Immigration to Canada – Legal Services

Types of Immigration Visas to Canada

Permanent Residency 

Express Entry

For qualified candidates who want to become permanent residents in Canada. The candidate must be qualified as a skilled worker, or have skilled work experience in a eligible occupation in Canada. To be considered a skilled worker, the candidate must have at least one year of full-time work experience within the past 10 years and must have a matriculation certificate. 
To achieve the required skill level in occupations requiring skills such as agriculture, construction, etc., the applicant must have at least two years of full-time experience during the past five years. 
To be considered a skilled worker in Canada in administrative and technical professions, the applicant must have at least one year of experience. 

The Express Entry visa forms require detailed information about the applicant’s work and academic qualifications, as well as knowledge of English and French. 

Candidates are assessed using a scoring system and points based on information provided by the applicant. Candidates with the highest scores are eligible to apply for permanent residency. 

This visa is available for all Canadian Provinces except for Quebec. 

Family Sponsorship

Citizens or permanent residents of Canada who are over the age of 18 can sponsor their spouses or children and immigrate to Canada. Parents and grandparents can also be sponsored; however, the number of places is limited to 10,000 applicants. Other relatives, such as siblings, can be sponsored on a very limited basis. 

Start-up visa

For entrepreneurs who want to build innovative businesses in Canada (except for Quebec) and will be self-employed. The applicant must prove that the business is supported by a designated organization and that the business meets the ownership requirements. The applicant must prove that he meets language requirements and that there is sufficient funding.

Visa for the self-employed

For people who wish to immigrate to Canada (other than Quebec) and be self-employed. The applicant must have experience in cultural activities or athletics and must prove that he intends to make a significant contribution to the cultural or athletic life in Canada. Another possibility is that the candidate has experience in farm management and intends to buy and manage a farm in Canada.

Program for skilled workers in Quebec

For qualified candidates who want to work in Quebec. Similar to a quick visa, the application requires detailed information about the applicant’s work and detailed education and language skills.

The Quebec Entrepreneurship Program

For applicants interested in establishing or acquiring a business in Quebec. The applicant must have assets of at least 300,000 Canadian dollars and experience in running a business.

Investor Program in Quebec

For immigrants interested in investing in Quebec. The applicant must have assets of at least CAD 1,600,000 and management experience, among other requirements.

The Independent Program in Quebec

For those who wish to immigrate to Quebec in order to create work for themselves. The applicant must have at least 100,000 Canadian dollars in assets and at least two years’ experience as an independent employee.

Non-Immigrant Visas 

Work Permit

For those who want to work in Canada on a temporary basis. There are two types of work permits – open work permits that allow work for any eligible employer in Canada, and work permits for specific employers that allow work only with a specific employer within a certain time frame.

Study Permit

For those wishing to study in Canada. The candidate must be admitted to a Canadian institution of study and must prove that he has enough money to pay tuition, living expenses and transportation, and he must prove that he is a law abiding person.

For further information  see also student visa to Canada

Electronic Travel Permit

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) – for citizens from exempt countries who wish to visit Canada. The application includes a passport, a credit card, and an applicant must complete an online form.

For further information  see also visitor visa to Canada.

Visitor Visa

For foreign nationals from countries that are not exempted from Visa wishing to visit Canada. Visitor visas are for multiple entries which allow visitors to enter and exit Canada several times, or a one-time entry that allows visitors to enter Canada only once. 

Watch the following video on life in Canada