Easy Ways to Migrate to Canada

• Choose from five Canadian immigration programs.canada flag button image by Andrey Zyk from Fotolia.com
  
  Five main Canadian immigration programs exist, and the one that is easiest for you will depend on factors such as your professional skills and experience, your age, your flexibility in terms of where you live and work, and your financial and family circumstances. Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) offer extensive information and advice about each category and the relevant application forms are available on its website. Alternatively, you may wish to hire an immigration representative who can advise you and apply for the relevant visa on your behalf.
  
  

Federal Skilled Worker Program

• Skilled workers and professionals must have work experience.workers image by mangia from Fotolia.com
  
  Skilled workers and professionals must have an offer of employment already in place or have completed at least one year's continuous full-time paid work experience within the last 10 years in an approved occupation. These are listed in full on the CIC website and are part of the Canadian National Occupational Classification (NOC) list. In addition, all applicants must take a language proficiency test at a CIC-approved agency and include the results with the application.
  
  If you meet the minimum requirements, then your application is processed according to six selection factors: level of education; work experience; whether you have arranged employment in Canada; language ability in English, French or both; age; and adaptability. The pass mark is 67, and it's possible to earn up to a maximum of 100 points overall. You must also prove that you are able to support yourself and any dependents while you are in Canada.
  
  

Canadian Experience Class

• Foreign graduates from a Canadian higher education institution need work experience.university graduation celebrates his graduation with his girlfri image by Gina Smith from Fotolia.com
  
  This program is for temporary foreign workers already in Canada who wish to apply for permanent residence and for foreign graduates of a Canadian higher education institution. The main requirements are work experience and language proficiency. Applicants must either have at least two years of full-time skilled work experience in an approved occupation in Canada; foreign graduates must have at least one year of full-time skilled work experience in Canada. Work experience must be in an occupation on the Canadian NOC list. Your application must include the results of an independent language test from a CIC-approved agency.
  
  Graduates from a Canadian higher education institution can apply for a post-graduation work permit immediately after graduation. The work permit will be valid for three years with no restrictions, but graduates should ensure that any work experience is at the correct skill level and on the Canadian NOC list. Only work undertaken after you have graduated counts toward your work experience period.
  
  

Business Immigration Program

• The Business Immigration Program is for investors, entrepreneurs and self-employed people. Each program has different requirements and the Immigrant Investor Program demands a investment of $400,000 (Canadian) into the Canadian economy, proven business experience and a minimum net worth of $800,000 (Canadian). The Entrepreneur Program is for those who want to own and manage a business in Canada. Applicants must have at least two years of business experience and a minimum net worth of $300,000 (Canadian). The Self-Employed Persons Program is for those who can prove that they intend to contribute to the cultural or athletic life of Canada or are willing to work in farm management.
  
  Those who meet the minimum requirements then receive points based on similar criteria to skilled workers and professionals. However, the points are weighted in favor of business experience, and applicants only need to score 35 out of a possible 100.
  
  

Provincial Nominee Program

• The Provincial Nominee Program also allows provincial governments to choose immigrants whose professional skills meet the economic needs of the province. You must first apply to the provincial authorities and go through its nomination process. Once you have provincial approval, you separately apply through the CIC. Provincial nominees are not assessed under the points system. Not all provincial governments participate this program; as of 2010, those accepting applications are Alberta; Manitoba; New Brunswick; Newfoundland and Labrador; Northwest Territories; Nova Scotia; Ontario; Prince Edward Island; Saskatchewan; The Yukon Territory. The CIC website offers a list of provincial contacts.
  
  

Family Class

• Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor close family members.family image by Linda Mattson from Fotolia.com
  
  This allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor close family members and relatives. There are two classes; the first is for a spouse, dependent children and common-law partners of either sex, and the second is for parents and grandparents. The points system doesn't apply to this program.