Hey, are you one of those who want to ‘japa’, want to leave this country for work, studies etc. do not worry, we are here and we’ll be talking about how to migrate to Canada easily. The country is a destination of choice for Nigerians for the economic and educational opportunities that can be found in various sectors. Canada also offers many advantages such as a stable political system, top notch educational system, diverse multicultural population, universal healthcare services, job opportunites and a thriving economy.
Some 70,000 Canadians of Nigerian currently call Canada home, and this number continues to grow every year. Most Nigerians arrive in Canada as skilled workers under the economic class. As Canada continues to increase its immigration levels year after year, the Nigerian diaspora in Canada is expected to grow even more from its current numbers. As a Nigerian, you can easily find a Nigerian community in Canada who can make you feel at home and at ease, cool right?
Canada values your education and work experience and takes it into consideration for many of its Canadian immigration programs. They value this because they want people who can help build their economy, people who will be of advantage to them. They don’t want people who will come and be a problem to them and not a solution to their problems. There are many immigration programs that you may be eligible for based on your educational qualification or work experiences. Fret not; you can still be eligible to migrate to Canada without a degree IF you plan to get the degree there. Though of these programs assign a point value for your education. You may receive more points if you have an advanced degree such as a Master’s or a PhD.
Currently, Canada is known for its positive attitude towards migration as it is seen to have helped built their economy in past years but it is not easy to migrate there. There are many steps one must take in order to successfully apply and get approved. The processes can take several months or years but then there are also ways you can speed up the process and avoid delays. Below are 12 wonderful and easy ways to migrate to Canada;
1. Express entry program.
It is quite a popular immigration program, tested and trusted by thousands of people. Most immigration programs just admit you to Canada, then you start looking for work permits that can let you work there so its best to find an immigration program that will save you the stress and money! The express entry program is just that! It is a immigration program that allows immigrants to live and work in Canada which is like the best option for immigrants. It also allows citizens and big organizations in Canada to recruit skilled and qualified workers through the platform. From cleaners, to truck drivers, to doctors and other skilled personnel, anyone skilled can qualify for the mass entry immigration program. So if you have expecptional qualifications and work experiences, when you apply and an employer sees your profile, you may get a job before you even get to Canada! One major advantage of this program is that candidates who apply through it (the express entry system) can receive permanent residence status in less than a year and that’s mind blowing! These are reason why it’s popular and loved by many.
2. Family sponsorship
If you have a relative in Canada who is already a permanent resident then you have an edge! People in Canada who are already Canadian citizens or permanent residents can sponsor their relatives to come to Canada and can make them permanent residents which is quite nice and easy. This is done so immigrants can reunite with their family. You can sponsor your partner and your children who are under the age of 21. If you have a child above 21 or 22 in most cases, the child has to prove that he can financially sustain himself or herself because they are seen as capable adults. Remember that Canada does not want liabilities! Your parents and grandparents will not be able to migrate through family sponsorship though but they can visit under the super visa category.
3. The Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
The PNP route is becoming increasingly popular because it’s like the fastest way for provinces to bring in immigrants to Canada. PNP’s require a job offer from a Canadian employer in order to qualify. To be eligible, you need to have the ability to respond to a province’s labour market needs. They pick people who have the ability and prowess to help grow the province’s economy and help solve economic crisis. After receiving a PNP nomination, the candidates are expected to apply to the federal government for Canadian permanent residence.
The cost of immigrating to Canada through PNP is usually that same as Express entry; additional fee cost depends on the province. Some provinces do not charge a fee to process PNP’s application so if you want to cut costs, you may consider going for provinces that do not charge much or do not charge at all. Ontario charges the highest and can charge up to $1,500 CAD. Examples of PNP’s
• Alberta immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)
• British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP)
• Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
• Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)
• New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)
• Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSPNP)
• Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)
• Ontario Immigrant Nominees Program (OINP)
• Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)
• Quebec Skilled Workers Program (QSWP)
• Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
• Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)
4. Business Investor Program (starting from a minimum investment of CAD 150,000 which is approximately 82 million naira)
If you have experience managing or if you own a business, the easiest way to work and reside in Canada could be through a federal or provincial business immigration program. The federal government offers immigration programs to people who plan to be self employed in Canada. This program however would require you to invest in the company you intend to start up in Canada. As said earlier, a Minimum investment of $150, 000 CAD (N 81.7 million).
5. Work visa
Many applicants for Canadian immigration first get Canadian job offers, apply for a work visa and then immigrate to Canada easily. The LMIA(Labour Market Impact Assessment) involves securing a job in Canada, having the employer apply for an LMIA through service Canada and then the applicant applying for the work permit after the LMIA is approved. This can easily lead to a permanent residence in Canada. Some positions are LMIA- exempt in Canada though.
