A recent study conducted by CIC News has shown that Canada now has over 104 economic immigration pathways available for aspiring migrants. 

In the last few decades, Canada has worked toward creating opportunities for immigrants on both the federal and provincial levels of government. The Government of Canada is constantly working together with the provinces and territories to introduce a variety of economic migration pathways that can meet needs of a wider audience of potential immigrants. Both levels of government seek to accommodate and welcome skilled immigrants into the country in order to contribute to Canada’s growth.

There are three main avenues to obtain permanent residency in Canada: as skilled migrants who can contribute through capital and labor; as family members coming into the country through the family reunification program; and as refugees seeking asylum who are welcomed into the country on humanitarian grounds. 

Economic migrants make up the largest number of immigrants in Canada, with 6 in 10 immigrants selected for their potential to positively contribute to the economy. Economic migrants are usually highly skilled workers applying from abroad, highly skilled temporary foreign workers, or international students taking advantage of job opportunities in Canada.

Those seeking to apply for permanent residency in Canada are encouraged to submit a profile to the Express Entry system. The Express Entry system handles applications and screens eligibility for the three primary economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker class, the Federal Skilled Trades Class, and the Canadian Experience class.

Eligibility is determined by a Comprehensive Ranking System which awards applicants points based factors such as age, education, skilled work experience, proficiency in English, and other factors.

Apart from the Express Entry system, the federal government also maintains a number of pilot programs under the economic category. Among these are the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot, the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot, and the Atlantic Immigration Pilot. 

On a provincial level, each of Canada’s provinces and territories maintains their own Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP). Established in the 1990s, the PNP has evolved to become the second most important avenue for obtaining permanent residency in Canada.

Each program in the PNP allows Candian provinces and territories to nominate a number of immigration candidates for permanent residency each year, in order to assist the provinces with fulfilling their specific economic and labor market needs.

All provinces and territories with a PNP also have an enhanced stream linked to Express Entry. Express Entry candidates who receive a nomination automatically receive an additional 600 points to their CRS score, raising their chances of receiving an invitation to apply (ITA).

Last week, Canada hosted two Express Entry draws. They remain on track to welcome at least 200,000 economic immigrants this year, of which 90,000 are expected to consist of Express Entry applicants and 65,000 are expected to come from PNPs.

Want to know if you qualify for Express Entry? Get a free assessment from Enhance Visa! To determine your eligibility click here.