Canada’s strong economy and sophisticated academic environment attract students and professionals from various parts of the world. The high standard of living and developed commercial segment are prime aspects, drawing immigrants. Living in Canada may be among your life-goals. You can obtain different types of visas, through which you can obtain permanent residence and thereafter, citizenship in Canada. The government in Canada has come up with several immigration programs. Eventually, immigrants find it easy to move to this country.

Skilled Worker Visas

Over the years, a large number of immigrants have successfully moved to Canada through the Skilled Worker visas. In case you have enough work experience and educational qualification, you have plenty of opportunities to settle in the country. Have a look at some of the Skilled Worker Visas in Canada.

• Federal Skilled Worker Visa
• Canadian Experience Class
• Provincial Nominee Program
• Federal Skilled Trades Program
• Quebec Skilled Worker Program

Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)

The Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program has gained immense popularity among Canada’s immigration programs. In fact, it serves as one of the easiest, cheapest and fastest processes to settle in this country. Over the years, the FSW program has undergone several restrictions and revisions. At present, it has been integrated into the Express Entry system. Even in the coming years, this particular program for immigration will continue to gain popularity. The reason is, skilled workers can settle in Canada through this program.

How to qualify for this immigration program?

In case you are willing to settle in Canada through this immigration program, you need to fulfill all the requirements presented here. These norms undergo frequent changes and updates. The authorities often introduce new streams, while removing the existing ones. In order to qualify for this program, you should be having the following work experience:

• Continuous employment on full-time basis for one year at least (30 hours a week/ a total of 1,560 hours), or an equivalent number of hours in part time.
• Paid work (excluding unpaid internships and volunteer work)
• You must be in the same job
• Within the span of the last 10 years
• You need to be at skill levels A or B, or at skill type 0 of the NOC (National Occupational Classification).

If you fulfil the conditions mentioned above, the authorities will assess your application on the basis of certain selection parameters, as per the point grid of skilled workers. These factors include:

• Your skills in two of the Canada’s official languages, English and/or French
• Work experience
• Educational level
• Whether or not you have a valid offer for job
• Your age
• How you would be settling there, or your adaptability 

Privileges of the program

When you qualify for this program, you would become a Permanent Resident (PR) of Canada. In this position, you are authorized to carry out every activity as a Canadian Citizen does, except joining the military and voting. Besides, this program entitles the individual to enjoy all the benefits that the PRs and Canadians enjoy. After you qualify for the residency requirements, you are entitled to apply for a citizenship in Canada.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

In comparison to other immigration programs in Canada, the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program is relatively new. The authorities have come up with this program for people who are already working in Canada or are a part of any of the Canadian schools. These professionals can settle in Canada, as per the norms of this program. In the process, you can stay in Canada on a long-term basis. In recent years, this program has been successful. For individuals who are already in Canada as an immigrant, it is a great option. 

Requirements for the program

Individuals with the following experiences can be eligible for this program:

• As a temporary worker, you should have full-time work experience for at least 12 months (or equivalent experience in part time) three years before the application
• As a student, you should have graduated from a post-secondary institution in Canada, and have worked full-time for at least one year in Canada.

Besides, you need to gain experience on proper study or work permits in Canada in the given time, so that you can qualify for this program. The candidate needs to apply within a maximum of one year after completing his or her job in Canada. Under this immigration program, every applicant should have worked in a skilled, technical or managerial job. Besides, the person needs to fulfil all the required benchmarks for language, English or French. You must also note that this plan is meant for individuals who are willing to settle anywhere in the country, apart from Quebec. In this particular part of Canada, they have a different immigration program, the Quebec Experience Class.

Privileges of the program

If you qualify for this program, after attaining the visa, you will be a Canadian Permanent Resident (PR). In this position, you will be entitled to do anything that a citizen of Canada does, except joining the military or voting. Besides, you will enjoy all other benefits that the PRs and Canadians do. You may apply for citizenship in the country after fulfilling the criteria as a PR. 

Federal Skilled Trades Program

The FSTP (Federal Skilled Trades Program) is among the immigration systems that Canada’s Express Entry system manages. This program is largely based on the need for skilled Trade personnel in Canada, who apply for permanent residence. The occupations in this visa program are listed under Skill Level B category of NOC. However, you also have other immigration options of moving to Canada, if you are in the unskilled category. However, the Federal Skilled Trades Program is a fast-track mechanism, through which you can move to Canada quickly.

