Top 5 Visa Types to Migrate to Canada From India in 2024

Canada aims to welcome 4,00,000 immigrants in 2024    

The November 25,2020 EE draw issued ITAs to 5,000 with a CRS cut-off score of 469, the lowest score of the year. This is the 3rd time that Canada has published so many ITAs showing the rising demand for skilled workers in Canada.

With Canada increasing its number of immigrant intakes, opportunities opening up for Indians are aplenty. Read on to know more about how to immigrate to Canada from India in this read.

Top 5 Canadian Visa Types

Canada is the most popular choice for Indians planning to move abroad.

Here are 5 best pathways through which you can immigrate to Canada in 2024:

1. Federal Skilled Worker Visa

The federal skilled worker visa enables skilled workers from around the world to migrate to Canada with a permanent residency visa. 

It is one of the programs of Express Entry, and the major source of immigration to Canada from India and many other countries.

Eligibility for Federal Skilled Worker Visa

You are required to meet Minimum requirements for the FSW program:

• Skilled Work Experience
• Language Ability
• Education
• Age
• Job Offer
• Education as per Canadian equivalency

Basic 67 Points Selection Factor to be eligible to apply for Express Entry in the FSW Program:

If a person gets a minimum of 67 points, they can submit their profile with all their information to the Express Entry program.

These selection factors are used to assess points for eligibility to FSWP.

A different system is used to rank your profile when you are in the Express Entry Pool. The highest-ranking applicants are invited to apply for permanent residence.

Minimum Requirements of Skilled Work Experience

Your skilled work experience is required to be:

• Should be the same NOC type as in your application

• Work experience should be within the last 10 years

• You should have been paid/earned wages for work 

• At least be 1 year of continuous work or 1560 hours

Work experience can meet these requirements as full-time, part-time, or as a student. But it should be without any gaps.

Minimum Requirements for Language Ability

You will have to enter the test results in the Express Entry profile.

• The language ability tests are valid for 2 years time
• It should also be valid when you apply for permanent residence

Educational Requirements for FSWP

Candidates with foreign education should have:

• A completed credential
• Undergone ECA (Education Credential Assessment) for immigration

The ECA should be done by a designated organization stating that it is equal to a completed certificate, diploma, or degree of a Canadian institution.

Proof of Funds

The FSWP applicant will have to show proof of having enough money for him/her and the family to settle in Canada unless he/her is currently unable to legally work in Canada. Or in case he does not have a valid job offer from an employer in Canada.

Documents Required for FSWP

• ECA (Educational Credential Assessment): You have to get your education assessed by an assessing authority. This will ensure that your education is on par with the Canadian Standards.
• Language test results: You have to submit your English or French language proficiency test results.
• Work experience certificates: You need to submit your experience certificates from your current and previous employers.
• Education certificates: Your education certificates like master's degree certificate and bachelor’s degree certificate have to be submitted.
• Job offer proofs: The job offer letter should be submitted.
• Proof that you paid all the visa fee
• Proof of funds to show that you can support your stay in Canada
• Medical Certificate: You need to get your health checked up and submit the relevant certificates
• Police Clearance Certificate: To prove that you do not have any character issues or criminal records, you have to get a clearance certificate from the Police.

How to Apply for Canada PR via Express Entry?

The Express Entry system is managed by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

• Step 1: In the Express Entry pool, the applicant will be given a score called Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
• Step 2: The maximum CRS score is given for 1200 points.
• Step 3: Among these 1200 points, 600 points are given to core human qualities like age, education, work experience, etc. 
• Step 4: If a person gets a minimum cut off decided in that specific Express Entry draw, then he/she will be issued with an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canada permanent residency.
• Step 5: After he/she receives ITA, they will have 60 days to submit their documents, and wait for the visa.

Costs Involved with FSWP

• Processing fee: $850 
• Right of permanent residence fee: $515
• Total: $ 1,365

Processing Time for a Federal Skilled Worker Visa

Almost 80% of the FSW applications submitted through Express Entry are processed within six months or less from the date it is received. 

Talk to our experts and begin the Federal Skilled Worker Program visa process now.

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2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is introduced by Canada to enable provinces of the country to select Indian immigrants and people from around the world. It is for workers having the required education, skills, and experience to contribute specifically to the economy of the province or territory.

Eligibility to Apply for PNPs

• Meet the requirements of the Province or Territory’s Non-Express Entry streams
• Be nominated under the PNP stream

PNP applicants will have to follow particular instructions given by the provincial or territorial government on their website. They will also need to contact them directly to apply.

The CRS scores for the Provincial Nominee Programs are based on the applicants skills, education, and work experience. You are also required to work and settle in the province, and be able to support yourself and the family.  

Minimum Requirements of Points for PNP Candidates

Application Selection Criteria:  Based on CRS score and labour market needs of the province or territory.

