Easiest Ways to Live and Work in Canada: A Comprehensive Guide

Discover the pathways to live and work in Canada, from the Express Entry system to spousal sponsorship. Learn about study and work permits, provincial nominee programs, and the International Experience Canada program. Explore how families reunite through spousal sponsorship, enriching Canada’s cultural fabric.

Canada, with its breathtaking landscapes, diverse culture, and robust economy, has become an attractive destination for individuals seeking to live and work abroad. However, navigating the immigration process can be daunting without the right guidance. This article provides a detailed guide on the easiest ways to live and work in Canada. Let’s start by looking at the most popular immigration routes that can quickly get you to live and work in Canada.

Your profile or links to Canada will determine the simplest method of immigration. Now is the ideal moment to begin your immigration adventure because Canadian immigration targets are higher than ever. There isn’t just one straightforward route to immigrate to Canada; it should be mentioned. Even though specific programs might be more straightforward for you to apply to, the procedure is drawn out and entails numerous phases.

Although moving to Canada does involve a significant financial and emotional effort, the outcome is worthwhile. Canada is renowned for its welcoming immigration policies and consistently ranks among the most significant nations for quality of life.

Understanding Canadian Immigration Programs

Canada offers various immigration programs tailored to different skillsets, qualifications, and circumstances. Understanding these programs is crucial to finding the easiest pathway for your specific situation.

1. Live and Work in Canada Through the Express Entry System

The Express Entry system revolutionized Canada’s immigration process by introducing a more streamlined and efficient approach. It operates as an online system that manages applications for three federal economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

The FSWP is designed for individuals with the skills, education, work experience, and language proficiency to contribute to Canada’s economy. Candidates must meet minimum eligibility requirements, including having at least one year of continuous full-time or equivalent part-time work experience in a skilled occupation (classified under National Occupational Classification – NOC) and meeting the minimum language threshold in either English or French.

Points are awarded based on various factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability factors like spouse’s language skills or Canadian education. Candidates with the highest Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores are invited to apply for permanent residence through regular draws conducted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

The FSTP is tailored for individuals with skilled trade occupations who wish to immigrate to Canada. Eligible occupations include but are not limited to carpenters, electricians, welders, plumbers, and chefs. To qualify, candidates must have at least two years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade within the last five years, meet language proficiency requirements, and have an eligible job offer or a certificate of qualification from a Canadian province or territory.

Similar to the FSWP, candidates are assessed based on the CRS, with points awarded for factors like age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

The CEC is for individuals who have acquired skilled work experience in Canada and wish to transition to permanent residence. To be eligible, candidates must have at least one year of full-time skilled work experience (or an equivalent amount in part-time) in Canada within the last three years, meet language proficiency requirements, and plan to live outside the province of Quebec.

Candidates under the CEC category benefit from their Canadian work experience, which is highly valued in the Express Entry system. They receive additional points for their Canadian work experience, contributing to their overall CRS score.

Express Entry Draws and CRS Score

Express Entry draws are conducted regularly by IRCC, inviting candidates with the highest CRS scores to apply for permanent residence. The CRS score is calculated based on various factors, with a maximum of 1,200 points available. Factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability contribute to the CRS score. Candidates can improve their CRS score through measures like improving language proficiency, obtaining additional education or certification, gaining more work experience, or obtaining a valid job offer.

2. Live and Work in Canada Through the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

While the Express Entry system provides a federal pathway for immigration to Canada, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) offer unique opportunities for individuals to settle in specific provinces or territories based on their skills, work experience, and ability to contribute to the local economy.

PNPs are immigration programs operated by individual provinces and territories across Canada. Each province and territory has its own set of PNPs with distinct eligibility criteria and streams designed to address local labor market needs and demographic priorities. Through PNPs, provinces and territories can nominate candidates who meet their specific requirements for permanent residence in Canada. These nominations are often aligned with the economic, social, and demographic objectives of the respective regions.

Selection Criteria and Streams

PNPs typically offer multiple streams targeting different categories of applicants, including skilled workers, international graduates, entrepreneurs, and semi-skilled workers. Each stream may have its own set of eligibility criteria related to factors such as education, work experience, language proficiency, and ties to the province.

Some PNPs offer enhanced streams that are aligned with the Express Entry system. This means that candidates who meet the eligibility criteria for both Express Entry and a provincial stream may receive additional points or preferential treatment, increasing their chances of receiving a provincial nomination.

Benefits of PNPs

• PNPs allow provinces and territories to address specific labor market needs and demographic challenges by attracting skilled workers and entrepreneurs who can contribute to local economies and communities.
• For applicants, PNPs offer an alternative pathway to permanent residence in Canada, especially for those who may not qualify under the federal Express Entry system or who have ties to a particular province or territory.
• Provincial nominees benefit from expedited processing of their permanent residence applications, as provincial nominations carry significant weight in the overall immigration process.

