Immigrate to Canada from the Philippines

Canada, a welcoming and multicultural nation, offers a high quality of life and numerous opportunities for Filipinos seeking a better future. The country's diverse population and inclusive culture make it a welcoming place if you want to immigrate to Canada from the Philippines. In recognition of its growing acclaim as a place for new beginnings among immigrants worldwide, especially those from the "Global South," the country has enhanced its immigration policies to make it easier for foreigners who want to settle there.

If you want to become a part of the growing Filipino immigrant community in Canada, then look at the following guide, which outlines how to immigrate to the country from the Philippines.

Start Your Canadian Journey

Filipinos in Canada

Filipinos in Canada have grown significantly, becoming one of the country's largest and fastest-growing immigrant groups. According to Statistics Canada, as of 2021, 957,355 people of Filipino origin lived in Canada, making up 2.58% of the total population. This remarkable growth has made Filipinos the third-largest Asian Canadian group, following the Indian and Chinese communities. Filipino Canadians have settled primarily in urban areas across the country. The largest concentrations are in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia. Specifically, 76.5% of Filipino Canadians lived in these three provinces in the 2021 census.

The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is home to the largest Filipino community in Canada, with 272,470 Filipino Canadians residing there. Other major metropolitan areas with significant Filipino populations include Vancouver (141,230), Calgary (83,815), Winnipeg (81,140), Edmonton (77,085), and Montreal (39,020). One of the most notable characteristics of the Filipino Canadian community is their strong work ethic and high labor force participation. In 2022, 78.6% of Filipino Canadians aged 15 years and older were working or actively looking for a job, the highest labor force participation rate among all Canadians and well above the national average of 65.4%.

This dedication to work has led to low unemployment rates, with Filipino Canadians experiencing a 4.3% unemployment rate compared to the national average of 5.3%. According to Statistics Canada, Filipino immigrants to Canada have found employment in various sectors, with many working in healthcare, sales and service, business, finance, administration, and the trades. Filipino Canadians have demonstrated a strong sense of belonging to their adopted country despite relatively recent arrivals.

Permanent Residency Pathway to Canada for Filipino Immigrants

With various programs available, including Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, and family sponsorship, there are multiple pathways you can use to immigrate to Canada from the Philippines.

Express Entry

The Express Entry system is a crucial pathway for Filipinos to immigrate to Canada. This points-based system manages applications for three federal economic immigration programs, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP). Candidates must meet minimum requirements for work experience, language proficiency, and education to be eligible.

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score determines a candidate's competitiveness in the Express Entry pool. Age, education, work experience, and language skills contribute to the CRS score. Filipino applicants should aim for a high CRS score to increase their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

Provincial Nominee Programs for Filipinos

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) offer another avenue for Filipinos to obtain permanent residence in Canada. Each province and territory (except Quebec) has its own PNP to address its specific economic and demographic needs. Filipino candidates can apply directly to a province or enter the Express Entry pool and be invited to apply for provincial nomination. If nominated through an Express Entry-linked stream, candidates receive an additional 600 CRS points, significantly boosting their chances of receiving an ITA in a subsequent Express Entry draw.

Find the best province to immigrate to in Canada.

Start-up Visa

The Start-up Visa Program targets innovative Filipino entrepreneurs who can create jobs for Canadians and compete globally. To apply, candidates must pitch their qualifying start-up to a designated organization and secure support. This program provides a unique opportunity for Filipino entrepreneurs to contribute to Canada's economy while pursuing their business goals.

Immigration Pilots

To immigrate to Canada from the Philippines, several immigration pilots offer pathways to permanent residency.

Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot

The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) aims to attract skilled foreign workers to smaller communities in Canada. This community-driven program allows participating towns to recommend candidates for permanent residence based on local economic needs and job opportunities. To be eligible for the RNIP, you must have a recommendation from a designated community, possess at least one year of continuous work experience in the past three years, and have a genuine job offer.

Agri-Food Immigration Pilot

The Agri-Food Immigration Pilot is another option for Filipino immigrants, particularly those with experience in meat processing or mushroom production. This program aims to fill labor shortages in the agri-food sector. You need at least one year of non-seasonal Canadian work experience in an eligible occupation and a valid job offer to qualify.

Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker pilots

For Filipino caregivers, the Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker Pilots offer pathways to Canadian permanent residency. These programs allow you to come to Canada on a work permit with a clear route to permanent resident status. You will need a Canadian one-year post-secondary credential or an equivalent foreign credential and a qualifying job offer.

Atlantic Immigration Program

The Atlantic Immigration Program is designed to welcome newcomers to Atlantic Canada, helping to fill labor gaps and support population growth. This program allows designated employers in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and, Labrador, and Prince Edward Island to recruit and retain global talent. The program offers a streamlined process, with employers not needing to obtain a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

Family Sponsorship

Family sponsorship is a significant pathway for Filipinos to gain permanent residence in Canada. The Philippines consistently ranks among the top three source countries for new Canadian permanent residents through family sponsorship programs. This reflects the strong ties between the two nations and the growing Filipino-Canadian community. You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident aged 18 or older to sponsor a family member. You can sponsor various family members, including:

• Your spouse or common-law partner,
• Dependent children,
• Parents and grandparents, and
• Orphaned siblings, nieces, nephews, or grandchildren under 18 years old.

