How to Immigrate to Canada from Jamaica

Canada is one of the most popular destinations for Jamaicans looking to move abroad. It offers a stable economy, excellent healthcare, friendly people, and a high quality of life. If you're a Jamaican considering a move to Canada, this guide will help you understand the immigration process and the benefits of moving.

The Express Entry System

Express Entry

The Express Entry system is the primary route for Jamaicans looking to immigrate to Canada. This system is designed to make the immigration process easier for skilled workers who meet the criteria for immigration to immigrate to Canada with their families.

The Canadian Government manages the Express Entry system, and applicants must meet the requirements for language proficiency, education, and work experience to be considered. If you are successful, you can expect to receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence.

The Express Entry System has three programs specifically for different applicants. They are:

  • The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
    • This program is specifically for applicants working in an occupation that usually requires a degree or diploma, such as a lawyer, doctor or accountant.
  • The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
    • This program is specifically for applicants working in a trade that usually requires certification, such as a diploma. Examples of jobs in this field are electricians, chefs and plumbers.
  • The Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
    • This program is specifically for those who have already been living and working in Canada in a skilled profession for at least a year.

Applicants apply by creating an Express Entry profile on the Canadian government website. In this profile, they enter personal details like age, marital status, work experience, level of education and connections to Canada. The Canadian Government will then evaluate these details using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to produce a CRS score. These scores are then entered into an Express Entry Pool. You can check your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score using our CRS Calculator tool.

Every two weeks, the Canadian Government hosts an Express Entry draw, wherein the highest scoring applicants, often those who work in Canada's most in-demand occupations, are presented with an Invitation To Apply (ITA) for permanent residency in Canada. They have 60 days to acquire all necessary documentation to back up their submitted information.

Find out how you can start with the Express Entry System here.

Provincial Nominee Programs

Provincial Nominee Programs

The Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are devised by 11 of Canada's 13 provinces to facilitate the immigration of skilled foreign workers whose skills match the needs of each province's labour market.

Each province has its requirements and standards for selection. If you meet the criteria for a particular province, you can apply for a Provincial Nomination Certificate.

There are two ways to apply for a PNP. The first, fastest, and most popular way is to do it as part of an Express Entry application. When you create your Express Entry profile, you can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to a specific province. If your application is successful, a Provincial Nomination will add 600 points to your CRS score and fast-track your path to permanent residency in Canada.

The alternative route to a PNP is to apply directly to the province. Each province has its application process and processing times.

One of the best ways to maximize your chances of getting a PNP is to work in one of the in-demand occupations of your chosen province. You can select a province on this map and see which occupations are currently in demand.


Family Sponsorship Programs

The Family Sponsorship Programs are designed to help family members who want to live in Canada together. For example, if you have an immediate family member already a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, they can sponsor you to immigrate to Canada.

The family member must meet certain requirements to be eligible as a sponsor. Your sponsor must:

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
  • Be able to fund you upon your arrival in Canada.

There are three major Family Sponsorship Programs, each representing your relationships with your sponsor. They are as follows:

Spousal and Family Sponsorship

This program is specifically for immediate family members. If your spouse lives in Canada, they can sponsor your permanent residency, or if you live in Canada, you can sponsor your spouse or children.

Parents' and Grandparents' Sponsorship

If your children or grandchildren are over 18 and are Canadian citizens, they can sponsor your immigration to Canada.

Relative Sponsorship

If you have a sibling or close relative living in Canada, they can also sponsor your Canadian immigration. Here's how your sibling can sponsor you in Canada.

Find out more about Canada's Family Sponsorship programs and how to apply here.

If you’re unsure if you or your sponsor is eligible for a family sponsorship program, you could hugely benefit from the expertise of a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC). An RCIC can give you a complete evaluation and help you find the perfect pathway. Not only that, but they will fill out your forms, set up your Express Entry profile, help you verify and source your documents, curate your CV to Canadian standards and provide you with all of the support and guidance you need.

Pilot Programs

Canada has numerous pilot programs to help different areas of Canadian industry receive workers in specific positions as quickly as possible. If you work in one of these positions, you may find that the fastest, easiest way to immigrate to Canada is via one of these pilot programs.

Atlantic Immigration Pilot

The Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP) is a federal program to help immigrants settle in Canada. This program is specifically designed for immigrants who want to live and work in the Atlantic provinces of Canada (Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island). You must meet the requirements for language proficiency, education, and work experience to be eligible.

