Toronto, Ontario – An Ideal Destination for Immigration to Canada

The city of Toronto in Ontario is known as the most populous city in Canada and a popular destination for immigrants. In fact, immigrants to the city of Toronto alone accounted for over 20% of all immigrants to Canada in 2023.

If you are looking to move to the city of Toronto, there are several ways to do so. The following article from ImmiPath will guide you through the options. See it now!

1. A Glimpse into Immigration Demand in Toronto, Canada

The city of Toronto, located in Ontario, remains one of the most popular destinations for new immigrants, with the immigrant population likely to soon surpass half of the total population.

According to the 2022 Census by Statistics Canada, the city of Toronto, the largest city in Canada, has a significant presence of non-Canadian citizens, accounting for 17.3% of the population, according to the Census by Statistics Canada.

Toronto stands out as a top immigration destination in Canada, with the highest number of newcomers. Since 2001, the number of immigrants in the city of Toronto has increased from over 123,000 in the year 2001 to nearly 160,000 in the year 2022.

The city’s immigrant population is concentrated in the urban core, with 46.6% of the Greater Toronto Area’s population being immigrants. In some municipalities within this region, such as Markham (58.6%), Richmond Hill (58.2%), Mississauga (53.2%), and Brampton (52.9%), immigrants make up more than half of the residents.

Although the city of Toronto represents only 7.6% of Canada’s total population, it houses 15.7% of the country’s non-permanent residents. Toronto still continues to maintain its significance as a primary destination for immigrants, with 1 in 7 international migrants to Canada choosing to settle in the city.

2. Why is Toronto a Popular Destination for Immigration?

In terms of immigration, cities are always popular destinations for newcomers. Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal top the list of destinations for new immigrants to Canada.

Cities offer many employment opportunities, a variety of services for newcomers and settlers, and many cultural communities where immigrants can live in neighborhoods near other neighborhoods with their cultural background.

Specifically, the city of Toronto, Canada stands out as a unique opportunity for new immigrants. The city is celebrated as Canada’s tech hub and is often regarded as one of the most competitive technology job markets in North America.

Those seeking careers in software engineering, app development, and computer programming will find it hard to find a better job market than in Toronto.

The city is renowned for its vibrant culture, offering a diverse array of cuisines and festivals that celebrate communities and customs from around the world.

This, along with a number of different cultural communities, such as Little Italy and Chinatown, make Toronto a uniquely attractive option for many new Canadians.

3. How Can You Immigrate to Toronto?

If you want to move to the city of Toronto, there are several ways to do so. Here are the 4 most common methods for immigrating to Toronto:

3.1. Express Entry: Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)

One of the simplest ways to immigrate to the city of Toronto, Canada, is through Canada’s Express Entry system. Express Entry is an immigration system designed for skilled workers.

This is the most popular immigration system in Canada, accepting tens of thousands of new immigrants each year. The Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program is part of Express Entry and does not require any prior experience in Canada.

FSW is a highly competitive system that uses the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to rank candidates.

The Canadian government conducts regular Express Entry draws, inviting only the most competitive candidates to immigrate to Canada. The Express Entry system ranks candidates based on age, education, language proficiency, and work experience.

Express Entry is popular for several reasons. First, it is one of the fastest ways to become a Canadian permanent resident; the standard processing time for Express Entry is just 6 months. Second, Express Entry allows applicants to include their spouse or common-law partner and children in the same application.

If you are a young, skilled worker with high education levels and advanced English or French proficiency, Express Entry is an excellent option.

3.2. Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)

To settle in the city of Toronto, Canada, you may consider the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), which is a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allowing Ontario to nominate foreign nationals to become permanent residents of Canada. The OINP includes several streams, each with its own eligibility criteria and application process.

For example, the Ontario Entrepreneur Stream is designed for business owners with the skills and finances to establish a business in Ontario.

There are two OINP streams that are ideal for individuals living outside Canada:

• Ontario Human Capital Priority (HCP) Stream
• French-Speaking Skilled Worker (FSSW) Stream

Both of these streams require applicants to have an active Express Entry profile.

Through these streams, Ontario regularly selects certain individuals from the Express Entry pool. Ontario uses the Human Capital Priority Stream to select individuals with experience in priority occupations.

To be considered by Ontario, candidates must have a minimum CRS score of 400. The French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream is used to invite individuals in the pool who have demonstrated intermediate French language proficiency.

If you meet the requirements for one of these streams, you should submit your Express Entry profile.

See more: Immigrate to Ontario, Canada, and what you need to know

3.3. Studying to Immigrate to Toronto

A great way to enhance your immigration options for the city of Toronto is to complete a post-secondary education program in Canada.

Many Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams specifically target graduates from Canadian colleges and universities. In addition, Canadian education can earn you extra points in Express Entry.

Most international students who graduate from a Canadian post-secondary program are also eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). The PGWP allows international graduates to stay in Canada and work for up to three years with any employer.

Gaining work experience in Canada is highly beneficial for permanent residency, making candidates much more competitive in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) of Express Entry or the Ontario International Student PNP.

Fortunately, the city of Toronto is home to some of the most prestigious universities in Canada. The University of Toronto is consistently ranked among the best universities in the world.

Both York University and Ryerson University are prestigious institutions in Canada. The city also has a number of smaller campuses with specialized programs, including technical programs offered at Humber College and creative programs offered at the Ontario College of Art and Design.

If you are looking to continue your studies and improve your immigration prospects in Canada, studying in Toronto city is a great choice!

3.4. Working in Toronto

Gaining work experience in Canada is an excellent way to improve your chances of immigrating to the city of Toronto, Ontario. Of course, obtaining a work permit in Canada can be challenging, but there are several options for those looking to work in the country.

Firstly, receiving a job offer from an employer in Ontario for a skilled position can help you apply for a work permit. 

To qualify, the employer must first obtain a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), demonstrating that they cannot find a Canadian to fill the position.

Secondly, if you work for an international company with an office in Canada, you may discuss with your employer the possibility of transferring to the Canadian office. Generally, intra-company transfers are exempt from the LMIA requirement, making it easier to obtain a Canadian work permit.

4. Should You Immigrate to Toronto, Canada?

Deciding to settle in the city of Toronto, Canada, is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. The city is indeed attractive with its diversity, job opportunities, and high quality of life. However, it is also important to be aware that living in the city of Toronto comes with challenges such as a high cost of living and a fast-paced lifestyle.

Before making a decision, evaluate all factors including personal, family, and career goals. If you are looking for a diverse, vibrant city with numerous opportunities, the city of Toronto might be a great choice. However, do not overlook other cities and regions in Canada that might better align with your goals.

Immigration decisions are crucial and require thorough examination and strategic thinking.

If you have any questions about whether to settle in the city of Toronto, Canada, feel free to comment below with your phone number or email address. The ImmiPath team will provide dedicated support and advice, drawing on the extensive experience, to help make your path to Canadian permanent residency a reality.