A large percentage of newcomers arriving in Canada every year come from countries in South Asia and Pakistan is no exception.
In 2019, Pakistan was the fifth-largest source of permanent residents for Canada and the two countries share a close relationship.
Pakistani nationals first began immigrating to Canada in the 1900s and it still remains a top destination for Pakistanis looking to start a new chapter of their life.
How to Immigrate to Canada from Pakistan
There are many ways to obtain Canadian PR for Pakistani 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 Pakistani 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 Pakistan.
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.
Why do Pakistanis Immigrate to Canada?
Pakistan is one of the most populous countries in the world with a population exceeding 225 million people.
A developing country, Pakistan suffers from a low unemployment rate and overpopulation. It has also lived through its fair share of strife, political disputes and wars. When people choose to leave the country they do so in search of a better life.
Pakistanis come to Canada looking for political stability and safety and security. Canada’s democratic way of governing, the freedom of religion, race and speech are also hugely attractive. Canada is a vast country with rich resources and a relatively small population. This translates into more opportunities for careers and professional development.
Universal health care, economic stability and high quality of life regardless of your social or financial station are also factors that play into the decision.
Many prospective immigrants also choose Canada because they already have friends and family who are settled here.
Getting a job in Canada from Pakistan
Having a job in hand can go a long way towards moving your immigration process forward and helping you become a permanent resident.
Although it can be difficult to find a job in Canada while you’re still living in Pakistan, it’s not an impossible feat and since nearly everything is done online these days, it can actually be pretty simple and straightforward.
So where should you start?
According to our experience and based on advice provided by some of the country’s top immigration agencies, the best place is to start is online through employment agencies.
Job seekers find a lot of success on the following sites:
- Job Bank – run by the Government of Canada there are thousands of job vacancies listed from all over Canada in many different fields and industries. Everything from entry level work to experienced professional occupations can be found on the site.
- Indeed – this is one of the more popular job boards that is used in Canada. You can set filters for the type of occupation you’re looking for, the city you want to work in etc. The website also has lots of useful advice for job seekers.
- LinkedIn – want to start building your network in Canada? This is a fantastic tool that can help you connect with people including recruiters and managers from companies. You can apply to jobs that interest at the click of a button, using your profile.
Another great option to consider is a recruitment agency like Excel Personnel Inc.
What does a recruitment agency do? They do the heavy lifting for you in exchange for a small percentage of your salary. You will need to meet with an agent, create a profile and your agent will work hard to match you up with the perfect job for you.
A few things to keep in mind when applying for jobs in Canada from Pakistan. Make sure you format your resume and cover letter according to the Canadian standard and gather originals of all the documents you may be asked for, such as, your educational credentials, immigration documents, certificates etc.
When you get called into an interview, dress professionally and be yourself!
- 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.
Recommended Canada Immigration Consultants for Pakistani Residents
Don’t know where to begin?
Immigration could be challenging. But there are professionals (RCICs) who know everything about available immigration programs and how to come up with a plan that would bring you the desired permanent residency.
The trick is finding the right RCIC or agency for Pakistani residents. Canada2036 has put together a top Recommended Canadian Immigration Consultants list based on extensive research, customer testimonials, and other vetting methods.
Canada is hungry for new immigrants. The country’s economic and social growth is heavily dependent on a steady flow of immigrants.
This means your chances of finding a job in Canada and being able to immigrate to the country are excellent!
Ready to get started on the next chapter of your life? Your timing could not be better! Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is working hard to welcome over a million newcomers into the country over the next couple of years.
It has never been easier to become a permanent resident in Canada so don’t waste this golden opportunity!
Go ahead and start your journey to Canada today!
