Canada is known globally for its extensive land area, excellent education system, numerous job prospects, and high quality of living making it one of the world’s most sought-after countries. Hence, it is no surprise that many individuals, especially Nigerians, aim to migrate to Canada. Nevertheless, you may have heard that the Canadian immigration process is arduous and time-consuming, which can cause you to feel frustrated even before you begin your immigration journey. The good thing is that there are several ways you can travel to Canada without much stress. In this article, we will be disclosing 13 ways one can use to travel to Canada in 2023 as an immigrant among other relevant information.
Why Travel to Canada?
If you’re contemplating travelling to Canada as an immigrant, there are several reasons this might be a good decision for you, including:
1. Good Quality of Life
Canada is recognized for its high standard of living all over the world. Canadians have access to better healthcare, a more stable political environment and economy and an overall better quality of living.
2. Numerous Job Opportunities
No matter your field of work, Canada has got you covered! Canada’s economy is robust and diverse, providing abundant job prospects for skilled labourers. The country also has a high minimum wage, ensuring that even entry-level positions pay a decent salary to cover basic needs.
3. Standard Education System
Without a doubt, Canadian education is recognized globally. The education system is highly respected, with some of the world’s top universities. The nation also boasts excellent public and private schools that offer high-quality education to students.
4. High Security
It may be safe to state that Canada is arguably one of the safest countries in North America. It is a secure country with a strong security system and low crime rates. This makes it an appealing destination for families and individuals seeking a safe place to reside.
5. Multicultural Society
The country is diverse and multicultural with people from all corners of the world living and working there. This makes it an inclusive and hospitable environment for individuals of various cultures and backgrounds, including Nigerians.
13 Ways One Can Use to Travel to Canada in 2023 as an Immigrant
There are a number of ways to travel to Canada as an immigrant in 2023. These routes would be discussed in detail below:
1. Express Entry
One widely used and easy way to immigrate to Canada is through the Express Entry program. This program allows you to start your immigration process from anywhere in the world, and within six months, you could be in Canada. The Express Entry system comprises three programs, namely:
1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
2. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
3. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
The FSWP is intended for skilled workers who have at least one year of work experience in a skilled occupation. To be eligible, you must meet the minimum requirements for skilled work experience, language ability, and education as specified by this program. Once you have met all the minimum requirements, your application for the Federal Skilled Worker Program will be evaluated based on several factors, including age, education, work experience, if you have a valid job offer, proficiency in English and/or French, and adaptability to settle in the country. These factors are part of a 100-point grid system that determines eligibility for the program, with points allocated based on performance in each of the six categories. Currently, applicants must earn at least 67 points to qualify for the program.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
The FSTP is for skilled tradespeople who have expertise in specific trades. To qualify for this program, you are required to fulfil certain criteria, such as meeting the necessary language proficiency levels in reading, writing, listening, and speaking for each language ability. Additionally, you must possess a minimum of 2 years of full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time work experience) within the last 5 years in a skilled trade, which should be paid work (volunteer work or unpaid internships will not be considered). You must also meet the job requirements for that specific skilled trade as per the National Occupational Classification, except for the requirement of possessing a certificate of qualification. Furthermore, you must have a valid job offer of full-time employment for a minimum period of 1 year or hold a certificate of qualification in the relevant skilled trade issued by a Canadian federal, territorial, or provincial authority.
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The CEC is designed for individuals who have a minimum of one year of skilled work experience in any field in Canada. To apply for this program, it is necessary to fulfil some requirements. You must meet the language proficiency levels that are needed for your job, which include reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities. You must also have a minimum of 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada within the last 3 years before the application.
Noteworthy, if you are a refugee claimant in Canada, working without authorization, or gained work experience without temporary resident status in Canada, then you are not eligible to apply for the Canadian Experience Class
If you meet the eligibility requirements for your chosen category, you will be required to complete an online profile, which remains valid for one year. Then, you may receive a score using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), a point-based assessment system that takes factors such as education, work experience, language proficiency, job offer, adaptability, and age into account as highlighted above. After that, you will be placed in a pool of candidates, and those with the highest scores will be invited to apply for permanent residence (PR) in Canada. It is essential to note that you only have 90 days to submit your PR application.
The cost of the Express Entry program is CAD 2300 for a single applicant and CAD 4500 for couples.
