Canada Emerges as the #1 Choice for Job Seekers Worldwide

A new study by Jobseeker has crowned Canada as the top destination for job seekers looking to relocate. Researchers conducted the study across 30 countries, revealing key insights into global job preferences.

Job seekers from India, Japan, Mexico, South Africa, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Costa Rica, and the UAE favored Canada. Australia, Switzerland, and the United States followed closely. Canada attracts international job seekers with its strong economy and immigration-friendly policies.

Let us explore what makes Canada an attractive and most desired work destination around the world:

Why are job seekers worldwide choosing Canada?

• Express Entry System: This system provides an efficient, transparent pathway for skilled workers to gain permanent residency based on work experience, education, and language proficiency.
• Robust Economy: Canada offers a stable and growing job market, contributing to a low unemployment rate.
• High Employment Rates Among Immigrants: Over 84% of immigrants in Canada have been employed for 10+ years.
• Publicly-funded healthcare: Canada's healthcare system is accessible to residents without the burden of high costs.
• Quality of Life: All residents can enjoy high living standards, safety, and well-developed infrastructure.
• Diverse and Inclusive Culture: Canada is known for its multicultural society, promoting a welcoming environment for people from all backgrounds.
• Immigration-Friendly Policies: Supportive immigration programs make it easier for newcomers to establish themselves and thrive.

Canada was recently ranked as the fourth-best country in the world in the U.S. News 2024 report, earning an indexed score of 94.1. The country excelled in quality of life, entrepreneurship, and social purpose, highlighting its strong economic performance, high standard of living, and commitment to fostering innovation and social well-being. All these factors make Canada an attractive destination for job seekers and immigrants alike.

What are the top popular immigration pathways to Canada?

Are you looking to make Canada your new home? With a range of immigration pathways, there are several opportunities for skilled workers, families, entrepreneurs, and more. Whether you want to work, study, or start a business, the country has a program that fits your needs.

Here are the top 10 immigration routes to Canada that could make your dream of living in this vibrant country a reality.

1. Express Entry
2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
3. Atlantic Immigration Program
4. Quebec-Selected Skilled Workers
5. Family Sponsorship
6. Caregiver Program
7. Start-Up Visa Program
8. Francophone immigration
9. International Mobility Program (IMP)
10. Canadian Experience Class

1. Express Entry 

• It is a fast and popular immigration system for skilled workers. It manages three main programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class. Candidates are ranked based on age, education, work experience, and language skills. The candidates with the highest Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores receive an Invitation to Apply (ITAs).
• After receiving an ITA for permanent residency through Express Entry, applicants have 60 days to submit their application. Processing usually takes around six months, though it can vary based on the case's complexity. Applicants will be granted PR and receive instructions for finalizing the process if approved.

2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

• The PNP allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals for PR based on their specific labor market needs. Each province or territory has criteria and streams tailored to meet local economic demands. Candidates can apply through the PNP if they have skills, work experience, or ties to the province.
• If nominated, candidates can apply for Canadian PR through Express Entry or directly to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). A nomination provides additional points toward their CRS score.

3. Atlantic Immigration Program

• It is a pathway for skilled workers and international graduates from Canadian institutions who wish to live and work in one of Canada's four Atlantic provinces: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland, and Labrador.
• The program helps employers in these provinces hire qualified candidates for jobs they cannot fill locally. It addresses labor shortages and attracts skilled talent to support the region's economic growth.

4. Quebec-Selected Skilled Workers

• It is a provincial program for skilled workers who want to immigrate to Quebec. Quebec has a unique selection system that operates independently of the federal Express Entry system. You must apply to Quebec first before applying for permanent residence. The program focuses on skilled workers who meet the province's economic needs.

5. Family Sponsorship

• Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their close family members, such as spouses, partners, children, parents, and grandparents, for immigration to Canada. This pathway allows families to reunite in Canada under specific eligibility conditions. The sponsored members can live, study, and work in Canada as permanent residents.

6. Caregiver Program

• The program allows individuals to immigrate to Canada to provide care for children, older people, or those with medical needs. As a caregiver, you can come to Canada to become a permanent resident or work temporarily. If you don't meet the requirements for permanent residence, you may still be eligible to work temporarily as a caregiver.
• However, several caregiver programs have now closed. The Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot closed, with the last application date on June 17, 2024. The Live-in Caregiver Program is closed to new applicants unless you have received a work permit based on a labor market impact assessment submitted before December 2014.

7. Start-Up Visa Program

• The program is designed for immigrant entrepreneurs who have the skills and potential to launch innovative businesses in Canada (outside Quebec).
• Applicants must have a viable business idea and secure support from a designated Canadian organization to qualify. The program aims to attract dynamic entrepreneurs who can contribute to Canada's economy through innovation and job creation.

8. Francophone Immigration

• Aimed at attracting French-speaking individuals who wish to live, work, or study in Canada outside the province of Quebec. This program promotes the integration of French-speaking immigrants into various communities across the country. Permanent residents can access free language courses, attend French-language schools, and enjoy community, healthcare, or daycare services in French.
• The Francophone Mobility Work Permit allows Canadian employers to hire French-speaking workers without requiring a labor market impact assessment, provided the worker meets specific requirements and will live and work outside Quebec. As a Francophone worker and your family, you will benefit from both French and English job opportunities.

9. International Mobility Program (IMP)

• This program allows employers to hire foreign workers without a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). It covers various categories, such as intra-company transfers, post-graduation work permits, and workers eligible under trade treaties like the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) or the Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA). The IRCC operates the IMP Unit to assist companies seeking to hire through the program.
• After the work permit application is approved, the foreign worker will receive either a letter of introduction (if outside Canada) or a new work permit (if already in Canada or applying at the time of entry). The applicant can exchange the letter of introduction for a work permit at the port of entry, provided they meet all the requirements.

 10. Agri-Food Pilot

• It is a Canadian immigration program designed to address labor shortages in the agri-food sector. As of February 10, 2024, the Agri-Food Pilot has introduced two significant changes. Applicants residing in Canada can now choose to fulfill either the job offer or the educational requirement. Additionally, work experience gained under an open work permit for vulnerable foreign workers is now counted toward the work experience requirement. The program is open until May 14, 2025.

How Can Skilled Workers with Canadian Experience Qualify for Permanent Residency?

Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is a pathway for individuals who have gained work experience in Canada on a temporary work permit. Applicants with at least one year of full-time Canadian work experience may qualify for permanent residency through Express Entry, making this a popular choice for foreign workers already in the country.
These programs are designed to attract a diverse range of skilled workers to Canada, helping to address labor shortages and contributing to the country's economy.

ImmiLaw Global offers expert support for various Canadian immigration programs, such as Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Family Sponsorship, Start-Up Visa, and more. Our experienced immigration lawyer will guide clients through every step of the immigration process, from assistance with Express Entry and PNP applications to strategies to enhance your profile to support obtaining work permits and PGWPs.

Contact us to help you navigate the complexities of the immigration process and maximize your chances of securing PR in Canada.

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