• Posted 27-Jul-2024

Immigrating from the USA to Canada, A Guide by Sia Immigration Solutions

The prospect of immigrating from the USA to Canada has become increasingly appealing, especially for those who find it challenging to secure permanent residency in the United States. Canada offers a variety of pathways for skilled workers, students, and temporary residents to transition into permanent residents. Sia Immigration Solutions is here to guide you through the most straightforward and efficient routes to make Canada your new home.

1. Permanent Residency through Express Entry

Express Entry is a popular and efficient pathway for obtaining permanent residency in Canada. To be eligible, candidates typically need:

Education: A master's degree or equivalent.

Work Experience: At least two years of work experience in a skilled occupation.

Language Proficiency: High scores in the IELTS exam (ideally 7, 7, 7, 8 in listening, reading, writing, and speaking, respectively).

In category-based rounds of invitations, candidates in the Express Entry pool who are eligible for a specific category established by the Minister to meet an identified economic goal. Candidates to apply for permanent residence based on criteria such as: 

Current categories for priority streams:
French-language proficiency : have proficiency in French with French-language test results that show a minimum score of 7 in all 4 language abilities on the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens.
Healthcare occupations : Having foreign experience in the past 3 years can also assist you to qualify in this stream, job occupations like doctors, nurses, dentists, massage therapists, optometrist, veterinarians etc.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) occupations : Having foreign experience in the past 3 years can also assist you to qualify in this stream, job occupations like engineers, architects, data scientists, land surveyors, web developers etc.
Trade occupations : Having foreign experience in the past 3 years can also assist you to qualify in this stream, job occupations like carpenters, plumbers, electricians, machine fitters etc.
Transport occupations : Having foreign experience in the past 3 years can also assist you to qualify in this stream, job occupations like transport managers, truck drivers, deck officers, Air traffic controllers etc. 
Agriculture and agri-food occupations : Having foreign experience in the past 3 years can also assist you to qualify in this stream, job occupations like Agriculture supervisors and contractors, butchers etc.

Other factors, such as age, adaptability, and having a job offer from a Canadian employer, can significantly boost your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, increasing your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.

2. Short Programs with Low Tuition Fees

If you do not meet the Express Entry score requirements, enrolling in a short educational program in Canada can be a strategic move. Canadian institutions offer a range of affordable courses that can provide you with a quick route to permanent residency. 

Advantages: 
Lower Tuition Fees: Many programs have relatively low costs, making them accessible.
Work Opportunities: You can begin working from the first day of your studies, gaining valuable Canadian work experience.
Quicker PR Process: Completing a Canadian educational program can streamline your pathway to permanent residency, often faster than the Express Entry route. Wide range of courses available from health care, childcare, trade skills, cybersecurity, wellness, hairstylist, Esthetics etc to upskill yourself and prepare for Canadian job market.

3. Work Permit via LMIA

Securing a job offer from a Canadian employer can significantly enhance your immigration prospects. The Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process is crucial here:

Steps to Obtain an LMIA-Based Work Permit:

Find an Employer: Identify Canadian employers willing to hire foreign workers.

LMIA Approval: Your employer must obtain an LMIA, demonstrating the need to hire a foreign worker.

Work Permit: With an approved LMIA, you can apply for a work permit.

An LMIA-backed job offer can also be added to your Express Entry profile, potentially boosting your CRS score and improving your chances of receiving an ITA.

4. Job Hunting on a Visitor Visa

Another viable option is to visit Canada on a visitor visa to seek employment opportunities directly:

Process:
Visitor Visa: Apply for and obtain a visitor visa to enter Canada.
Job Search: Network and connect with potential employers in person.
Work Permit Transition: If you secure a job offer, you can apply to convert your visitor visa to a work permit, allowing you to stay and work in Canada.

5. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are another excellent pathway to permanent residency. Each Canadian province and territory has its own PNP, which allows them to nominate individuals who wish to immigrate to Canada and settle in a particular province.

Advantages:
Lower CRS Requirements: Some PNPs have lower CRS score requirements compared to Express Entry.
Occupation-Specific Streams: Many PNPs target specific occupations in demand within the province.
Enhanced Nomination: An enhanced nomination from a PNP linked to Express Entry can add 600 points to your CRS score, virtually guaranteeing an ITA.

6. Family Sponsorship

If you have family members who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents, they can sponsor you to become a permanent resident. The Family Sponsorship program includes spouses, common-law partners, dependent children, and other eligible relatives.

Requirements:
Sponsor's Eligibility: The sponsor must be at least 18 years old, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and able to support you financially.
Relationship Proof: Adequate documentation to prove the relationship.

For more detailed information and personalized consultation, contact Sia Immigration Solutions today. Your new beginning in Canada awaits!