Canada has long been a dream destination for many, offering a high quality of life, diverse culture, and abundant opportunities. Whether it’s for work, study, or simply to explore its natural beauty, millions aspire to call Canada home.
However, the journey to becoming a resident of Canada is not always straightforward. With various immigration pathways available, each with its benefits and challenges, choosing the right one can be a daunting task.
Let’s delve into the pros and cons of four popular immigration routes to Canada: LMIA/Work Visa, Tourist Visa, Permanent Residency (PR), and Student Visa, to help you make an informed decision as you navigate your journey to success in Canada.
Unlocking Opportunities through LMIA and Work Visa
The Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process is a crucial step for Canadian employers looking to hire foreign workers. However, obtaining an LMIA and subsequently a work visa is no easy feat.
It’s a lengthy and expensive process that requires the employer to prove that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to fill the position.
As a result, only a select few with specialized skills or qualifications manage to secure LMIA-sponsored work visas.
According to data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in 2022, Canada experienced a remarkable surge in work permit issuance, with a record-breaking 608,420 Canadian work permits taking effect—a significant increase from the 414,000 permits in 2021.
These work permits were issued under Canada’s two primary pathways—the International Mobility Program (IMP) and the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), delineating distinct avenues for temporary foreign workers (TFWs) to work and live in Canada.
Significantly, the majority of work permits (77%) issued in 2022 belonged to the IMP, totaling 472,070 permits activated through this program.
This notable surge indicates a considerable rise compared to preceding years, simultaneously shedding light on the less robust performance of the LMIA/Work Visa Pathway.
While the LMIA/Work Visa pathway offers a direct route to employment in Canada, it does not guarantee permanent residency (PR).
Many individuals may also find themselves in precarious employment situations, subject to fluctuations in economic conditions and changes in government policies.
Moreover, navigating the LMIA process can be complex and time-consuming, requiring careful coordination between employers, prospective employees, and government authorities.
The need for specialized skills or qualifications further narrows the pool of eligible candidates, making this pathway accessible only to a selected few.
Many individuals find themselves in a cycle of temporary work permits, constantly renewing their visas without a clear path to permanent residency.
Additionally, changes in government policies or economic downturns can lead to job instability, making it a risky option for those seeking long-term settlement.
Finding Opportunities in Canada through the Tourist Visa
Despite the allure of Canada’s natural beauty and cultural attractions, embarking on a journey through the tourist visa pathway presents its own set of risks and challenges. Especially in light of the significant influx of international arrivals witnessed in recent years.
However, for individuals seeking to explore Canada while searching for opportunities, the tourist visa may appear as a convenient shortcut to access the country’s wonders.
Yet this pathway comes with its own set of risks and challenges, particularly for those hoping to secure employment or establish long-term residency.
Tourists entering Canada on a visitor visa are explicitly prohibited from engaging in any form of employment. This restriction leaves them vulnerable to exploitation and victimization by unscrupulous employers who may offer under-the-table jobs with substandard wages and working conditions.
Moreover, overstaying a tourist visa can have severe consequences, including deportation and a ban on re-entry, further heightening the precariousness of this pathway.
Furthermore, tourists also lack access to essential services such as healthcare and social benefits, making their stay in Canada precarious and potentially unsustainable in the long run.
While visiting Canada as a tourist can indeed be a wonderful experience, it is not a viable option for those seeking to establish a stable and secure life in the country. Especially amidst the uncertainties and vulnerabilities associated with the tourist visa pathway.
Building Reliable Bridges to Canada through a Student Visa
For those looking for a more secure and structured pathway to Canada, the student visa offers a viable option. Canada is home to world-class educational institutions renowned for their quality of education and research opportunities.
By enrolling in a Canadian college or university, international students enjoy certain privileges such as the opportunity to work part-time during their studies and full-time during scheduled breaks.
IRCC reports that 20,580 former study permit holders transitioned to permanent resident status in the first three quarters of 2023, compared to 19,735 in 2022.
This escalating trend underscores a remarkable surge in the number of students becoming permanent residents over the past four years, with the latest figures revealing a staggering 78% increase in former international students receiving permanent residency compared to 2019.
It is essential to note that the figures mentioned above primarily comprise students who pursued permanent residence through accruing eligibility via work experience post-graduation, facilitated by the Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
A subset of international students attained PR directly after graduation, often through specific Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams tailored for international graduates, with 23,150 individuals falling into this category in 2023.
This emphasizes that graduating from a Canadian institution can significantly enhance one’s chances of obtaining permanent residency through various immigration programs such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and the PNP.
Many provinces offer incentives for international graduates to stay and work in Canada, recognizing the value they bring to the local economy and workforce.
Canada’s robust immigration pathways for international graduates exemplify the country’s commitment to talent retention and diversity.
Navigating the Path to Canadian Citizenship through Permanent Residency (PR)
For many aspiring immigrants, obtaining permanent residency in Canada is the ultimate goal. PR status offers numerous benefits, including access to healthcare, social services, and the opportunity to live and work anywhere in the country.