How to qualify for this immigration program?

In order to qualify for the program, you need to fulfil a set of criteria. Firstly, you should be in an occupation that the federal government recognizes as a skill. Then, you have to submit your application through the Express Entry system, declaring that you would prefer this program. Besides, you should be having an authentic offer for job. A qualification certificate may also serve the purpose, and you would be recognized for this specific stream. If you can successfully receive an ITA (Invitation to Apply) from this application, the authorities might consider you for permanent residence in all the Canadian provinces except Quebec. The reason is, this province has got its own set of norms for skilled worker immigration.

Eligibility criteria

Here are certain criteria, that you need to fulfil to be eligible for this program.

• Get a valid offer for job from a Canadian employer for at least one year. Alternatively, approach a provincial body and get a certificate of qualification.
• Demonstrate your proficiency in English or French. This is assessed by the Canadian Language Benchmark, where you need to obtain level 4 for reading and writing and level 5 for speaking and listening.
• Have at least two years of experience at work prior to applying.
• You should be able to demonstrate your experience and skills in the respective trade.

Apart from the achievements and documents listed above, the applicant needs to show evidence that he or she has adequate funds to settle in Canada, or support your family if necessary. Besides, a recognized body in the country will evaluate you for the trade you are in. You may require training or experience from a Canadian employer. The applicant should visit the territory or province where you are likely to settle, for evaluation. Once done, the candidate would be ready for applying for this program by creating his or her online profile along with the relevant documents, as a part of the Express Entry system.

Express Entry Immigration Draws

As a part of the Express Entry system, the candidates applying for immigration are ranked under the CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System). Candidates with the highest ranks are selected from the pool. These individuals get the ITA (Invitation to Apply) for Canadian permanent residence. At regular intervals throughout the year, these invitations are issued by the country’s federal government.

At the time of each invitation round, the set of instructions are posted online. The Express Entry system follows these norms, as they invite the applicants.

The instructions include:

• When the invitation round will be held
• The number of applicants who are likely to receive an invitation
• The programs for immigration that are a part of this round

Therefore, the candidates need to check their respective scores and use this data to check out their probability to receive an invitation.

Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW)

The Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW) program is very unique. This program bestows certain allowances and exemptions to immigrants, that are not available to immigrants who settle in other provinces. The authorities came up with the Quebec Skilled Worker Program in place of the Federal Skilled Worker program. Through this program, efficient workers with desired skills can come to the province, settle there and fulfil skill gaps.

How to qualify for this program?

The authorities would screen the immigrants, checking multiple aspects of the applicant and his/her spouse. These include:

• The schooling of both the people, like educational level and type of training
• Their knowledge in English and French
• The time spent in the province, along with the family ties that you have with a Quebec or Canadian resident.
• If applicable, the characteristics of a common-law partner or accompanying spouse
• Whether or not you are carrying a valid job offer. This is applicable only in case you have got an offer from an employer in the province, fulfilling some particulars.
• The applicant needs to include the number of kids aged under 10, who will be coming to Quebec with you.

Besides, the process involves certain financial means, that you need to show, along with the ability to adapt and live in Quebec. When you get all these aspects approved at the Quebec level, some processes will be initiated by the Federal Government. This is done to check the medical requirements and security under the Federal laws.

Privileges under this program

Immigrants can become a Permanent Resident of Canada under this program. Since this program is based in Quebec, the immigrants need to show some intention that they would be settling there. When you obtain this Permanent Citizenship, you will be entitled to do everything that Canadian citizens do. However, you won’t be able to join the military or vote. Next, you can apply for Canadian Citizenship.

Business visas

Entrepreneurs who are already experienced and wish to carry out business in Canada can opt for three types of visas. These include the Provincial Nominee Program, Quebec Business Immigration Visa and Federal Business Immigration Visa. Through this visa, you can live in Canada for a short term and explore the country’s business opportunities. However, you should note that immigrants are not permitted to operate in Canada when they obtain a business visa, it is solely meant for business activities.

Federal Investor Class

If you are entrepreneurial-minded, and are ready to invest in Canada to foster economic growth and enhance employment, you may go for this program. You need to make a guaranteed investment of CAD $800,000 for five years. Investors and their families, who are eligible for this program, may get the statist of permanent residents in Canada. In order to qualify for this program, you should be fulfilling these requirements.

