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Canadian Immigration Requirements for 2023

February 16, 2023

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  • Sinethemba Phongolo

Are you planning to start the new year in a new place? If this place is Canada, then you've made a great decision. Did you know that Canada plans to invite 500,000 immigrants in 2023? So if you're planning to be included in this number, have a look at the Canadian immigration requirements for 2023.

Requirements for Immigrating to Canada in 2023

General Requirements

Although each immigration program offered to immigrate to Canada is generally distinct and has their own set of requirments that need to be met in order to apply, there are a few unifying aspects in the application proccess that apply for all immigratin visa programs and streams. These can be viewed as the general requirements which are normally outlined as follows.

Establish Eligibility

Each applicant needs to establish whether or not they are eligible to apply for the immigration visa program or pilot that they want to apply for. Eligibility tests are based on each immigration programs distinct set of criteria however all pose the same questions with regards to the applicants age, work experience, education, health, familial dependants, personal finances and prior work and/or family connections to Canada.

Apply for a Work Permit

Depending on the immigration visa program or stream you're applying for, you will need to apply for either an open or closed work permit . Open work permits allow you to work almost any location in Canada as per the work opportunities you received and a closed work permit only allows you to work at the location provided by your Canadian employer.

Apply And Submit Required Documents

All Canadian immigration programs and streams require supporting documentation as a key component of verifying the validity of a prospective immigrants application. Each immigration stream and program does have it's own set of supporting documentation, however, the following key documents are required most applications:

  • Biometrics test screening results
  • A signed and completed General Application form for Canada
  • A completed medical clearance exam
  • A signed police clearance document/certificate
  • Bank statements (Proof of financial self-sufficiency)
  • Health insurance policy 
  • CV/Resume
  • Passport
  • Digital photo
After familiarzing yourself with the general immgration requirements, you can take a look at some of the specific immigration requirements of the most popular immigration programs and streams.

How to Immigrate to Canada in 2023

There are various pathways you can take to move to Canada and over 100 immigration programs. The criteria you need to meet depend on the immigration program you choose. But don't worry, we'll make all you need to know easy to understand and check the boxes of Canadian immigration requirements with you?

Let's talk about the broad categories you can choose from to immigrate to Canada, namely: economic and business options, express entry system, provincial nominee programs, family sponsorship options, and humanitarian and refugee immigration.

Economic and Business Immigration Options

If you are a working professional and have skills that can benefit the Canadian economy, then this could be the option for you. The following categories are included under this option:

Business Immigration Requirements:

  • At least two years of work experience either participating in their chosen athletic or cultural activity at an international or world-class level or being self-employed in that activity.
  • Having at least three years of experience in running a business acquired during the five years preceding the date you submitted your application
  • The applicant must have a net worth of at least $500,000 and should be willing and be able to establish, invest in or acquire a business in Canada which will create or maintain employment in Canada
  • Applicants selected based on their work experience,education level, age,language skills and adaptability to life in Canada.
  • Apply online for this program via the Canadian government's Permanent Residence Online Application portal.
  • You will have to fill out several digital forms and will receive a documentation checklist for every document required to prove the details you outline in the digital forms

Provincial Nominee Program

Due to the ever-present problem of labor shortages plaguing the Canadian workforce, Canadian provinces have decided to take a more proactive role in addressing the gap between available labor and in-demand occupations.

In partnership with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Canadian provinces and territories have created work immigration visa programs that seek to address the in-demand work opportunities in each province.

Should you meet the eligibility criteria for applying for one of the PNP, you can submit an expression of interest (EOI) to the province, after which they'll issue you an invitation to apply (ITA) that you need to accept within 20 days. After accepting the invitation you have about 10 days to apply for an open work permit.

Provincial Nominee Program Immigration Requirements:

  • Job offer from a local employer
  • Work experience in the province/territory
  • Adaptability and familial ties to someone living in the province
  • Apply directly to a province or territory
  • Submit an expression of interest(EOI) to your eligible PNP of choice

Express Entry

The Express Entry system is the fast-track method of immigrating to Canada and it is open primarily to everyone who passess the eligibility test which is based on:

The results of your eligibility test will be cumulatively scored into an overall Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score that plays a determining role in both your eligibility to apply for a PNP and your acceptance into Express Entry draw.

