Canada is a popular choice for immigrants because of its friendly policies, high quality of life, and job opportunities. While the process can be long, some programs make it easier to move to Canada.
Simple Ways to Move to Canada in 2024
Canada has many programs to attract skilled workers and tradespeople. These include economic programs, study options, and family reunification. Here are the easiest ways:
- Family Sponsorship
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
- Express Entry Programs
- Business Immigration Programs
- LMIA Work Route (with a job offer)
Each pathway has different requirements. Family sponsorship is simpler if you have a family member in Canada. Express Entry is competitive but straightforward. PNP is a good alternative if you score low on the Express Entry system.
Requirements for Moving to Canada
Every program has its own rules. Check if you meet them before applying. General requirements include:
- Be 18 or older
- Good English or French skills
- Finished high school
- At least one year of work experience
- Meet the minimum points on the CRS
- Settlement funds of at least CAD 13,757 for a single applicant
- Clean criminal record
- Connections to Canada
Family sponsorship and humanitarian paths don’t use the points system.
Family Sponsorship
Canada helps families reunite. Citizens and permanent residents 18 or older can sponsor family members. Eligible family members are:
- Spouse or common-law partner
- Unmarried conjugal partner
- Dependent children under 22 years old
- Children over 22 with a disability
- Parents and grandparents
- Orphaned siblings and close relatives
If you have a family member in Canada, this could be the fastest way to move. You need to prove your relationship. Costs are about CAD 1,365, with extra fees if the family member lives in Quebec. Processing takes up to a year.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Canada’s provinces have different needs. Each province can nominate foreign workers for permanent residency. This is popular and easier for those with low CRS scores. Provinces offering PNPs include:
- Yukon
- Saskatchewan
- Ontario
- Prince Edward Island
- Nova Scotia
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Northwest Territories
- Manitoba
- British Columbia
- New Brunswick
- Alberta
You can apply directly to a province or through Express Entry. A PNP nomination adds 600 points to your CRS score. This increases your chances of permanent residency. Processing times and fees vary by province.
Express Entry System
Express Entry is the most popular way for skilled workers to move to Canada. Over 100,000 people get permanent residency through this system each year. It uses a points system based on age, education, work experience, and language skills. There are three programs under Express Entry:
- Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
- Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Create an online profile and get a score from the CRS tool. High-scoring candidates get an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency. This process can take six months. If you don’t qualify for a draw, being in the pool can help you get a PNP nomination.
Business Immigration
Business owners and experienced managers can move to Canada through business immigration programs. These include federal and provincial programs for investors, entrepreneurs, and self-employed people. You must show that your business idea is innovative and will create jobs. You also need an approved designated organization to support your business. Investment amounts vary by program.
The self-employed program is for people with experience in athletics or cultural activities. You must show your skills will benefit Canada.
LMIA Work Route (with a job offer)
A Canadian job offer is another way to move. You need a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). An LMIA shows that hiring you won’t negatively affect Canadian jobs. A valid job offer also boosts your Express Entry CRS points.
Working in Canada
Foreign workers need a work permit. There are three types:
- Closed work permit: Tied to a specific employer. Costs CAD 100.
- Bridging open work permit: Temporary, allows work while waiting for permanent residence.
- Open work permit: Allows work for any employer. Costs CAD 255.
Processing takes 2-8 weeks. Your permit will list all conditions.
Requirements for a Work Permit
To qualify, you must:
- Show you’ll leave Canada when your permit expires
- Have enough money to support yourself and family
- Have a clean criminal record
- Be medically fit
- Work for an eligible employer
- Provide supporting documents
Documents for a Work Permit
You’ll need:
- Valid passport
- Recent photos
- Completed forms
- CV
- Job contract
- LMIA (if needed)
- Proof of status in Canada (if needed)
- Educational documents
- Proof of funds
- Medical certificate
- Payment proof
- Marriage certificate (if needed)
Bringing Family to Canada
Most programs allow you to bring family. Eligible members depend on the program. Express Entry and PNPs allow your spouse and children. Family sponsorship can include parents and grandparents. There are extra fees and higher settlement fund requirements.
Benefits of Moving to Canada
- High quality of life
- Access to healthcare and education
- Job opportunities
- Safe environment
- Multicultural society
Table of Important Data
| Pathway | Key Requirements | Processing Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Family Sponsorship | Proof of relationship, financial support | Up to 1 year | CAD 1,365+ |
| Provincial Nominee Programs | Varies by province, often lower CRS scores | Varies by province | Varies by province |
| Express Entry | Points-based (age, education, experience, language) | 6 months | Application fees |
| Business Immigration | Business plan, investment funds, support from designated organization | Varies by program | Varies by program |
| LMIA Work Route | Positive LMIA, job offer | 2-8 weeks for work permit | CAD 100 – CAD 255 |
Moving to Canada can be a smooth process if you choose the right pathway and meet the requirements. Consider your options and prepare well to enjoy a new life in Canada.