Canada Immigration & Scholarship: Permanent Residency and Citizenship

This is Canada immigration and scholarships guide updates for the year. The guide is a courtesy of our different team members who’re one of the Canadian Immigration experts. You will agree that migrating to a new country is an exciting and rather an intimidating process. Therefore, our team has put together this guide with the purpose to help you understand the application process. in place for you to live and work in Canada.

There are two main paths to Canada. One way is to obtain a permanent residence visa. The other way is to come to Canada on a temporary work permit.

Now, let me ask you; what does it mean to be a Canadian Permanent Resident? Its simply to have a document officially allowing you to live Canada indefinitely. In facet, once you are issued a Canada Immigration Visa for permanent residency, you generally have most of the same rights as well as obligations as Canadian citizens. Just as the name term suggests, you may hold this status indefinitely. This happens as long as you accumulate 2 years of residency days in each 5 year period. As a matter of fact, just after three (3) years of your stay in Canadian, you can then apply for Canadian citizenship. Don’t worry if you are not originally from Canada, the country recognizes dual citizenship, so you do not have to give up your current international passport.

Different Between Permanent Residency and Citizenship in Canada

Apparently, there are a few known differences in practice between permanent residency and citizenship in Canada. The first is that as a permanent resident, you may not vote in elections. The second is that while citizenship is a right that may not be taken away, as a permanent resident. However, you may be deported permanently if you commit a serious crime including murder.

Currently, there are six (6) main categories of Canadian Immigration. The categories are (i) Federal Skilled Worker, (ii) Quebec Skilled Worker, (iii) Provincial Nominee Program, (iv) Family Sponsorship, (v) Business Immigrant and (vi) Canadian Experience Class. Each category caters to a slightly different group of immigrants and comes with its own set of requirements. Furthermore, you can also come to Canada under the Asylum category. In addition, you can choose the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. Continue reading below to discover more about which category applies to you.

Scholarship Advice and Secrets – Find and Apply for Top Scholarships

Commonwealth Scholarship Application for International Students in UK

How to Find & Apply for Scholarships – Free Tuition Money

Federal Skilled Worker in Canada Immigration

There are basically some requirements of the skilled worker category that are intended to assess applicants, who wants to become economically established in Canada after arrival.

To be eligible for Federal Skilled Worker, applicants must either:

You are to have at least 1 year of continuous full-time job. You can also get an equivalent paid work experience in the past 10 years in one of the 38 qualifying occupations; or
The applicants have been living in Canada with legal status as a Temporary Foreign Worker. The other mway is to to be an international student for at least one year; or
Fill in the Qualification requirements for Arranged Employment with a full-time permanent job offer from a Canadian employer.

1. In addition to that as the first element, there are three other characteristics an individual must possess in order to be eligible to immigrate under the skilled worker category. The first task is a minimum level of work experience. As mentioned earlier, a skilled worker must have at least one year of continuous full-time employment (or the equivalent part-time). This work experience must be of a skilled nature, satisfying either Skill Type 0 or Skill Level A or B in Canada’s National Occupation Classification (NOC) system. This work experience must have come within the 10 year period before applying.

2. Going forward, the second element of the skilled worker category is one of the financial resources. In short, this is a straightforward requirement. An applicant has to specifically demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources (cash) to support themselves. Furthermore, they also show that their dependents will be comfortable for at least 6 months after arrival in Canada. But, if you have an approved & verifiable job offer, this requirement is waived at together.

3. Lastly, the third element of the skilled worker category is a points-based assessment. Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) uses a points-based system to checkmate a your potential for establishing themselves in Canada. Some applicants are awarded points based on 6 different selection factors. An individual must reach 67 points on this assessment to qualify for immigration to Canada. A satisfactory score on this evaluation does not, however, guarantee approval. Why? Simply because as Canadian Immigration Visa Officers may use their discretion to approve or refuse an application based on a substituted evaluation.

The selection factors that make up the assessment are:

Education (maximum 25 points)

It ranges from 5 points for completing high school to 25 points for completing a master’s or Ph.D.
Also, the system also gives credit for trade certificates or apprenticeship programs.

Language Skills (maximum 24 points)

Canada uses both English and French as official languages, and you may receive credit for proficiency in either one or both.
Several Marks are awarded separately for abilities to listen, speak, read, and write each official language.

Experience (maximum 21 points)

Completely full points for four (4) or more years of experience at an appropriate level.

Age (maximum 10 points)

Full points for being between the ages of 21-49.

Arranged Employment (maximum 10 points)

If you hold a permanent job offer from a Canadian employer or are applying from within Canada and hold a temporary work permit, you may receive credit for your Canadian employment.

Adaptability (maximum 10 points)

This category brings in several factors related to an applicant’s ability to adapt to living in Canada, including previous experience working or studying in Canada or having family in Canada.

Altogether these three elements, along with other requirements such as security clearances and medical examinations, make up the bulk of the criteria to come to Canada under the Skilled Worker category. If you are applying to live or work in Montreal or elsewhere in Quebec, however, you must meet the selection criteria of the Province of Quebec, outlined below.