Examples of PNPs

Each province and territory in Canada operates its own PNP with unique streams and eligibility criteria. For example:

• The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) offers streams targeting skilled workers, international students, and entrepreneurs, among others.
• The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) includes streams for skilled workers, international graduates, and individuals with job offers in high-demand occupations.
• The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) provides pathways for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and those with experience in specific industries.

3. Live and Work in Canada Through the International Experience Canada (IEC)

The International Experience Canada (IEC) program is a dynamic initiative that facilitates cultural exchange and provides opportunities for young individuals aged 18-35 from participating countries to travel, live and work in Canada for up to two years. This program is instrumental in promoting global mobility, fostering international connections, and enriching Canada’s cultural fabric.

Program Categories

• Working Holiday: The Working Holiday category allows participants to obtain an open work permit, enabling them to live and work in Canada for any employer and explore various job opportunities across different industries and sectors. This category encourages participants to immerse themselves in Canadian culture, travel, and engage in temporary employment to support their stay.
• Young Professionals: The Young Professionals category targets individuals who seek professional development opportunities in Canada related to their field of expertise. Participants in this category are required to have a job offer in Canada before applying and will receive an employer-specific work permit, allowing them to gain valuable work experience and contribute to Canadian businesses.
• International Co-op (Internship): The International Co-op category provides students enrolled in a post-secondary institution in their home country with the opportunity to gain practical work experience in Canada through internships or co-op placements. Participants must have a job offer or placement arranged with a Canadian employer to be eligible for this category. This category fosters collaboration between educational institutions and Canadian employers while offering students valuable hands-on experience in their chosen field.

Benefits of IEC

• Gain Canadian Work Experience: Participants in the IEC program have the opportunity to gain valuable Canadian work experience, enhancing their resumes and increasing their competitiveness in the global job market.
• Cultural Immersion: To live and work in Canada through the IEC program allows participants to immerse themselves in Canadian culture, language, and way of life. They have the chance to explore Canada’s diverse landscapes, experience its vibrant cities, and engage with local communities.
• Expand Professional Networks: By working in Canada, participants can expand their professional networks, establish connections with Canadian employers and industry professionals, and potentially pave the way for future career opportunities or collaborations.
• Personal Growth: The IEC program offers participants the chance for personal growth and development through new experiences, challenges, and cross-cultural interactions. It provides a platform for individuals to broaden their horizons, develop independence, and build lifelong memories.

Application Process

• Eligible individuals interested in participating in the IEC program must first create an online profile through the Government of Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. The profile allows applicants to indicate their interest in one or more IEC categories.
• Once selected, applicants will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for a work permit. They must then submit a complete application, including supporting documents, and pay the relevant fees.
• Successful applicants will receive a work permit, allowing them to live and work in Canada for the duration of their participation in the IEC program.

4. Live and Work in Canada Through the Study and Work Permits

Studying in Canada offers more than just academic enrichment; it can also serve as a strategic pathway to permanent residence for international students. Students can live and work in Canada through study and work permits. Also, students have the opportunity to gain valuable Canadian work experience, establish roots in Canadian society, and ultimately pursue permanent residence through various immigration programs.

Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP)

Upon completing their studies at eligible Canadian institutions, international students may be eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). The PGWP allows students to live and work in Canada for a duration equal to the length of their study program, up to a maximum of three years.

The PGWP is a valuable opportunity for graduates to gain Canadian work experience, which is often a key requirement for obtaining permanent residence through immigration programs such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).

To be eligible for a PGWP, students must have completed a program of study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada and have received a degree, diploma, or certificate from a recognized Canadian institution. They must also apply for the PGWP within a specified timeframe after receiving their final academic results.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is an immigration program designed for individuals with skilled work experience in Canada. Graduates who have gained Canadian work experience through their PGWP may be eligible to apply for permanent residence under the CEC category.

To qualify under the CEC, applicants must have at least one year of full-time skilled work experience (or an equivalent amount in part-time) in Canada within the last three years, meet language proficiency requirements, and plan to live outside the province of Quebec. Canadian work experience obtained through the PGWP is highly valued under the CEC, as it demonstrates the individual’s integration into the Canadian labor market and society.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Graduates with Canadian work experience may also qualify for permanent residence through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) offered by various provinces and territories across Canada. Some PNPs have specific streams or categories targeting international graduates with Canadian work experience, making it easier for them to obtain provincial nominations and subsequently apply for permanent residence.

