The Canadian government has several programs in place to funnel and expedite the many options a foreign worker can get Permanent Residency (PR) in the country. If you are planning on building an international career in Canada you may have heard of some initiatives. But did you know you can start to apply right now, even if you’re outside not currently living in Canada? Let’s discuss all the possible pathways to Canadian permanent residency.
The number one first thing you could do, apart from joining VanHack, of course, is learning about Express Entry. During VanHackCON 2022, Shervani Pinto, our Immigration Consultant, and Karan Dhani, Head of Global Mobility at VanHack, presented the many options for PR. Here are the highlights from their talk.
Express Entry Is The First Stop In The Pathway to Canadian Permanent Residency
The Express Entry is a website where you will find everything you need to start your journey to a Canadian PR. The page is a pool, where you can apply for residency under many different programs.
The first step you need to take is to access the page and fill in your information. You will get points according to your age, work experience, education and other elements. The more points you get the greater are your chances of being invited to apply for permanent residency. The amount of points you get for work and education, for example, will vary according to the country’s economic needs. The Canadian government is currently placing a lot of attention and incentives on the tech industry so there are plenty of options for skilled tech workers who want to relocate to Canada.
Different Options To Apply For Permanent Residency In Canada
Within the Express Entry umbrella, you will find different programs such as the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), or the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
Do not let all the different options scare you. Having so many programs available actually increases the chances of one being the best fit for you. Sure, the amount of programs and the fact that each one operates differently can be daunting but that’s why we have a team of experts who are ready to assist you. If you are part of our community, our advisors will help you figure out what’s the best option for you.
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CEC vs FSW: What Are The Differences
The best program for you is the one that is more suited to your experience and education, and your goals in Canada.
Our consultants explained some of the basic differences between the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and the Federal Skilled Worker Program. In short, they said that the CEC is an easier path, but the FSW may be the best option for individuals with little work experience in Canada.
For the CEC, the candidate must have one year of skilled work experience in Canada within the past three years, and has to submit an assessment of language skills. No minimum education or proof of funds will be required.
The FSW, on the other hand, requires that the candidate have at least one year of continuous skilled work in Canada within the last 10 years, minimum education of secondary school, and an assessment of language skills. A proof of funds is necessary and it varies from CAD 13,3110 to CAD 24,733 depending on the size of your family.
Path To Permanent Residency Through Province’s Programs
Shervani Pinto and Karan Dhani pointed out that some Canadian provinces have their own permanent residency programs that candidates may not know about. Usually local initiatives are geared towards attracting professionals, students or business owners that add value to the province’s economy.
The requirements for PNP include: intent or ability to live and work in the province, work offer in Canada (if applicable), and settlement funds. Candidates will also be required to present proof of education, skills and training.
Documents You Need to Apply for Canadian Permanent Residency
Here are some of the documents you will need when applying for Canadian permanent residency:
- English / French language test results
- Diplomas and certificates
- Employment records
- Job Offer
- Passport
- Police certificates
- Medical exams
- Proof of funds
- Digital photo
- Confirmation on PNP (if applicable)
Other Paths To Canadian PR
The pathways to Canadian Permanent Residency can indeed take many different directions. Our consultants reminded VanHackCON participants that some less popular options may be available and turnout to be the best fit in some cases. Other alternatives are family sponsorship, start up visa, or initiatives specific to the Quebec province.
VanHack Helps You Find Work And Relocate to Canada
Regardless of the path you choose to pursue permanent residency in Canada, we are here to help you. VanHackers get access to a unique team of advisors that work hard to connect them to the best tech job opportunities abroad, prepare them to land those jobs, and assist them with everything they need to move and settle. Our services are 100% free for candidates (we get paid by the hiring companies) and you can sign up and start working on your international career right now.
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