Getting a Canadian visa can be one of the best things you can give yourself this year as many people have been looking for an opportunity to migrate over to Canada. While some go there for scholarship programs, many others immigrate to Canada for jobs and greener pastures.
Africans believe that things in their various countries are not as they should be, leading to the massive desire of over 80% of the population to travel overseas, either for safety or to improve their business and job seeking.
For many years, Canada has been one of the most popular immigration destinations for Africans waiting for the ideal opportunity to leave their country. Are you one of those people? “Yes,” we assume. Stop living in misinformation; we’re here to guide you on how to easily secure your Canadian visa and immigrate to Canada for whatever reason you want.
According to records, up to 12,600 Nigerians became permanent residents in Canada in the year 2019, making Nigeria the fourth most populous country with permanent residents in Canada that year. Having a permanent resident status in Canada will be a huge accomplishment for you because it comes with several advantages.
Living and working anywhere in the country is one of the advantages, as is taking advantage of the country’s free health care and other social amenities. Other fantastic advantages of permanent residence include a better quality of life, greater amenities, and work chances within Canada.
How You Can Easily Immigrate to Canada
There are numerous immigration schemes in place to assist persons in immigrating to Canada. This is justified by the fact that each immigration program has its own set of requirements and demands.
Some of them are point-based, while others are based on employment. Please review them as stated and explained below and choose the one that best fits your personality.
1. Canadian Visa through Provincial Nomination Program
This program consists of a number of various Canadian immigration programs run by the federal government in collaboration with individual provinces and territories, each with its own set of requirements.
Eligibility for the Provincial Nomination Program
Workers that qualify for the Provincial Nomination Program include those who:
- have the required skills, education, and work experience to contribute to the economy of the province or territory.
- wish to live in the province in question
- desire to reside in Canada permanently with their Canadian Visa
Please keep in mind that each province has its own immigration program that focuses on specific groups and their needs. Provinces and territories may choose to focus on one or more of the following program streams:
- students and business people
- skilled workers
- semi-skilled workers
2. Express Entry Program
Express Entry is a program that selects the most qualified individuals based on their qualifications, experience, and ability to contribute to the Canadian economy. This online program is in charge of managing skilled worker applications for permanent residence.
The Express Entry Program is a Canadian online immigration application program that allows applicants to submit profiles and be considered for skilled or professional immigration. The system organizes and handles applications for people from Nigeria who want to move to Canada and eventually become permanent residents.
The above Express Entry system is the most popular and widely used immigration route among immigrants because it allows skilled foreign workers from Nigeria to become permanent residents of Canada through the following federal immigration pathways:
- Canadian experience class.
- Federal skilled worker program
- Federal skilled trades program
Requirements for Express Entry Program
To be eligible for the Express Entry System, you must meet the following requirements:
- be fluent in either English or French
- have at least one year of experience in your skilled occupation
- have a valid post-secondary education that is equivalent to that of Canada
Please keep in mind that the Express Entry Program receives a large number of applications. As a result, 5. candidates with stronger profiles will be chosen first above those who match the least requirements.
How to Immigrate to Canada through the Express Entry System
You would create an online profile with the following information if you meet the Express Entry requirements:
- Language test results
- Passport documents
- Education credential assessment report
- Certificate of qualification in a trade occupation issued by a Canadian province
- Proof of work experience
- Provincial Nomination.
You will be given a 60-day grace period to complete your online profile. If more than one candidate has the same lowest score after submitting their profiles, the cut-off mark will be determined by the date and time they submitted their Express Entry profiles.
Additionally, after selecting the most desirable prospects, all remaining candidates will be placed in an Express Entry Pool. Candidates will receive a thorough ranking system score in this pool, which will decide their express entrance program rating. If your score is high enough and you make the cutoff, you will be invited to apply for Canadian permanent residency.
3. Apply through Post Graduate Work Permit
You must have graduated from a recognized institution in or outside of Canada to be eligible for the Postgraduate Work Permit. You can get a work visa that allows you to work for any employer in Canada based on the length of your studies program in the nation with the Postgraduate Work Permit.
Note that obtaining a visa through the Postgraduate Work Permit does not ensure immediate application for permanent residence, but it does give you an advantage when applying for permanent residence in Canada.
Another way to secure your Canadian visa and immigrate to Canada from Nigeria is to apply for caregiver jobs or other occupations for foreigners in Canada.
4. Refugee Status
This program is for those who are currently residing in Canada and want to apply for refugee status. People who are unwilling or unable to return to their native country for a variety of reasons are considered refugees.
Convention Refugees and Persons in need of Protection are the two types of candidates for this program.
Convention refugees are those who are outside their home country and cannot return due to fear of persecution for one of the following reasons: social group membership, nationality, political opinion, race, or religion.
A person in need of protection is someone who is unable to return to his own country securely due to the risk of torture, a threat to their life, or the threat of punishment or cruel, unusual treatment.
You can apply in one of two ways. You can apply at an IRCC office or at a port of entry. Then you must download the application packet and complete it with information about your background, family, and why you are seeking refugee protection.
You can submit your application in person at an IRCC office or port of entry after thoroughly filling out the paperwork and obtaining the required papers. It should be mentioned that under this arrangement, no fees will be collected.
You’ll be invited to an IRCC hearing once your eligibility for refugee status has been confirmed.
5. Start-up Visa
This program is designed for highly competent entrepreneurs with a strong desire to start businesses in Canada. Businesses that could be considered should be innovative, globally competitive, and capable of creating a large number of jobs for Canadians.
