Canada is a very popular destination for migrants. You will need to apply for a resident visa within a specific immigration category depending on various factors. There are three main Canadian immigration categories: economic immigration, family class immigration and refugee immigration.
Categories of immigration to Canada
Economic immigration to Canada
– Skilled workers immigration
The skilled worker category of immigration to Canada is a very popular visa programme and is intended for people with high levels of skills and experience.
Canadian skilled worker applicants must comply with a series of requirements in order to qualify for a Canada Immigration (permanent resident) Visa:
- have at least one year of continuous full-time or equivalent paid work experience in the past 10 years…
- …or have a full-time, permanent job offer from a Canadian employer…
- …or have completed a PhD in Canada, or have completed two years of study in Canada towards a PhD, in both cases at a recognised institution.
- Pass a minimum threshold of language ability for one of Canada’s two official languages (English or French).
– Business immigration (business owner)
The business immigration category allows immigrants with sufficient business experience or management experience to receive the permanent residency visa in a shorter period than other types of immigration. The objective of this is to attract talented investors, entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals from outside Canada that can improve the Canadian economy and its access to foreign markets.
Candidates for the Business Immigration Program must have business/managerial experience and a relatively high net-worth. They may apply for a Canada Immigration (Permanent Resident) Visa in one of the following three sub-categories: immigrant investor program, entrepreneur program or self-employed persons program.
Family class immigration to Canada
The family immigration class allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor close family members living abroad to immigrate to Canada, including:
- children adopted outside of Canada or who will be adopted in Canada.
- brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces or grandchildren who are orphaned, under 18 and not married.
Refugee immigration to Canada
The refugee class applies to people who are escaping persecution or unfair punishment in their home countries and seeking protection.
The immigrant investor program in Quebec
The Canadian government allows the province of Quebec to hold its own immigration program. Quebec harbours the exclusive responsibility of choosing immigrants that wish to relocate to the province and presenting them with a visa.
Finding a job in Canada
Before applying for a Canadian visa it is often necessary to have a job offer from a Canadian company already. To help with this, consult our advice about the Canadian resume to help create a top quality job application.
Back to work in Canada