2. The Atlantic Immigration Program
Formerly the Atlantic Immigration Pilot, the Atlantic Immigration Program is designed to offer a route to permanent residency for skilled foreign workers and international graduates from Canadian institutions who aspire to reside and work in any of the four Canadian Atlantic provinces, including Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, . The program assists employers in recruiting suitable candidates for job positions that have not been filled locally.
Noteworthy, to be eligible for the program, you need to obtain a job offer from an employer designated by Atlantic Canada. You must either:
- Have graduated from a recognized post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada recently, or
- Be a skilled worker.
It is possible to apply from outside Canada or while being a temporary resident in Canada.
Also, certain conditions must be met:
- You need to have work experience that meets the eligibility criteria unless you’re an international graduate from an accredited post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada.
- You must either meet or exceed the educational requirements.
- You must either meet or exceed the language requirements.
- You must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support yourself and any dependents upon arrival in Canada. However, if you are already residing and working in Canada with a valid work permit, you don’t need to provide such proof.
Once you have met these conditions, you can begin searching for a job with a designated employer in Atlantic Canada.
3. Family Sponsorship
Canada prioritizes family reunification as part of its immigration policies and offers opportunities for new permanent residents to be reunited with their families. If you have a family member who is already a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, they can sponsor you to become a permanent resident through the Family Sponsorship Program, which has four categories outlined below:
The first category is the Dependent Child Sponsorship, which applies to unmarried children under the age of 22 who are considered qualified dependents, whether through adoption or biological relation. It is important to note that approval from the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is required for sponsorship.
The second category is the Spousal and Common-law Partner Sponsorship, which allows permanent Canadian citizens to sponsor their spouses or common-law partners for permanent residency. A common-law partner is a couple who have lived together for at least a year.
The Orphaned Family Members category is for orphaned individuals who have a relative, such as a brother, sister, uncle, or aunt, who is a Canadian resident and can sponsor them to live in Canada.
Lastly, the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship category enables Canadian citizens to financially support their parents or grandparents and then sponsor them to stay in Canada. However, the program has an annual limit of accepting only 10,000 immigrants.
You can sponsor a spouse, or partner for $1,080, or a child for $150. To apply to sponsor your partner, spouse or child, you must do so online. There are two applications required in this regard—
- You must apply to be a sponsor to them.
- Your spouse, partner, or child who you are sponsoring must also apply for permanent residency.
Noteworthy, as a sponsor, you are responsible for downloading and filling out the PDF forms included in the application package. You and the person you are sponsoring, who is the principal applicant, must digitally sign these forms. Afterwards, the principal applicant must upload the completed forms to their online application and electronically sign the entire application, which includes those of any other family members.
To apply to be sponsored (permanent residence), you must create a Permanent residence online application portal account. You must complete the following digital forms online:
- Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008)
- Schedule A – Background/Declaration (IMM 5669)
- Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)
- Supplementary Information – Your travels (IMM 5562)
Also, one photo for each person is required on your application. You can then proceed to pay the necessary application fees and take your biometrics. To sponsor your parents and grandparents or relatives, two applications must also be made (that of the sponsor and the applicants who are to be sponsored)
4. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) provides an easy way to immigrate to Canada, as each Canadian province offers unique nominee programs that have different eligibility requirements. Some examples of Provincial Nominee Programs include:
- Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)
- British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
- Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
- New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NW PNP)
- Newfoundland & Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NL PNP)
- Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)
- Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NS PNP)
- Ontario Provincial Nominee Program (OINP)
- Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)
- Saskatchewan Provincial Nominee Program (SINP)
- and Yukon Nominee Program (YNP).
It’s noteworthy that the BC PNP is the fastest program compared to the others due to specific benefits that are exclusive to it.
There are two ways of applying for the provincial nominee program— Express Entry process and Non-Express Entry process.
- The Express Entry process
If you receive a nomination from a province or territory through the Express Entry stream, it will be indicated on your nomination certificate. To verify this information, you can reach out to the relevant province or territory.
There are two methods of application:
Firstly, you can reach out to the province or territory and apply for a nomination under their Express Entry stream. If you receive a nomination, you can create an Express Entry profile or update your existing one to reflect this and accept the nomination online.
Alternatively, you can create an Express Entry profile online and show the provinces and territories that you are interested in. If any of them send you a “notification of interest” via your account, you can contact them directly and apply to their Express Entry stream. If you are nominated, the province or territory will offer it to you via your account, and you can accept it online. Regardless of the method you choose, it is important to create an Express Entry profile at the onset of the process.
