What Is The Easiest Way To Immigrate To Canada

Canada has long been a dream destination for immigrants from around the world. Known for its high quality of life, diverse culture, and robust economy, it's no wonder that thousands of people aspire to call Canada their new home. If you're considering immigration to Canada, Express Entry might just be the easiest way to achieve that dream.

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As of 2023, 211,356 individuals have successfully entered Canada through the Express Entry system. These numbers underscore the popularity and success of this immigration pathway.

The Express Entry System: The Easy Way to Canada

Express Entry is a points-based system designed to manage applications for three of Canada's most popular economic immigration programs:

1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): This stream is for skilled workers with foreign work experience, who are assessed based on factors like age, education, work experience, and language proficiency.
2. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): For individuals with experience in specific skilled trades, this stream assesses candidates on factors like work experience, job offer, and language skills.
3. Canadian Experience Class (CEC): If you have previous work or study experience in Canada, this stream is tailored for you. The CEC assesses candidates based on their Canadian work experience, language skills, and education.

Understanding the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)

The CRS is a pivotal aspect of Express Entry. It assigns points to applicants based on factors like age, education, work experience, language skills, and adaptability. Your CRS score plays a vital role in determining your eligibility and ranking among other applicants in the Express Entry pool. A high CRS score significantly increases your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.

Express Entry Requirements

To be eligible for Express Entry, you must:

• Meet the criteria of one of the three streams (FSWP, FSTP, or CEC).
• Score enough CRS points to qualify.
• Have a valid language test result (e.g., IELTS or CELPIP).
• Obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for your foreign education.
• Pass a medical exam and security background check.
• Prove that you have enough funds to support yourself and your family in Canada.

How to Apply for Express Entry

To make your journey smoother and increase your chances of success, consider enlisting the help of a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC). These professionals are well-versed in Canadian immigration laws and procedures and can provide expert guidance throughout your Express Entry application.

Alternative Easy Routes to Canada

While the Express Entry (EE) system is one of the most popular pathways for immigration to Canada, it's not the only option available. Canada boasts a diverse range of Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) that offer alternative easy routes to permanent residency. These programs are tailored to specific provinces and territories, each with its unique requirements and advantages. In this article, we'll explore some of these alternative routes to Canada, which, although not as well-known as EE, can be just as accessible and rewarding.

Saskatchewan’s International Skilled Worker: Occupation In-Demand and Express Entry

Located in Canada's prairie region, the province of Saskatchewan has become a popular destination for immigrants due to its strong economic growth and job opportunities. Saskatchewan's International Skilled Worker PNP offers two streams - Occupations In-Demand and Express Entry - both designed to recruit workers with experience in the province's in-demand occupations.

To submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), applicants must have at least one year of experience in an occupation not on SINP's Excluded Occupations List. Interested candidates must also have completed a post-secondary educational credential of at least one year and speak English or French. Any candidate that meets Saskatchewan's minimum eligibility criteria, including scoring a minimum of 60 points on their Points Assessment Grid, may submit an EOI profile. Submitted profiles are then considered in one of SINP's EOI draws, with only the most competitive candidates in-demand occupations receiving invitations.

Candidates eligible for Express Entry can apply under the Saskatchewan Express Entry stream for expedited processing of their permanent residence application. However, the Saskatchewan Occupations In-Demand stream is also available to those who don't qualify to submit an Express Entry profile.

Alberta’s Express Entry Stream

Canada's western province of Alberta, with its thriving cities like Calgary and Edmonton, offers a growing job market and an excellent education system, making it a noteworthy province for newcomers. Alberta's Express Entry stream selects candidates from the federal Express Entry pool to apply for provincial nomination.

One significant benefit of this stream is that it considers Express Entry candidates with CRS scores as low as 300, offering more candidates in the pool a chance to receive a Notification of Interest (NOI) from the province. It's important to note that a CRS score above 300 does not guarantee an invitation from Alberta's Express Entry stream.

Factors like having a qualifying relative in Alberta, a job offer or work experience in the province, and a completed credential from a Canadian post-secondary institution can increase a candidate's chances. Once nominated by Alberta, applicants receive an additional 600 CRS points in the Express Entry system, virtually guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.

Due to Alberta's low CRS requirement, it is often considered one of the easiest provinces to obtain permanent residency in Canada.

Ontario’s Human Capital Priorities Stream

Ontario, Canada's most populous province, is a popular destination for immigrants, especially in cities like Toronto with its growing tech-jobs sector. Ontario's Human Capital Priorities stream is a great option for those living outside of Canada, prioritizing skilled workers who can fill employment positions in the province.

This stream operates through the federal Express Entry system, requiring prospective candidates to have an active Express Entry profile with a CRS score of 400 points or higher. Ontario scans through all Express Entry profiles and invites certain profiles to apply to the PNP based on specific NOC codes and CRS ranges.

Ontario nominated a total of 3,513 candidates under their Human Capital Priorities stream, with about half invited under OINP's targeted tech draw. Ontario's high immigration quotas mean frequent draws, making it one of the easiest provinces to obtain PR in Canada for qualifying candidates.

