What are the key pathways for skilled immigration to Canada

Posted by Nationwide Immigration Services on July 11th, 2022

Canada heavily relies to meet its economic and labour needs on the skilled immigration population. Canada today has almost 8 million immigrants living there permanently due to a dwindling population, dropping birth rates, and a lack of trained employees to support a thriving economy. The WES Report states that approximately 80% of talented individuals who immigrate to Canada find employment there, making it the best country for young professionals looking to advance their careers. 341,000 immigrants entered Canada in 2020, and 91,800 of them were granted admission via Express Entry.

With 401,000 people expected to be invited to apply for permanent residency in 2021, 108,500 of whom will be distributed under Federal high skilled programmes controlled by the Canada Express Entry Program, new immigration targets suggest that this amount will continue to rise yearly. The three primary skilled worker immigration programmes in Canada are managed via the Express Entry system, with the Federal Skilled Worker Program serving as a special immigration route for highly qualified professionals. Express Entry applicants who meet the requirements can join Canada's expanding labour force and be given the chance to become permanent residents of the country. The programmes listed below give talented workers a way for immigration to Canada.

1.  Federal Skilled Workers Program

Since 2015, the Federal Skilled Worker Program is now governed by the Express Entry system. The Express Entry Program main objective is to expedite the process of certifying eligible, highly skilled foreign workers for a Permanent Resident (PR) Visa to Canada so they can contribute to meeting the labour needs of Canadian industries. Express Entry is for you if you want to immigrate to Canada rapidly.

After submitting your application and entering the pool of candidates, you can keep updating your profile to increase the likelihood that someone will draw your application. You receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence if your profile is selected from the Express Entry pool based on your score and your profile is selected overall. The best part is that an FSWP application can be processed in as little as 6 months.

2.  Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

A specific route for skilled tradespeople to become Canadian permanent residents is the FSTP. Because the eligibility standards are focused on a single National Occupation Classification (NOC), skill level, and are different from those of other Express Entry programmes (Skill level B). Additionally, there are several language and educational requirements.

Candidates must have at least two years of paid, full-time work experience—or an equivalent level of part-time experience—in any of the following NOC occupational categories within the five years prior to applying to be eligible for the FSTP.

3. Canadian Experience class (CEC)

This immigration category called the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) enables people who have worked in Canada for at least a year to enter permanently. Canada's Express Entry immigration programme includes CEC. The Canadian government recognises the vast pool of brilliant people already employed there and encourages their application for permanent residency. These are people and families who have established themselves in Canada and have made plans for the future.

4.  Quebec Skilled Workers Program (QSWP)

The Quebec Skilled Worker Program, also known as the Regular Skilled Worker Program, is distinctive in that it accepts applicants who are interested in coming to live, settle, and work in the Canadian province of Quebec. To be eligible for this programme, you do not need to have a job offer, and there is no official list of jobs that are in demand.

The Quebec province oversees its own immigration policies for Canada, using a distinct set of criteria than other provinces. Prior to being invited to apply through the Arrima portal, where your profile is graded out of 100, you must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). If you are chosen, the federal government will send you an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency along with a Quebec Selection Certificate. From this point on, the government's main responsibility is to evaluate the application's legal and medical components.

5. Provincial Nominee Programmes (PNP)

For people who want to apply for Canada PR and desire to reside and settle in a specific Canadian province, each of the country's provinces and territories has established its own skilled worker programmes. You can either apply directly through these programme streams or use the Express Entry system to construct a second PNP profile by submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI).

A provincial nomination can always improve your Express Entry profile even though not all PNP streams are compatible with it. Candidates must meet certain requirements in order to be considered for a PNP, including having the knowledge, training, and work experience necessary to immediately contribute to the province or territory's economy. They ought to be prepared to establish themselves successfully in the chosen area. You are given a nomination and ITA for permanent residency with the federal government if you satisfy all the requirements and obtain the necessary number of points from the province. Your CRS score will increase if you were nominated by the province through the Express Entry pool, and you will receive your ITA if you are chosen from the pool.