6. Student visa
Many youths move to Canada to study and thereafter decide to settle down after getting job opportunities. Students, who want to study, apply for student visas. Though the student visa expires after their time of study elapses, it can always be renewed and a new one can always be gotten.
7. Start up visa
Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program offers Canadian permanent residence to qualified immigrant entrepreneurs and business people who want to start or set up as business. The program targets innovative business people and links them with private sector investors in Canada who will invest in their business and help establish their start-up business.
Candidates can initially come to Canada on a work permit supported by their designated Canada-based investor as it is needed by foreigners to work in Canada. Then they can apply for permanent residency later on.
Not all business people can be qualified so there are basic eligibility requirements and they are;
• Qualifying business. Not all businesses will be approved, find out the type they are looking for. If your business or specialization is not approved, you can diversify to include an approved business.
• Commitment Certificate and Letter of Support from a designated investor or a designatated entity. The investor must invest at least $75,000 CAD
• Sufficient tangential, available and transferable settlement funds.
• Proficiency in English or French at minimum Canadian Language Benchmark level 5. Proficiency in English for those who plan to set up their business in the English speaking parts of Canada and proficiency in French for those who want to set theirs in the French speaking parts of Canada.
DESIGNATED ENTITIES/ INVESTORS
It is a prerequisite that a designated angel investor group invests at least $75,000 CAD into the qualifying designated business. If one investor group cannot invest the whole money, the candidates can also qualify with two or more investments from angel investor groups to make the money a complete $75,000 CAD.
A designated venture capital fund must confirm that it is investing at least $200,000 CAD into the qualifying business. These are for bigger businesses. If one investor group cannot invest the whole money, two or more investors can invest to make it a complete $200,000 CAD.
For the candidate/entrepreneur to qualify for permanent residence:
• The intended business must be incorporated and carrying on business in Canada.
• The candidate must own at least 10 percent of the voting rights in the corporation.
• No other person can hold 50 percent or more of the voting rights in the corporation.
8. Study permit and post graduation work permit
Canada has an established route to permanent residence for international students with 750,000 expected to study in Canada in 2023, making it the largest category of temporary residents. They can come in on a study permit, qualify for a post graduation work permit which can give them the experience needed to qualify for immigration via express entry. However this is very competitive as only a fraction of the 750,000 students will become permanent residents.
9. Refugee immigration
Canada continues to prioritize welcoming refugees as part of its humanitarian effort around the world. The 2023 immigration program has room for more than 76000 new comers to Canada in the refugee class. Before applying for this, they must explain why they cannot go back to their home country.
10. Quebec immigration
The province of Quebec has its own immigration system with its own selection criteria that is separate from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) programs and also separate from the PNP. Applicants who are selected to immigrate to Quebec are given a Quebec Selection Certificate, or Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ). This is a document that is issued by Quebec’s Immigration Ministry. You are able to apply for a CSQ through one of Quebec’s immigration programs. The Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) is for skilled workers who wish to immigrate to Quebec and become permanent residents of Canada.
Quebec runs their own immigration program quite strictly and would only prefer those who are fluent in French as it is seen as a way to preserve their culture. So if you can speak French, double points for you. Because of the vast oppoturnities and beautigul sceneries in Quebec, we see immigrants wanting to go there and this males Quebec run their immigration programs with iron fists.
The Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) is popular among international students who have completed their post-secondary education in Quebec. This program is also for foreign skilled workers with work experience in the province. Quebec also boasts business immigration programs aimed at entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals who wish to run a business in Quebec, as well as those who want to obtain permanent residence in the province as immigrant investors.
11. Atlantic Immigration Program
This is a special immigration program owned by Atlantic Canada- the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). The AIP helps employers in need of a particular labour market need to attract and retain foreign talent. Atlantic Canada includes four provinces:
New Brunswick
Newfoundland and Labrador
Nova Scotia
Prince Edward Island
So, only employers from the above listed provinces in Canada has that right to directly source for foreign talents. Employers who wish to benefit from the AIP must find a suitable candidate and offer them a job. They do not need to conduct a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) which is quit stressful. Once the candidate accepts the offer, the employer must connect the candidate with a designated organization that will help him or her develop a settlement plan. Employers who wish to quickly fill the position may also have access to a temporary work permit and may later apply for permanent residence.
12. Business Immigration
Business people have several options that may allow you to fast-track the Canadian immigration process.
For example, you may be able to immigrate to Canada through the Federal Start-Up Visa Program, or the Federal Self-Employed Persons Program. Entrepreneurs can properly examine and thereafter pick the options that are preferable and beneficial.
As said earlier, Canada values your education and work experience and takes it into consideration for many of its Canadian immigration programs so find out the ones that suit you and apply early!