Quebec Skilled Worker in Canada Immigration

According to an agreement between the Province of Quebec and the Government of Canada, the Province of Quebec has its selection process for the skilled worker category of immigration. If you intend to live in Quebec upon arrival in Canada, you will be assessed based on the Quebec Selection criteria and not the evaluation used by CIC. The application process for immigration to Quebec uses a similar points-based system but with slightly different criteria.

Like the federal system, Quebec uses a points-based system to assess potential immigrants. To qualify for a Quebec Selection Certificate, single applicants must score at least 60 points from the ten selection criteria. In contrast, an applicant with a spouse or common-law partner must score a minimum of 68 points.

The selection factors for immigration to Quebec as a skilled worker are:

Training (maximum 29 points):

Points are awarded separately for both education and job-related training.
Additional points are awarded for having more than one area of specialty.

Validated Employment Offer (maximum 10 points)

Points are awarded for having a job offer from an employer in Quebec, with greater points awarded for a job outside of the area of Montreal.

Experience (maximum 9 points)

Full points are awarded for four or more years of experience at the appropriate skill level, according to the NOC.

Age (maximum 18 points)

Full points are awarded for being between the ages of 18-35.

Language Proficiency (maximum 22 points)

French is the official language of the Province of Quebec. The Quebec selection criteria place value on oral language abilities rather than written comprehension. Up to 16 points are available for oral interaction in French, with an additional 6 available for oral interaction in English.

Stay and Family in Quebec (maximum 9 points)

Having previously spent time living, working, or studying in Quebec, as well as having family in the province, will help a prospective immigrant establish themselves more easily. Points are awarded for both of these areas.

Spouse’s Characteristics (maximum 18 points)

If an applicant is accompanied by a spouse or common-law partner, points may be awarded for the spouse’s education, training, work experience, age and language.

Children (maximum 8 points)

Up to the maximum, 4 points are awarded for each child under 12 years of age, and 2 points for each child between 13 and 21.

Financial Self-Sufficiency (1 point)

One point is awarded for having sufficient funds for financial self-sufficiency upon arrival. However, without satisfying this requirement the application is automatically refused.

Adaptability (maximum 8 points)

This category uses an overall assessment of the applicant’s ability to adapt to life in Quebec.

Satisfying these requirements will lead to the issue of a Quebec Selection Certificate, which is recognized by CIC for immigration to Quebec. The applicant must still pass a security clearance and medical examination.

Provincial Nomination Program in Canada Immigration

One way to speed up the process of immigration to Canada is through the Provincial Nomination Program (PNP). The PNP consists of partnerships between the Government of Canada and provincial governments to select individuals who wish to immigrate to Canada and settle in that particular province. Most provinces in Canada have agreements in place to participate in this program. Under the terms of these agreements, provinces may nominate applicants who are in occupations in high demand, or who will otherwise make important contributions to the province.

To immigrate to Canada under the PNP, an individual must first apply for a Provincial Nomination Certificate to the provincial government where they would like to reside. Each province has different requirements based on their particular needs. To learn more about each province’s requirements, click here. After receiving the Provincial Nomination Certificate, an individual then must apply for a Canadian Permanent Resident Visa. Provincial nominees receive priority processing for their permanent residency applications.

The following provinces currently participate in the Provincial Nomination Program:

Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland and Labrador
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Prince Edward Island
Saskatchewan
Yukon

Provincial nominees are not assessed on the six selection criteria of the Federal Skilled Worker Program.

Family Class Sponsorship in Canada Immigration

Basically, the Family Class Sponsorship program allows Canadian citizens or permanent residents who are at least 18 years of age to sponsor close family members, who wish to immigrate to Canada. For you to sponsor a relative for Family Class immigration to Canada, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident must sign a contract. The signature shows that he/she promises to support the family member who wishes to immigrate. This is usually for a period of 3 to 10 years after their arrival. The length of the agreement depends on the age of the family member being sponsored and the nature of the relationship. To apply for Family Class immigration, the sponsored relative must also sign a contract promising to make every effort to be self-sufficient.

To be eligible to sponsor a relative, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident must demonstrate the financial ability to provide for the essential needs of the sponsored relative, should that be necessary. As a general rule, the sponsor must also be physically residing in Canada in order to sponsor. An exception is made for Canadian citizens who wish to sponsor a spouse, common-law partner or children if the sponsor can demonstrate an intention to reside in Canada by the time the sponsored relative lands in Canada.

Family members eligible for sponsorship are:

Spouses or common-law partners.
Parents or grandparents.
Dependent children (must be under 22 years of age unless substantially dependent for financial support because they are a full-time student, or because of disability).
Children under 18 whom you plan to adopt Orphaned brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews who are under 18 and unmarried.
A relative of any age if you do not have any of the family members listed above.

The Province of Quebec, according to its agreement with the Government of Canada on immigration, has a role in determining the eligibility of sponsorship applicants for residents of Quebec. This role, however, takes effect only after CIC has completed its initial assessment of the sponsorship application.