Note:  This program doesn’t allow you to settle in the province of Quebec.

Documents Required with PNP Application

The following documents are required along with your application:

• Express Entry Profile Number
• Language Credentials
• Education/Training Credentials
• Work Experience Credentials
• License or Proof of Professional Status
• Settlement Funds & Settlement Plans
• Close relative in province (if applicable)
• Previous work experience in province (if applicable)
• Previous study experience in province (if applicable)
• Identity & Civil Status Documents
• Valid Passport

How to Apply for PNP?

There are two ways to apply for a provincial nomination: With or without the Express Entry System.

1. Applying for a PNP through Express Entry

Step 1: Creating an online Express Entry profile

Fill out your application and get your nomination confirmed for permanent residence. Express your preference of provinces and territories you are interested in.

Step 2: Submit an Expression of Interest

Depending on the province or territory, you will either have to apply directly for nomination or you will be selected and notified by the region. 

Step 3: Get your Invitation to Apply (ITA)

You will receive an additional 600 points if you are nominated by a province or territory. You normally have 30 - 60 days time to file your application after receiving the ITA.

Step 4: Complete your Application for PR

Your ITA letter will specify the program you can apply for. And by which date you should submit your application. The process normally takes about 4-6 months time for your PR card.

Check my eligibility

2. Applying for a PNP without Express Entry

Step 1: Applying directly

You can directly apply to the province or territory of your choice for a nomination. Visit the province/territory government website to evaluate your profile.

Step 2: Notification of Interest

Depending on the province, you may have to submit a Notification Of Interest (NOI) to the province or territory. The selection criteria and process may be different for different regions.

Step 3: Receiving the ITA

If selected, you will receive an ITA for permanent residency. This can take anywhere between 15 to 19 months time to file the application form and receive a PR card.

Costs Involved with PNP Applications

Skilled workers who have successfully been nominated to a province will have to pay an application fee anywhere between $250 - $2,000. 

Candidates wanting to apply for Alberta, Nova Scotia, North Territories, and Yukon PNP are exempted from the fee.

Application Fee for Each Province in Canada

PNP Application Processing Time

Non-Express Entry Method: 15-19 months

Express Entry Method: 4-6 months

Want to choose the right Provincial Nomination Program? Our experts can guide you through the PNP process.

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3. Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP)

The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program is a program through which you can migrate to one of the below four provinces of Canada:

• Newfoundland and Labrador
• Prince Edward Island
• Nova Scotia
• New Brunswick

AIPP has unique requirements that may particularly be attractive to certain graduates and workers.

Different programs under AIPP

AIPP has 3 different programs to support different types of professions:

• Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program (AISP)

This program applies to candidates whose professions are in the National Occupational Classification, NOC-0, A, B, or C list.

• Atlantic High-Skilled Program (AHSP)

This program applies to applicants with skills in NOC- 0, A or B, and a one-year full-time work contract from the employer.

• Atlantic International Graduate Program (AIGP)

This program is applicable for international student graduates as a study permit or student visa. 

Eligibility Criteria to Get Canadian PR Under AIPP

Here are the eligibility criteria required under the three AIPP programs:

Requirements Under the Atlantic International Graduates Program

International graduates do not require any work experience when hired through AIPP. 

Requirements Under the Atlantic High Skilled Program

Requirements Under the Atlantic Intermediate Skilled Program

The employers are supposed to meet certain requirements in all of the above three categories..

The Candidate should prove that he/she will apply for a Canada permanent resident visa within 90 days from the visa application date of the temporary work permit.

Documents Required with AIPP Application

Here is a shortlist of documents required along with the application:

• Referral letter from provincial authorities
• Photocopies of passport pages
• Copies of travel or identity documents
• Copy of current immigration document (if applicable)
• Photocopy of marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Unique Client Identifier (UCI) number of family member (for dependents)
• Offer of Employment Number for inclusion
• Proof of Official Language Proficiency
• Proof of relevant work experience

Canada Permanent Residency Process through AIPP

Step 1: Getting Selected

In this employer-convenient program, the employer from Canada should first find the candidate who fits his/her job profile. (The potential employee can be selected from a job portal).

Step 2: Job Offer

The employer should then offer the job to the selected candidate. 

The employer need not go through getting a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) if they are selecting candidates through AIPP.

Step 3: Employee Acceptance

If the employee accepts the offer of employment, then the employer will let the employee communicate the same to the authorities.

Step 4: Obtaining Work Permit

As Canadian employers can quickly get a work permit for their employees, they can apply for the temporary work permit as soon as possible.

Costs Involved with AIPP

• Immigration Processing fee: $850
• Right of permanent residence fee: $515
• Total: $ 1,365

Processing Time for AIPP Applications

Normal processing time for AIPP applications is six months. Immediate requirements by employers can be fulfilled through a temporary work permit. Skilled workers can this way come to work right away and wait for their AIPP applications to be processed.