- The Non-Express Entry process
For the Non-Express Entry process, the application process involves two stages:
Initially, you must determine which province or territory in Canada you wish to reside in and apply to them for a nomination. Your application will be assessed based on the following:
- The immigration requirements
- Your intent to genuinely live in the area
After being nominated by a province or territory, you must then apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada for permanent residency. Your application will be assessed according to the laws governing Canadian immigration.
5. Job Offer
Having a job offer from a reputable company can help hasten your immigration process to Canada. However, it is important to note that certain employers such as embassies, consulates, or high commissions in Canada are ineligible for this process. Additionally, your job offer must be accompanied by a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
To be considered a valid job offer, it should include the following details:
- Offer of employment
- Salary and benefits
- Job responsibilities
- Name and title of your reporting manager
It is important that your job offer is recent and includes all relevant details. When creating your Express Entry profile, be sure to include your LMIA number to demonstrate that you have the necessary documentation to support your job offer.
6. Caregiver
As a caregiver, you have the choice to either work temporarily or pursue permanent residency in Canada. Under this category, there are other programs available such as Home Child Care Provider, Home Support Worker, Live-in Caregiver, Caring for Children, Caring for People with High Medical Needs and Interim Pathway for Caregivers. However, we shall focus on the Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker.
To be eligible for permanent residence, you must meet the qualifying criteria and have been offered a job in one of the designated occupations. Upon acceptance, you will receive an open work permit that is specific to the occupation and does not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This work permit enables you to gain the necessary work experience for permanent residency in Canada.
If you have previously worked as a home childcare provider or support worker, your experience may also contribute to your eligibility for permanent residency. In case you do not fulfil the eligibility criteria for permanent residency as a caregiver, there may be an option for you to work temporarily.
7. Start-Up Visa
You can immigrate to Canada by starting a business and creating jobs, or supporting creative entrepreneurs. To qualify for the Start-up Visa Program, you must fulfil the following requirements:
- Possess a qualifying business
- Obtain a letter of support from a designated organization
- Meet the language proficiency standards
- Have sufficient funds to settle in Canada.
To apply, create a Permanent residence online application portal account. In order to avoid rejection of your application, you need to ensure that all required forms, supporting documents, signatures (if necessary), language test results, and payment proof for processing fees are included. Failure to submit any of these will result in an incomplete application, which will be returned without processing.
Furthermore, it is essential to provide accurate and complete information in your application. If any false information or crucial details are discovered, your application may be declined, and you could be considered inadmissible. This could also result in a five-year ban on applying to enter Canada for any reason.
The following digital forms must be filled out online for yourself and any family members 18 years of age or older:
- Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008)
- Schedule A – Background/Declaration (IMM 5669)
- Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)
- Supplementary Information – Your travels (IMM 5562)
Other forms may be found on the official website.
8. Education
This is an alternative pathway to migrate to Canada and become eligible for permanent residency. However, to increase your chances of success in this process, it is crucial to meet the study permit requirements during your education to avoid any negative impacts on your immigration status.
One potential obstacle for international students is the requirement for skilled work experience, which may be difficult to obtain. However, one possible solution is to obtain a post-graduation work permit, which allows you to work in Canada and gain the necessary experience.
As an international student graduate, there are several programs available that can help facilitate the PR process, including:
- Post-Graduation Work Permits
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Provincial Nominee Programs
- Quebec Immigration Options
- Canadian Experience Class
9. Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot
The Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) is a program that merges refugee resettlement with economic immigration. This initiative:
- Helps skilled refugees to migrate to Canada via established economic programs
- Provides employers with access to a fresh pool of capable candidates to fill their job vacancies.
The EMPP program aims to assist you in applying to specific economic immigration programs by simplifying the following steps:
- Qualifying for an economic immigration program
- Completing and submitting your application
- Commencing your new life in Canada
This pilot program makes it easier for you to be eligible for the economic program of your choice. Additionally, application and biometric fees for you and your dependents are waived, and your application will typically be reviewed and processed within six months or less among other benefits.
10. The Agri-Food Pilot
The Agri-Food pilot offers another pathway to attain permanent residency in Canada, addressing the labour challenges of the agri-food sector. It’s a program that allows skilled workers in various industries and occupations to apply for permanent residency, and it will run until May 2023.
