Migrate to Canada with Family
With high performance in many dimensions of well-being, such as income, jobs, education, and environmental quality, Canada has increased the life quality for its residents and the number of expats moving to the country every year, Canada is one of the most sought-after destinations for immigrants, offering a high quality of life, excellent healthcare, and a robust education system. If you’re planning to migrate to Canada with your family, this guide will walk you through the process, including visa sponsorship options, application processes, and tips for successful immigration. It takes more than a kangaroo to lure one to make the big step of moving to Canada. Rich in natural wonders, breathtaking beaches, diverse wildlife, Canada makes a special place for anyone.
What Kind of Immigration Pathway Do I Need to Migrate to Canada with Family?
Canada’s immigration system is divided into several categories, each catering to different types of immigrants, including skilled workers, family members, refugees, and entrepreneurs. Canada primarily uses a points-based system under the Express Entry program for skilled workers. Below are some of the main immigration pathways:
- Economic Immigration: Includes programs like Express Entry (for skilled workers) and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
- Family Sponsorship: For Canadian citizens or permanent residents to sponsor their spouse, children, parents, or grandparents.
- Refugees and Asylum Seekers: For individuals seeking protection in Canada.
- Business Immigration: Includes programs for investors, entrepreneurs, and self-employed individuals.
Explore Visa Sponsorship Options for Migrating to Canada with Family
If you’re migrating with your family, the Family Sponsorship program and Employer-Sponsored Visas are the two main routes where sponsorship comes into play. Sponsorship options allow a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or employer to support your immigration application.
Who Can Be Sponsored?
- Spouse or Common-Law Partner: This includes both same-sex and opposite-sex relationships.
- Dependent Children: Children under 22 who are unmarried and without a common-law partner.
- Parents and Grandparents: Sponsorship is available through the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), although there is an annual cap on the number of applications accepted.
- Other Relatives: In very specific cases, other relatives such as siblings, nephews, or nieces can be sponsored if you have no immediate family members who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
Sponsorship Process for Family Members:
- Submit a Sponsorship Application: The sponsor must first submit a sponsorship application to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
- Permanent Residence Application: The family member being sponsored submits their application for permanent residence, typically processed concurrently with the sponsorship application.
- Meet Sponsorship Agreement Requirements: The sponsor must commit to financially supporting the sponsored family member for 3-20 years, depending on the relationship and circumstances.
Under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) or International Mobility Program (IMP), an employer in Canada can sponsor a foreign worker.
Open Work Permit for individuals migrating to Canada with an employer-sponsored visa
For individuals migrating with an employer-sponsored visa, their spouse may be eligible to apply for an open work permit. This permit allows the spouse to work for any employer in Canada during the family’s stay.
Steps for Employer-Sponsored Migration:
- Secure a Job Offer: The first step is to secure a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.
- LMIA (if required): The employer submits an LMIA application to prove the necessity of hiring a foreign worker.
- Apply for a Work Permit: Once you receive the LMIA (if applicable), apply for a work permit through IRCC.
- Family Accompanying on a Work Visa: Spouses and dependent children can often accompany the main applicant, with certain family members eligible for work or study permits.
How to Explore Economic Immigration Programs When Migrating to Canada with Family
In addition to sponsorship, several economic immigration programs allow you to migrate to Canada with your family, especially if you possess specific skills, qualifications, or work experience that are in demand in Canada.
1. Express Entry Program
The Express Entry system is one of the fastest and most popular ways for skilled workers to immigrate to Canada. It includes three major programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Program
- Federal Skilled Trades (FST) Program
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The process involves creating an online profile and being scored under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The highest-ranking candidates are invited to apply for permanent residence.
Express Entry Steps:
- Determine Eligibility: Use the CRS tool to check if you qualify for one of the three programs.
- Create an Express Entry Profile: Submit details about your age, education, work experience, language proficiency (IELTS/CELPIP), and more.
- Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA): If your CRS score is high enough, you will be invited to apply for permanent residence.
- Submit Permanent Residence Application: After receiving an ITA, you must submit your application, including documents like police certificates, medical exams, and proof of funds.
Family Members Included in Express Entry: Spouses and dependent children can be included in the Express Entry application. If you’re selected, your family will receive permanent residence as well.
2. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
If you don’t qualify under Express Entry, you can apply through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), which allow Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals who wish to settle in a specific region. Many PNP streams are aligned with Express Entry, meaning successful applicants will receive additional CRS points.
Provincial Programs:
- Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
- British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
- Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)
- Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
Steps to Apply for PNP:
- Choose a Province: Identify a province with a PNP that suits your qualifications.
- Apply for Nomination: Submit an application to the provincial program.
- Add Provincial Nomination to Express Entry: If nominated, add this to your Express Entry profile for additional CRS points.
- Apply for Permanent Residence: Once invited, submit your PR application through IRCC.
Apply for Permanent Residence (PR) to Migrate to Canada with Family
Once you’ve met the requirements for one of the above programs, the next step is applying for permanent residence (PR). Permanent residents have the right to live, work, and study in Canada, and eventually, they may apply for Canadian citizenship.
General PR Application Steps:
- Complete Online Application: You can submit your PR application online through IRCC’s website.
- Upload Required Documents: Include proof of work experience, language test results, education credentials, medical exam results, and police certificates.
- Pay Fees: You will need to pay the processing fees, which vary depending on the number of family members included in the application.
- Biometrics and Medical Exams: Most applicants will need to submit biometrics and undergo a medical exam.
- Wait for Approval: Processing times vary depending on the program, but typically range from 6 months (for Express Entry) to a year or more for other programs.
Prepare for Life in Canada with Family
After receiving your visa or PR status, it’s time to prepare for the move. Migrating with family requires careful planning to ensure a smooth transition.
Areas to Consider:
- Health Insurance: Provincial healthcare is available to residents, but there might be a waiting period (typically 3 months) for coverage. Consider private insurance for this period.
- Education for Children: Canada has a high-quality public education system, and children can attend school based on your province of residence.
- Housing: Start looking for housing in your destination city or town. Many new immigrants initially rent while they settle.
- Banking and Finances: Open a Canadian bank account and consider how you will transfer funds from your home country.
- Cultural Adjustment: Learn about Canadian culture, the local laws, and customs to make your integration easier.
In summary: Whether you’re applying through family sponsorship, an employer-sponsored visa, or an economic immigration program , Migrating to Canada with your family is a complex process, but with proper research, preparation, and determination, it is achievable, Canada offers a range of pathways to welcome skilled individuals and their families into its diverse society. By following this guide, you can navigate the immigration process and start your journey to a new life in Canada.