Home to the world’s eighth-largest Indian diaspora, Canada is one of the top destinations for Indian nationals. In 2019 alone, one-quarter of Canada’s new immigrants were from India.
Want to be one of them?
If so, there are plenty of different immigration programs and pathways available to you.
Why do Indians want to immigrate to Canada?
Indian nationals most often choose to leave the country for better educational and career opportunities. Many people also leave in order to reunite with their families who have already immigrated.
After Trump’s administration implemented more restrictive immigration policies, the number of Indians looking to become permanent residents in Canada increased dramatically.
Especially young tech workers who are looking to build a better life for themselves and their families, enjoy a higher quality of life as well as financial prosperity.
In addition to these reasons, Canada is also an attractive option because of its diverse population, great natural beauty, freedom of religion and speech, free healthcare and a democratic government.
How to Immigrate to Canada from India
There are many ways to obtain Canadian PR for Indian citizens. It could be governed by your skill level and reason for moving.
Let’s have a look at some of the main programs for the most common goals.
Immigrate to Canada as a Worker / Express Entry
Do you have any skills and professional background?
If that is the case, you might want to have a closer look at the programs that are processed under the Express Entry system:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – if you have at least a year of full-time Canadian work experience in the last 3 years;
- Federal Skilled Trades Class (FSTC) – if you are skilled in a trade listed in the NOC & have at least 2 years of recent full-time Canadian experience in the last 5 years;
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) – if you want to settle in a certain province or city;
- Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) – if none of the above fit to your case.
Check Now If You are Eligible For One of Canada’s Working Programs or Just Book a Free Consultation Call with An Immigration Expert
As for the Express Entry system, we tell more about how it works here.
Immigrate to Canada with Your Family
Looking to immigrate to Canada with your family?
If the answer is yes, you should know that if one of the parents or one partner has received a visa, the rest of the family can come along. That’s why as partners you may want to submit 2 applications as you never know who has better chances of receiving the visa.
Also, a student visa is easier to obtain than a working visa, and if one of the family members managed to achieve one, it can help bring the whole family to Canada.
This is the kind of creative solution a Canadian immigration consultant can help you with. That’s also why the best advice we can give you is to consult with an Immigration expert!
Temporary Immigration for Young Adults (18-35yo): IEC / Student Visa
Do you want to “try on” Canadian life before immigration?
Then you might want to explore International Experience Canada (IEC Canada).
This program is ideal for Indian citizens between the ages of 18 and 30 who are looking to test the waters in Canada.
If approved for the program, applicants are permitted to live in Canada for up to two years to work, travel, and experience Canadian life.
This allows the individual to get a feel for what life in Canada would be like without making a full commitment from the start. If they can see themselves living here permanently, they can start the process of moving to Canada from India.
Immigrate to Canada as a Student
Are you interested in studying in Canada?
Luckily, Canada is very welcoming for those who are looking for higher education.
In Canada, you can obtain a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) following most programs of study. Your PGWP can be valid for the same duration as your study permit, up to three years.
With its reputable educational system and high-ranking universities, Canada is one of the most attractive countries for students from around the world.
To get into a Canadian university, students need to get the student visa.
We described the process of becoming a Canadian student here.
Immigrate to Canada as an Entrepreneur or Investor
Do you want to get citizenship by investing in Canada’s economy?
If so, then you may learn more about the Investor Visa.
Do you have the skills, talent, and funds to build or establish a business in Canada?
Then Start-up visa could be an option for you. You may learn more about it here.
You may also have a look at our guide that covers business immigration.
Family Sponsorship In Canada
Immigration is faster and easier for those who have relatives in Canada. Possibly, you have someone you want to move your family after you immigrate.
If that is the case, Family Sponsorship options could be perfect for you.
This pathway works in one of two ways – inland or outland. The inland sponsorship is when the individual sponsored is already living in Canada, while the outland sponsorship is for someone currently living outside of Canada.
You may learn about Family Sponsorship here.
Getting a job in Canada from India
Landing a job in a foreign country can be tricky when you haven’t moved yet but with technology, today being what it is today it can be quite simple.
One of the key things to remember is that your resume and cover letter should be formatted according to the Canadian standard so the first impression is a professional one.
Here are some things you can do to get started:
Government of Canada Job Bank
The Job Bank is run by the Canadian government and it’s one of the first places individuals looking for employment in Canada look at.
Free to use, at any given time the site has thousands of job openings from all over Canada, for all levels of education and work experience.
Recruitment agencies
Many individuals look at recruitment agencies like Drake International or Excel Personnel Inc. to find a job.
When you open your file with an agency, they will schedule an interview with you to learn more about who you are, what your experiences are and what you’re looking for. You may have to write some competency tests to gauge your skillset.
Once your profile is active, the hard part is done! The agency will then try to match you with your perfect job.
- UIS Canada is a professional immigration consultancy that upholds a spotless and proven track record of providing the highest quality customer service. They make sure that clients have all the most up-to-date information, thus avoiding any unnecessary delays in their immigration process.
- UIS only works with RCICs and they specialize in permanent residency and temporary visas.
- Great North Visa is a top-tier, solution-driven consulting firm committed to facilitating their clients’ main objective of receiving the Canadian visa they require by providing a wide range of immigration services and settlement solutions designed to simplify your immigration process.
- Great North Visa puts an entire team of selected Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCIC) at your disposal.
Conclusion
Trudeau’s government has made it clear that immigration will continue to be a priority for them and 2022 is already off to a running start with provinces holding PNP draws.
For Indians looking to immigrate to Canada, now is a great time to start thinking about the application process.
Have questions about what you should do and what pathway you should pursue? Speak to a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) and see how you can get started.
Once you figure that out, you’re on your way to starting this exciting journey!