To be qualified for this program, you must have a CLB 5 (Canadian Language Benchmark) in all of the following areas: hearing, reading, speaking, and writing in either French or English.
You must have a qualifying business and be able to obtain a letter of recommendation from one of the recognized organizations responsible for business idea approval. You must also bring adequate money for yourself and your family.
This program has a C$1,540 visa application fee and takes 12 to 16 months to complete. To apply, go to Canada’s immigration website and download the Start-up Visa application package.
After completing the application and ensuring that you have all of the required documents, you must pay the application and biometrics fees before submitting your application.
6. Caregiver Program
The Home Child Care Provider Pilot and the Home Support Worker Pilot are two new programs in Canada for immigrants who desire to work as caregivers.
These pilots will provide you with an open work permit and the opportunity to bring your family to Canada. It’s also a fast track to obtaining permanent residency in the country.
To be eligible for this program, you must meet the following criteria:
- Must be admissible to Canada
- A language test score of at least Canadian Language Benchmark 5
- Must have completed one year of Canadian post-secondary education (or its foreign equivalent, to be assessed through ECA or Educational Credential Assessment)
You can apply for work permits in Canada via the regular procedure. You simply must specify the pilot program for which you are applying.
First and foremost, you must receive a legitimate employment offer from a legitimate firm. Then, go to Canada’s immigration website and fill out the application form.
Fill out the form completely and get the relevant documents. Pay the application fee and submit your biometric information. You can submit your application once you’ve submitted all of the required information, documents, and biometrics.
7. Self-employed Category
This program is for self-employed individuals with relevant sports and cultural expertise. The following are some examples of cultural activities occupations:
- Authors and Writers
- Creative designers
- Creative and Performing Artists
- Craftspeople
- Musicians
- Painters
- Sculptors
- Technical Support and other related jobs in motion pictures
- Visual Artists
You must have two years of relevant job experience to be considered for this program. You must also score at least 35 points on the selection grid, which determines whether you will contribute financially to the country.
You must also prove that you intend to work for yourself while in Canada.
The application fee for this program is C$1540, and the processing duration is around 22 months. To apply, go to Canada’s immigration website and download the Self-employed program application packet.
After completing the application and ensuring that you have all of the required documents, you must pay the application and biometrics fees before submitting your application.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Living in Canada with Canadian Visa
Pros
Immigrants have numerous Job Opportunities.
As of the first quarter of 2022, Canada has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the world, with a rate of only 6.5 percent. However, its bright economic prospects come with their own set of issues, such as a labor shortage. It is the primary reason why Canada requires a large number of foreign workers to cover skill shortages in various industries. In Canada, people who desire to start a business are also welcome.
High-quality but Affordable Healthcare
This is one of Canada’s most advantageous features. Residents of Canada are free to visit a doctor, go to the emergency room, and even have their eyes examined. Of course, it isn’t completely free because it is where taxes go, but it can be incredibly useful, especially in an emergency.
Low Crime Rate
If you want to raise a family in a secure environment, Canada is the place to be. It boasts one of the world’s lowest crime rates. In this country, violent crimes are uncommon. Indeed, since 1991, its crime rate has been consistently falling, making it one of the safest countries to live in.
Great Educational System
Canada’s educational system is well-balanced. The government also funds children’s education until they reach the age of seventeen. In all Canadian provinces, education is mandatory until the age of 16, with the exception of New Brunswick, Manitoba, Nunavut, and Ontario, where it is required until the age of 18. Expat children with a residency permit are likewise entitled to free education in public schools.
A Lot of Social Welfare Programs
The government creates numerous social welfare programs to assist its citizens and those who have Canadian Visa in improving their lives. Residents who desire to learn a new skill that can lead to increased career prospects might enroll in training programs. There are also educational programs to assist residents in becoming more qualified for greater work prospects.
Great Outdoors
Canada’s natural scenery has long been described as diverse and stunning. Oceans, lakes, snow-covered tundra, mountains, and other gorgeous areas abound in this country. Canada offers a wide range of outdoor activities, from boating and skiing to hunting, fishing, hiking, and much more.
Cons
Cold Weather
This is one of the main reasons why some African’s are hesitant to relocate to Canada. During the winter, it can be extremely chilly.
Winter in Canada begins in November and continues until April. Winnipeg, Manitoba, has the coldest winter temperatures in Canada, with an average temperature of -30 degrees Celsius. Ontario and the Maritime provinces, on the other hand, are the hottest in the winter.
The average annual snowfall in Canada varies between 82.5 and 131.9 inches.
Living Expenses
The high cost of living in Canada is another drawback. According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Canada is roughly 86.12% more than some African countries. Living in densely populated Canadian cities like Vancouver, Toronto, Victoria, Calgary, Mississauga, Edmonton, and Ottawa is frequently more expensive.
Government Control
Many Canadians believe that the government has complete control over their life. They have the impression that the government is always involved in the decisions they must make. In Canada, for example, the government controls the amount of trans-fat8 allowed in restaurant meals as well as how rare a steak or burger can be cooked.
Conclusion on Canadian Visa Guide
Having a Canadian Visa should be among the things in your priority list now. As we have listed above, there are a lot of opportunities you can get while living in Canada ranging from scholarships, jobs etc. All these will largely depend on your choice. So if you want a good education and work environment, you might consider getting yourself a Canadian Visa as soon as possible.
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