Canada has, over the years, become one of the preferred immigration destinations for people searching for a better life with brighter prospects. And with the significant skills shortages in the Great White North, due to a high retiree rate and low birth rate, the country is always ready to welcome newcomers. In fact, it plans on opening the door to 465,000 immigrants this year alone.
If you want to immigrate to Canada from Turkey, you could be among the hundreds of thousands settling amongst the maple leaves in 2023. However, if you're unsure of your best immigration options, we've got you covered.
Top 6 Canadian Visa Options for Turkish Immigrants
There are over 100 Canadian immigration programs and visas that will make your move to Canada from Turkey possible. We've selected the six most popular options.
The Express Entry System
Topping our list of Canadian Immigration pathways is the Express Entry system. It is known to be one of the fastest and most efficient routes hopefuls take to immigrate to Canada. The system's platform allows you to submit your application forms and your supporting documents online, speeding up processing to just six months.
The Express Entry's point-based system, the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), awards points in categories such as your age, language ability in English or French, education, work experience, etc. As soon as you get a CRS score, you'll be entered into draws, where the highest-scoring applicants will get Invitations to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residency.
When you apply for a visa to Canada through the Express Entry system, you will have a choice of three federal economic immigration programs:
- You can apply to the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) if you are a skilled worker with a degree from a recognized university. You must have enough work experience and be proficient in one or both of Canada's official languages
- If you are a tradesperson with a recognized diploma or certified job-specific training, you can apply to the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). You must be proficient in one or both of Canada's official languages and have at least two year's paid work experience. You must also meet the job requirements as per Canada's National Occupational Classification
- You can apply to the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program if you are a skilled worker living and working in Canada for at least 12 consecutive months on a study permit, work permit, or Working Holiday Visa. As with the other programs, you must also be proficient in at least one Canadian official language.
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
If you'd like to settle in a particular Canadian province, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is perfect for you. The Government of Canada has an agreement with 11 Canadian provinces and territories which allows them to nominate foreigners who wish to settle there for Canadian permanent residency.
If you have the necessary skills, qualifications, and experience to contribute towards filling labor gaps in provinces and territories in Canada, you could be eligible for a nomination. Every region has its streams or pathways and criteria. This means that the skills or education level targeted in one province may not be relevant in another.
You should apply to the PNP if you:
- Can add value to a particular province or territory
- Plan to settle in that province
- Want Canadian Permanent Residency
Participating Canadian Provinces and Territories For PNP
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Manitoba
- New Brunswick
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Ontario
- Prince Edward Island
- Saskatchewan
- Yukon
The BC Tech Pilot
The BC PNP Tech Pilot has led thousands of tech professionals to Canadian Permanent residency. This pilot ensures that British Columbia remains steadfast in attracting and retaining tech to boost its tech industry. So if you are an in-demand foreign tech worker or student from Turkey, this program is for you.
Your application will be assessed based on Service, Timelessness Prioritization Engagement according to the tech industry needs in the province.
You will be eligible for this program if you are a skilled worker with an in-demand tech occupation. Note that if you apply to the pilot with a valid job offer that is included in the list of eligible occupations, your offer of employment will have to:
- Be valid for a minimum period of one year
- Have at least three months left when applying to the B.C. PNP
The BC Pilot does not require a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). It will provide you with work permit support letters to apply for a new work permit or renew a current one. You will also have access to client support services via email and telephone until you obtain Canadian permanent residency.
The Atlantic Immigration Program
The Atlantic Immigration Pilot - now known as the Atlantic Immigration Program - was designed to help people skilled and experienced in certain in-demand occupations find a pathway to Atlantic Canada. Provinces such as Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador are often overlooked as potential Canadian Immigration destinations. But the truth is that there are plenty of opportunities to find many options in this region due to less competition.
As with the BC PNP, you'll also be able to apply to work in Atlantic Canada without needing an LMIA, which means faster processing and more job opportunities. Some of the top jobs in Atlantic Canada include:
- Laborers in fish and seafood processing
- Accommodation service managers
- Nurses
- Dentists
- Teachers
- Salespeople
- Truck drivers
- Farmworkers
- Butchers
The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program
Have you completed your studies at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada? Not ready to head back to Turkey? Then you should consider applying to the Post-Graduation Work Program (PGWP). Why? Because it will allow you to stay and work in Canada.
