CANADA IMMIGRATION: HOW TO IMMIGRATE TO CANADA

There are many pathways to immigrate to Canada. You could apply to immigrate to Canada by yourself or if you find it complicated, you could consult with an immigration lawyer to apply on your behalf.

Choosing and navigating the best pathway for you and your family could be daunting. I have attempted to simplify the process here as much as I can.

1. First, understand that Canadian immigration is based on programs - permanent residence programs. They are called permanent residence programs because, if you are successful, you will become a Canadian permanent resident.

2. A good place to start: If you want to see all the immigration programs that Canada offers, the link below is always a good place to start. When you click the link, you will find immigration programs including but not limited to the ones listed below:

• Express Entry Program - allows you to immigrate to Canada as a skilled worker;

• Provincial Nominee Program- allows you to immigrate to Canada by being nominated by a Canadian province or territory;

• Family Sponsorship Program - allows you to immigrate to Canada by being sponsored by your relatives who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents;

• Start-up Visa Program - allows you to immigrate to Canada to start a business and create jobs in Canada;

• Refugee Program - allows you to immigrate to Canada as a refugee.

I mentioned just a few of the available Canadian immigration programs above. If you want to see all the available Canadian immigration programs, click this link.

3. When you have explored all the programs in the link above, do your eligibility test by answering a few questions to see if you meet the minimum requirements for the particular program you've chosen. For example, the Express Entry is made up of 3 programs. I.e. the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and the Federal Skilled Trades (FST). If you feel you have the qualifications for the FSW, for example, you will do your eligibility test by clicking here.

4. Apply: After completing your eligibility test, you should then proceed to apply. Once you apply, you will be placed in a pool along with other permanent residence applicants.

5. Invitation to Apply(ITA): While you are in the pool of applicants for permanent residency, based on your points, you may be given an ITA to apply for permanent residence in Canada. This is usually a great step forward and good news. You will apply for your permanent residence at this point and wait for the final decision, which could be - Congratulations, you are now a permanent resident of Canada!!

   We at Jode Law understand that the Canadian immigration landscape could be complex. If you want to immigrate to Canada and are at a crossroads on where to start or how to proceed, contact our lawyers via email at lawyers@jodelaw.ca

   The articles published by Jode Law are intended as general information only and do not serve as legal advice. By reading, the reader understands there is no solicitor-client relationship established. If you have a legal question, you may consult one of our lawyers via email at lawyers@jodelaw.ca or use the Contact Us button to drop a message.