To be eligible for permanent residence under the Agri-Food Pilot, you must meet the following requirements:
- Have qualified Canadian work experience in any of the eligible industries and occupations.
- Acquire a non-seasonal and full-time job offer from a legitimate Canadian employer in one of the eligible industries and occupations (except in Quebec).
- Meet the language proficiency and educational requirements.
- Possess sufficient funds to settle in Canada (as required).
The following industries are eligible for the Agri-Food pilot program:
- Meat product manufacturing (NAICS 3116)
- Greenhouse, nursery and floriculture production (NAICS 1114)
- Animal production, excluding aquaculture
- Cattle ranching and farming (NAICS 1121)
- Hog and pig farming (NAICS 1122)
- Poultry and egg production (NAICS 1123)
- Sheep and goat farming (NAICS 1124)
- Other animal production (NAICS 1129)
Some eligible occupations in these categories for the Agri-Food pilot include:
Meat product manufacturing (NAICS 3116):
- NOC B 6331 – Retail butchers
- NOC C 9462 – Industrial butchers
- NOC D 9617 – Food processing labourers
Greenhouse, nursery and floriculture production, including mushroom production (NAICS 1114):
- NOC C 8431 – General farm workers
- NOC D 8611 – Harvesting labourers
12.Quebec Selected Skilled Workers
The process for skilled workers who desire to become permanent residents of Canada and reside in Quebec involves two stages. Quebec, having a special agreement with the Canadian Government on immigration, has its own criteria for selecting immigrants who will adapt well to living in the province.
To become a Quebec-selected skilled worker and immigrate to Canada, you must follow these steps:
- Submit an application to the Government of Quebec for a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ).
The Province of Quebec will evaluate your application according to its own regulations. The certificate indicates that Quebec has approved you as an immigrant.
- If Quebec selects you and issues you a CSQ, you must apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada for permanent residence.
If you possess a Quebec Selection Certificate (Certificat de sélection du Québec) issued by the Government of Quebec, you are eligible to apply as a Quebec-selected skilled worker. Additionally, you must submit a comprehensive permanent residence application that includes police certificates. To apply, you must create an account and fill out certain forms on the website.
12.Self-employed Persons Program
The Self-employed Persons Program provides a permanent immigration pathway to Canada for self-employed individuals. To be eligible , you must meet the following criteria:
Possess the relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics. Demonstrate the ability and willingness to make a substantial contribution to the cultural or athletic scene in Canada. Readiness and ability to be self-employed in Canada Meet the program’s selection criteria Meet the medical, security, and other essential conditions. Noteworthy, to be deemed to have relevant experience as a self-employed person, you must possess a minimum of two years’ experience. To apply you need to create an account and fill all the necessary forms on the website.
13. Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot
The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot program aims to extend the advantages of economic immigration to less populated regions by providing a pathway for skilled foreign workers who intend to live and work in one of the participating communities to obtain permanent residency. This program is primarily driven by the community.
To apply for permanent residence under this pilot, there are four steps to follow. The first step is to ensure that you meet both the IRCC eligibility requirements and the community-specific requirements. Next, find a job with an employer in one of the participating communities that are eligible.
After obtaining a job offer, submit an application for a recommendation to the community. Finally, if a community recommends you, you can apply for permanent residence. In addition, each community will have its own additional eligibility requirements, job search process, and community recommendation application process.
The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot is a program that gives priority to community-driven immigration, whereby participating communities will:
- evaluate potential candidates based on their economic suitability to the community
- assess if candidates have a genuine employment opportunity that aligns with the community’s requirements
- determine if candidates intend to reside in the community
- recommend eligible candidates for permanent residency to IRCC for a final decision
- facilitate the integration of newcomers by connecting them with settlement services and mentorship opportunities from established members of the community.
To find out if you are eligible, you must answer some questions on the website. Also, note that each community has its own recommendation process. As part of the application for recommendation process, the community will require you to submit supporting documents. To apply to any community, you are required to demonstrate that you fulfil all the requirements for the pilot and possess an eligible employment offer. You may also apply for permanent residence by creating an online account and filling out the necessary forms on the website.
Conclusion
Canada is a highly desired country for immigration worldwide, and while the process may seem challenging, there are several ways to hasten your immigration. This article has shown you 13 ways to travel to Canada in 2023 which you can assess based on your specific needs and resource available to you. You may even be eligible for more than one program!
