Canadian Immigration for Iranians

Iranians are risking their lives to reach European countries with the hopes of settling and starting a life in a more peaceful, passive society. For those who are not yet aware, across the Atlantic ocean (or the Pacific, depending on which way you decide to travel) is a country happily accepting immigrants from all backgrounds, education levels, and skill sets, Canada. Over the next three years, Canadian immigration for Iranians will become more accessible than ever before. 

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (the IRCC) has announced new immigration targets revealing the intention to welcome over 1.2 million immigrants to the country by 2023. That’s over 400,000 a year.   

While the Canadian government continues to provide asylum to Iranians who have suffered persecution and trauma in their home country, it is also welcoming Iranians who wish to immigrate to Canada through traditional channels such as one of our many immigration programs. There are almost 160,000 Iranian-born immigrants living in Canada right now! 

There are many areas of our country that urgently need good, hard-working people to help grow communities and forge a stronger economy. If you are highly skilled or qualified, you will likely be able to take your pick of where you want to settle, if you are a semi-skilled worker with good work experience, there are towns across the country where you will find employment and a welcoming community. The most important aspect for you to focus on if you want to immigrate to Canada may be your English language skills.   

Canada Immigration Options From Iran

As hundreds pour out of Iran every day, it is recommended that you act quickly to start the Canadian immigration process, even if it isn't your intention to leave just yet. Sources indicate you may face delays when applying for supporting documentation such as university transcripts.    

With over 100 different visa and immigration programs available for Canada, it is vital that you know your options and apply to the program that will give you the best chance of earning an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency. You can choose between securing a job from outside the country, moving to Canada, and finding a job when you arrive (you will need to show adequate financial resources), starting or buying a business, and studying in Canada. 

Express Entry System

If you are a professional or skilled tradesperson, you can apply for permanent residency in Canada without a job offer through the popular Express Entry System. Candidates apply by creating profiles and providing information relating to their age, work experience, qualifications, and language abilities. A score is then calculated for your profile using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) and you are entered into a pool of applicants. Typically twice every month draws take place from the prospective pools and applicants and candidates with the highest scores are issued ITAs for permanent residence in Canada.    

This year, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (the IRCC) is aiming to welcome 401,000 immigrants to Canada, over 100,000 through Express Entry, the highest number ever.  

Check your eligibility for the Express Entry system below.  

Study in Canada

A popular and effective way to become a Canadian resident and integrate yourself into society much more seamlessly is to study either an extension of your existing qualification, such as a Masters or Ph.D. or to study something completely new. Post-secondary institutions are accepting foreign students at a rate three times higher than only 10 years ago. In 2009 there were 101,304, in 2019 there were 318,153 international students studying in Canada.    

The logic is sound, by graduating from a Canadian institution, you show prospective employers that you are not only up to the Canadian standards, but can communicate and function within a Canadian working environment. Graduating from certain designated learning institutions also makes you eligible for the Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP), a special work permit with a duration directly correlated to your studies.  

After you graduate and secure a job offer, you become eligible for permanent residency through a number of immigration programs such as the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP ) and the Atlantic Immigration Pilot.

Start a Business in Canada

Many Iranians have found incredible success in Canada’s business world. The Ghermmezian family owns shopping malls all over Canada, Shahin Asayesh founded the Iranian Women's Quarterly Journal and Hassan Khosrowshahi founded Future Shop, an electronics chain that was eventually bought out by Best Buy for a whopping $580 million. Your potential is only limited by your own willingness to succeed in Canada. By opening a business, you will also be eligible for permanent residency, as long as you meet your province's Entrepreneurship Program's requirements.  

If you want to start your own business in Canada or buy an existing business, the general qualifying requirements for provincial Entrepreneurship programs you should be aware of are: 

• You must have prior experience managing or owning a successful business
• You must be willing to invest a minimum of $150,000 in rural areas, and $250,000 in some urban areas
• You must create a job for at least one, sometimes two Canadian permanent residents or citizens (family members aren’t allowed to be included in this number)
• Like every other immigration program, you will need to achieve the minimum score set by your province for a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) test

Why Immigrate to Canada From Iran

Five reasons why you should immigrate to Canada from Iran:

• 1. Freedom - of religion, of expression, of movement, in Canada, you have irrevocable rights, and the freedom to be who you want to be is one of the most important. Canadians respect each other's choices, preferences, and never act with prejudice, it is simply unacceptable. 
• 2. Employment Opportunities - while it may be tougher to find a job in the big cities, there are jobs waiting to be filled in towns and communities across the country.
• 3. Free Healthcare - world-class healthcare is provided free of charge to all Canadian residents and citizens. You will have to pay for dentistry though.
• 4. Education - public education for children is free up until the end of high school. Canada's public schooling system ranks 3rd in the world, and as a country is ranked 1st for the most educated country in the world, with 57% of adults having some sort of higher education.   
• 5. Big, Green and Beautiful - whether it’s summer or winter, warm and sunny or white and snowy, the countryside is always a sight to behold. With millions of lakes, forests that cover hundreds of square kilometers, and breathtaking mountain ranges, Canada has endless beauty to be explored.   

A better future is waiting for you and the people you love. Canadian immigration for Iranians is the answer to all the questions; where will I be safe? Where will I be accepted? Where can I build a happy and prosperous life? With a growing community of Iranians living in Canada and new immigration targets and the various programs available, immigrating to Canada is more accessible than ever.       

To learn more about how Canadian immigration works, complete our contact form and an agent will be in touch. 

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