12 Canada Visa Types to Migrate With

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There are several ways to get a Canadian Visa; either permanent or temporary.

Most of the time you are denied Visa because you are not applying for the right visa package that is applicable to you.

In this article, you will get all the types of visa categories for Canada and the best one for you that can increase your chances of getting to Canada.

Before we proceed with the types of visa routes, let me give you some briefing on why Canada should be on your top list of countries to migrate to.

Benefits of Migrating to Canada

English is an Official Language

Unlike other countries where you have to learn a new language before traveling or after you have arrived in the new country, you don’t have to learn a new language when migrating to Canada.

English and French is the official language of Canada.

All you have to do is to prove that you can speak, hear, and write English to an extent by writing an IELTS exam. You may get a waiver if you are migrating from an English-speaking country.

Canada is not a Racist Country

Canada has diverse cultures from people all over the world. A lot of people migrate to Canada every year due to its lenient immigration policy.

As a result, you get to see more people from other parts of the world.

Good Standard of Living

In Canada, the average household net adjusted disposable income per capita is $30,854 a year, lower than the OECD average of USD 33,604 a year. But there is a considerable gap between the richest and poorest – the top 20% of the population earn about six times as much as the bottom 20%.

In terms of employment, about 73% of people aged 15 to 64 in Canada have a paid job.

Workers are paid per hour in Canada. It is easy to get a job that pays between $17 to $24 per hour.

In most cases, the maximum work hour a week is 48 hours. If you are paid $24 per hour, you will be paid $4,608 per month using the maximum of 48 hours (excluding overtime). The best part is you can also study while working so that you can get better jobs that pay higher amounts.

It is very easy to study and work at the same time.

Easy to Become a Citizen

It is easy to become a citizen in Canada, unlike in many other countries. 

First of all, you have to become a permanent resident. Once you have lived in Canada as a permanent resident for 3 years, you are qualified to apply for citizenship.

Once your citizenship is approved, all your children born in Canada automatically become Citizens.

Access to Quality Health Care

Unlike a lot of African countries, the health care system in Canada is very effective. Canada provides state-funded healthcare facilities that enable people from all walks of life to have access to quality healthcare without worrying about paying heavy fees.

Plus, if you are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, basic healthcare is completely free of cost! This is one of the most valued Canadian immigration benefits among aspiring immigrants.

Canada is Beautiful

Canada is big, beautiful and lovely. Canada has a lot of mountains, beautiful lakes and forests. There are lots of beautiful places to go for sightseeing, relaxation and vacations. With its good standard of living, you will be able to afford a lot of things and visit a lot of places in Canada.

These are just a few of the numerous benefits of immigrating to Canada. Now let’s check out the main contents of this article, the different Canadian visas available;

Canada Visa Types

1. Express Entry

Canada is the second largest country in the whole world by landmass after Russia. With a population of 37.59 million people and a Landmass that is ten times bigger than most countries, the country is trying to build its economy by bringing in people with skills that can improve its economy.

The Express entry Visa route is only available to skilled workers that can contribute immensely to the country’s economy.

To apply via Express entry, your skill must fall under Skill type 0, level A or Level B.

Below are some of the skills that fall under this category;

1. Senior government managers and officials.
2. Senior managers – financial, communications and other business services.
3. Senior managers – health, education, social and community services and membership organizations.
4. Senior managers – trade, broadcasting and other services, n.e.c.
5. Senior managers – construction, transportation, production and utilities.
6. Financial managers.
7. Human resources managers.
8. Purchasing managers.
9. Legislators.
10. Mathematicians, statisticians and actuaries.
11. Information systems analysts and consultants.
12. Database analysts and data administrators.
13. Software engineers and designers.
14. Computer programmers and interactive media developers.
15. Web designers and developers.
16. Chemical technologists and technicians.
17. Geological and mineral technologists and technicians.
18. Biological technologists and technicians.
19. Agricultural and fish products inspectors.
20. Forestry technologists and technicians.
21. Conservation and fishery officers.
22. Landscape and horticulture technicians and specialists.
23. Civil engineering technologists and technicians.
24. Mechanical engineers.
25. Electrical and electronics engineers.
26. Chemical engineers.
27. Industrial and manufacturing engineers.
28. Metallurgical and materials engineers.
29. Mining engineers.
30. Geological engineers.
31. Petroleum engineers.
32. Aerospace engineers

These are some of the professions that fall under the Skill level for express entry.

