Canada is one of the most popular destinations for immigrants around the world. With its high quality of life, strong economy, and multicultural values, many people dream of living in Canada permanently. While immigrating to Canada takes effort, there are several easy pathways available that do not require a lot of upfront costs or experience. In this blog post, we will explore some of the easiest ways to immigrate to Canada in 2024 and beyond.

Apply through the Express Entry system

Canada’s Express Entry immigration program is one of the most straightforward avenues for skilled workers seeking permanent residency. Express Entry uses a comprehensive points-based system to select and expedite applications from high-skilled immigrants based on factors like age, education, work experience, language ability, and other adaptability factors.

To qualify for Express Entry, you need to first create an online Express Entry profile with the details of your education, work experience, language ability, and other information. You will then receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score between 0-1200 based on various factors. The higher your CRS score, the more likely you are to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residency.

ITAs are issued multiple times each year by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Those who receive an ITA have 60 days to submit a complete online Express Entry application with all supporting documents. Strong applicants with CRS scores above the program’s minimum cutoff receive permanent residency approval within 6-8 months on average.

The key benefits of Express Entry are that it is an electronic and fully online application system, and candidates are informed of their profile evaluation and selection results within a relatively short timeframe. With a minimum IELTS score of CLB/CELPIP level 7 in English or French and eligible work experience, Express Entry is one of the easiest ways to immigrate to Canada permanently.

Consider the Provincial Nominee Program

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate candidates who wish to immigrate and establish themselves permanently in their specific regions. Once nominated, candidates receive additional CRS points and are almost guaranteed approval under Express Entry.

Each Canadian province/territory runs its own PNP stream with slightly different eligibility criteria focusing on candidates who can fill job opportunities and contribute to the regional economy. Some common streams for skilled immigrants include the Ontario Human Capital Priorities Stream, British Columbia Skills Immigration Stream, Alberta Express Entry Stream, and Saskatchewan Immigration Nominee Program.

Successful PNP candidates do not need a job offer to apply but their skills must match the region’s in-demand occupations lists. Meeting the minimum language scores and having a post-secondary diploma, trade certification or at least 1 year of continuous work experience is usually required. Provincial nomination can significantly boost a candidate’s CRS score for an ITA under Express Entry. The processing time can take 4-6 months for nomination and an additional 6-8 months for permanent residency approval.

PNPs are a good option for those aiming to settle specifically in the nominating province right away with support services like recruitment and settlement assistance. Regular intake rounds and streamlined application systems also make provincial nomination one of the easier paths to permanent residency in Canada.

Apply as a skilled worker through a NAFTA professional visa

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) Professional (TN) visa allows qualified Canadian and Mexican citizens to work in the U.S. on a temporary basis. It also enables U.S. citizens to work in Canada or Mexico in similar designated occupations.

Under the Canada-U.S. TN visa category, U.S. citizens can apply for work authorization to be employed in 23 pre-approved professions such as accountants, engineers, pharmacists, teachers, and more. To qualify, the applicant must have the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree, a valid U.S. passport and proof of a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.

The TN visa is renewed every 3 years and once in Canada, the applicant can live and work without restrictions. After accumulating 3 years of full-time authorized work experience in a NAFTA professional field, the worker becomes eligible for permanent residency under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) stream.

This pathway is simple with no requirement for a Labour Market Impact Assessment, language tests, or other hurdles faced by non-NAFTA candidates. Entering Canada on a TN visa and transitioning to permanent residency through CEC is a low-hassle option that provides both work authorization and a clear path to permanent residency.

Study and work in Canada on a Student Visa

While not entirely hassle-free, studying in Canada using a temporary student visa can be a pathway to permanent residency for international students. Students are permitted to work on or off-campus without an additional work permit during their studies and can gain valuable Canadian experience this way.

To qualify for a study permit, students need an acceptance letter from a designated learning institution (DLI) and must demonstrate they have sufficient funds to pay for living costs and tuition fees. Most Canadian post-secondary programs have flexible intakes throughout the year, though early application is advised.

After graduation, international students have up to 3 years of open work permits under the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWP). With 1 year of skilled work experience, graduates can apply for permanent residency under popular federal economic immigration streams like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Trades Program or Federal Skilled Worker Program.

This strategy provides a tried-and-tested path for young professionals to immigrate to Canada for higher education. It also allows valuable time in Canada to improve language ability, and get acquainted with the local job market and way of life before applying for permanent residency.

Consider family sponsorship for permanent residency

If you have close family members living in Canada as citizens or permanent residents, they may be able to sponsor your application for immigration under Canada’s Family Class. The most common sponsor is a spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner living in Canada. Parents, grandparents, children and siblings are also eligible sponsors in some cases.

Family sponsorship applications are relatively straightforward but take longer to process than some other pathways at 12-18 months on average. Sponsors need to sign an undertaking promising financial support for relatives immigrating to Canada if needed. Once approved, family members will receive permanent resident status and can apply for Canadian citizenship after living in Canada for 3 years out of the last 5 years.

While family sponsorship requires a supporting family member, it provides an accessible option to immigrate without stringent selection factors like Express Entry. The strong family connections and support network can facilitate settlement and integration into Canadian life from the start.

Work for an international company in Canada

Large multinational companies operating both within Canada as well as globally sometimes use international work transfers to fill skilled jobs. Employees from overseas with in-demand skills can gain Canadian work experience while working for their existing employer’s offices and subsidiaries located in Canada.

To be transferred internationally, employees will need a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) exemption or work permit approval from IRCC. Employers can help navigate this process but candidates must demonstrate they meet Canadian immigration requirements like having a job offer in an eligible skilled occupation, work contract and adequate funds. Provincial nominations may also be obtained under some PNP streams.

Once in Canada, these transferees can use their in-country experience to eventually transition to an open work permit or permanent residency through programs such as the Canadian Experience Class or Quebec Selection Certificate. While not as straightforward as some pathways, working for multinational employers is a viable option for relocating and immigrating to Canada longer-term.

Conclusion

Above, we highlighted quite a few hassle-free pathways to immigrate to Canada without requiring much funding or significant upfront arrangements. Consider your skills, education, Canadian connections and personal circumstances to determine which option aligns best with your goals and circumstances. Be sure to research each immigration program thoroughly to understand its eligibility criteria, processing times, and requirements. With preparation and careful planning, your Canadian immigration dream could become a reality within a year or two through one of these convenient pathways. Canada’s wide open landscape awaits – I hope this overview of easy immigration routes helps newcomers settle into their new homes smoothly and productively. Please reach out if you need any clarification or additional information as you embark on your Canadian journey.