However, attaining PR status in Canada is no simple feat; it is a highly competitive process that is reserved for individuals who possess exceptional qualifications and skills deemed valuable to the nation’s economy and society.
According to IRCC data, in 2020, Canada admitted over 401,000 new permanent residents, with the majority arriving through economic immigration programs such as the Express Entry system and Provincial Nominee Programs.
To be eligible for PR, candidates must meet certain requirements such as language proficiency, education, work experience, and adaptability.
They must also undergo medical examinations and background checks to ensure they do not pose a threat to public health or safety.
While PR status in Canada serves as a pivotal stepping stone towards obtaining Canadian citizenship, it demands a significant investment of time, effort, and resources from the applicants.
Navigating the complex PR application process requires meticulous planning, diligent preparation, and a thorough understanding of the immigration policies and procedures.
Furthermore, securing PR status is not merely a transactional process but rather a transformative journey that entails integration into Canadian society, and adherence to Canadian values.
Ultimately, obtaining permanent residency in Canada represents a tangible manifestation of an individual’s commitment to building a brighter future for themselves and their families in Canada.
What is the Best Way to Canada?
Now that we’ve examined the various pathways, it’s time to ask the essential question: “Which route is the most advantageous for reaching Canada?”
The best way to Canada ultimately depends on individual circumstances, goals, and preferences. However, considering the various immigration pathways available, the Student Visa pathway stands out as a highly effective route to establishing permanent residency (PR) and eventually obtaining Canadian citizenship.
The Student Visa pathway offers numerous advantages, including access to world-class educational institutions renowned for their quality of education and research opportunities.
International students enrolled in Canadian colleges or universities not only gain valuable knowledge and skills but also enjoy privileges such as the opportunity to work part-time during their studies and full-time during scheduled breaks.
Moreover, transitioning from a student visa to permanent residency has become increasingly streamlined in Canada.
Transitioning from permanent residency to Canadian citizenship is another advantage of the Student Visa pathway. Permanent residents can apply for citizenship after meeting residency requirements, demonstrating proficiency in English or French, and passing a citizenship test.
Canadian citizenship offers additional benefits, such as the right to vote, travel with a Canadian passport, and access to certain government jobs.
In a nutshell, the Student Visa pathway provides a structured and secure route to Canada, offering opportunities for education, employment, and long-term settlement.
It enables individuals to build valuable skills, contribute to the Canadian economy, and ultimately become active members of Canadian society.
Therefore, for those seeking a comprehensive pathway to Canada with a clear trajectory toward citizenship, the Student Visa pathway stands out as the best option.
Enhance Visa's Role in Facilitating Immigrant Success in Canada
Enhance Visa serves as a crucial ally for immigrants seeking to establish themselves in Canada.
Established in 1995, Enhance Visa has emerged as one of the premier visa service providers in the Philippines and beyond.
With over two decades of experience, Enhance Visa has provided efficient and effective visa and immigration services to families across the Philippines, Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia.
With a commitment to personalized guidance and tailored solutions, Enhance Visa ensures that immigrants have the necessary support to navigate Canada’s immigration pathways and achieve their goals.
Streamlining the Immigration Process
Enhance Visa’s expertise is invaluable in streamlining the immigration process for immigrants. With its strategic partnerships and in-depth knowledge of immigration policies, Enhance Visa helps immigrants navigate the complexities of visa applications, ensuring a smooth and efficient process.
This streamlined approach simplifies the immigration journey, allowing immigrants to focus on their goals of settling in Canada.
Personalized Support for Immigration Journey
Beyond visa applications, Enhance Visa provides comprehensive support for immigrants throughout their immigration journey.
From conducting eligibility assessments to offering personalized consultations, Enhance Visa ensures that immigrants receive individualized attention and guidance.
This personalized approach is instrumental in addressing the unique needs and challenges faced by immigrants as they navigate the immigration process.
Leveraging Expertise and Resources
Enhance Visa’s wealth of expertise and resources equips immigrants with the tools they need to succeed in Canada.
The consultancy firm’s deep understanding of immigration policies, coupled with its strategic partnerships, empowers immigrants to make informed decisions and navigate the immigration landscape effectively.
Whether it involves understanding eligibility criteria or staying updated on policy changes, Enhance Visa serves as a trusted partner for immigrants striving to build a new life in Canada.
Maximizing Success with Enhance Visa
By leveraging Enhance Visa’s expertise and support, immigrants can maximize their chances of success in their immigration journey.
With Enhance Visa by their side, the pathway to permanent residency in Canada becomes clearer and more achievable. Immigrants can rely on Enhance Visa’s guidance and resources to navigate Canada’s immigration policies effectively, ensuring a smooth transition to life in Canada.
Schedule an Appointment with Enhance Visa Today!
If you want to learn more about how Enhance Visa can assist you in navigating Canada’s immigration policies, you can always schedule an online appointment with us. Fill out our easy online application form or contact us at +63 917 555 9027.
With Enhance Visa by your side, the pathway to permanent residency in Canada becomes clearer and more achievable than ever before.