If your skill level does not fall under the skill type 0, level A or B, do not try to apply for a Canadian visa through the express entry route as it is a total waste of money.

2. Provincial Nominee Programme

Canada has 10 provinces (like states as we call it in Nigeria and other parts of Africa) and 3 territories.

They are as follows;

Provinces

1. Alberta.
2. British Columbia.
3. Manitoba.
4. New Brunswick.
5. Newfoundland and Labrador.
6. Nova Scotia.
7. Ontario.
8. Prince Edward Island.
9. Quebec.
10. Saskatchewan

Territories

1. Northwest.
2. Territories.
3. Nunavut Yukon

The difference between a province and a territory is that a province can govern themselves, make decisions just like the states in America while a territory is controlled by the Federal government of Canada.

Each Province and Territory in Canada has its own immigration programs and requirements that attract a certain group of people.

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is for people who have the skills, education and work experience to contribute to a certain province in Canada.

A province can decide that they need Students, Skilled workers, Semi-skilled workers or business people.

If you want to migrate to Canada through this means, a province has to nominate you first. 

Before you can apply this method, you must have the skills, education and work experience you will need to settle in Canada.

Once you have applied, the province or territory will go through your application to see if you meet the Economic or Labour market needs of that particular province. Once your application is approved, only then can you start processing for a permanent residency in Canada.

3. Caregivers

The caregiver is a job description given to people who take care of elderly citizens (sometimes with medical implications) or children. As a caregiver, you are to help with daily activities, such as bathing and bathroom functions, feeding, grooming, taking medication, and some housework.

Caregivers help clients make and keep appointments with doctors, provide or arrange transportation and serve as a companion for their clients.

You can get a temporary or permanent residency through the Canadian caregiver immigration program.

If you get approved based on a temporary visa, you can apply for a permanent visa after working for two years.

To qualify for the Caregiver immigration program, you must meet the following requirements;

1. IELTS score of at least CLB 5.
2. One year post-secondary Education.
3. A Job offer. (you have to get a job offer before you can start applying to relocate through the caregiver scheme.)

If you already have working experience in this field while you are in your country, you have a better chance of getting a job offer as a caregiver in canada.

Most people applying to go to Canada through this route do not have any experience in this field therefore they rarely get a job offer.

4. Family Sponsorship

This is actually one of the easiest ways to get to Canada but you must have a

family member who is currently a permanent resident or a citizen in Canada. With this route, you don’t need to have any high-level skills or write the IELTS exam to migrate.

Family members in Canada can only sponsor the following kinds of relatives;

1. Spouse (legally married) or common-law partner. A common-law partner is someone who has been living with you in a conjugal relationship for at least one year e.g Girlfriend, Boyfriend).
2. Your Dependent child.
3. Your spouse or common-law partner’s dependent child.
4. A dependent child of a dependent child.
5. Your Parents.
6. Grandparents.
7. Brother or sister.
8. Uncle or Aunt.
9. Nephew or Niece.
10. Other Relatives.

Note that to be classified as a dependent child, the child must be below the age of 22 and must not be married. Although some exceptions are allowed.

Before a Family member can sponsor a relative, they must prove that they can take care of whoever they are bringing to Canada. The application process varies; it could take 12 to 24 months (depending on various factors).

5. Atlantic Immigration Pilot

This immigration route allows you to work as a permanent resident in the Atlantic region of Canada. The Atlantic Region of Canada include the following provinces;

1. New Brunswick.
2. Nova Scotia.
3. Prince Edward Island.
4. Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Atlantic immigration pilot scheme helps employers or business owners in the Atlantic provinces to employ skilled workers who want to immigrate to Canada or international graduates who want to stay in the Atlantic provinces after they graduate in Canada.

There are three different streams/categories for those who want to apply through the Atlantic Immigration Pilot;

1. High-skilled workers stream.
2. Intermediate-skilled workers stream.
3. International Graduates stream.

The requirements for each stream vary.

