Canadian Work VISA Immigration Filing Process – Filing Immigration Papers for Canadian Immigration Programs
So, you’re thinking about making the leap to the Great White North, eh? Whether it’s for the high salary job, better living quality standard, better education for your kids, bustling cities, the stunning natural beauty, or the maple syrup, Canada is a dream destination for many. With its robust economy and high quality of life, Canada offers abundant opportunities for those seeking new beginnings. High-paying jobs in sectors such as technology, healthcare, finance, and engineering attract skilled professionals from around the globe.
But before you pack your bags and head to this land of opportunity, you’ll need to navigate the immigration process. Don’t worry, we’ve got your back! Here’s your step-by-step guide to filing immigration papers for Canadian Economic Immigration Programs in 2024.
1# Check If You Are Eligible First
First things first, you need to figure out if you qualify for any of Canada’s economic immigration programs. Canada offers several programs, including:
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- Express Entry: This system manages applications for three main programs; Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST), and Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Each province and territory has its own specific programs tailored to meet their economic needs.
- Quebec-selected Skilled Worker (QSW): Quebec has its own selection criteria and process detailed here https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/quebec-skilled-workers/apply.html
To check your eligibility, use the Come to Canada tool on the government website. This tool will guide you through a series of questions to help you determine which Canadian immigration programs you might qualify for.
2# Gather Required Documents to Submit Your Immigration Papers
Once you’ve identified the program that suits you best, start gathering the necessary documents. This generally includes:
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- Passport
- Educational credentials (get them assessed if you studied outside Canada)
- Language test results (IELTS or CELPIP for English, TEF or TCF for French)
- Police clearance certificates
- Medical examination results
- Proof of funds
- Job offer (if applicable)
Make sure all documents are up-to-date and translated into English or French by a certified translator if they are in another language.
3# Create an Express Entry/Other Immigration Program Profile
If you’re applying through one of the programs managed by Express Entry, you’ll need to create an online profile. Here’s how:
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- Fill out your profile with information about your skills, work experience, language ability, education, and other personal details on immigration program application page.
- If applying for express entry you’ll be given a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on these factors. Aim for a high score to increase your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
4# Submit Your Application for Permanent Residence
If you receive an ITA, congratulations! Now it’s time to submit a full application for Canadian permanent residence and for that you’ll have 60 days to complete this step. So your application should include:
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- Completed application forms
- All required documents mentioned earlier
- Processing fee payment
Make sure your application is thorough and accurate to avoid any delays or rejections.
5# Background Checks and Medical Exams
During the processing of your application, you and your family members (if applicable) will need to undergo background checks and medical exams. Ensure that all requested documents and results are submitted promptly.
6# Wait for Processing
The waiting game begins! Processing times vary depending on the program and the complexity of your application. You can check the estimated processing times here: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-processing-times.html
7# Attend an Interview (if required)
In some cases, you might be asked to attend an interview with an immigration officer. Don’t panic! This is usually a standard procedure to verify the details of your application.
8# Receive a Decision
Once a decision is made, you’ll be notified by mail or email. If approved, you’ll receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) (https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/application-approved.html) and instructions on how to finalize your immigration process