Understanding Canadian Immigration Policies and Requirements; A Step-by-Step Guide to the Application Process

The “UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of Diversity of Cultural Expressions” goals focus on promoting multiculturalism. And as the Sociologist, Dr. Caleb Rosado described it, some necessary actions are involved in the definition of multiculturalism, and they can be summarized as; the recognition of cultural diversity, respect for differences, acknowledgment of the validity of different artistic expressions and contributions, encouragement of the opinions of other cultures as well as valuing them, empowerment of people to strengthen themselves and others just to achieve maximum potentials without biases, and celebrating differences to bring unity.

However, Canada has gained a strong reputation among its counterparts recognizing these seven multiculturalism actions. Know that this is a country that values immigrants to a great extent. Multiculturalism is part of Canada’s national Identity. So, you’ve done a great job of considering Canada as a perfect destination.

Immigration has contributed to the growth of Canada as a country in various ways. In a similar way to the United States, and right after Canada’s independence from the United Kingdom in 1867, Immigrants helped the country to develop its vast expanse of land. And today, they also play a significant role in the country’s fast-growing economy. In 2022, Canada embraced over 431,645 new permanent residents – making more than 1.1% of its entire population. And by 2025, Canada’s authorities plan to bring 500,000 immigrants into the country. 

Nonetheless, even though it seems like Canada takes in people quickly from various countries, there are still requirements you must meet. The procedures to follow have been put in place based on your chosen pathway because there are numerous ways of immigrating to Canada. Also, these procedures can depend on your home country.

So, for easy application and immigration into Canada, this article addresses the Canadian Immigration Policies and the requirements it takes to apply.

Breakdown of the Canadian Immigration Policies

To understand Canadian Immigration policies, you must know the country’s Immigration Programs, the eligibility requirements, and the application process.

Types of Canadian Immigration Programs

Four main immigration programs exist in Canada. And each stands as a pathway to entering the country.  

1. Economic Immigration Programs

Immigration has helped Canadian businesses to find skillful workers required in the country’s key sectors, such as; production, technology, and health care, for the easy management of social and economic challenges. You can apply here through the Express Entry System or the Non-Express Entry System.

The Express Entry System includes:

Federal Skilled Worker Program

Research has proven that many immigrants who utilize this pathway succeed in their lines of work. This pathway is considered the best because of the possibility of gaining permanent residency within six months. Candidates with foreign work experience who have yet to live in Canada often use this pathway.

Canadian Experience Class

Temporary foreign workers and International graduates in Canada can easily use this pathway. Earning a permanent residency within six months is feasible. And the importance of this is that you do not need to prove the availability of settlement funds.

Federal Skilled Trade Program

More skilled and experienced trade workers are usually welcomed into Canada to deal with labor shortages in trade professions. Permanent residency can be obtained within six months. And significant importance is that you don’t have to prove your level of education to use this pathway.

Provincial Nominee Program (Express Entry Stream)

This program is for candidates who have skills, work experience, and other requirements that enhance the growth of a particular Canadian province. Through this program, you can live in this province and be a permanent resident of Canada. However, there is more to this program, as it can be found under Non-Entry Process, and regions can target the category of candidates they want.

The Non-Express Entry System includes:

Self-Employed Candidates

Here, candidates are either self-employed in cultural or sporting activities or have taken part in athletics or cultural activities at an international level. 

Provincial Nominee Program (Paper-Based)

Candidates apply here under a Non-Express Entry Stream. And Provinces take in Candidates that possess the prerequisites needed for eligibility.

Pilots

These are the temporary immigration programs. There are various types, such as: 

The Atlantic Immigration Program

Here, Atlantic Canada’s Hirers employ skilled foreign workers and International graduates that’d love to live in this part of Canada. 

Caregivers

For Home Support Workers and Child Care Givers.

Rural and Northern Immigration Program

Skilled foreign workers can work in and also immigrate to rural locations in Canada via this pathway. 

Agri-Food Pilot – Experienced workers in this line of work (Agri-Food) can use this program. 

2. Family Sponsorship Programs

Candidates that utilize this pathway are partners, children, parents, and spouses that intend to live with their relatives who already live in Canada. The permanent resident must apply to sponsor their family member, and also, this relative must apply to reside permanently in Canada. People in the LGBTQ community are also entitled to this program.

3. Refugee Programs

Canada resettles many refugees from almost all countries. The first thing you should note regarding this program is that refugees can only apply indirectly for resettlement. However, This program can be sponsored by either private bodies or the government. A personal body that brings in refugees must be recognized and approved as citizens. Also, they are to be responsible for the wellness of the refugees. There are two types of Refugee Programs. The first is the “Humanitarian Resettlement Program – often for people outside Canada that require Canada’s protection.” The second one is the In-Canada Refugee Program – People within Canada that need to be protected.”

