Immigration almost always involves a paradigm shift, affecting the external world around as well as the interior of the being. As there is a vista of new possibilities opening up, there is also the pain of goodbyes. It takes quite an amount of preparations before one can come to a conclusive decision regarding Canada immigration.
Canada has been ranked as one of the best countries to live in for five years straight now and many individuals contemplate the possibility of making a permanent (or at least a long term) move to that highly progressive, multicultural and diverse country.
Step 1: Applying for permanent residency
There are multiple paths to choose from while applying for residency. One can select either of them and proceed to the next steps. Some of those options are-
Skilled worker class:
This is one of the most common ways of application and the applicant’s accumulated score is based on education, current (or arranged) and previous employment records, age, proficiency in a language, adaptability and criminal history. Acceptance of application may also depend on the Canadian labour market and its current state.
Investors, entrepreneurs and the self-employed:
Individuals in the role of investors or entrepreneurs may apply under the Canada Federal Business/Investor program. Entrepreneurs must own business in Canada and generate employment opportunities for Canadian workers besides showing a net worth of CAD$300,000.
If one desires to enter the country as an investor, managerial experience, a net worth of CAD$1.6 million and willingness to invest CAD$800,000 are compulsory requisites. Self-employed individuals need to provide sufficient proof of being a farmer, athlete or artist.
For those who want to move and settle down in a particular territory or province, the Provincial Nomination Program is available. The applicant, however, must be actually nominated by that province for reasons of making immediate economic contributions to that part.
There is the Canadian Experience Class program for international students or foreign workers who have been residing temporarily in Canada which allows applications for permanent residency. An experience of 2 years of skilled labour in the country is a requisite for temporary workers while students need to have a full time working experience of 1 year after graduating from a Canadian post-secondary school. A language test in French or Canadian needs to be passed by both varieties of applicants.
Family class sponsorship program allows a permanent resident of Canada or a citizen to sponsor a specifically related individual in accordance to sponsorship requirements.
Step 2: Receiving the Permanent Resident Card
Once an application is approved, one receives a permanent resident card from the related authorities.
Step 3: Application for Canadian citizenship
Once the term of 3 years (from the receipt of a permanent resident card) of living in Canada is passed, one can apply for Canadian citizenship. The applicant must be above 18 years of age and proficient in either French or English. There is a test on Canadian government and society which also needs to be passed.
Needless to say, there are several steps which are needed to be followed before one can successfully reach their destination, in this case, Canada.