Want to know more about the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program? Our experts will be glad to help you through the AIPP application process.

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4. The Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

This immigration program allows individuals who have worked in Canada previously for at least one year and want to settle with/without their families within the country. 

Such candidates are eligible to apply for Canadian immigration under this type of visa. 

Eligibility Requirements for Canadian Experience Class

• Live in Canada

Have lived in Canada for at least 36 months before applying for permanent residence in the country.

Types of NOC: You have 12 months of full-time work experience in an occupation categorized as Skill Type 0 or Skill Level A or B of the National Occupation Classification (NOC).

• Time Period of Work Experience

Your Canadian work experience is at least of one year (1560 hours) within the 36 months of the date of application

• Language Ability

You fulfill the level of Language proficiency required as per your occupation 

• Residence

Intend to live outside of Quebec province.

• Other Criteria

You are inadmissible into Canada based on previous medical, criminal or security history.

Documents Required for Canada Immigration Under CEC

The following generic documents are required for CEC:

• Application form
• Additional dependents declaration
• Schedule A - Background declaration
• Schedule 8: Economic Classes CEC
• Additional family information
• Use of representative

Additional documents required to submit are:

• Identity & Civil Status documents
• Children’s information (if applicable)
• Travel documents or Passports
• Education/Training/Qualification (principal applicant)
• Work experience (principal applicant)
• Proof of language proficiency
• Non-accompanying family member declaration
• Police certificates and clearances
• Fee payment
• Photo requirement

How to Apply for CEC?

Here is a 5-step process to apply for CEC. Right from moving to Canada as a worker to obtaining a Permanent Resident (PR) card.

Step 1: Work in Canada for one year

Work experience should be obtained from a temporary visa and not through self-employment or work experience gained as a full-time student.

Step 2: Meet the minimum requirements

This includes the CLB level. IELTS for English and TEF for French is recommended. Apply for ECA certification as soon as possible.

Step 3: Create your Express Entry Profile

It is the Federal Express Entry program that allows you into the pool for Canadian Experience Class. You will therefore need to create a profile to qualify.

Step 4: Gather the documents required

You are required to gather all documents after receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canada PR within 60 days. The list includes medical certificate and criminal record check.

Step 5: Get confirmation of permanent residence

Expect to receive the permanent residence document within four months if approved. It will serve as proof when you eventually move to Canada as a permanent resident.

Costs Involved for CEC Applications

• Immigration Processing fee: $850 
• Right of permanent residence fee: $515
• Total: $ 1,365

Processing Time for CEC applications

CEC applications are typically processed within four months. You will receive a confirmation of permanent residence document soon as the application is approved.

Are you interested in moving to Canada through the Canadian Experience Class?

Begin your CEC application procedure with the help of experts.

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5. Federal Skilled Trades Program

Canada is experiencing labour shortages in several skilled trades occupations. This program is intended to encourage applicants from around the world who have work experience in the field of business.

The program is quota based and limited to 3000 applications per year with sub quotas in many of the 43 targeted occupations.

Eligibility Requirements for Federal Skilled Trades Class

• Job Offer: Have offers of employment from one or two Canadian employers 
• NOC Skills: Occupation must be for a duration of at least one year in an eligible skilled trade (NOC Skill level B), or Hold certification of qualification for that trade from Canadian provinces or territorial regulatory bodies
• Language Ability: Must be proficient in two official Canadian languages
• Work Experience: Have 24 months of work experience in the last five years in the skilled trade, after trade qualification

Documents Required for FSTP

The following documents must be submitted for the Canada Federal Skilled Trades Program:

• Current passport
• Travel history
• Meeting the language requirement
• Proof of spending the last 2 of the 5 years in the trade
• Trade to be covered under National Occupational Classification (NOC)
• Having a Canadian education certificate or equivalent (non-essential)
• Police clearance certificate
• Other supporting documents

How to Apply for the Federal Skilled Trades Program?

The FSTP process from determining eligibility to obtaining the PR certificate.

Step 1: Fulfill the Eligibility Criteria

Ensure that you have at least 2 years or more of relevant experience. Check that you satisfy all the eligibility criteria including language proficiency tests. 

Step 2: Create an Express Entry profile

This can be done online on the IRCC website. Provide all the information asked for along with documentation. 

Step 3: Improving the CRS score

Improve your CRS score if it is below the cut-off line to receive an ITA. Consult an expert, there are many ways you can improve the ranking. 

Step 4: Receive an Invitation to Apply

Subsequently, you will have to submit an application for permanent residency in Canada within 60 days time.

Step 5: Collect Documentary Evidence

Provide medical certificates with an IRCC recognized physician, and security background checks along with the e-application. Detailed work reference letters from previous employers should also be submitted.

