Canada is prepared to take in 485,000 fresh permanent residents in 2024; by 2025, that number will rise to 500,000, and by 2026, it will stabilize at 500,000 per year. There are numerous pathways to obtain Canadian permanent residency. The Canadim Team is dedicated to simplifying this complex process for you.
Easiest Ways to Immigrate to Canada
The easiest immigration route depends on your unique profile or connections within Canada. With unprecedented immigration targets, now is an optimal time to begin your journey. Keep in mind, though, that there’s no single easy way to immigrate. Some programs might be more accessible for you, but all involve a lengthy and detailed process. Although there are enormous emotional and financial costs associated with immigration to Canada, there are also significant gains. Canada frequently ranks among the top countries for quality of life and has a welcoming stance towards immigrants.
Popular Immigration Pathways
Here are four of the most popular ways for overseas applicants to move to Canada:
Express Entry
Canada’s most popular and fastest immigration program is called Express Entry. Successful candidates can gain permanent residence in as little as six months. By 2025, Canada plans to invite 500,000 newcomers, with a significant portion through Express Entry’s three streams:
– Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
– Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
– Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
The process involves submitting an online profile scored by the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Eligibility under one of the three streams is required to enter the Express Entry pool, where the Canadian government invites the highest-ranking candidates to apply for permanent residence. For eligible candidates, Express Entry could be the simplest route to Canada, though meeting the CRS cut-off can be challenging. Being in the pool increases your chances, as provinces may nominate you for permanent residence. The cost of immigrating through Express Entry is approximately $2,300 CAD for a single applicant or $4,500 CAD for a couple, excluding settlement funds, which differ according to the size of the family.
Provincial Nominee Programs
Despite the pandemic, provinces continued nominating overseas workers for Canadian permanent residence. By 2025, Canada aims to welcome 117,500 new immigrants through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Ten provinces and three territories in Canada each have their own nominee systems, each with its own set of qualifying requirements. While some PNPs accept candidates only on the basis of their capacity to fill positions in the local labor market, many PNPs demand some sort of link to the province.
PNP processing times vary by program. After receiving a provincial nomination, candidates must apply to the federal government for permanent residence. Processing time depends on whether the PNP uses the Express Entry system. The cost of immigrating through a PNP is typically similar to Express Entry, with additional fees varying by province. Some provinces charge no fees, while others, like Ontario, can charge up to $1,500 CAD.
Business Immigration
If you have business management or ownership experience, federal or provincial business immigration programs could be the easiest route to Canada. The federal government offers programs for self-employed individuals and those looking to start a business. Several PNPs also cater to overseas candidates wanting to establish businesses in specific provinces. Business immigration programs usually require significant investment in the Canadian business. The investment amount varies by program. Many PNPs have regional entrepreneur programs requiring lower investments for businesses in less populated areas.
Sponsorship
If you have an eligible family member who is either a permanent resident or a citizen of Canada, family sponsorship may be the easiest route to immigration. Canada offers several programs allowing permanent residents and citizens to sponsor family members. In 2024, Canada plans to welcome 105,000 new permanent residents through family sponsorship. If either your spouse or a child or grandchild is a citizen or permanent resident of Canada, you might qualify for family sponsorship. Sponsorship typically costs about $1,135 CAD, with additional fees for sponsors living in or planning to move to Quebec. Processing times vary by the sponsoring family member. Spousal sponsorship applications usually take about 12 months from start to finish.
