Canada has many immigration programs that can lead to permanent residency.

Some of the most popular immigration programs are:

1. Express Entry (EE): This program is the fastest way to get PR in Canada. Candidates are invited to apply for Permanent Residence based on their CRS score.

2. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP): These province based programs invite candidates who possess the skills, education and work experience that the province/territory is specifically looking for.

3. Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): This program aims to bring skilled foreign workers and international students to 4 Atlantic provinces: Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick.

4. Family Sponsorship: This program lets spouses, partners, children, parents, grandparents, and in some cases, other relatives of Canadians and PRs to apply for Permanent Residence in Canada.

5. Self-Employed: The Self-Employed program allows individuals with relevant work experience in the arts, culture, recreation and sports to immigrate to Canada permanently.

6. CUSMA / Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement: Formerly known as NAFTA, this program allows certain citizens of the United States and Mexico to come to Canada as workers, traders, and investors without going through the lengthy Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process.

In most cases, to work in Canada as a foreign national, you must first have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.

If the employer wishes to hire you as a foreign worker, then they must apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).

After receiving a positive LMIA, you may apply for a Work Permit and stay in Canada as a Temporary Foreign Worker.

There are a few exceptions when the employer doesn’t need to sponsor you (does not need to go through the LMIA process), some of these include:

• If your partner is studying in Canada (must be a Designated Learning Institute /DLI)

• If you are a citizen of the United States of America or Mexico

• If you would like to start your own business in Canada

• If your partner is already a Canadian citizen or PR

Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCIC) are legally authorized representatives and members in good standing with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), previously Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC).

Working with an RCIC can be a benefit to you, because:

• they have extensive knowledge and experience which is crucial to a successful application and outcome

• they can develop a personalized immigration strategy for you and your family

• they are professionally trained in Canada’s Immigration system

• they take part in mandatory trainings to stay up to date with changes to Canada’s immigration law and program requirements

• they can act on your behalf and represent you with the Canadian government

Did you know? IRCC’s website provides information on immigration however, it’s for reference only. Not all mandatory requirements are listed and as we like to say - the devil is in the details! An immigration officer will assess your application based on Canada’s immigration law.

So when you’re considering hiring an RCIC - think of us as your personal & professional assistant throughout your visa process!