Eligibility criteria

• Your personal net worth should be CAD $1.6 million at least.
• From your own funds, you need to make a guaranteed investment for five years of CAD $800,000.
• You should be willing to reside in any of the territories or provinces in Canada apart from Quebec. 
• The immigrants must own a qualified business, or manage at least five employees in any business.

After the five-year term, your investment will be reimbursed, and no interest will be paid for the same. In case you are seeking an alternative for this investment of $800,000, you may pay $200,000 as a non-refundable one-time financing fee. The immigrant has to make this payment to a financial intermediary, who has been given the authority to collect the payment. This intermediary will invest a capital of $800,000 in the name of the immigrant.

Quebec Investor Class

In case you are an experienced investor with substantial assets and a high personal net worth, you may invest in Quebec. Under this circumstance, you might be eligible for the Quebec Investor Class program. You should be able to invest CAD $1,200,000 at the minimum with a financial intermediary in Quebec. Besides, the immigrant should be having CAD $2 million at least as net assets. 

How to be eligible for this program?

• You should be having CAD $2 million minimum, legally obtained. This excludes donations that you have obtained within 6 months of applying. However, it may include the assets of the common-law partner and spouse.
• The immigrant should be experienced in managing a commercial, legal farming or industrial business. He can also be in a legal professional business. In this case, the staff apart from the investor need to occupy two full-time jobs, or equivalent. Alternatively, they should be working for a government or an international agency.
• You should be willing to settle in Quebec. Besides, you need to sign a deal, where you would be making an investment of CAD $1,200,000 with an authorized financial intermediary, which can be a trust company or broker.
• Fulfil the criteria mentioned in the Quebec Investor Points Assessment Grid.

The authorities will also consider other factors like training background, language proficiency and age of the applicants.

Family Visas

Canada also offers several family visas, through which you can unite with your family or relatives by sponsoring them in the country. However, you should already be a Canadian resident or a permanent resident to sponsor others. The government in Canada encourages families to be unified. Here are some of the popular family visas, and you can choose the one that suits your needs.

• Conjugal Partner Visa
• Dependent Child Visa
• Spousal Visa
• Remaining Relative Visa
• Common-Law Partner Visa
• Family-Based Provincial Nominee Visa

Under this visa, the sponsor, as well as the individuals who are sponsored have to fulfil certain conditions.

Family Class Immigration

In case you are a permanent resident of Canada, or a citizen, whose family members want to move to Canada, this program would suit you perfectly. Many individuals opt for this program for reuniting with their families in Canada. Under this program, you should be sponsoring the immigrants. However, the person who seeks sponsorship should be any of the following: 

• Conjugal or common-law partner or spouse
• Parent
• Grandparent
• Dependent child
• Nephew, niece, sibling or grandchild aged under 18, whose parents are deceased and who is unmarried.

Who can be the sponsor?

In order to be the sponsor, you must be an adult permanent resident or citizen of Canada, aged at least 18. Besides, you need to reside in Canada, with the exception that you are presently living abroad. In this case, you need to come back to Canada when the sponsored immigrants arrive in the country.

However, you would not be eligible to be the sponsor in case you are subject to a removal order, or are in prison. Besides, if you have already sponsored a partner or spouse in the past who has not been a Canadian PR for more than 3 years, you cannot be the sponsor. 

Student visas

Canada attracts students with its robust academic setup. The world-class infrastructure in its colleges and universities draws students across the globe. Besides, Canadian degrees are valued all over the world. Eventually, students can avail different study visas to pursue academic courses in the country.

The Canadian immigration authorities issue a study permit, through which international students get to study in the country. Even if you get a study permit to Canada, you would be entitled to get admitted only in designated institutions for learning.

Firstly, the applicant has to carry the letter of introduction and certain specified documents to the airport in Canada. Here, the immigration officer would be waiting, to whom you need to present the letter of introduction and passport for validation.

However, as an international student, you have to fulfil certain criteria to be eligible for this kind of visas.

Eligibility criteria

• Firstly, the DLI (designated learning institute) should accept you
• The applicant needs to prove his or her financial capabilities to manage the living expenses and tuition fee
• The immigrant should have no criminal record and a clean background. For this, a police certificate has to be produced.
• You should come up with a medical certificate of your health checkup, that states that your health condition is good.
• During the visa interview, the visa officer has to be convinced that once the program is over, you would be leaving Canada.

