Icon

Immigration programs for moving permanently to Canada

Residence permit
Canada
Immigration programs for moving permanently to Canada

Issues related to immigration to Canada trouble a lot of people. Foreigners are drawn there by the cosmopolitan, multicultural, progressive spirit, developed economy, and almost complete absence of corruption, as well as by the government's attention to the citizens and ecology. By the way, authorities also care for potential residents: today Canada can offer more than 60 immigration programs.

Read the top 15 myths about immigration to Canada here.


There are two types of immigration programs: federal and provincial. Each option presumes an opportunity to apply for temporary and permanent residence (TRP and KMA). Here is the list and peculiarities of some programs:
  • Federal programs are designed the search for qualified pros under 35 years of age. They usually perform under the so-called Express Entry system: to be among the candidates for immigration one must achieve a particular score. The potential can be found in the options made for qualified specialists (especially ones involved in medical care and hospice work), for workers, and for those who have at least 1 year of working experience in Canada.   
  • Provincial immigration programs are valid for Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, British Columbia, and Mantiboa states. In contrast to federal, provincial programs are less demanding and may offer financial support.
  • The Atlantic immigration program is a “pilot” option whose aim is to bring more working hands to the 4 Atlantic states of Canada (Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and New Scotland). They are unpopular due to their remote location.
  • The Quebec program is good for those fluent in French. The admission is also score-based, yet since French is less popular and common than English the competition is lower. 
  • Program for nannies and sitters is one of the non-demanding options. Still, due to the low entry barrier and candidates’ qualifications, it is also one of the most competitive ones. 
  • Start-up visa. This program is created for the young entrepreneurs involved in the creation of innovative hi-tech products. Candidates must be competitive, ready for quick development, and already granted investments or business-incubators support.
Note that programs are the easiest and the most convenient way to legitimize one's residence in Canada. There are options for all common residence bases including the one for a family reunion.



Challenges of immigration to Canada

Although the Canadian government states the list of demands for immigrants precisely and clearly, processing relevant documents and residence applications can be quite challenging. For example, the candidate will have to: 
  • get through a bid amount of data before application to find the most suitable program; 
  • provide documents that prove working experience and level of education, legitimize all relevant certs and diplomas, and provide English-level certificates;
  • pass a complete medical examination and provide relevant papers as well as a certificate of non-conviction. In some cases mentioned documents should be also gathered from the family members (e.g. if the candidate wants to apply for the sitters’ program);
  • prove that there is a minimal amount of means for living in Canada (depending on the program the sum varies from 120000 до 16000$ CAD which is equal to approx. 9000-15000$ USD);
Despite all these aspects moving to Canada is possible. The State government annually showcases the immigration plan. It usually requires from 300 000 to half-a-million people per year.