Immigration
Discover your options for immigration to Canada from India
If you are from India and are looking to apply for permanent residence in Canada, the first step is to identify the programs that offer you the best chance of success. (File Photo: JESHOOTS.COM/Unsplash)
There are many ways to immigrate to Canada from India.
As Canada continues to recover from the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic, immigration is expected to become more important than ever.
The federal government’s most recent immigration levels plan targets the arrival of more than one million new permanent residents between 2022 and 2024, with a yearly intake of well over 430,000 newcomers.
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India is the leading source country for permanent residents, accounting for almost one-third of landings in 2021.
There are more than 100 economic-class immigration programs, including the Express Entry-managed programs, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), among others.
Here is a look at some of the most popular immigration programs in Canada that are excellent options for Indian nationals.
Express Entry
Express Entry is Canada’s most popular immigration pathway. It is an online system, which manages applications for three immigration programs: the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Worker Program, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program.
If you are eligible for one of these programs, you can enter your information into the Express Entry pool of candidates, and get a score based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
You will be awarded points for your age, education, language ability in English or French, and skilled work experience.
The highest-scoring candidates are invited to apply for Canadian permanent residence through regular rounds of invitation.
Provincial Nominee Program
Provincial Nominee Programs allow participating Canadian provinces and territories to select a set number of economic immigrants each year and nominate them for permanent residence.
PNP streams are specifically designed to target immigrants who match the particular labour market and economic needs of those regions.
Most participating provinces and territories now have at least one PNP stream that is aligned with the federal Express Entry system.
Express Entry PNP streams, also known as “enhanced” PNPs, allow a province to select Express Entry candidates and invite them to apply for a provincial nomination.
Express Entry candidates who are nominated by a province or territory earn an additional 600 points towards their CRS score.
PNP streams that operate outside of the Express Entry system, called “base” PNPs, may also nominate candidates, who then seek permanent residence outside of the Express Entry system.
Studying and working in Canada
To study in Canada, you must have a study permit. This will allow you to work up to 20 hours per week during the school year and full-time during school vacations.
Indians may be eligible for an accelerated study permit through the Student Direct Stream program provided they meet the program’s eligibility criteria.
Some programs of study will also allow you to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
This highly coveted work permit will enable you to work anywhere for any employer in Canada after your studies.
The duration of the work permit is generally equal to the duration of the program of study, so a two-year program of study may qualify you for a two-year PGWP.
If you want to take advantage of the once-in-a-lifetime PGWP, enroll in a program that will make you eligible for it.
These programs generally last at least eight months and must be offered by a Canadian Designated Learning Institution.
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Alexandra Miekus