Express Entry draws are application pools arranged according to deadlines and each draw has a limit on the number of applicants it can accept during the application window. Please be aware of the express entry draw deadlines before applying. The requirements and application process will depend on the particular program you choose. The following programs for skilled workers are included in the Express Entry system: Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

Express Entry System Immigration Requirements:

  • Create an Express Entry profile by answering questions about your age, work experience, education, marital status, links to canada and language skills
  • A comprehensive ranking system (CRS) score out of 1200 will be generated for you based on an eligibilty test that questions your education skills, English language proficiency (IELTS), criminal record, medical certification and travel documents
  • Submit required supporting documentation as outlined in the general requirements section of this article
  • Get an invitation to apply (ITA)
  • Pay your fees and apply

Atlantic Immigration Pilot

The Atlantic Immigration Pilot is aimed at skilled workers who are seeking permanent residence in one of Canada's four Atlantic provinces, namely Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. The pilot is also open to foreign graduates who have completed their studies in one of these four provinces.

Atlantic Immigration Pilot Immigration Requirements:

  • You must receive a job offer from a designated employer in Atlantic Canada.
  • You must also ask for a copy of the employers Confirmation of Designation. If they do not have one ask them to consider becoming designated as you will not be able to apply to the program if they are not.
  • Your job offer must be completed on an Offer of Employment to a Foreign National form
  • Only full-time jobs qualify, this means a minimum of 30 paid working hours per week and excludes seasonal work meaning you are employed full time
  • It is the correct job skill type for the program as listed by the National Occupational Classification
  • The offer must be for a minimum of one year
  • You must meet the requirements as stipulated by the job offer. This means you are both qualified and capable of performing all the duties as required by the position.

Family Sponsorship

The Canada Family Sponsorship aims to bring families together, enabling relatives to study and work in the country -provided they become permanent residents of Canada. In turn, you and your relatives get to make valuable memories while immersing yourselves in the rich Canadian culture.

Family Sponsorship Immigration Requirements:

  • Check Your Eligibility
  • Know How to Apply
  • What to Expect After You Apply
  • Prepare for the Day You Arrive
  • If you choose the Family Sponsorship Program, you will need to receive an invitation to apply.
  • This program allows you to sponsor your parents or grandparents. If you receive an invitation, there will be two applications involved.
  • You must submit both the sponsorship and permanent residency applications together online at the same time.
  • You must submit your application within 60 days of the date that you received your invitation. The deadline is shown on your invitation to apply letter.
  • Who you can sponsor: your spouse, dependent children, orphaned family members and their siblings, conjugal partner, common-law partner

Humanitarian and Refugee Immigration

Canada is known globally for being at the forefront of accepting refugees and other immigrants. A sizable portion of Canadas yearly immigration target is dedicated to accepting refugees.

Humanitarian and Refugee Immigration Requirements:

  • Visit the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) or Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and make an asylum claim.
  • A CBSA or IRCC agent will then determine if you qualify to claim asylum.
  • You will need to provide valid proof of persecution or suffering in your home country.
  • You will also be required to do biometric, biographic, security and criminality checks before you can be granted refugee status.

Why Move to Canada in 2023?

Canada has a 97% naturalization rate, this means that almost all immigrants who settle in Canada don't regret their decision. Its not hard to understand why: free healthcare and education, a socially progressive government, a reputation for kindness, high paying jobs, and a beautiful natural environment, Canada has everything you and your family needs to enjoy a higher quality of life.

How We Can Help you Move to Canada

Make your journey to Canada quick, effortless, and most importantly, successful, when you apply with us. MDC Canada is a leading visa and immigration agency situated in Vancouver. We provide professional immigration services to our international clients to help them reach their goals of working and living in our beautiful country. We can help you too! When you choose to use our expert and trusted services, you will receive:
  • A full eligibility assessment
  • Receive an immigration plan with your best-suited immigration options signed by our RCICs
  • Access to your Visa Profile Builder to easily download and upload documents and ask questions with immediate feedback.
  • A review and submission of all application forms and documentation on your behalf, as well as
  • Support and professional guidance through every step of the process

FAQs

Is Canadian Immigration Easy?

Applying to move to Canada is a short process. However, with over 100 immigration programs and immigration consultants who can help you, the process of immigration can definitely be made simpler.

Is Canadian Consultancy Legitimate?

Yes, Canadian consultancy is real. However, there are many scammers out there posing as immigration consultants. There are various signs to look for to check if you are working with a legitimate or fake consultant. Be sure to check if you are using a verified immigration consultant before providing any personal information.

Our immigration consultants are verified and ready to help you with your visa application. Working with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) will take the pressure off, by helping you make sure you meet all the Canadian immigration requirements and guiding you through the visa application process.

What is the Canadian Immigration Medical Test for?

One of the Canadian immigration requirements is that you are in good health. You need a medical exam if you're planning to:

The medical exam will include the following:

  • General physical checks for your eyes, nose, heart, and lungs
  • Chest X-rays
  • Blood tests
  • HIV, Syphilis, and urine tests