So how does it work? Well, you'll receive an open work permit, which will allow you to be employed full-time or part-time. You could also opt to be self-employed.
The period that your PGWP will be valid for will depend on the length of your course:
- You won't be eligible for this program if your program ran for less than eight months
- You may get a PGWP for a maximum period of nine months (or time equal to the duration of your course) if your course ran for at least nine months but for under two years
- You may get a PGWP for three years if your program ran for two years or more
- In the case where you have completed more than one program, you could get a PGWP that totals the duration for each course
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program was created to help Canadian employers bridge labor gaps that are unable to be filled by Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Your prospective employer must get a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to hire a foreign worker.
In Canada, most temporary foreign workers work as:
- Academics
- In the agriculture sector
- In caregiver programs across the country
What's great about this program is that you will be able to gain valuable Canadian work experience needed to obtain Canadian permanent residency eventually.
Canada’s Turkish Population
How Many Turkish People Live in Canada
Canada has a vibrant Turkish diaspora community of over 76,000. According to Statistics Canada, Census 2021 revealed that Turkey was the place of birth for 35,270 immigrants in the country. 10,150 of these are recent immigrants.
Where do Most Turkish People Live in Canada?
When planning your move to Canada, chances are, you'll want to settle in a region that has a solid Turkish community. You'll find that Turkish people favor cities like:
Prominent Turkish Canadians
Turkish immigrants have integrated well into Canadian society over the years. Here are just some of the most notable Canadian public figures who are of Turkish descent:
- Onur Karaman - Turkish-born Canadian film director and screenwriter
- Ennis Esmer -Turkish-born actor, comedian, voice actor, writer, producer, and presenter
- Orhan Demir - Turkish-born) is a Canadian jazz guitarist
- Tuğba Karademir - Turkish-born former competitive figure skater
- Erdem Moralıoğlu - Canadian-born fashion designer with a Turkish father
- Nil Köksal - Turkish-born Canadian television and radio journalist
- Yaprak Baltacioğlu - Turkish-born retired Canadian public servant, lawyer, professor and twelfth Chancellor of Carleton University
Turkish Culture in Canada
Religion
When it comes to religion, Most Turkish Canadians are Sunni Muslims. Still, there are also groups of Alevis, as well as those who do not subscribe to any particular religion.
Turkish Organizations in Canada
You'll find several Turkish community organizations established by groups of Turkish immigrants in Canada who keep Turkish culture alive in Canada. Most of these are represented by the Federation of Canadian Turkish Associations, an umbrella organization established in the eighties. The federation is a hub for all things Turkish, from news to events and Turkish-Canadian relations.
Other Turkish organizations in Canada include:
- Turkish Society of Canada
- Turkish Culture and Folklore Society
- Council of Turkish Canadians
- The Turkish Quebec Cultural and Friendship Association
- Canadian Turkish Cultural Association of Hamilton
Benefits of a Mover to Canada From Turkey
Canadian immigration comes with many benefits. This is why the Great White North is a popular destination for foreigners yearning for a better life. Below are some benefits you can expect when you move to Canada.
- A Stable Economy
- Abundant Job Opportunities
- A Liberal, Stable Government
- A Society That Values Multiculturalism
- Many Pathways to Canadian Permanent Residency
- Free Education For Children up to High School
Kickstart Your Journey to Canada From Turkey
Now that you know more about the best ways to immigrate to Canada from Turkey and have an idea of how you may be able to integrate into Canadian Society, it's time to plan your move. With so many benefits that await, there's no need to delay your Canadian dream. Should you need some guidance on getting your Canadian immigration journey going, know that our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants are standing by to assist you through every step.
FAQS
What Are the Requirements For Immigrating to Canada?
The requirements for Canadian Immigration are as follows:
- You cannot have a criminal record
- If you are applying to become a permanent resident, you will typically have to show you can perform the duties as laid out in your job offer
- Every program has a minimum requirement of at least a Canadian high school diploma or the equivalent
- If you aren't already working in Canada, you must show you can pay for your cost to move and settle in Canada
- Depending on your visa type, you may need to get a minimum score on one of the Canadian Language Benchmark tests
- You may be required to have a doctor's examination to show you don't have any terminal/life-threatening illnesses
How Can I Check my CRS Score For Express Entry?
You can make use of our CRS Calculator.