While applying for the student visa, you would require to furnish:

• A valid passport
• Proof of your finances
• Proof of acceptance by the learning institution
• English language proficiency score
• Statement of purpose

Temporary Resident Visas

In case you look forward to stay for a short time span in Canada, you can obtain a temporary resident visa. This is applicable to both business and personal grounds. You would be provided with an option of choosing from multiple entry and single-entry visas in Canada. In order to be eligible for the visa, you should be fulfilling the following conditions:

• Possess authentic documents for travel, along with passport
• Medically fit, having cleared the medical test
• Financially strong to fund the stay in Canada
• Clear an interview at the outset with the immigration authorities
• Clear of any criminal record

Visitor visa

A visitor visa in Canada, also referred to as the TRV (Temporary Resident Visa) is a popular immigration mechanism. Through this, foreign individuals can enter Canada and travel the country. However, you need to be from a country that is not in the visa-exempt list. Therefore, you can enter the country as a temporary worker, visitor or student through this visa.

How to apply for this visa?

To apply for this visa, you may submit your application online or in person at a VAC (Visa Application Center). People who are traveling with a family to Canada would require each of their family members to complete their application on their own. This might include their dependent children too. Besides, the immigrants may have to furnish their biometric information, which varies according to their country of origin. This includes photographs and finger print, which you need to submit at a service point of biometric collection. You can also submit the biometrics after applying for the visitor visa, as applicable to your case.

A visitor visa enables you to live in Canada for a maximum period of 6 months. However, if you need to stay more than 6 months in Canada, you should apply for an extension within your duration of stay in Canada.

Temporary foreign workers

The TFW (Temporary Foreign Worker) immigration program of Canada enables individuals who are a permanent resident or a Canadian citizen to operate in Canada in certain positions. These people are allowed to work in positions where Canada faces labour shortages. When this program was launched, it was meant for agricultural workers and live-in caregivers. Later, it expanded and presently is applicable for several low and high skilled positions.

How to qualify for this visa?

• Firstly, you should get a job offer from an employer in Canada. Generally, an employer offering has to apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment. In this process, he or she gets the permit to hire a worker from a different country from the authorities.
• You should not be inadmissible to the country on financial, criminal or medical grounds.

In order to work in Canada, it is necessary to apply for a work permit at the outset. The authorities would grant the permit under this program, which is valid for a maximum duration of one year. Besides, the employability is bound to a particular employer. In Canada, temporary foreign workers can work legally for the employer who has been named in the work permit. Eventually, you cannot change jobs or switch companies under this visa program.

Co-op/internship work permit

In Canada, many universities and colleges stricture curriculums, which include work experience. In case you want to undergo training in such a course, you should apply both for a study permit and a work permit. In order to qualify for this internship or work permit, you should have a valid permit for studying in Canada. Besides, the intended employment would be required in this case. The designated institution has to offer a study program. The applicant should be a part of the vocational, academic or professional course, that is being offered.

Remember, you will not be eligible for this kind of permit, in case you are studying French or English as your second language, or in case you are undergoing preparatory courses or programs of general interest. Besides, the co-op or internship employment should not be more than 50% of the overall course of study. The benefit of this work permit is that, the student can gain practical work experience during the program. The immigrant can also apply for a post-graduate student work permit for residency and work in Canada after they complete their course.

Post Grad Student Work Permit

Several students who are already studying in Canada want to be a part of the work force in the country. Besides, the government in Canada has come up with policies to retain locally trained talent. The Post Grad Student Work Permit serves as the first stage to permanent residency in the country through the Canadian Experience Class path. You can obtain this permit throughout the length of the program, with three years as the maximum validity.

How to be eligible for this permit?

The immigrant should hold a valid permit for study He or she needs to be at least 18 years of age during application You need to apply for the permit within a span of 90 days of obtaining a confirmation in writing, that you have successfully fulfilled the criteria and are eligible to graduate the course

The applicants might not be eligible if:

• Pursuing a course less than 8 months in duration
• Receiving financial assistance from the CIDA (Canadian International Development Agency)
• Be a part of the Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program, that the GAC (Global Affairs Canada) funds
• Be a part of any Government of Canada Awards Program, that GAC funds
• Be a part of the Canada-China Scholars Exchanges Program, Equal Opportunity Scholarship, Organization of American States Fellowships Program, or any distance learning program within Canada from abroad
• Been issued a Post-Graduation Work Permit in the past for any other course

Through this program, you will be able to gain valuable experience by working in Canada. If you are willing to obtain permanent residence, this would be the first step.