High-Skilled Workers stream

Immigrants applying for AIP through the High-Skilled Workers stream must already have a job offer from a designated employer for a duration of at least 12 months for a position under the skill level 0, A or B.

In addition to the job offer, applicants must meet the following criteria;

1. A minimum of at least 12 months (full time) work experience or it’s equivalent to part-time employment.
2. An Equivalent of a Canadian High school diploma (Your certificate needs to be evaluated by WES).
3. IELTS score of at least CLB 4 in English language or French.
4. Proof of funds: You must show proof that you can take care of yourself and your family when you get to Canada.

Intermediate-skilled workers stream

Immigrants applying for AIP through the intermediate-Skilled Workers stream must already have a job offer from a designated employer for a duration of at least 12 months for a position under the skill level 0, A, B or C.

1. A minimum of at least 12 months (full time) work experience or it’s equivalent in part-time employment.
2. An Equivalent of a Canadian High school diploma (Your certificate needs to be evaluated by WES).
3. IELTS score of at least CLB 4 in English language or French.
4. Proof of funds: You must show proof that you can take care of yourself and family when you get to Canada.

International Graduates Stream

To qualify under this stream, an applicant must have a job offer from a Designated Employer for a duration of at least 12 months under National Occupational Classification (NOC) Skill Level 0, A, B, or C. 

In addition to a job offer, applicants in this stream must meet the following criteria:

1. No work experience is required.
2. A completed educational credential (minimum 2 years) from a institution in an Atlantic province where the applicant lived for at least 16 months in the final two years of study. This credential must have been completed within the previous 24 months.
3. IELTS score of at least CLB 4 in English language or French.
4. Proof of funds: You must show proof that you can take care of yourself and your family when you get to Canada.

If you are applying through the High-skilled or intermediate-skilled stream, you must get a job offer while you are still in your country before you can begin planning your move to Canada.

This route is scheduled to close by December 2021.

6. Quebec Skilled Workers

The Quebec province has the ability to select its own skilled workers. All applicants applying through this visa route must show a minimum amount of skilled work experience. The Quebec Skilled Workers visa route is a point based immigration program.

That is to say, Quebec awards point based on certain qualities of its applicants. 

For example, if you can speak and write in French, you have more points than someone who can speak only English.

Unlike the Federal Skilled Worker program, the Quebec Skilled Worker program has no list of eligible occupations. 

If the criteria set out by Quebec Immigration is met, individuals will qualify for the program regardless of their occupation or field of expertise.

There are usually a lot of people applying through this Visa route.

7. Study Permit

A study permit is not a visa type and cannot allow you to travel to or enter Canada without a supporting visa. You may either need a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA).

However, you could use this to easily enter Canada to study. After your studies, you can apply for a  job and then get a permanent residency.

Once you are done with schooling, you can also apply for the Atlantic Immigration Pilot scheme (international graduates stream) or apply for a work permit in Canada.

Please note that studying in Canada does not guarantee that you will be granted a job or given a work permit.

A lot of people make this mistake. If you can afford to study in Canada, please do. Studying in Canada gives you an opportunity to get considered for visas to other countries, land good jobs in your country, or if you are lucky enough, get a good job in Canada.

To apply for a study permit, you must meet the following requirements;

1. Offered admission to any Canadian school.
2. Meet the language requirement (IELTS).
3. Proof that you have enough funds that can pay your school fee and live in Canada.

Also, note that the price of school fees for international students is on the high side. Canadian citizens pay from 3000$-6000$ as school fees while international students pay from 11,000$ to 20,000$.

8. Start-Up Visa

The Start-up Visa route is for entrepreneurs who want to start up a business in Canada. This is not a widely used Visa route but it is the fastest way to get into Canada. The plan here is to woo businesses into Canada.

The program is designed to attract dynamic entrepreneurs around the world, get them into Canada, and give them the support they need (including funding) to build businesses that can compete on a global scale and provide jobs for Canadians.

To apply for a Visa through this route, you must get an Angel investor, venture capitals or business incubators to invest in your business. If you are a software developer with a nice idea, this is the best way for you.

9. Self Employed

The Self-employed person program allows people to immigrate to Canada permanently as self-employed person. If you are interested in this visa route, you must have relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics and be willing to make a contribution to the cultural or athletic life of Canada.

