STRAIGHTCRAFT

Permanent Resident

Canada's economic immigration programs are designed to attract skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and professionals who can contribute to the country's economy. The primary goal is to address labor shortages, support innovation, and maintain Canada's high living standards amidst an aging population.

The main pathways for economic immigration to Canada are:

1. Express Entry System: This is Canada's flagship immigration system for skilled workers and manages applications for three federal economic immigration programs:

1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): For skilled workers with foreign work experience. Candidates are assessed based on a points grid considering factors like age, education, language proficiency (English and/or French), work experience, and adaptability. You need to meet a minimum point on the FSWP selection grid to be eligible to enter the Express Entry pool.
2. Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For skilled workers who have at least one year of eligible Canadian work experience. This program is popular among international students and temporary foreign workers who wish to transition to permanent residency.
3. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): For skilled workers qualified in a skilled trade. Requires at least two years of work experience in a skilled trade and a valid job offer or a certificate of qualification from a Canadian provincial or territorial authority.

2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): This is the second largest pathway for skilled workers. All provinces and territories (except Quebec and Nunavut) have their own PNPs, allowing them to nominate individuals who meet their specific labor market needs.

1. Each PNP has various streams targeting different types of workers, students, and entrepreneurs. Some streams are "enhanced," meaning they are linked to Express Entry, and a provincial nomination grants you an additional 600 CRS points, virtually guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. Other streams are "base" nominations, which are not linked to Express Entry, and you apply directly to IRCC for permanent residence after receiving a provincial nomination.
2. Quebec Immigration Programs: Quebec has a unique immigration system distinct from the federal programs. It selects its own immigrants who intend to reside in the province through the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) and Quebec Experience Program (PEQ).
3. Other Federal Economic Programs: Canada also has several other programs designed to attract specific types of economic immigrants such as Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP), the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot, the Caregiver Pilots (Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot) etc.