Settling in Canada This Summer
Are you considering immigrating to Canada soon, whether temporarily or permanently? We break down the different immigration options available to you.
IMMIGRATE TO CANADA TEMPORARILY
Do you want to experience Canada by moving there temporarily? Canada welcomes hundreds of thousands of temporary residents each year who want to live this experience.
If you wish to come to Canada to work as a foreign national, there are many programs available to allow you to immigrate temporarily. Choose the province where you want to settle and start the process!
Obtain a Work Permit
Foreign nationals who wish to work in Canada temporarily must obtain valid status, namely a work permit. This can be either a “closed” or “open” work permit.
The “closed” work permit, the most common, ties you to a specific employer and does not allow you to change jobs or workplaces without obtaining a new work permit. The “open” work permit, which is more flexible, allows you to work anywhere in Canada, hold multiple jobs (within the maximum number of hours allowed per week), and change employers, as long as your work permit remains valid.
Depending on your profile, several programs may be available to obtain a work permit.
The Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program
The Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program allows foreign nationals to obtain a “closed” work permit in Canada. It is generally issued for a period of 24 or 36 months. The processing times for obtaining it vary from country to country and by period.
As a “closed” work permit, it is tied to a specific employer. This means you must first secure a job offer to participate in the TFWP. Your employer will also need to complete several steps, including submitting a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) application.
The current fee for the work permit is CAD 155. In most cases, you will also need to pay an additional CAD 85 for biometric data.
International Experience Canada
To obtain a work permit through simplified procedures, the International Experience Canada (IEC) program is a frequently used route. It is based on agreements between Canada and 36 countries and territories around the world, designed to support the mobility of young professionals.
To be eligible, you must meet certain criteria, including nationality and age. Depending on the country, the criteria and conditions of the International Experience Canada program may vary. Generally, individuals eligible for this program are between 18 and 35 years old.
International Experience Canada includes three categories: the Working Holiday Permit, the Young Professional Permit, and the International Co-op Internship. Among these, only the Working Holiday Permit allows you to obtain an “open” work permit.
Note that these categories may not be available in all countries.
IMMIGRATING TO CANADA PERMANENTLY
If you wish to obtain permanent residency in Canada, the immigration programs differ depending on whether you want to settle in Quebec or another province.
Obtaining Permanent Residency in Quebec
To obtain permanent residency in Quebec, you have two options: the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) or the Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ).
The Quebec Experience Program – Worker Stream
It is aimed at workers who have been employed full-time for at least 24 months in Quebec, in categories NOC 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the National Occupational Classification.
The program allows you to obtain a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ), which is the first step before you can apply for permanent residency at the federal level.
The Regular Skilled Worker Program…
If you are not eligible for the PEQ due to your profile, you can still apply through the Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP). In particular, if you are abroad at the time of applying, the PRTQ is a viable option for applying for a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ).
This program operates on an invitation basis, using several criteria, including age and language skills.
…soon to be replaced by the Qualified Workers Selection Program
Starting November 29, 2024, however, the PRTQ will be replaced by a new permanent immigration program: the Skilled Workers Selection Program. The PSTQ aims to better process permanent residency applications based on professions and to increase French language requirements.
The PSTQ will operate around four categories:
- Highly Skilled and Specialized Professions: NOC 0, 1, and 2
- Manual and Intermediate Skills: NOC 3, 4, and 5
- Regulated Professions
- Exceptional Talent
For each of these categories, the French language requirements vary. Candidates in the highly skilled category will need to demonstrate a French proficiency equivalent to level 7 in speaking and 5 in writing. Others will need to show a minimum proficiency of level 5 in speaking.
Express Entry: Obtaining Permanent Residency Outside of Quebec
Express Entry is one of the most commonly used pathways for immigrants to settle in Canada.
The program operates through rounds of invitations, based on your free registration in a candidate pool and your profile. You may be invited to apply for permanent residency at any time.
To promote French-speaking communities in Canada, some rounds of invitations are reserved for French speakers. These could present an opportunity, especially if you do not score enough points in terms of profession or age.
Wondering which option might fit your situation? Our professionals are here to assist you : info@immetis.com.
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