Persons Program. 

This type of visa uses a points system. Points are given for experience, language ability in English or French, education, age, and adaptability. 

2. The second way to get to Canada is with the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). This program is open to people with specific knowledge and skills which will benefit the economy. This option allows each of Canada’s provinces and territories to create a program based on their specific needs. The requirements will be different for each area because each province and territory have their own economic and demographic goals. 

Quebec has a number of different PNP streams that work a little differently to those in other provinces.  These streams apply specifically to Quebec and also offer a path to permanent residency. 

The PNP consists of two main steps. The first step is a nomination from the province you wish to move to. This nomination will allow you to apply to the PNP. The Canadian government will complete the second step by giving you final approval for the application. 

3. The third way to migrate to Canada is with a family visa. This visa was created to help with family reunification. Canadian citizens and permanent residents are able to sponsor their family members. Applicants must be 18 years or over if they wish to sponsor family members to move to Canada. The main family visa types are: 

• Family Sponsor Visa 

• Family-Based Provincial Nominee Visa

• Spouse, Common-Law Partner, Conjugal Partner Visa

• Parent and Grandparent Super Visa

• Dependent Visa

Here is a list of family members or relatives who can sponsor: 

• A spouse or common-law partner

• Dependent children

• Parents and grandparents

• Orphaned siblings

• Nephews and nieces

• Grandsons and granddaughters (under the age of 18 and not married or in common-law partnership)

• Children in process of international adoption

4. The Express Entry Canada Program is the 4th way of moving to Canada. This is one of the most popular pathways for immigrants with particular skills to migrate to Canada. There is a limited quota so applicants must prove how their skills and experience can benefit the Canadian economy. 

There are 3 main visa types in the Express Entry Canada Program: 

• Federal Skilled Worker Program – for skilled immigrants seeking permanent residence in Canada

• Federal Skills Trades Program – for workers with a particular skilled trade who would like to live and work in Canada. 

• Canadian Experience Class – a path to permanent residency for temporary workers already in the country. 

The visas in the Express Entry Canada Program use a point system for the applications. Candidates are chosen from a pool of eligible applications. You can score a certain number of points based on age, language skills, education, work experience, job offer, and sponsorship. Canada immigration consultants suggest gaining the highest number of points possible, as this improves your chances of getting a visa in this category. 

Points will be calculated by Canada’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). When your application is selected, you’ll receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for the visa in the Express Entry Canada system that best suits your situation. Applications are usually completed within a few months. 

5. Another way to move to Canada is with the help of an employer.
Employers are able to hire qualified immigrants via two main options:

• Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program 

• Global Talent Stream 

The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP) is for employers who are looking for qualified workers but are unable to find local employees who are suitable for the roles. This program allows employers to hire immigrants who are well-suited and qualified for the role. The AIPP applies to 4 of Canada’s provinces: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island.

The Global Talent Stream is another option for Canadian employers who want to hire skilled foreign workers to fill roles when there are no suitable Canadian employees. There are two different categories in this immigration option:

• Category A: A designated partner of the program will invite employers to participate in the Global Talent Stream. The employer does not need a referral if they are looking for someone with very unique skills.

• Category B: The employer doesn’t need a referral for this category. They can hire a highly-qualified person to fill a role as long as the employee’s skills are on the Global Talent Occupations List. This category is a great way for skilled immigrants to work in an in-demand sector. 

The Canadian government has provided a range of ways to move to Canada, but this process can get complicated and confusing. Here at Great North Visa, we have a team of trusted Canada immigration consultants to help you through it. Let’s discuss the best type of visa for you and your family and customize a suitable immigration plan for your upcoming move.

Contact us today so we can get started!