Step 6: Receiving COPR

Successful applicants will receive a confirmation letter of permanent residence (COPR) document. Over 80% of applications are normally decided within six months.

Step 8: Applying for Canada PR

You can now apply for the Canada PR card. You can also use this card as proof of status when you travel outside Canada.

Costs Involved with FSTP Application

• Immigration Processing fee: $850 
• Right of permanent residence fee: $515
• Total: $ 1,365

Processing Time for Federal Skilled Trades Programme

Almost 80% of the Federal Skilled Trades Program applications are processed within 6 months or less time after filing the application.

Migrate to Canada through the Federal Skilled Trades Program. Talk to our FSTP expert now!

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Other Important FAQs

Where can I get to know all the eligibility requirements for a Canada PR visa?

You can get all the authentic information from the immigration Canada CIC website, or you can contact Kansas Overseas directly and get all the information you need. Our experienced experts will lead you to get a Canada PR visa successfully.

What are the advantages of the PNP program?

Advantages of the PNP program are:

• The major benefit of getting a nomination from a Canadian province is that it increases your CRS score to an additional 600 points. 
• Even if you have a low CRS score, many provinces accept you and will give you nominations to get Canadian PR.
• Many provinces will issue nominations even without you having a job offer.
• If you have fewer scores in the section of IELTS, it is better to opt for a PNP. 

What are the goals of AIPP?

The goals of AIPP are:

• Recruiting skilled workers to fill vacancies of employers
• Supporting the growth of population
• Increasing talented workforce
• Increasing the levels of Canadian immigration in the area
• Developing trade, commerce, and investments
• Developing infrastructure

Which programs are the most advantageous for Indian immigrants?

All the immigration programs of Canada are beneficial to citizens from India to settle in Canada, along with their spouse and family.

Which is the economic immigration class set by the government of Canada?

The Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Federal Skilled Trades Program are the two main economic immigration categories offered by the government of Canada. People from all over the world, including India, take advantage of these opportunities based on their skills.

Can I apply to Quebec immigration through PNPs?

Through PNPs, you cannot apply to migrate to Quebec. If you want to settle in Quebec, you need to apply for the program available in Quebec exclusively.

What are the basic requirements for Canada immigration?

Here are the basic requirements to apply for Canada immigration:

• ECA (Educational Credential Assessment)
• Language test results 
• Work experience certificates
• Education certificates
• Job offer proofs
• Proof that you paid all the visa fee
• Proof of funds 
• Medical Certificate

There may be additional requirements depending on the province and the type of visa.

Conclusion

Overview of the 5 Types of Canadian Visas

Be a permanent resident of Canada today!

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How Can Kansas Help?  

Kansas Overseas Careers is the best visa consultant in India.

Kansas Overseas Careers specializes in Permanent Residency Visas, Work Visas, Study Visas, Temporary visas, and Dependent Visas to Canada, UK, USA, Germany, and Hong Kong. 

Apart from these services, Kansas offers its clients personalized services such as:

• Profile Evaluation: Professional guidance based on an in-depth assessment of the client profile to determine chances of visa success. 
• Documents & Review: Detailed, error-free documentation based on the visa type drafted to meet specific formats.
• Dedicated Case Officer: A dedicated consultant to assist clients throughout the process.
• Visa Filing: Kansas ensures that the visa applications meet all the standard requirements of concerned immigration authorities and governing bodies.
• Test Preparations: Complimentary online courses are offered to help aspirants improve their Language Proficiency for important exams like IELTS, French, TOEFL, and PTE.
• Visa & Interview: Guidance is provided for aspirants attending visa interviews along with verified documents.  
• Post-Landing Service: Kansas helps clients settle down in the new country with a comfortable stay after they have received their visas.

Additional services offered to job-seekers: 

• Resume Writing: Dedicated team of resume experts to craft the best resumes that meet prerequisites of immigration authorities and potential employers. This greatly improves their chances of selection.
• Profile Marketing: Kansas is well-known for creating the best-in-class portfolios that boost applicant profiles in job-portals. And yes, this is a complimentary service!

Additional services For students looking for a study visa:

• Admission Guidance: Comparisons between the best programs, colleges, and countries to study in, including arranged mentorship from existing students.
• Writing Services: Admission Essays, Student CV, Statement of purpose (SOP), Letter of recommendations (LOR), and other important services offered by a dedicated team. 
• Scholarships & Financial Aid: Offer help to find the best Scholarships programs, Education loans, Study abroad loans, and also offer help in sourcing paid-Internships.

You can expect a one-stop solution for all your visa needs from profile evaluation, documentation, application drafting to post-visa services with Kansas. We offer personal assistance and a single point of contact between the company and you throughout the immigration process. 

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