Immigration to Canada from Pakistan
Pakistan is one of the top source countries of new immigrants to Canada. In 2021, over 8,400 Pakistani citizens moved to Canada, making it the tenth-largest source country overall. Additionally, Pakistan ranks among the top 20 source countries for international students, with approximately 3,400 Pakistani students choosing Canada in 2021. Moreover, Pakistan was the fourth leading country of citizenship for invited Express Entry candidates in 2020.
Canada is home to a significant Pakistani diaspora, with around 202,000 Canadians having Pakistani ancestry. Ontario, particularly the Greater Toronto Area, and Vancouver on the west coast, have large Pakistani communities.
Economic Immigration Pathways
If you are considering economic immigration to Canada, there are several pathways available to you. Economic immigration focuses on individuals who possess the skills and qualifications to contribute to the Canadian labor market. Here are some of the most popular permanent residence pathways:
Express Entry System
Express Entry is the federal government’s application management system for Federal High Skilled immigration programs and some Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). It acts as an online reservoir of immigration applications and is often referred to as the “Express Entry pool.”
To create an Express Entry profile, you must be eligible for one of the Federal High Skilled programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), or the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). Being eligible for these programs also opens up possibilities for Express Entry-aligned PNPs. It is not mandatory to be in Canada or have a Canadian job offer to be eligible.
Once you submit your profile, you receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score out of 1,200. Factors such as education, age, language proficiency in English or French, and skilled work experience contribute to your CRS score. Express Entry draws occur approximately every two weeks, where top-scoring candidates receive Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence. Successful candidates have 60 days to submit a complete application.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is another popular immigration pathway offering opportunities for permanent residency. Canadian provinces and territories have their own immigration programs under the PNP, which are tailored to address regional labor market priorities.
PNPs are divided into two types: enhanced programs and base programs. Enhanced programs are aligned with Express Entry, and a provincial nomination through them adds 600 CRS points to your profile. This significant boost increases your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residence. Base programs are managed independently by the provinces and may be suitable for individuals who are not eligible for Express Entry.
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Other Federal Immigration Programs
Canada offers various immigration programs.
Canada offers various immigration programs apart from Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program. These programs target specific categories of individuals who meet certain criteria. Here are a few examples:
- Start-up Visa Program: This program is designed for entrepreneurs who have a business idea that is supported by a designated organization in Canada Visa for Pakistani. If your business idea is approved, you may be eligible for permanent residence.
- Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP): The AIPP is a collaborative effort between the federal government and the Atlantic provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island). It aims to attract skilled workers and international graduates to these provinces. To apply, you need a job offer from a designated employer in one of the participating provinces.
- Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP): This pilot program is designed to address the labor market needs of smaller communities in rural and northern regions of Canada. If you receive a community recommendation, you can apply for permanent residence through this program.
It’s important to note that each immigration program has its own eligibility requirements, application process, and criteria for selection. It is recommended to thoroughly research and understand the specific program you are interested in before applying.
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Temporary Residence Options
If you are looking for temporary residence options in Canada, there are a few avenues you can explore:
Study in Canada
Canada is renowned for its high-quality education system and welcomes international students from around the world. By studying in Canada, you can gain valuable education and work experience while immersing yourself in a multicultural environment. After completing your studies, you may be eligible for a post-graduation work permit, which allows you to work in Canada for a specified period. This can be a stepping stone towards permanent residency.
To study in Canada, you need to apply for admission to a designated learning institution (DLI) and obtain a study permit. It’s important to research and choose the right program and institution that aligns with your educational and career goals.
Canadian Work Permits
If you have a job offer from a Canadian employer, you may be eligible for a Canadian work permit. There are different types of work permits, such as employer-specific work permits and open work permits. An employer-specific work permit allows you to work for a specific employer, while an open work permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada.
To obtain a work permit, your employer may need to provide a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which demonstrates that there are no Canadian citizens or permanent residents available to fill the position. However, there are exemptions to the LMIA requirement in certain situations.
Conclusion
Moving to Canada from Pakistan offers numerous opportunities for a better future, especially for individuals interested in Canada immigration from Pakistan. Whether you are considering economic immigration pathways for permanent residency or temporary residence options such as studying or working in Canada, there are various programs available to suit your needs.
It’s important to thoroughly research and understand the specific requirements and processes for each program before making your decision. Consulting with an immigration lawyer or a reputable immigration consultant can also provide valuable guidance throughout the process.
Remember, the immigration process can be complex and time-consuming, so it’s advisable to start early and ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria. Good luck on your journey to making Canada your new home!