Business Immigration to Canada Immigration

The Business Immigration Program is designed to seek out individuals who are in a position to contribute to Canada’s economic development through their investment and managerial skills. Individuals who apply under this category have financial resources that will strengthen the Canadian economy and help create more jobs. Individuals with business experience and relatively high net worth may apply under one of three categories of the Business Immigration Program.

Each of these categories targets a different contribution to the Canadian economy and has its own requirements.

Immigrant Investor Program: This program seeks to attract experienced business people willing to make substantial investments in the Canadian economy. Applicants under this program must establish a net worth of at least CAD$800,000, and demonstrate that this wealth was legally obtained. In addition, Immigrant Investors must make an investment of CAD$400,000, which the government of Canada will return to them at the end of five years, with no interest. To qualify as an Immigrant Investor, the applicant must also have managed a qualifying business, as defined by Canadian Immigration authorities. Applicants destined to the province of Quebec may qualify under a similar Investor Program administered by that province.
Entrepreneur Program: The Entrepreneur Program is geared towards business immigrants who plan to have a hands-on role in their contributions to the Canadian economy. The net worth requirements for the Entrepreneur Program are lower than for Immigrant Investors (CAD$300,000 rather than CAD$800,000). Applicants under this category of the Business Immigrant Program must commit to both managing and owning at least one-third of a Canadian business, which will create or maintain employment within three years of landing in Canada. Applicants destined to the province of Quebec may qualify under a similar Entrepreneur Program administered by that province.
Self-Employed Persons Program: The Self-Employed Persons Program is in place for individuals with relevant experience and skills in business, culture, athletics or farming who are able willing to support themselves and their dependents through self-employed income. To apply under this program, an individual may need to demonstrate experience, net worth and/or artistic qualifications depending on the criteria under which they are applying. Applicants destined to the province of Quebec may qualify under a Self-Employed Program administered by that province.

Canadian Experience Class in Canada Immigration

The Canadian Experience Class caters specifically to Temporary foreign workers and international students who wish to become Canadian Permanent Residents. Now, having obtained a Canadian education and/or Canadian work experience, these individuals have already settled into the Canadian society and have established important networks in their communities and their careers.

New Visa Updates

The Canadian Experience Class requirements are based on a pass or fail model. There are separate minimum requirements for the two types of applicants:

International Graduates with Canadian Work Experience

Applicants must have:

Successfully completed a program of study of at least two academic years at a Canadian post-secondary educational institution;
Obtained at least one year of skilled, professional or technical work experience within 24 months of the application date; and
Moderate or basic language skills, depending on the skill level of their occupation.

Temporary Foreign Workers

Applicants must have:

Personally gotten at least 2 years of skilled, professional or technical work experience within 36 months of the application date;
Small, Moderate or basic language skills, depending on the skill level of their occupation.

An applicant who has met the minimum requirements and is still in Canada on either a Post-Graduate Work Permit or a Temporary Work Permit may apply from within Canada. For individuals no longer in Canada, the applications must be submitted within one year of leaving their job in Canada.

Asylum in Canada Immigration

As a world leader and champion of human rights issues, Canada also recognizes a responsibility to grant asylum to refugees who face danger, persecution and violations of their human rights in their country of nationality or habitual residence. Canada’s refugee system offers protection to thousands of such individuals each year. Refugees may be government-assisted or may be privately sponsored by individuals or organizations in Canada.

There are two main components to this program:

Refugee and Humanitarian Resettlement Program: This program is aimed at refugees currently outside of Canada who seeks resettlement. CIC selects refugees seeking resettlement, determining first if they may be safe to remain where they are currently located or to return to their country of nationality. Selection depends heavily on recommendations from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, but also requires security and medical screening.
Asylum in Canada: This program offers protection to individuals currently in Canada who fear to return to their home country. Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Board assess these cases.

Canada Temporary Foreign Worker Program

If you have tried other options and it didn’t work for you, you can give the Canada temporary foreign worker programs a try. So, for people who wish to come work in Canada, they may apply for a temporary work permit through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. Notice that as a general rule, these work permits require a valid job offer from a Canadian employer, even though there are some exceptions. Meanwhile, in some other cases, it is possible to extend work permits from within Canada. B but some work permits have a maximum duration.

In many cases, work permits require that the employer obtain Labour Market Opinion from Human Resources and Social Development Canada. Why so? It solely to confirm that the employment will not adversely affect Canadian workers. There are several exemptions to this rule also.

Married Spouses and common-law partners of individuals who hold a Canadian work permit may accompany the work permit holder to Canada. But note that in several cases, husband and wife are eligible to apply for an open work permit. This then allows the holder to work for any employer in Canada.

Mr. David Cohen answers immigration questions in Monster’s Career Message Board Canada Immigration and Work: https://www.monster.ca/career-advice/?webtag=workincanada. Use the related posts below to see questions and answers.In conclusion, note that a permanent resident is not a Canadian citizen; rather, all permanent residents are citizens of other countries. Also, in order to maintain permanent resident status, permanent residents must meet certain requirements like the residency obligation. Canada Permanent Residence is important to all, so don’t mess it up

- Advertisement -