Explore the 5 Simplest and Most Legal Paths to Settling in Canada

Canada is known as one of the most attractive destinations for immigrants worldwide. The Maple Leaf country sets a goal to welcome over 1.3 million permanent residents between 2023 and 2025.

To meet the high demand for immigration, Canada has created several pathways to make the process more manageable and straightforward.

In the following article, ImmiPath will highlight the 5 easiest ways to settle in Canada. See now!

1. Top 5 Easiest Ways to Immigrate to Canada

Immigrating to Canada is not a simple process. There are many steps that individuals must take to successfully apply and be approved for immigration to Canada.

In addition, the process can take several months, and in some cases, even years. However, by knowing which options are available, you can improve your chances of success and avoid common “pitfalls”, frustrations, and delays.

Here are the top 5 easiest ways to immigrate to Canada in 2023:

1.1. Express Entry Program – The Easiest Way to Immigrate to Canada

If you’re wondering what the easiest way to immigrate to Canada is, the answer is the Express Entry Program.

This program allows immigrants to live and work in Canada as skilled workers. Through Express Entry, the Canadian Citizenship and Immigration (CIC) conducts an assessment, recruitment, and selection process based on applicants’ skills and qualifications.

Here are the federal economic immigration programs under Express Entry:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): For those with skills and experience in specific professional fields.
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): For skilled trade occupations and short-term jobs.
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For individuals with previous work or study experience in Canada.

In addition, individual provinces and territories use Express Entry to recruit candidates who match their labor market needs through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). This creates a fast-track opportunity for those with skills and qualifications that align with the demands of specific provinces and territories.

See more: Canada Immigration through Express Entry Program – The Fastest Path to Getting a PR Card

1.2. Family Sponsorship for Canadian Immigration

If you’re looking for a way to immigrate to Canada and have relatives there, the Family Sponsorship Program could be your pathway to permanent residency.

In Canada, citizens or permanent residents can sponsor their relatives to come to Canada and settle as permanent residents. To be eligible to sponsor a relative, you must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

Relatives you can sponsor include your spouse and children under 22 years old (with some exceptions). Currently, sponsoring parents or grandparents is no longer an option.

However, you can invite them to Canada under the Super Visa program, which allows your relatives to visit you in Canada for an extended period without becoming permanent residents.

1.3. LMIA Work Visa

Many individuals wanting to immigrate to Canada start by securing a job offer there. They typically apply for a work visa after receiving an invitation from a Canadian employer. Once they come to Canada and work, they can explore options for permanent residency.

This process usually involves obtaining a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), a procedure that Canadian employers must follow.

Employers must apply for an LMIA through Service Canada to demonstrate that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available for the job. Once the LMIA is approved, the immigrant can apply for a work permit and begin working in Canada.

After starting work, they can explore options for permanent residency. Although this process can be complex, it is a viable route to long-term settlement in Canada. However, this is the way for Canadian settlement chosen by many.

1.4. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) – One of the Easiest Ways to Settle in Canada

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is one of the easiest ways to settle in Canada and is a popular choice among many immigrants.

Provinces and territories in Canada, such as Alberta, Ontario, British Columbia, and others, have developed their own PNP programs, often with expedited processing.

However, most PNPs require applicants to settle in the respective province or territory after arriving in Canada.

In addition, most PNPs require applicants to receive a job offer from an employer in Canada to qualify for the program.

Here’s a list of some key Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP):

• Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)
• British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP)
• Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
• Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)
• New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)
• Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSPNP)
• Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)
• Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
• Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)
• Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)
• Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
• Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)

These programs offer opportunities to settle in various provinces and territories of Canada through specific PNP pathways tailored to each region.

1.5. Easiest Way to Settle in Canada through the Investor Program

The Investor Program in Canada is designed for wealthy individuals who own or manage businesses abroad. It is an ideal way to settle in Canada for those with substantial financial resources.

By allowing these entrepreneurs to invest in Canada’s economy, they contribute to the country’s overall growth and prosperity.

In Canada, there are 2 main investor programs including the Federal Investor Program and the Quebec Investor Program. Both of these programs require applicants to have a substantial net worth and commit to investing a significant amount into an approved investment fund for 5 years.

Under the Investor Program, immigrants can include their spouses and children as dependents in their application.

2. What are the Requirements for Immigrating to Canada?

Each pathway to Canadian immigration has its own basic criteria. It’s essential to confirm your eligibility before applying.

When you apply, the Canadian government will require several documents to verify your work experience, educational background, personal identification, as well as your criminal and medical history. The specific documents needed will vary depending on the program you are applying for.

To determine which documents you will need, first identify which immigration program suits you best!

3. What Do You Need to Prepare for Immigrating to Canada?

Once you know how to immigrate to Canada, you need to prepare thoroughly. Here are the key steps:

Renting/Buying houses in Canada: Upon arrival in Canada, you may use temporary accommodations such as hotels, hostels, or Airbnb while searching for a more permanent residence. Renting is often preferred over buying initially; the average cost for a one-bedroom apartment is around 1,500 CAD. However, be aware that prices in major cities can be significantly higher than the average.