Graduates who have established ties to a particular province through their studies and work experience may find PNPs to be a viable pathway to permanent residence, as provinces often prioritize candidates who can contribute to their local economies and communities.

5. Live and Work in Canada Through the Spousal Sponsorship

The Spousal Sponsorship program is a cornerstone of Canada’s immigration system, facilitating the reunification of families and allowing Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouses or common-law partners for permanent residence in Canada. This pathway recognizes the importance of family unity and enables individuals to build a life together in Canada.

Eligibility Criteria

• To be eligible for spousal sponsorship, the sponsoring individual (the sponsor) must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada. They must demonstrate the ability to financially support their spouse or partner and any accompanying dependents upon their arrival in Canada.
• The sponsored spouse or partner must be at least 18 years old and in a genuine relationship with the sponsor. The relationship must be recognized as either a legal marriage or a common-law partnership, which is defined as a conjugal relationship of at least one year.
• Both the sponsor and the sponsored spouse or partner must meet admissibility requirements, including passing medical examinations and security screenings.

Inland vs. Outland Sponsorship

• Spousal sponsorship applications can be processed through two main streams: inland sponsorship and outland sponsorship.
• Inland sponsorship is suitable for couples who are already living together in Canada. The sponsored spouse or partner may be eligible for an open work permit while their application for permanent residence is being processed, allowing them to work and reside in Canada during the application period.
• Outland sponsorship is typically used when the sponsored spouse or partner resides outside of Canada. In such cases, the application is processed through the visa office responsible for the country or territory where the sponsored individual resides.

Application Process

• The sponsorship process involves both the sponsor and the sponsored spouse or partner submitting separate applications to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
• The sponsor initiates the process by submitting a sponsorship application, along with supporting documents proving their eligibility and relationship with the sponsored individual.
• The sponsored spouse or partner submits their application for permanent residence, including required forms, supporting documents, and evidence of admissibility.
•  Once both applications are submitted, they are processed concurrently by IRCC. The processing times may vary depending on factors such as the location of the sponsor and the sponsored individual, the completeness of the application, and any additional screening requirements.

Benefits of Spousal Sponsorship

• Reunification of Families: The Spousal Sponsorship program enables Canadian citizens and permanent residents to reunite with their spouses or partners, fostering family unity and emotional support.
• Permanent Residence: Sponsored spouses or partners who are approved for permanent residence gain the right to live, work, and study in Canada indefinitely. They may also be eligible for social benefits and healthcare coverage.
• Integration Support: Once sponsored individuals arrive in Canada, they receive support in their integration process, including language training, settlement services, and community resources.

Canadian Permanent Residence Application Process

Now that you’ve identified a program that works for you, you must proceed with your application for permanent residence in Canada. Below are the processes to apply, regardless of the program you select, whether you intend to work temporarily in Canada or apply for permanent residence:

1. Find your NOC and skill level
2. Check your eligibility for the program criteria and whether or not you’re eligible to enter Canada
3. Find a job and ensure you have a job offer lined up
4. Know which type of work permit is required
5. Gather all relevant supporting documents in advance and fill in all required fields
6. Pay the fees and submit your application.

All candidates must correctly complete any fields on their applications, be genuine in their information, and provide all relevant supporting documentation to verify their information. If you don’t, your application will be sent back to you, increasing processing timeframes.

We want to point out that, compared to the many immigration options available for your needs and circumstances, the programs mentioned above are merely a drop in the bucket. You can live and work in Canada sooner than you think, thanks to the more than 100 immigration options and visas available.

FAQs

Furthermore, here are some of the most frequently asked questions on the easiest ways to live and work in Canada.

Which program makes it the easiest to live and work in Canada?

The Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Program, and Federal Skilled Trades Program are three immigration categories that are highly adaptable and accommodating and are part of the Express Entry system, which produces quick results.

How can someone without experience find work in Canada?

You might start by looking at the open positions in Canada. Visit Canada.ca, the official website of the Canadian government, to look up your NOC. You should be aware that the majority of open positions demand some level of experience or on-the-job training. You can compromise on the quality of schooling, but to work in Canada, you must have some experience or training in your field.

Can I live and work in Canada without having a degree?

You would typically need to possess a diploma or other document from an accredited university or college. Some NOC C positions in Canada, for example, may not require a degree but rather relevant on-the-job training. However, there are occupations in Canada that do not require a degree.

Conclusion

Living and working in Canada is a dream for many individuals around the world, and fortunately, there are several pathways to make this dream a reality. Whether through the Express Entry system, Provincial Nominee Programs, International Experience Canada, study and work permits, or spousal sponsorship, there are options available for individuals with diverse backgrounds and circumstances. By understanding these immigration programs and seeking professional guidance when needed, you can embark on your journey to build a new life in the Great White North.