Cultural activities include jobs generally seen as part of Canada’s artistic and cultural fields. Examples include:

1. Authors and writers.
2. Creative and performing artists.
3. Musicians.
4. Painters.
5. Sculptors and other visual artists.
6. Technical support and other jobs in motion pictures.
7. Creative designers and craftspeople.

To qualify as a self-employed person, you must have two years of relevant experience and show that you intend to become self-employed in Canada.

You must also score at least 35 points on a selection grid designed to determine whether you will be able to make an economic contribution to Canada.

10. Refugees

This Visa route is for people who are being persecuted in their home country, are at risk of getting harmed and cannot be protected by their government. 

The refugee visa route is commonly used by the following set of people;

1. Journalists.
2. Activists.
3. Homosexuals.
4. Citizens of a war-torn country.

To get to Canada through this visa route, you must be referred by the United Nations Refugee Agency or a private sponsorship group.

You are not eligible for this visa route if;

1. You have another stable option for protection, such as an offer to be resettled in another country.
2. You become a citizen of another country, which will then protect you.
3. You choose to return to the country you left.
4. The reasons you left your country no longer exist.

This is not a common visa route to Canada as the process can take many years.

11. Agri-Food Immigration Pilot

The Agri-food Canada immigration pilot program is a new one and it is expected to commence by May 15, 2020. The aim of this pilot program is to fill the Canadian agricultural labour market.

Canada has huge ambitions to become a major exporter of agri-foods hence the need for capable hands from around the world.

This program will only last for three years.

If you are considering this Visa route, you must be able to work in any of the following industries below;

1. Retail butchers.
2. Industrial Butchers.
3. Farm supervisors and specialized livestock workers.
4. Food processing labourers.
5. General farm workers.
6. Harvesting labourers.

The country has also set a limit on the number of people it will grant visas yearly through this Visa route. 

See the table below;

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To be eligible for this program, you must have the following;

1. Qualifying work experience.
2. A qualifying job offer.
3. Meet the minimum language requirements of level 4 in English or French.
4. At least a secondary school certificate.
5. Proof of funds (proof that you have enough money to care for yourself in Canada).

12. Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot

The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot was launched in 2019. This pilot scheme was introduced so that immigrants can move to smaller communities as opposed to big cities that a lot of immigrants prefer.

Interested participants who apply through this route can also get a permanent visa and an immediate job on arrival.

The RNIP visa route will last for five years before it closes. This is one of the best and cheapest ways to get entry into Canada right now.

Unlike the Federal express entry route where only specific jobs are available, you can apply for any job irrespective of the field your job is in. You can also move to Canada with your family if you are selected through this visa route.

Some of the benefits of the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot scheme are as follow;

1. Job on arrival.
2. Accomodation and settlement on arrival.
3. You can relocate with your family if you want to.
4. Low proof of funds compared to other Visa routes.

Here are the things needed before you can apply for this visa route;

1. At least a secondary school certificate.
2. At least a Canadian language benchmark of 4 (CLB 4). This depends on the job you’re offered.
3. You must prove that you have enough money to support yourself on getting to Canada.
4. You must agree to live in the community that selected you.

Businesses in this part of Canada need workers because most immigrants are only migrating to popular cities like Toronto, Vancouver and Ontario.

This is the visa route you should consider if you want a better chance of getting a Canadian visa.

Best Way to Immigrate to Canada Now

You have seen the various visa types to immigrate to Canada, now which one is the best for you?

The best visa route for you depends on your current position. When I say position, I mean your educational level, skills, experience, job and how much money you have.

As you have seen, Canada wants more people that can impact their country’s growth positively. In fact, that is the purpose of 90% of their visa programs.

Two years ago, the most common visa route was the Caregiver program. A lot of people heard about it and they applied for it to the extreme.

Although the caregiver visa route still works, it has become very hard right now.

Another visa route that is in vogue now is the Express entry route.

The express entry is for people that have high-level skills – according to the Canadian embassy. But one thing is that this visa route is becoming harder by the day, especially for certain countries.

The number of people applying for visas to Canada through the express entry route from these countries is alarming.

So what’s the best option now?

The Rural and Northern immigration pilot is the best option available right now. It is still new and a lot of people don’t know about it yet.

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