Find out how you can be eligible for the AIP here.

Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot

The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) is a federal program designed to help immigrants settle in rural and northern areas of Canada like the Yukon, Nunavut and the Northwest Territories. This program is specifically designed for immigrants who want to live and work in rural and northern parts of Canada. You must meet the requirements for language proficiency, education, and work experience to be eligible.

Here's a full breakdown of which communities participate in the RNIP, which occupations are in-demand and how to apply.

The Agri-food Pilot

The Agri-food Pilot is a federal program to help skilled farm workers settle in Canada's agricultural sector. This program is designed to provide Canada's meat processing, animal raising, green housing, and mushroom production sectors with skilled international workers. If you work in one of the occupations on the Agri-food Pilot occupations list, you could rapidly gain permanent residency in Canada through this pilot.

You must be eligible for language proficiency, education, and work experience. Learn more about the Agri-food pilot and how you can get started here.

The Home Care Provider Pilots

The Home Care Provider Pilots are federal programs designed to help immigrants settle in Canada as home care providers. This system has two primary programs, one for those who care for children and one for those who care for adults.

Find out more about the Home Care Provider Pilots and what you need to do to get started.

Why Immigrate to Canada from Jamaica?

Why Immigrate to Canada from Jamaica?

Immigrating to Canada from Jamaica can offer many benefits.

  • Canada is hugely multicultural, and Jamaicans in Canada can expect to be welcomed into the Canadian community.
  • There are many Jamaican-Canadian societies and events in Canada.
    • These societies offer a great way to connect with the Jamaican community in Canada and get involved with Jamaican culture. The events and associations also provide a great way to learn more about the culture and to meet other Jamaicans in Canada.
  • The cost of living in Canada is lower than in many other countries, and the quality of life is excellent.
  • Canada also offers excellent public healthcare.
  • There are plenty of opportunities for Jamaicans to find work and build careers.
  • Some of Canada's major cities have sizeable Jamaican communities and thousands of fantastic opportunities for Jamaicans in Canada.
    • Toronto is one of the most popular destinations for Jamaicans looking to move to Canada. This vibrant city offers plenty of work opportunities for Toronto Jamaicans and, as a result, a huge population of Toronto Jamaicans.
    • Vancouver is another popular destination for Jamaicans. This coastal city is full of culture and is a great place to start a new life.

FAQs

How Long Does it Take to Immigrate to Canada from Jamaica?

The process can take several months, depending on the program and the requirements.

What If I'm Not Eligible For These Programs?

If you're not eligible for any of the programs above, you should speak to an immigration professional who can fully evaluate you and find the best program. Again, we recommend speaking to an RCIC, as they must be certified by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC).

Learn more about how an RCIC can supercharge your application.

How Do I Build Up the Time in Canada Needed for the CEC?

One of the best ways to get your start in Canada if you do not fit for the FSWP or the FSTP is to obtain a Canadian work permit.

Here's a full breakdown of how to apply for a Canadian work permit and the eligibility criteria.

Build a Bright Future in Canada

If you're looking to swap the sun for the snow and open yourself up to Canada's many opportunities, you're not alone. With an excellent standard of living, world-class education, millions of job opportunities, high-quality infrastructure and a diverse, welcoming population, Canada is a perfect place to take the next step in your life. Whether you want to join a large Jamaican community like the Toronto Jamaicans or find a new pathway in life away from home, Canada can provide you a vibrant, exciting future.

Immigrating to Canada from Jamaica can be a challenging but rewarding experience. With the correct information and guidance, you can make the process easier and ensure you successfully move to Canada. An experienced immigration consultant can help you understand the process and ensure you have everything you need to make a move. With the proper guidance and support, you can make the most of your move to Canada and enjoy the many benefits of living and working in Canada.

An immigration consultant can help you navigate the immigration process and ensure your application is successful. An immigration consultant can help you understand the requirements for the various immigration programs and provide guidance on how to meet them. They can also help you with the paperwork, answer any questions, and provide advice on how to make the most of your move to Canada. But don't just take it from us.  Here's our client, Shane Brown, detailing how working with our professionals helped him move to Canada from Jamaica.

If you're considering immigrating to Canada from Jamaica, an immigration consultant is your best bet for a successful application. An experienced immigration consultant will help you understand the process and ensure you have everything you need to make a move. In addition, an RCIC will ensure you have the most up-to-date information on the Canadian immigration process and give you the best chance of success.