Immigration statistics show that a majority of the newcomers who come to Canada to become residents are through economic programs. Every year, more immigrants are pouring into the country through these programs. The main reason behind this is that there are many gaps that need to be filled in the Canadian labour market and these programs are injecting immigrants into the Canadian economy.
The Economic Immigration Programs refer to the ones that aim to positively affect the Canadian economy. They are aimed at attracting skilled workers who can come to Canada, join the workforce, build their careers, and then inadvertently boost the Canadian economy. The Skilled Worker Immigration Programs are Permanent Resident Programs, and the applicants who are successfully selected under these programs receive the status of Canadian Permanent Residents.
Express Entry is the system Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) uses to manage applications to three major federal skilled worker immigration programs.
Apart from these, there are many provinces that operate their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) streams which are aligned with the Express Entry system. The candidates who are eligible under any of the programs under this system must submit their profiles to the Express Entry pool.
Express Entry candidates are assigned a score based on their profile known as the Comprehensive Ranking Score (CRS). This score does not depend on the program for which they are applying but is instead based on other criteria such as the candidate’s age, marital status, language proficiency, work experience, education, and connections to Canada. Higher ranking candidates are issued Invitations to Apply for permanent residence in periodic Express Entry draws. Once invited, the candidates get processed within 6 months.
All Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) candidates must have a minimum of one year of skilled work experience. However, this program does not require a connection to Canada, so it can be an ideal immigration option for foreign nationals living outside of Canada. Please note that the program does have strict eligibility requirements regarding work experience, level of education, age, and language proficiency.
In order to qualify for the Federal Skilled Trades (FST) program, candidates must have at least two years of work experience in a skilled trade. This experience must have been obtained within the previous 5 years. As well, eligible candidates must have either an offer of full-time employment for a position lasting at least 12-months or a certificate of qualification in their skilled trade which is issued by a Canadian provincial or territorial authority.
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is an economic immigration program which requires some Canadian experience. Candidates must have at least 12 months of full-time, skilled work experience, completed in Canada within the previous 3 years. This program is not an option for foreign nationals who do not possess this Canadian experience.
Canada’s provinces and territories operate unique immigration programs designed to meet their individual economic and demographic needs. These are called Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Many of these programs target skilled workers who can fill gaps in provincial and territorial workforces, so there are a variety of options for skilled workers.
The province of Quebec retains significant autonomy and authority over its immigration policies and procedures, especially when compared to the other provinces and territories. For this reason, Quebec operates its own immigration programs which are outside of the federal Express Entry system.
If you are applying for Permanent Residence through the province of Quebec, you will have to go through a two-step process. First, it is necessary to apply to the Quebec government to receive a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ). Once an applicant has a CSQ, they are then able to submit a paper-based application for permanent residence to Canada’s federal immigration authorities. Quebec operates two major permanent residence programs for skilled workers:
The Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) program requires skilled workers to be living in Quebec and to have 12 months of full-time, skilled work experience completed within Quebec in the previous 2 years. The program has a faster processing time than Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW) but it also has stricter eligibility requirements. This program does require applicants to demonstrate advanced intermediate knowledge of oral French.
The Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSW) program may be an option for skilled workers living outside of Quebec, as it does not necessarily require a Quebec connection. The QSW program uses a points grid to assess eligibility for the program and to rank candidates against one another. Interested candidates must submit an electronic Expression of Interest (EOI) using the Arrima Portal. The most competitive candidates will be invited to apply to the program.
Skilled workers who are interested in working in Canada, but are not eligible for an existing immigration program, may be interested in pursuing a temporary work permit. Work experience gained while on a temporary work permit may increase the candidate’s eligibility for permanent residence immigration programs. To obtain a work permit, candidates usually require a job offer from a Canadian employer.