There are several ways of successfully migrating to Canada. As of the last count, there are over eighty pathways to migrate to Canada legally and we will be discussing some of them in this article. Knowing how to migrate to Canada legally benefits those looking for ways to move and permanently reside or work in Canada.
So you know, this article in summary would cover how to migrate to Canada by discussing some of the legal pathways available and how to make the best use of them.
How to Migrate to Canada
As we discussed earlier, there are several ways of migrating to Canada, and these are some of them;
1. Express Entry Is the Fastest and Most Popular Immigration Program for Those Who Want to Migrate to Canada
Those who apply through express entry can become permanent residents in as little as six months.
As of 2022, Canada plans to welcome at least two hundred and forty thousand immigrants through its borders over three years.
There are three popular streams available in the express entry program. These popular streams are; federal skilled workers, federal skilled trades, and the Canadian experience class.
To successfully use the express entry system, you must submit an online profile. The CRS regularly scores this profile, which means a comprehensive ranking system.
Must Read: How Canadian Express Entry Works
You can only submit your profile to the express entry stream if you’re eligible for one of the three streams.
The highest-ranking individuals in the express entry pool are issued invitations to apply for permanent residency by the Canadian government.
Despite this method being the fastest legal route to permanent residence in Canada, the level of competition is very high.
But the good news is, if meeting the required CRS score is proving difficult due to the competition, you can always try going through a province.
The average cost of migrating to Canada through the express entry method for a single applicant is CAD 2,300 and CAD 4,500 for a couple.
However, it is essential to note that this does not include your proof of funds which you’ll be mandated to prove before entering Canada.
2. Provincial Nominee Programs
The provincial nominee programs are also another effective way of migrating to Canada.
In 2022, Canada plans on welcoming over eighty-five thousand new immigrants through the provincial nominee programs.
There are several provincial nominee programs, and these are some of them;
The Nova Scotia Immigrant Nominee Program
Nova Scotia is increasingly becoming a favorite destination for several immigrants mainly because of its suitably aligned streams to welcome skilled workers such as graduates or entrepreneurs.
The Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program
Alberta is one of the most beautiful places in Canada, and it is also a popular destination for many immigrants coming into Canada.
The Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program is designed to attract workers, entrepreneurs, and graduates to its province.
British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program
Its wide range of schemes or categories for workers and graduates makes it an ideal destination for several immigrants.
In addition, its provincial program is closely aligned with the federal express entry system.
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program
Ontario is one of Canada’s biggest and most prosperous provinces. As a result, its immigrant nominee program is the most varied and dynamic compared to other provinces.
Skilled workers, businessmen or women, and graduates are always welcome to Ontario.
3. Family Class Sponsorship
If you have a qualifying family member who is a permanent resident or citizen of Canada, family sponsorship will likely be the easiest way to migrate to Canada.
Canada offers several immigration programs that give permanent residents and citizens the chance to bring their family members to the country.
For example, Canada plans to welcome 105,000 new permanent residents this year through family sponsorship programs.
If your spouse, child, or grandchild is a permanent resident or citizen of Canada, you may be eligible for family sponsorship.
Sponsoring a relative typically costs about CAD 1,135. Additional fees will apply if the sponsor resides in or intends to reside in Quebec.
The processing time for a sponsorship application will depend on the family member sponsoring you. For spousal sponsorship, applications typically take about 12 months to process from start to finish.
4. Student Visa
This is an effective means of migrating legally to Canada. It is also one of the fastest and easiest ways to immigrate to Canada in 2021.
Close to a hundred and thirty thousand students choose to use this route to might to Canada every year. Canada also has some of the finest universities in the world.
Migrating through this method requires a few steps, such as; getting an acceptance letter from a recognized university in Canada, fill the online student visa application form, get your documents which include a valid international passport, two recent passport photographs, and proof of financial capability (eleven thousand Canadian dollars per year), your letter of intent et cetera.
5. LMIA Work Visa
Many applicants for Canadian immigration first get Canadian job offers, apply for a work visa and then, on that basis, migrate to Canada.
The LMIA involves securing a Canadian job offer, having the Canadian employer apply for an LMIA through Service Canada, and then applying for the work permit after the LMIA is approved.
This is a very involved process but can lead to Canadian permanent residence.
How Much Money Does Migration to Canada Cost?
The cost of migrating to Canada is generally about CAD 2,300 for a single applicant or about CAD 4,500 for a couple.
This amount does not include the settlement funds many candidates must show to be eligible for Canadian immigration; this amount will vary by family size, starting at around CAD 13,000 for a single applicant.
Additional fees may apply if a candidate is applying through a provincial program. Proof of settlement funds is not required for those with a Canadian job offer or applying under the Canadian Experience Class.