Eligibility Requirements and Application Steps

1. Federal Skilled Worker Program

Requirements

• Work Experience.
• English or French language abilities.
• Educational Credentials.
• 67/100 points – FSWP grid assessment.
• Settlement funds (This might not be needed sometimes).

Application

• Meet the requirements.
• Visit IRCC’s website to submit an Express Entry profile. IRCC means Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada.
• Apply for permanent residency after an invitation to do so.
• Wait till IRCC approves your entire application.
• Move to Canada.

2. Canadian Experience Class

Requirements

• Professional Work Experience.
• This is different from the Quebec Experience Class Program. 
• The Canadian Language Benchmark is essential in this process.
• You can be in Canada during this process.
• If you are not applying from Canada, you must have submitted your application within three years of leaving your job in Canada.

Application

• As an International student – You must graduate from an academic program in Canada. Apply for a post-graduation work permit from IRCC. Acquire work experience with the given work permit. Go through IRCC’s English or French language test. 
• As a temporary foreign worker – Obtain a Canadian work permit. Get work experience with the given work permit. Take a language test.

3. Federal Skilled Trade Program 

Requirements

• Certificate of qualifications.
• Basic language abilities.
• Full-time or part-time work experience.
• Demonstration of skills.

Application

• Meet the eligibility requirements.
• Do the English/French test.
• There’s an educational credential assessment.
• Visit IRCC’s website to submit your Express Entry profile.
• Wait for an invitation
• Complete your application process, and wait for approval.

4. Provincial Nominee Program (Express Entry  Stream)

Requirements

• Applicants must use one of the Skilled Workers Programs such as; the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trade Program.
• Must be nominated by a Canadian Province.

Application

• Possess the skills and work experience needed by a province.
• Reach out to the region to apply for nomination.
• Create an Express Entry profile.
• Select a region of your choice.
• Get nominated by the region.
• Apply for permanent residency after nomination.

5. Self-Employed Candidates 

Requirements

• Being self-employed in athletics or cultural activities.
• Participation in international athletic or cultural activities.
• Having the two qualifications above.
• Applicants must score 35/100 points. When points from test and assessment areas such as; language, education, work experience, age, and adaptability, are accumulated.

Application

• Be eligible and gather your documents.
• Go through the medical and fitness exam.
• Provide Police certificates to provide background information.
• Apply via an application form.
• Pay your application fee and submit it.
• Wait for approval.

6. Provincial Nominee Program (Paper-Based) 

Requirements

• The requirements of the provincial nominee program must be met.
• The paper-based application will be submitted after a province has nominated a candidate.

Application

• Fill out your application form. This can now be done online. However, in some cases, the paper format can be requested.
• Pay the application fees.
• Submit your form.
• Wait for approval.

7. Pilots 

Requirements

• This depends on any of the pilot programs a candidate is using.

Application

• Apply for any of the pilot programs of your choice.

8. Family Sponsorship Programs

Requirements

• A sponsor must be a permanent resident or a Canadian citizen.
• The sponsor must be 18 years old or older.
• The sponsor must already live in Canada.
• Sponsors will be required to be financially responsible for relatives for three years.
• Applicants must also apply to be permanent residents.

Application

• Meet the requirements to sponsor your family members, and your relatives must also meet the eligibility requirements to immigrate to Canada.
• Apply to IRCC on the federal level or MIFI (Ministry of Immigration, Francization, and Integration) on a provincial level. 
• Fill out a Sponsorship form. 
• Fill out the permanent residence form for your family.
• Pay your fees.
• Download a sponsorship guide from the government’s page to get submission information.
• Submit your application.
• Wait for approval.

9. Refugee Programs

Requirements

• Either government or government-recognized private individuals or organizations must sponsor candidates.
• Candidates cannot apply directly.

Application

• Make a refugee claim if you already reside in Canada. If not, you can apply for resettlement in Canada as a refugee.
• The Immigration and Refugee Boards of Canada will decide whether you need protection. Or whether you’re qualified.

Conclusion

Despite the points’ validity, understand that there are over 100 ways of immigrating to Canada. And a candidate’s native country often determines how convenient applying is. There are some countries that the Canadian government needs to allow.

However, you can check the Canadian Immigration website to confirm your country’s qualifications before applying. To avoid problems or waste of time, do not take the eligibility requirements as well as a step in the application process for granted. And lastly, make sure you provide the correct information in your application process. Good luck with your Immigration into Canada.