To help the continued growth of Canada’s economy the government encourages Asian immigrants with skills, or a profession considered beneficial to the country. Asian immigrants emigrate to Canada from many countries – Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Jordan nationals have all settled in Canada – with the province of British Columbia (BC) having an Asian population of around 400,000 people.
The welcoming multi-cultural city of Vancouver is the largest in BC and is a fine place to live with many excellent amenities. There are currently more than 100 pathways to permanent residence, with the most popular split into the following categories.
- Federal Skilled Worker Programs
- Canadian Experience Class
- Family Class Program
There is also a program for Asians and other individuals of high net wealth or entrepreneurs who may be looking to settle and set up business in Canada. The above programs apply to all provinces of Canada except Quebec, which has its own entry programs.
Each of the above is subject to the Express Entry system. This involves the applicant completing an online profile detailing their age, personal circumstances, work experience, education, and further. The profile is created online for Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
This profile is ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) and the highest scoring candidates are put into the Express Entry Pool. Should their profile be drawn – which is done regularly – they will be sent an Invitation to Apply (ITA) at which point the applicant can apply for permanent residence in Canada.
Following are the entry credentials for each of the above:
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
The Skilled Worker Programs include a choice of options. This pathway to permanent residence is designed for individuals from Asia and elsewhere who are skilled in certain jobs. To qualify the applicant must satisfy the following requirements:
- Have at least one year of continuous work experience in a skilled role that is classified under the Canadian National Occupation Classification (NOC) to level 0, A or B.
- Language skills in English or French to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 across speaking, listening, reading and writing.
- A recognized Canadian certificate, diploma or degree or a foreign qualification and the required Education Credential Assessment (ECA) Report.
This category also includes the Federal Skilled Trades (FSTP) program. Candidates are eligible should they have a full-time job offer for at least a year from a Canadian employer, or they can prove experience in a skilled role and have basic language skills.
Canadian Experience Class (CES)
Intended for applicants who have studied or worked in Canada on a temporary basis, applicants for the CES program must meet the following requirements:
- Within the 36 months prior to application the candidate must have completed at least one year in skilled, technical or professional role in Canada.
- Have language skills meeting CLB 5 or CLB 7 depending on the job.
Self-employment and work experience while a full-time student does not count, although students who remain on a temporary work permit may gain the required experience and apply.
Family Class Program
Applicants who have families who are permanently resident in Canada may be sponsored by them for entry. An additional pathway to permanent residence is the Provincial Nominee program. Should a province consider an individual of worth to the province’s economy they may nominate them for permanent residence in that province.
As Canada has a multi-year immigration plan in place Asian nationals wishing to apply should begin the process now.