Are you interested in moving to Canada but not sure where to start?

Canada offers more than 8 immigration pathways and choosing the right one can be overwhelming! This is why we have broken down the four most common programs the newcomers apply for and created a checklist to guide you through this important decision.

1. Express Entry: Fast-Track for Skilled Workers

The Express Entry Program is known to be best for skilled professionals with work experience, language proficiency and strong dedication. This pathway’s processing time is usually 6 months after receiving an invitation and includes a points-based system by age, education, language ability and work experience alongside multiple other factors as listed on the Canadian Government’s Website. This pathway is the fastest and most popular immigration system including:

• • Canadian Experience Class

• • Federal Skilled Worker Program

• • Federal Skilled Trades Program

If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can create a profile and enter the pool where candidates with the highest scores get invited to apply. What distinguished this program is its fast-processing time with no job offer requirement. However, it is highly competitive and requires strong documented proof.

2. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

The Provincial Nominee Program is best for people with ties to a specific province or who have a job offer. The processing time ranges from 6-18 months depending on the stream of choice and it does not include a point-based system since every province has its own criteria. It is important to know that each province in Canada has its own immigration program. PNPs ae ideal for immigrants who:

• • Studied or worked in a certain province

• • Have a job offer there

• • Want to live in a less populated area

Provincial Nominee Programs are beneficial since lower CRS scores are accepted in some cases, but you must live in the province that nominates you.

3. Family Sponsorship

The family sponsorship pathway is best for people with close family members in Canada such as a partner, spouse, children or parents. This pathway’s processing time ranges between 12-24 months and does not include a points-based system since the eligibility depends on the sponsors and their relationship. The sponsor, typically a spouse, common-law partner, child or a parent must be a Canadian Citizen or a permanent resident in order to be able to sponsor a family member. The upside for this pathway is that it does not rely on a point system like PNPs however it does include financial obligations from the sponsor’s side.

4. International Student Pathway

The international student pathway is best for young adults who are looking to build their future in Canada. Its processing takes up to 3 months and the Permenant residence application varies after graduation. Although applying for a study permit does not include a points-based system, the student will eventually have to apply for PR through other pathways such as the Express Entry program or the Provincial Nomination Programs.

Studying in Canada is a common long-term pathway since international students usually apply for a Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) to gain Canadian work experience and then apply for PR through their preferred pathway. The advantage of this pathway is that it allows you to gain education, work experience and provides choice for your preferred PR pathway. The disadvantages however are that undergraduate tuition is expensive for international students, and the PR pathway is a long-term process.

Wondering Which Immigration Program is Best for you? Here’s a checklist to help you make an informed choice

Q1: Do you already have skilled work experience and speak English or French well?

• • Yes → Try Express Entry

Q2: Do you have a job offer or ties to a specific province?

• • Yes → Explore PNPs

Q3: Do you have a spouse or parent in Canada?

• • Yes → Look into Family Sponsorship

Q4: Are you under 35 and want to study and build your future in Canada?

• • Yes → Consider the Study Pathway

There is No Single Path, Only the One that Best Suits You

When it comes to immigration, there is no “one size fits all”. The best program for you will depend on multiple factors including your goals both short and long term, your experience and your financial and educational background.

At Berhan Immigration and Settlement Services, we strive to support and guide you through your immigrating journey. Book a personalized consultation today to get expert advice on the best immigration pathway to Canada.