What are the top Canadian Immigration Pathways from India?

Canada is an immigration-friendly nation, and the government primarily supports aspiring immigrants by offering more than 80 economic immigration programs. With the introduction of new policies, immigration-friendly rules and an Express Entry System in 2015, immigration to Canada from India has become much smoother and convenient to follow. There are many pathways through which you can migrate to Canada from India. To name a few, there is Express Entry Program, PNP, Study & Work permit, family sponsorship and more. Further, most of the programs lead to Canadian permanent residency if an applicant meets the pre-requisites. Top 10 Canada immigration pathways from India

1. Express Entry Program- It is an online system introduced by the IRCC in 2015 to manage skilled workers applications for PR. It operates a pool of candidates under three key economic programs, which includes:

• Federal Skilled Worker
• Federal Skilled Trades
• Canadian Experience Class

To apply under any of the mentioned programs, you must determine your eligibility and create an Express Entry profile upon meeting the eligibility criteria. Upon entering the pool of candidates, you will be awarded a CRS score. If you are among the highest-scoring candidates, then you'll get an ITA (invitation to apply) for Canada PR in an Express Entry draw.

2. Provincial Nominee Program- It is the second most popular Canada immigration pathway after Express Entry. All the top Canadian provinces like Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba, British Columbia, Nova Scotia and more have their immigration program and protocol. Each PNP has different eligibility criteria and invites and nominate candidates as per local labour market needs.

3. Study Permit- Applying for a study permit in Canada as an overseas student is another pathway leading to Canada's permanent residence. Upon graduating from a Canadian institution (DLI), you can work temporarily by obtaining a work permit. This way, you can gain relevant work experience, which would eventually prove helpful for you to qualify for a PR visa through Express Entry's CEC (Canadian Experience Class) Program.

4. Work Permit- As a foreign national, you can apply for a work permit to work in any Canadian organization. There are two type of work permits, including, Employer-specific work permits and Openwork permits.

Suppose you are working for a Canadian employer on a work permit. In that case, you may qualify for permanent residency under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Provincial Nominee Program Canadian Experience Class if you meet the program-specific requirements.

Note: -Visas Avenue does not offer consultancy on / overseas jobs/work permits/international or domestic placements.

5. Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Program- If a Citizen or PR holder of Canada submits an "interest to sponsor" form and gets an invitation to submit a final application, they become eligible as a sponsor. They can sponsor parents and grandparents and certain eligible relatives to become Canada's permanent residents. Provided the sponsor is more than 18 years of age and can support them financially.

Always ensure that both permanent residence and sponsorship applications are submitted together at the same time.

6. Spousal Sponsorship Program- As an eligible sponsor, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident can also sponsor their spouse, partner or dependent children to become Canada's permanent residents. Provided the sponsor is more than 18 years of age and can support them financially.

Always ensure that both permanent residence and sponsorship applications are submitted together at the same time.

7. Visitor Visa- It is a temporary resident visa that the IRCC stick on your passport. It shows that you meet the essential requirements to enter Canada. As a visitor, you can stay in Canada for up to 6 months. However, if you, as a foreign national, wish to extend your stay, you may apply to do so while your temporary resident status is valid, i.e., 30 days before expiry.

Additionally, you can also apply for PR status in Canada if you are meet the selection criteria of any one of the immigration programs in Canada.

8. Self-employed Persons Program- The Canadian immigration program allows you to move to Canada permanently as a self-employed person. Suppose you're interested in applying under the program. In that case, you must have relevant experience in athletics or cultural activities and have genuine intentions to make a significant contribution to the athletic or artistic life of Canada.

Also read:- Criteria to Qualify for Canada Self Employed Program

9. Atlantic Immigration Pilot- Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program is one of the best immigration programs introduced by Atlanta's provinces. The key provinces participating in this program include Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador. The program majorly focuses on inviting candidates to the Atlantic Provinces. If you opt for this program, you can obtain permanent residence status even if you fail to get an ITA via Express Entry.

10. Start-up Visa Program- This visa program in Canada targets immigrant entrepreneurs who have the right set of skills and potential to build their own innovative business in Canada, can compete on a global scale, and can create better job opportunities for Canadians.

Choose the program that suits you best using a free profile assessment form online and make an informed decision.