IMMIGRATION TO CANADA
Canada is a country in North America with a vast territory and rich natural resources. It has the third largest oil reserves in the world after Saudi Arabia and Venezuela. It is washed by three oceans, and is bordered only by the United States. How to go to Canada is on the minds of residents of many countries.
The number of migrants arriving to the country annually, Canada leads the world. Due to which the country is represented by an impressive number of ethnic groups with different languages of communication, of which the official two – English and French.
Canada has a high standard of living, social standards, quality education, and a developed market economy. The deep integration of trade relations with the United States, which accounts for about 75% of Canadian exports, and industrial production growth allow the country to face the future with confidence and to attract more and more foreign specialists.
This article will answer the question of how to immigrate to Canada in 2025.
CONTENTS
How to go to Canada? Basic options
In order to live and work legally in Canada, you must apply for an immigrant visa or permanent resident status. First, the Government of Canada's Portal on Immigration and Citizenship advises taking a special test to determine a person's eligibility to stay and finding the most affordable options for each specific case. You can do it here.
The result is for reference only and does not guarantee a permit to enter Canada. However, it can significantly help the future immigrant in choosing how to move.
The most popular employment-based immigration programs to Canada
One of the most affordable options to go to Canada for permanent residence is to use one of the immigration programs created specifically to attract foreign professionals from different countries to increase the economic potential of the state.
To participate in the program since 2015, there is a preliminary passage of the so-called express entry. That is, you fill out a special online questionnaire, the results of which determine whether the candidate meets the requirements for participation in the program. Here's the link.
According to the results of the test, the participant is assigned a certain number of points, depending on the skills, education, knowledge of the language and so on. The higher the score, the better the chance of participating in the program.
Federal Skilled Worker
Basic requirements:
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At least one year of work experience in one of the "passable" occupations, obtained within the last 10 years. An alternative is a job offer from a Canadian company or a doctoral degree from a local university.
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Sufficient proficiency in English or French (more here).
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These qualifications must meet Canadian standards. These are assessed by the ECA.
In addition to the basic requirements mentioned above, the candidate's age and adaptability in Canada will be important. Each of these criteria will result in a fixed number of points, and a minimum score of 67 points is required for applicants to qualify for the program.
You will also need to have a medical examination, a clean bill of health, financial resources for your first stay in Canada, and a commitment not to move to Quebec (there is a special program for this).
Canadian Experience Class
The program is designed for permanent resident status for aliens who are already living and working temporarily in Canada or have a similar experience. Basic requirements:
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At least 12 months of work experience in a Canadian company within the past 3 years. Self-employment and student part-time work are not counted.
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Proficiency in English or French sufficient for professional activities.
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Does not intend to live in Quebec
Federal Skilled Trades
Suitable for certain professional activities. Basic requirements:
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Experience in Canada in the required occupation for a minimum of 2 years within the last 5 years and the ability to prove professional skills.
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Invitation to work from a Canadian employer or qualification certificate from a Canadian province.
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Knowledge of English or French and no desire to live in the Province of Quebec.
These were the main programs of immigration to Canada of national importance. There are also provincial programs, for example, in the French-speaking province of Quebec. Depending on the need for specialists, some regions invite foreigners to work under their own conditions. More detailed information on it you can learn at the official government site of Canada.
Business immigration to Canada
As in the case of employment, Canada has special immigration programs related to investment in the country's economy. Depending on the province, the amount invested and the requirements for the candidate may differ.
From the minimum of $125,000 in the province of New Brunswick, to a maximum of $5 million in Ontario. In addition to financial resources, there are additional conditions for business immigration to Canada:
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The minimum allowed level of registered capital, usually several times the amount of investment required.
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Business experience.
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Personal daily involvement in company management.
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Knowledge of one of the official languages of Canada.
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Additional requirements.
To become a private entrepreneur in Canada you will need at least two years of relevant experience, start-up capital and a guarantee from a Canadian investment fund or a business group.
Immigrating to Canada through Education
Education in Canada is a great way to earn an international degree and integrate into Canadian life at the beginning of your career. There are about 300,000 international students studying in the country, and their number is only increasing every year. After graduating from a Canadian university, it will be much easier to get permanent residency status and find a prestigious job. To study in Canada, a foreigner must obtain the appropriate permit.
Conditions for obtaining a permit to study in Canada:
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Enrolment in an educational institution in Canada.
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Financial security to cover tuition and living expenses.
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Compliance with laws and no criminal record in your home country.
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No health complaints, may be required to undergo a medical examination.
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Willingness to leave Canada after the permitted period of stay.
Some people do not require permission to study in Canada. For example, family members of diplomats and foreign military personnel, or if the period of study is up to 6 months. After graduation, there is time to obtain a work permit within 90 days. With a Canadian diploma to take advantage of one of the programs of immigration is much easier. Otherwise, you will have to leave the country.
How to immigrate to Canada for family members
Canadian citizens have the right to bring close family members to the country through the sponsorship procedure. The main requirements for the sponsor are:
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At least 18 years of age.
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Financial capacity to cover food, lodging, medical care and day-to-day immigrant needs.
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Physical presence in Canada.
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No bankruptcy and no current prison sentence.
This type of immigration to Canada is available for spouses, parents, grandparents and dependent children (under 19 years old). In some cases, more distant relatives are allowed to move in as well.
Immigrating to Canada as a refugee
One of the most unlikely ways to immigrate to Canada. The influx of immigrants from Syria and other "dangerous" regions of the world in recent years has forced countries to tighten controls over granting refugee status. Canada is no exception. But if the situation allows, you can take advantage of this option. The country has enough programs related to assistance to refugees, including those based on sponsorship.
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