For Filipino immigrants, family sponsorship offers a pathway to build a new life in Canada while maintaining strong family connections. It is a testament to Canada's commitment to family reunification and the value placed on Filipino Canadians' contributions to the country's diverse society.

Learn about what makes Canada one of the most family-friendly countries in the world.

Do You Qualify?

Temporary Residency Pathways to Canada for Filipino Immigrants

If you are not currently eligible to apply for Canadian permanent residency (Canada PR) pathways as a Filipino immigrant, use the following temporary programs as a stepping stone to permanently settle in the country through paths like the Canadian Experience Class.

Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) is a crucial pathway for temporary Filipino immigrants to work in Canada. This program allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers to fill labor shortages when qualified Canadians are unavailable. To hire a Filipino worker under the TFWP, Canadian employers must obtain an LMIA from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).

The TFWP includes various streams, such as high-wage and low-wage positions, agricultural workers, and in-home caregivers. The caregiver stream is particularly relevant for Filipino workers, as it allows them to care for children, elderly individuals, or people with high medical needs.

International Mobility Program (IMP)

The International Mobility Program (IMP) offers Filipino immigrants another temporary avenue to work in Canada. Unlike the TFWP, the IMP does not require an LMIA. This program aims to advance Canada's broader economic and cultural interests. Under the IMP, Filipino workers may be eligible for various work permit options, including:

• International Experience Canada (IEC) Working Holiday Visa: The Working Holiday Visa (WHV) This program allows young Filipinos to work and travel in Canada for up to two years.
• Intra-Company Transfers: Filipino employees of multinational companies with a branch, subsidiary, or affiliate in Canada can temporarily be transferred to work in Canada.
• Post-Graduation Work Permit: Filipino students who have completed their studies in Canada may be eligible for the Post-graduate Work Permit (PGWP), an open work permit that can allow them to gain valuable Canadian work experience.

Canadian Study Visa

Obtaining a Canadian study permit is essential for Filipinos looking to study in Canada. This Canadian study permit allows Filipino students to pursue their education at designated learning institutions (DLI) in Canada. Filipino students with a valid Canadian study permit may also be eligible to work part-time and full-time during scheduled breaks. This opportunity allows them to gain Canadian work experience, which they can use to apply for Canada PR via programs like the CEC.

Learn how to apply for a Canadian study permit.

Benefits of Immigrating to Canada From the Philippines

 

Immigrating to Canada from the Philippines offers numerous advantages that can significantly improve your quality of life. Here are some of the more prominent reasons Filipinos immigrate to Canada.

Higher Wages and a Stronger Job Market

Canada's economy provides better financial prospects, allowing you to support your family more effectively and send money back home. The favorable exchange rate between the Canadian dollar and the Philippine peso means your earnings can substantially impact your relatives' lives in the Philippines.

Canada's World-renowned Healthcare System

Canada's world-renowned healthcare system is another significant benefit for Filipino immigrants. Unlike many other countries, Canada offers a publicly funded healthcare system where citizens and permanent residents receive essential medical services at no direct cost. This universal healthcare coverage ensures you and your family can access necessary medical care without hefty out-of-pocket expenses.

Learn about Canadian provinces that incentivize skilled foreign healthcare workers.

Quality Public Education

Education is critical for many Filipinos considering immigration to Canada. The country boasts an exceptional education system, from elementary schools to prestigious universities. As a permanent resident, your children can attend public schools for free, providing them with high-quality education and better opportunities for their future. Canada offers various study permits for international students, opening doors for higher education and potential career advancements.

Learn about the top 10 public universities in Canada.

Community Support

The thriving Filipino community in Canada is a significant draw for many immigrants. Major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Winnipeg have established "Little Manila" neighborhoods, offering a sense of belonging and cultural familiarity. This community support can be invaluable as you adjust to life in a new country, providing a network for social connections, job opportunities, and cultural celebrations.

Political and Economic Stability

Canada's political and economic stability is another attractive feature for Filipino immigrants. According to Statistics Canada, the country offers a safe environment with a low crime severity index (CSI) of 80.5 incidents per 100,000 population and a robust social support system. As a permanent resident, you will enjoy many rights and responsibilities as a Canadian citizens, including the freedom to live, work, and study anywhere in the country.

Canada's Proximity to the United States

Lastly, Canada's proximity to the United States opens up additional opportunities for cultural exchange, economic growth, and tourism. This geographical advantage allows Filipino immigrants to Canada to explore and potentially benefit from connections with another significant North American economy.

Get Your Start Today!

FAQs

How Much Financial Resources Are Required For a Filipino to Immigrate to Canada?

As of May 28, 2024, the financial requirements for settlement funds are CAD 14,690 for a single applicant, CAD 18,288 for a couple, and CAD 22,483 for a family of three.

What Are the Essential Travel Requirements For Filipinos Moving to Canada?

Ensure you have your letter of introduction, a valid passport or travel document, and a visa sticker on your passport if required, and if traveling by air and requiring an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), ensure it is linked electronically to your passport.

What Happens After I Arrive in Canada?

After you arrive in Canada, you will need to settle in by finding accommodation and registering for essential services, such as health insurance. It is also important to familiarize yourself with local resources and community support programs that can help you adjust to your new life. Consider networking and job searching to establish your career in Canada.

Learn about six great part-time jobs for new arrivals in Canada.