Visa Programs

Canadian visa programs are available for individuals who are planning to immigrate to Canada to live and work long-term as permanent residents. These programs are designed so that skilled immigrants and their families will be able to become Canadian residents quickly and easily, provided that they meet the requirements. The majority of people who immigrate to Canada are foreign workers and their families, but thousands of refugees and others are also approved for Canadian immigration for humanitarian reasons each year. The warm welcome that Canadians give to newcomers and the great opportunities available to immigrants living in Canada help to make this incredible country one of the world’s prime expat destinations.

Federal Skilled
Worker Program

This is a Canadian visa program designed for skilled professionals. The program operates according to a system based on selection points. It is intended for professionals who have a minimum of 1 year of earning a salary in the field of their expertise. Additionally, it should have been achieved within the past 10 years.

A lot of jobs in Canada are in high demand. To apply for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, foreign workers must qualify in a profession that is listed in the Canadian visa specifications. Professions are grouped into categories of Level 0, Level A, and Level B Skill Types. This classification is directed by the codes implemented by the National Occupational Classification.

A foreign professional must score a minimum of 67 out of 100 points in the specified factors of this program. He or she should also fulfill other criteria to qualify for the Canadian visa application. The professions listed under the FSWP include jobs that usually require a degree from a university, or other post-secondary certificate or specialized training.

The points system includes points for mastery of the French or English language, educational level attained, the job offered for employment in Canada, adaptability, work experience, and age.

Participants who can meet all of the requirements may be approved to apply for immigration to Canada using the Express Entry system.

Federal Skilled
Trades Program

Across Canada, there is a strong demand for people who are skilled in different trades. The government of Canada created this program to fill the needs of the country in terms of workforce.

The trades that are included in this Canadian visa program usually require special training after secondary school (e.g., vocational school, on-the-job training, and/or apprenticeship). These high-demand trades include plumbers, sheet metal workers, crane operators, carpenters, electricians, heavy-duty equipment mechanics, operators of power systems, forestry work supervisors, telecommunications installers, welders, butchers, chefs and more!

All foreign tradespeople who apply need to have their diploma from high school and documents that prove they have completed the training required for their specified field and are eligible to work in the trade. These documents may include a certificate from a vocational school, or documentation confirming training done on the job and/or through an apprenticeship.

There is a minimum criterion required by the government of Canada for skilled trade experience. There should be proof of at least two years of a salary-earning job that’s done full-time. Also, this work experience must be achieved within 5 years of filing for the Canadian visa.

There are other criteria that determine eligibility that must be completed. After all the requirements have been met, the applicant is eligible to apply for a visa to Canada via Express Entry.

Provincial Nominee
Program

Many territories and provinces in Canada collaborated with the national government to create easier methods for foreigners who are skilled in certain trades to be able to immigrate to Canada more easily.

Each participating province and territory in Canada has eligibility criteria specific and unique to its particular PNP. When a foreign worker applies for a Canadian visa through this method, he or she must undergo a two-step process. First, the foreign worker must apply for a PNP in the desired province or territory where he or she wants to live and work in Canada. If a nomination certificate is received from the province or territory, an application for permanent residency may then be directed to the government of Canada which has the authority to approve immigrants for permanent residency. After being approved for immigration to Canada, the foreign worker and his or her family will move to the province or territory that nominated them as new Canadian permanent residents!

Criteria for
Canadian Visas

Criteria for a Canadian visa must be fulfilled before the visa is issued. Each type of visa has requirements that are specific for it; however, here is a list of requirements that are common amongst all types of Canadian visas

Age must be a minimum of 18 years to apply (parents/ guardians apply for minors)
A certification of good health must be issued by an approved physician
A certificate must be given by the police to confirm good character
All governmental fees must be fully paid
Passport must be valid
Must have satisfactory French or English language skills

Programs for Canadian visas that are specifically tailored to economic immigrants require certain education, language skills in French or English, work experience, and other criteria. Examples include the Canadian visas programs for skilled professionals, skilled tradespeople, and provincial nominees. There are additional programs for visa applications tailored to other concerns that have different criteria for eligibility.

Due to the variety of available Canadian visa programs, it can be difficult to know which visa program to apply for or which program one may be most eligible for. Fortunately, there are authorized consultants who specialize in the Canadian immigration process and examine the documents of applicants and advise on the best program to choose. They make the process simpler by explaining all the requirements thoroughly and answering all the questions that may arise. If you are thinking about applying for a visa to Canada, consider requesting an authorized Canadian consultant for your immigration process as soon as possible, such as those who work with You CAN Relocate and its team of specialists!

Why Is Canadian
Immigration Popular?

Many people immigrate to Canada every year. The recent influx of immigrants from different regions of the world has made Canada more culturally diverse than ever before.

About 22% of the 37 million Canadian residents are from a foreign country. This diversity makes Canadians open to strangers and favorable to newcomers. They are known for their friendly and welcoming attitude. It makes sense that Canadians are so friendly to immigrants, as many of them have families who are still living in their countries of origin.

When you walk on Canadian streets, you will hear different languages and accents. There are approximately 300,000 people who immigrate to Canada every year and this number is likely to increase to over 400,000 annually during the next several years as millions of Canadians retire. As time goes by, Canada is likely to evolve into a more cosmopolitan country, because of high levels of Canadian immigration. The prediction is that Canada will remain one of the most popular immigration destinations around the world for at least a decade.

The main reason why immigration to Canada is so popular is because it is reasonably easy to find a job in Canada. There is a high demand for skilled workers due to a shortage in the Canadian labor force. Other reasons to immigrate to Canada include its breathtaking scenery, the pro-immigrant laws, free universal healthcare, good education opportunities, and many others! Canada is known for its high quality of life, its positive attitude toward immigrants and it is considered one of the most peaceful places to live. After living in Canada three years in the past five years and meeting all of the requirements, permanent residents can even apply for Canadian citizenship!