Opening a Bank Account: After moving to Canada, you will need a bank account to handle transactions and transfer money. To open an account, you will need identification. In your case, a permanent resident card will suffice. To make this easier, several banks offer specific programs for “newcomers”, including:

• National Bank of Canada
• Montréal Bank
• Royal Bank of Canada
• Royal Commercial Bank of Canada

Healthcare: Canada provides free healthcare services to its citizens and residents. However, your national healthcare services may not be available until approximately 3 months after you move to Canada.

Therefore, you should purchase private healthcare coverage during this initial period. Also, keep in mind that national healthcare services in Canada do not cover all services, such as dental care, ambulance services, prescription medications, etc.

Taxes: In Canada, you must pay taxes at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels. Income tax is automatically deducted from your salary, but if you are self-employed, you need to pay taxes either once or multiple times. Additionally, in Canada, you must pay sales tax on each purchase. Therefore, do not be surprised if the price changes at the checkout when you shop.

4. Some Frequently Asked Questions about Ways to Settle in Canada

4.1. How much money do you need to immigrate to Canada?

You need at least CAD 13,200 to settle in Canada. This is the average amount required for an individual, but costs will increase if you are going with other family members.

You should also account for any additional unexpected expenses that may arise during the relocation process, such as entry taxes, shipping costs for your belongings, and document legalization.

4.2. Can I live in Canada if I am a U.S. citizen?

Yes, you can stay in Canada visa-free for up to 6 months with a U.S. passport. However, after 6 months, you must apply for an immigration program to stay in Canada legally.

4.3. Can I hold dual citizenship while in Canada?

Yes, Canada allows dual citizenship. However, if your home country does not permit dual citizenship, you will need to choose which citizenship you wish to retain.

4.4. Who processes Canadian visa applications?

The Department of Citizenship, Immigration, and Refugees (IRCC) handles Canadian visa applications. They are responsible for immigration, refugee protection, and providing support programs for newcomers settling in Canada. IRCC also grants Canadian citizenship and issues travel documents (such as passports).

4.5. Is there an age limit for immigrating to Canada?

There is no age limit for any Canadian immigration program. However, in most economic immigration categories, candidates between 25 and 35 years old score the highest points. 

This does not mean that older candidates can not be selected. Significant work experience, excellent language proficiency, strong connections to Canada, and advanced education can easily offset any points lost due to age in economic immigration.

Family sponsorship and humanitarian and refugee immigration to Canada do not use a ranking system and have no age limit.

4.6. What is the fastest way to immigrate to Canada?

The fastest way to immigrate to Canada is through the Express Entry system. Most Express Entry applications are processed within 6 months or less.

4.7. Is living in Canada expensive?

Canada is considered one of the most expensive places to live in the world, despite having one of the highest average incomes globally. In fact, the average salary in Canada is about $37,800, ranking among the top 20 worldwide.

4.8. Is Canada friendly to immigrants?

Canada has been famous for attracting immigrants and valuing cultural diversity over the past 50 years. Foreign-born individuals account for one-fifth of Canada’s population, which is one of the highest rates among industrialized Western countries.

4.9. Is it easy to settle in Canada after immigrating?

Canada is a developed country with a stable economy and government. It has a culturally diverse atmosphere as students from every corner of the world choose Canada as their study destination.

Canada offers pathways for studying, working, and settling. Therefore, students and workers who stay for a few years may become eligible for permanent residency. If you want to learn more about preparing for your move to Canada, visit our page on settling in Canada.

5. Is Settling in Canada Difficult?

In general, settling in Canada is not too challenging. The Maple Leaf country is welcoming to new immigrants and offers various immigration programs, which may make it easier for you to qualify. However, you must still meet the requirements of the specific immigration pathway you choose.

It’s important to remember that while moving abroad may not be too difficult, living in a new country presents its own challenges. You need to be well-prepared financially, mentally, and socially for the move.

ImmiPath outlines some key requirements to help you determine the easiest way to settle in Canada:

• Choose the right immigration program: Canada offers many different immigration programs, from the Express Entry points system to family sponsorship and provincial nominee programs. You should research which program aligns best with your situation and goals.
• Prepare your documents and application: Organize your documents and application meticulously to ensure a smooth processing experience.
• Learn English or French: Proficiency in English or French will help you find a job and integrate quickly.
• Engage with the community: Participating in community activities and connecting with locals will enhance your experience in Canada.
• Seek professional support: If you encounter difficulties during the settlement process, consider consulting with an immigration expert or lawyer.

The journey to settlement may have its challenges, but with patience, proper preparation, and determination, it is entirely achievable. Canada has successfully welcomed many immigrants and is ready to welcome you too.

If you have any further questions about the easiest ways to settle in Canada, feel free to comment below with your phone number or email address. The ImmiPath team will provide you with expert advice and support to help make your Canadian permanent residency dream a reality.