Canada offers several migration visa options to suit different categories of immigrants, including skilled workers, family members, and investors. Below are the key visa categories available:
1. Express Entry Program
The Express Entry Program is one of the most popular pathways for skilled workers to migrate to Canada. It operates through a points-based system, where applicants are ranked based on their skills, education, work experience, and language proficiency.
Eligibility: Candidates must meet specific criteria related to age, education, work experience, and language skills.
Main Visa Categories:
👉Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): For skilled workers with foreign work experience who want to live and work in Canada permanently.
👉Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): For qualified tradespeople with job offers in Canada.
👉Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For individuals who have already worked in Canada and wish to become permanent residents.
2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals who wish to migrate and settle in a specific province.
Eligibility: Requirements vary by province, but typically include job offers, language proficiency, and relevant work experience.
Popular PNP Streams:
👉Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
👉British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
👉Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)
3. Family Sponsorship Program
Canada’s Family Sponsorship Program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their close relatives to come and live in Canada.
Eligibility: The sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and the sponsored family member must be a spouse, child, parent, or sibling.
Popular Visa Categories:
👉Spouse and Common-Law Partner Sponsorship: For sponsoring a spouse or partner to live in Canada.
👉Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship: For bringing parents or grandparents to Canada.
4. Start-Up Visa Program
The Start-Up Visa Program is designed for entrepreneurs who want to start a business in Canada. Successful applicants can become permanent residents and bring their families with them.
👉Eligibility: Applicants must secure funding from a designated Canadian venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator.
Requirements:
👉Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself and your family.
👉Ability to meet language requirements in either English or French.
5. Quebec-Selected Skilled Workers Program
The province of Quebec has its own immigration system, separate from Canada’s federal immigration programs. The Quebec-Selected Skilled Workers Program allows individuals who meet specific criteria to migrate and settle in Quebec.
Eligibility: Applicants must be selected by the Government of Quebec based on their skills, education, work experience, and language proficiency (French is highly preferred).