If you’re among those countless people considering immigrating to Canada but have been held back by the lack of a job offer, the government has some good news for you. Visa applicants can be granted permanent residency in Canada without having a job offer.
So what does this mean for you? It opens up better opportunities for people wanting to move to Canada. And you can now apply under one of the many available immigration programs.
1. Express Entry Program
Among the most popular Canadian immigration programs is the Express Entry program. The program is for people who have the skills and experience that Canada is looking for. If you’re accepted into the Express Entry program, you’ll be placed in a pool of potential candidates. You could be invited for permanent residency if successful.
When assessing your application, several factors are considered, such as your age, education, language skills, and work experience. So even if you don’t have a job offer, there’s still a good chance that you could be accepted into the Express Entry program.
Categories of Express Entry Program
1. The Federal Skilled Worker Program
This program is for people who have the skills and experience that Canada is looking for. If you’re accepted into the Federal Skilled Worker Program, you’ll be placed in a pool of potential candidates.
2. The Canadian Experience Class
This program is for individuals who have already worked in Canada and have the skills and experience that Canada is looking for.
3. The Federal Skilled Trades Program
This program is for people who have experience in skilled trades and meet the required criteria.
Requirements for Express Entry Program
Each program has its set of criteria that you must meet to be eligible. But here are the general requirements:
- You must be 18 years or older
- You must have a valid passport
- You must have a minimum of 12 months full-time work experience in the past five years
- Your level of education must meet the required standards
- You must have good language skills
How to Apply for Express Entry Program
You need to provide some basic information about yourself, such as your name, date of birth, and contact information. You also need to provide information about your education and work experience and a language test to prove that your language skills are up to par.
After you’ve submitted your application, it will be assessed to see if you meet the eligibility criteria. You’ll be included in a pool of potential candidates if you do. If you’re successful, you could be invited to apply for permanent residency.
2. Provincial Nominees Program
Applying under this program is slightly different from the Express Entry program.
Each province has its own set of requirements, so it’s essential to contact the provincial government to find out what they’re looking for. But typically, you must be living in the province and have a job offer there. Also, most provinces require a job offer, except the following:
- Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
- Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
- Alberta PNP through Express Entry
- Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)
- Prince Edward Island PNP through Express Entry
- Ontario Immigration Nominee Program (OINP)
- Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
- New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)
General Requirements for Provincial Nominees Program
- You must have a valid passport
- You must meet the language requirements
- You should have a minimum of 12 months of work experience in your field.
- You must have a Canadian education or prove that you have the skills and qualifications to do the job you are applying for.
- Express Entry Points Calculator: minimum score of 67 points
- A proof that you can support yourself and your family in Canada without relying on government assistance.
- Healthy and willing to pass a medical examination (Learn more here about the process of the medical exam)
- You must not have a criminal record
- You must be willing to live in the province or territory you are applying to.
3. Investor Program
The Investor Program is for people who want to invest in Canada and become permanent residents. Depending on the province, you must have a certain net worth to apply. It’s best to visit the province’s website to invest in for more information.
Two steps in the application process:
1. Application and evaluation of your file
2. Interview with a Canadian consular official
General Requirements of Investor Program
- You must be 18 years or older
- You must have a valid passport
- You must have good language skills
- You must be healthy and willing to pass a medical examination (You can check here about the immigration medical exam fee)
- You must not have a criminal record
- You must be willing to live in the province or territory you are applying to.
Remember
The process of immigration is not easy, and many different factors will be considered when you apply. It’s vital to do your research or contact an immigration lawyer or consultant for help if possible.
Also, you should prepare for your mental and physical health before applying. Make sure you are ready for a long and challenging process. When it comes to your medical exam, make sure that the doctor who conducts it is a panel-approved physician, such as GTA Immigration Medical. Go to their website to learn more about how it works.
