12 Ways to Immigrate to Canada in 2024
Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan has set an ambitious target of welcoming 485,000 new immigrants in 2024. After back-to-back record years in 2021, 2022, and 2023, the country is prepared to break these records once more.
If you have been considering moving to Canada, now is the best time to look at your options. Below, we detail the top ways to move to Canada in 2024.
Permanent Residence Programs
1. Express Entry
Express Entry remains the flagship immigration pathway for Canada in 2024. The system streamlines applications for three major federal programs:
Federal Skilled Worker Program
Canadian Experience Class
Federal Skilled Trades Program
In 2024, Canada is expected to admit more than 110,000 immigrants via the Express Entry system, a number that is expected to increase in the following years. Increased flexibility now allows occupation-specific draws and targeted invitations for French-speaking candidates, in addition to traditional all-program and program-specific draws.
2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
The Provincial Nominee Program is equal in importance to Express Entry and is one of the major avenues toward immigration to Canada in 2024. Canada’s provinces and territories are looking to welcome more than 110,000 newcomers, and these allocations are expected to rise over the next few years.
From British Columbia to Newfoundland and Labrador, provinces design PNP streams to meet specific economic needs. Many of the streams are aligned with Express Entry, which therefore represents a dynamic and versatile pathway.
3. Quebec Immigration Programs
Being a unique jurisdiction, Quebec runs its own set of economic immigration programs. While the province favors French-speaking candidates, it relaxes the requirement for applicants who have job offers. Quebec plans to admit nearly 50,000 immigrants in 2024, with 33,000 places allocated for economic programs.
4. Employer-Led Pilot Programs
Programs like the Atlantic Immigration Program address labor shortages at a regional level. The AIP will accept 6,500 new immigrants in 2024. Furthermore, there are other immigration streams for more specialized industries: the Agri-Food Pilot and Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot. All three of these employer-driven programs rely on Canadian employers to sponsor an eligible candidate.
Business Immigration Pathways
5. Start-Up Visa Program
Canada’s Start-Up Visa program provides an entry route for individuals with entrepreneurial streaks. They must get support from either a designated venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator. Eligible candidates can initially apply for a work permit and later convert to permanent residence. For 2024, Canada has a target of 5,000 business immigrants under this program.
6. Provincial Business Immigration Programs
Many provinces offer entrepreneur-specific streams through their PNPs. Candidates under this category are required to form or buy business in return for permanent settlement in their respective provinces.
7. Self-Employment Immigration
Canada and Quebec have self-employed immigration options for candidates that have earned recognition in cultural, artistic, or athletics. They should show exceptional achievements in relevant fields and be able to pass other requirements, as well.
Family Sponsorship
8. Sponsor Spouse, Partner, Dependent Children
Canada’s family sponsorship programs are put in place to bring lovers together. For 2024, a total of 82,000 spots have been allotted for spouses, partners, and children. Eligible applicants can even obtain work permits while their applications are processed.
9. Parents and Grandparents Program
The PGP is a lottery and will have 32,000 spaces available in 2024. For those who are not selected, the Super Visa is an available, flexible alternative for extended family visits.
Temporary Residence Pathways
10. Study Permit and PGWP
Even as the international student programs of Canada are capped in 2024, the pathway to permanent residence through PGWP remains intact. The process to transition into programs such as Express Entry is quite competitive; hence, early preparation for students will be indispensable.
11. Work Permit Programs
Temporary workers may enter the labour market in Canada via various streams including:
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
International Mobility Program (IMP)
Global Talent Stream
These include high and low-skilled in nature and frequently require employer sponsorship. Most especially, the IMP leads to LMIA-exempt work permits for intra-company transfers, trade agreements, and open permits.
Humanitarian and Refugee Programs
12. Refugee Resettlement Programs
Canada continues to lead the world in resettling refugees, those displaced from places such as Ukraine, Afghanistan, and Syria. The federal Economic Mobility Pathways Project facilitates the integration of skilled refugees into the workforce.
Canadian Immigration FAQs
What Are the Requirements to Immigrate to Canada?
Eligibility criteria vary with the program one intends to use but generally, proof of language proficiency is necessary, educational credentials, some relevant work experience, and adequate settlement funds. It’s always important to assess the exact requirements for making an effective selection.
While there is no strict age limit, younger candidates tend to score higher in the Express Entry system. Older candidates can also be eligible with strong language proficiency, education, or work experience.
What Is the Fastest Route to Immigration?
Express Entry tends to be the fastest route, particularly for high-scoring candidates. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are also fast-tracked if your skills match regional requirements.
Are International Students Eligible for Permanent Residency?
Yes, but it’s a competitive pathway. Students with Canadian education and work experience can qualify through programs like Express Entry, though success depends on individual qualifications.
Feel free to explore your options and start your journey to Canada today. With various pathways and an increased immigration target, 2024 offers the best opportunity to start a new chapter in this vibrant, welcoming nation.
