How to Immigrate to Canada from the United States (and Elsewhere)

Our first thought when we saw the news this morning was, what the heck is happening with the American election! Our second thought was, we have to help people come to Canada. Here are some possible pathways to do so:

Citizenship through your Parent

If your parent was born in Canada or was a naturalized Canadian (gained through immigration) before you were born, then you could be a Canadian already and can apply for your Citizenship certificate.

Permanent Residence through your Spouse

If your spouse is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, then you could be sponsored and obtain your permanent residence. You may also be able to obtain a work permit while waiting for your permanent residence.

Permanent Residence as a Skilled Worker

Express Entry

The most well-known permanent residence system under the economic class in Canada is the Express Entry system. This is a points-based system where you compete with other people in the pool to obtain the opportunity to apply for permanent residence. Due to increased demand, points levels have been increasing. Candidates that are most competitive from overseas tend to be under 30, are highly fluent in English or French, have three or more years of work experience in a high skilled job and have more than one degree. However there are also other ways to increase points from overseas. This includes:

• Fluency in both official languages
• Having siblings in Canada.

There are a few provinces that have programs that may  also help you increase your points for Express Entry if you satisfy the right conditions such as having experience in an occupation in demand or have relatives in the province.You can also increase your points by working or studying in Canada on a temporary permit before applying for permanent residency. Here are some ways to do so:

• If your spouse studies in Canada, you may be able to qualify for an open work permit to allow you to work anywhere in Canada.
• If you study in Canada in a public university or college, you can obtain an open work permit when you graduate.
• If you are American or a citizen of certain countries with free-trade agreements for professionals, you can also obtain a work permit if you have a job offer for your profession.

If your employer is willing to transfer you to work in Canada, you may be able to gain Canadian work experience points and points for Arranged Employment.Similarly, if you opened a business and work as the executive manager of your company, you may also be able to claim points for arranged employment.

Provincial Nominee Programs

Each province in Canada has their own provincial nominee program where they select people for permanent residence. The provinces normally favour those who have job offers or other ties to the province. You can obtain these ties by studying or working in that province.

Start-Up Visas

You and up to four other partners can apply for permanent residence by creating an innovative start-up company that receives support from a designated incubator, angel investor group, or venture capital group.

There may be a number of pathways for you to come to Canada.To book a consultation with one of our lawyers to discuss your situation, please contact usat (416) 548-9101, or by email at inquiries@lmlawgroup.com.