Nova Scotia’s Labour Market Priorities Stream

Nova Scotia, located on Canada's east coast, offers a unique lifestyle, proximity to the ocean, low cost of living, and a laid-back atmosphere. Nova Scotia's Labour Market Priorities stream selects candidates directly from the Express Entry pool, even if they have no prior connections to the province.

Nova Scotia doesn't disclose the occupations or criteria they target ahead of their intake rounds, but they often invite candidates with no province-specific ties. Prospective nominees must have an active Express Entry profile and indicate their interest in Nova Scotia.

Successful nominees receive an additional 600 points toward their CRS score, essentially guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in a federal Express Entry draw.

Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

Introduced as a pilot program in 2017 and made permanent on December 17, 2021, under the name Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), this employer-driven program aims to find the right people for job positions in Atlantic Canada provinces - Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

AIP offers three categories - Intermediate Skilled Worker, High-Skilled Worker, and International Graduate program - each with different eligibility requirements. Most AIP applications are processed in six months, and since it's an employer-driven program, the goal is to help skilled workers migrate to Canada as quickly as possible.

Candidates also have the option to move to another province after some time from the region that initially granted them AIP status. However, before making such a move, it's essential to assess the viability of work in the new province.

While AIP requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), it's worth noting that complex LMIA applications costing over CAD 10,000 are not required.

Depending on your qualifications, work experience, and goals, one of these alternative routes may be your ticket to permanent residency in the Great White North. Explore your options, prepare your application diligently, and take a step closer to calling Canada your home.

What Makes A Program ‘Easy’ According to David Allon

Provinces use Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) to find suitable regional candidates. The PNPs have incredible benefits to both provinces that need to fill labor gaps - candidates who wish to settle in a particular province must have an in-demand skill set that the province falls short of.

According to Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) David Allon, who assists clients in making their move to Canada, "The provinces have discussions all the time with the central government about the needs for human capital in their province, mainly in order to boost their economy, and according to that, they reach agreements with the central government on their PNP programs."

Additionally, 'easy' and 'hard' provinces may be subjective based on individual skills and provincial requirements. Still, there are various reasons why these five provinces are considered 'easy' to get Canadian Permanent Residency (PR) status.

With regard to the level of difficulty of getting PR, David says, "There are differences in conditions between province to province according to the specific needs of the different provinces. You can not state in an objective way what is an easy immigration program and what is hard. This depends on the profile of the candidate. One program can be very easy to one candidate but very hard to the other, and vice versa."

While many PNPs need a link to the province, such as a job offer, employment history, or educational qualification, specific programs invite people based on their capacity to meet demographic or labor shortfalls.

Generally speaking, this list covers programs that have fewer requirements, better benefits that are easily accessible, or have a large quota for inviting candidates, meaning your odds increase. However, finding out if you're eligible from the get-go is always helpful.

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Choosing The Right Program For You

When immigrating to a new country like Canada, one of the most crucial decisions you'll make is selecting the right immigration program. Canada offers diverse pathways, each designed to meet specific needs and qualifications. To make an informed choice, it's essential to consider various factors that can impact your journey to becoming a Canadian permanent resident.

Family Considerations

One of the foremost factors to ponder is your family. Are you planning to bring your spouse, children, or other dependents with you to Canada? Not all immigration programs allow for family sponsorship. If keeping your family together is a priority, be sure to choose a program that permits you to include your loved ones in your application.

Eligibility

Before you get too deep into the application process, determine if you are eligible for the program you are considering. Each immigration program has its own set of eligibility criteria, which may include factors like age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and more. Make sure to thoroughly assess your qualifications against the program requirements to avoid wasting time and effort on an option that isn't a good fit.

Provincial Considerations

Canada consists of ten provinces and three territories, each with its unique culture, job market, and quality of life. Some immigration programs are specific to certain provinces, which means you'll need to decide if you want to live in that particular province. Take into account factors like climate, job opportunities, cost of living, and lifestyle preferences when choosing a province to settle in.

Job Offer

Securing a job offer from a Canadian employer can significantly affect your eligibility for certain immigration programs. Some programs require a valid job offer before you can apply, while others give you extra points in their selection process if you have a job lined up. Consider your employment prospects and whether you can secure a job offer in Canada as part of your immigration strategy.

Financial Considerations

Immigrating to Canada often requires a significant financial investment. Consider the costs associated with your chosen program, including application fees, settlement funds, and living costs in your selected province. Adequate financial planning is essential to ensure a smooth transition to your new life in Canada.

Choosing the right immigration program for your journey to Canada is a critical decision that can impact your future and your family's future. By carefully evaluating these factors and conducting thorough research, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your goals and aspirations for your new life in Canada. Remember, each individual's circumstances are unique, so take the time to tailor your immigration strategy to your specific needs and priorities.

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FAQs

Am I Guaranteed PR Through a PNP?

If a province has nominated you to immigrate to Canada and reside in a particular province, it's safe to say that, barring complications, you should receive Permanent Residency status. While nothing is guaranteed, you can increase your chances of getting PR status by gaining an additional 600 points if you get a PNP, increasing your base Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score and chances of landing in Canada significantly.

How do I Know if My Skills are Needed in Canada?

Canada is a massive country with vast diversity in environment, population, and industry. As a result, different provinces require different skills to support their local economies. This map shows you which occupations and, by extension, which skills are currently in demand in Canada.