Canada’s immigration framework is a dynamic and multi-faceted system, designed to accommodate a diverse range of immigrants. It is structured around three primary pillars, encompassing various classes and programs. Each of these segments caters to different categories of immigrants, ranging from temporary residents to those seeking permanent residence and citizenship. Following is a brief overview of the Canadian immigration system:
1. Temporary Residence
This category facilitates individuals who wish to stay in Canada for a limited period. It includes several subclasses:
1.1 Visitors Class
1.1.1 Multiple Entry Visa: Allows multiple entries into Canada for up to 10 years.
1.1.2 Single Entry Visa: Permits one-time entry for a specific purpose.
1.1.3 Transit Visa: Required for transit through Canada for less than 48 hours.
1.1.4 Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): For visa-exempt foreign nationals traveling to Canada by air.
1.1.5 No Visa: Under certain circumstances, some individuals may enter without a visa.
1.1.6 Super Visa: Specifically for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
1.2 Students Class
1.2.1 Study Permit: Required for most international students.
1.2.2 No Permit: Under certain conditions, a permit may not be required.
1.2.3 Post-Graduate Work Permit: Allows students who have completed their studies to work in Canada.
1.3 Workers Class
1.3.1 Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP): Enables employers to hire foreign workers.
1.3.2 International Mobility Program (IMP): Allows hiring without a Labour Market Impact Assessment.
1.3.3 Francophone Mobility: Facilitates the mobility of French-speaking skilled workers.
1.3.4 Global Skills Strategy (GSS): Targets highly skilled workers for fast-tracked work permit processing.
1.4 Temporary Resident Permit Class
1.4.1 TRP for Entry to Canada: Issued to individuals who are otherwise inadmissible but have a valid reason to travel to Canada.
1.4.2 TRP for Remaining in Canada: For those already in Canada who must regularize their status.
1.5 Temporary Residence to Permanent Residence Pathways
A provision for certain temporary residents to transition to permanent residence under specific conditions.
2. Permanent Residence
This section includes pathways for individuals seeking long-term residency in Canada.
2.1 Economic Class
2.1.1 Federal Skilled Workers Program: For skilled workers with foreign work experience.
2.1.2 Federal Skilled Trades Program: Targets qualified tradespeople.
2.1.3 Canadian Experience Class: For those with Canadian work experience.
2.1.4 Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Allows Canadian provinces to nominate individuals.
2.1.5 Federal Business Immigration
2.1.5.1 Start-up Visa: For entrepreneurs with a business idea.
2.1.5.2 Self-Employed Persons Class: For those who will contribute to Canada’s cultural or athletic life.
2.1.6 Pilot Programs
2.1.6.1 Agri-Food Pilot: For experienced, non-seasonal workers in specific industries.
2.1.6.2 Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot: Aims to attract immigrants to rural communities.
2.1.7 PR Pathways for Hong Kong Residents: Specific provisions for residents of Hong Kong.
2.1.8 Atlantic Immigration Program: For skilled workers in the Atlantic region.
2.1.9 Quebec Immigration: Quebec’s unique immigration programs.
2.1.10 Caregivers
2.1.10.1 Home Child Care Provider Pilot and 2.1.10.2 Home Support Worker Pilot: For caregivers in Canada.
2.2 Family Class (Sponsorships)
2.2.1 Spouse/Partner/Dependents: For sponsoring a spouse, partner, or dependent children.
2.2.2 Parents/Grandparents: Sponsorship options for parents and grandparents.
2.2.3 Adopted Child: For Canadians who adopt a child from abroad.
2.2.4 Orphaned Siblings/Nephews/Nieces/Grandchild: Special provisions for sponsoring orphaned relatives.
2.2.5 Other Relatives: Under certain conditions, other family members can be sponsored.
2.3 Refugee and Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) Class
2.3.1 Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot: A novel approach for skilled refugees.
2.3.2 H&C considerations outside Canada and 2.3.3 inside Canada: Special provisions based on humanitarian and compassionate grounds.
2.3.4 Convention Refugees: For those who are outside their home country or the country they normally live in and are not able to return because of a well-founded fear of persecution.
2.3.5 Persons in need of protection: Individuals in Canada who face personal danger if they return to their home country.
2.3.6 Positive Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) Decision: A process for those facing removal from Canada.
2.3.7 Resettle as a Refugee Abroad Class and 2.3.8 Country of Asylum Class: For people seeking resettlement from outside Canada.
3. Citizenship
Paths to Canadian citizenship include:
3.1 Citizenship by Naturalization
For permanent residents meeting certain criteria.
3.2 Citizenship by Birth
If born in Canada.
3.3 Citizenship by Bloodline
Canadian citizenship through a parent.
3.4 Citizenship by Adoption
For children adopted by Canadian citizens.
Let us know if you need help with any of the above immigration programs, and we would be happy to assist.