Canada provides many opportunities for those who would like to call it home. It is easy to see why so many foreigners chose Canada as their immigration destination. The challenge lies in picking the right pathway to relocate here.
Most workers with foreign work experience who want to immigrate to Canada permanently, submit an online profile under Express Entry. The person receives ranking points based on their language ability, education, skills and experience. Candidates with the most points are periodically invited to apply for permanent residence. Unfortunately, applications under the Federal Skilled Worker program have been significantly delayed and invitations to apply have not been issued for a long time.
Luckily, there are many avenues to come to Canada on a temporary basis as a student or worker. While studying here, students can gain work experience and, upon graduation, can continue to work in Canada for up to three years. With experience studying and working in Canada, many students apply for permanent residence.
Temporary workers are welcomed through various work permit programs. For high-wage workers, the Temporary Foreign Worker Program provides an opportunity to come to Canada accompanied by family members and gain Canadian experience which paves the way to permanent residence. One such program, the Global Talent Stream, is designed to enable global companies that are investing in, or expanding to Canada, to fill in-demand highly skilled occupations on the Global Talent Occupations List within weeks. There are a number of qualifying occupations, most of which are tech-related.
Under the Significant Benefit category, a work permit may be issued to a foreign national who intends to perform work that would create or maintain significant social, cultural or economic benefits for Canadian citizens or permanent residents. An example of such a program is the intra-company transfer. Foreign nationals whose employment involves specialized knowledge or who are employed in an executive or managerial capacity for an enterprise in another country that has a parent, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate relationship with a Canadian company, may qualify.
The Provincial Nominee Programs such as the BC PNP, provide a direct pathway to permanent residence. The Province sets its own selection criteria and guidelines for selecting applicants who, if nominated, must apply for permanent residence through the federal Express Entry program. Once the candidate has accepted a nomination from the Province, they will receive an additional 600 points which is usually sufficient for an invitation to apply for permanent residence. This program provides BC employers with the ability to recruit and retain international talent when local skilled workers are unavailable. A job offer from a supporting employer is crucial for this program.
Our experienced team is able to help you to make informed decisions about the relocation process that is best for you and your business. With a full-service law firm in Vancouver, we are able to explore your options with you and provide you with the advice you need to establish your business, and life, in Canada.
Please contact our Immigration Group for assistance.