Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) admits hundreds of thousands of immigrants each year and most of them come through Economic and Family Class programs.
Immigrate to Canada: Economic Class
Professionals and skilled workers who wish to pursue permanent residence in Canada must demonstrate a strong likelihood that they will settle and integrate quickly.
The main selection factors of all economic programs are education, work experience in a high-demand occupation and language ability in English and/or French.
IRCC manages Canada’s federal skilled worker immigration programs using the Express Entry system. Under this system, applicants who meet basic criteria submit an online profile to the Express Entry pool, known as an expression of interest.
The profiles of candidates in the pool are ranked against each other, under a Comprehensive Ranking System. The highest-ranked candidates are considered for an invitation to apply for permanent residence under regular draws that target different categories of candidates. Those who receive an invitation to apply must then apply to one of the three federal Canada immigration programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker
- Federal Skilled Trades
- Canadian Experience Class
- Each of Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs also includes an Express Entry stream
The provincial programs follow a two-step process to permanent residence: applicants are first selected or nominated by a province if they meet program requirements; based on that selection or nomination, they may apply to IRCC for permanent residence.
The province of Quebec manages its own immigration programs, including Quebec Skilled Worker and the Quebec Experience Class.
Canada Immigration Business Programs
In addition, the Economic Class includes various business and investment-based programs.
These include:
Immigrate to Canada: Family Class
Under the family reunification class, current sponsorship policies promote the reunion in Canada of Canadian citizens and permanent residents with their close relatives.
Eligible relatives under the Sponsorship programs include:
- Spouse or partner
- Children and adopted children
- Parent or grandparent
- an orphaned sibling, nephew, niece or grandchild, unmarried and under 18 years of age; or any other relative where the sponsor has none of the above relatives or family members, in Canada or abroad.
Canada Immigration: 10 Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Economic Class of immigration to Canada?
The Economic Class is designed for skilled workers and professionals who can contribute to Canada’s economy. Programs like Express Entry, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), and the Atlantic Immigration Program fall under this class. Applicants are assessed on factors like age, education, work experience, and language skills. This pathway is ideal for those with skills in demand in Canada’s labor market.
What is the Express Entry system, and how does it work?
Express Entry is an online system that manages applications for three economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class. Applicants create a profile, and their eligibility is scored using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). High-scoring candidates are invited to apply for permanent residence through regular draws. It’s a fast and efficient pathway to immigrate.
How can I immigrate to Canada through a business program?
Business immigration programs, like the Start-Up Visa (SUV) and the Self-Employed Program, aim to attract entrepreneurs and investors. The SUV supports innovative businesses that can create jobs and compete globally. Applicants need a qualifying business, language proficiency, and support from a designated organization. Self-Employed applicants must demonstrate relevant experience in cultural or athletic activities and intent to contribute to Canada.
What is the Start-Up Visa program?
The Start-Up Visa program targets entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas. Applicants need a viable business plan, support from a designated organization, and intermediate language skills. This program offers permanent residence to entrepreneurs who can help boost innovation and economic growth in Canada. It’s a great choice for those looking to establish or expand their business while securing permanent residence.
How does the Family Class sponsorship work?
The Family Class allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor close relatives for immigration. Sponsors must meet financial requirements and commit to supporting their relatives for a specific period. Eligible family members include spouses, common-law partners, dependent children, and parents or grandparents. This program reflects Canada’s commitment to family reunification, helping loved ones build a future together.
Can I sponsor my spouse or partner if I’m not living in Canada?
Yes, Canadian citizens can sponsor their spouse or partner while living abroad, as long as they plan to return to Canada once the sponsored person becomes a permanent resident. Permanent residents, however, must be physically present in Canada to sponsor. This ensures that families can reunite and thrive together in Canada.
Are there specific provinces with business immigration streams?
Yes, most provinces and territories have business immigration streams under their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). These streams often require applicants to establish or invest in a business within the province, meet net worth and investment thresholds, and create jobs. An example is British Columbia’s Entrepreneur Immigration. These programs offer pathways to permanent residence for business-minded individuals.
What are the language requirements for economic immigration?
Language proficiency is crucial for economic immigration programs. Applicants must prove their ability in English or French through tests like IELTS or CELPIP (for English) or TEF Canada (for French). The required scores vary by program but are typically based on the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) system. Strong language skills improve job prospects and help candidates integrate successfully into Canadian society.
Can I apply for permanent residence as a self-employed person?
Yes, Canada’s Self-Employed Persons Program allows applicants with experience in cultural or athletic activities to immigrate. You must show intent and ability to contribute significantly to Canada in these fields. Relevant experience includes participating at a world-class level or working in these areas for at least two years. It’s an excellent option for talented individuals seeking independence and creative opportunities in Canada.
What financial support is available for newcomers under family sponsorship?
Sponsors commit to financially supporting their relatives for a set period to prevent reliance on public funds. While government assistance is not available directly to newcomers under this program, the sponsor’s pledge ensures financial stability. Additionally, sponsored individuals can access settlement services, including job search support and language training, to help them establish themselves and contribute to their new community in Canada.
