Immigrating to Canada is a dream for many Indians looking for better opportunities and quality of life. With its strong economy, high standard of living, and multicultural society, Canada has become an increasingly popular destination for Indian immigrants over the past decade. If you’re considering immigrating to Canada from India, here’s a quick guide on how to do it and what you need to prepare.
The most common pathway for Indians to immigrate to Canada is through the Express Entry system. This system manages applications for three of Canada’s economic immigration programs – Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Canadian Experience Class.
To be eligible for Express Entry, you’ll need to meet certain criteria regarding work experience, language skills, and education. The first step is to take an assessment test and enter the Express Entry pool. From the pool, candidates with the highest scores are issued Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residency.
Some key requirements for Express Entry include:
- Skilled work experience: At least 1 year of full-time paid work experience in the last 10 years in a skilled occupation listed as NOC 0, A or B. More years of experience results in more points.
- Language competence: Score a minimum CLB 7 in IELTS general exam or equivalent in speaking, listening, reading and writing. Higher scores get more points.
- Educational credentials: A Canadian high school diploma or post-secondary degree, diploma or certificate. The higher the credential, the more points awarded.
- Proof of funds: Show that you have enough settlement funds to support yourself and your dependents in Canada. The current required amount is around CAD 12,000 for a single applicant.
In the Express Entry pool, you’re ranked based on a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score out of 1200 points. This score is based on factors like your age, education, work experience and language ability. The current CRS cut-off score for receiving an ITA ranges from 450 to 480 points.
You can boost your chances of getting an ITA by increasing your CRS score. Some tips include:
- Get a provincial nomination: A nomination from a Canadian province adds 600 CRS points. Target provinces like Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia that have PNPs for skilled immigrants.
- Improve language scores: Maximize your points by scoring higher on language tests like IELTS. Aim for at least CLB 9 to be competitive.
- Gain more work experience: Having more years of skilled work experience increases points. Attain 5+ years of experience in your field.
- Get a postgraduate degree: A Master’s, professional degree or Ph.D. from Canada scores more points. Consider pursuing education in Canada.
- Bring a spouse: Having a spouse assessed boosts your CRS score. Their education, work experience and language skills count!
- Get a job offer: Having a valid job offer from a Canadian employer can help. But it needs to be supported by a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment.
Once you get an ITA, you’ll have 60 days to submit your complete application for a PR visa. The government aims to process applications within 6 months. Be ready with all documents – medical checks, police certificates, proof of funds, reference letters etc.
As an Indian immigrant, choosing the right province to live in Canada is also important. Some popular destinations include:
- Ontario: Home to cities like Toronto, Ottawa, Waterloo. Strong IT, financial, manufacturing sectors.
- British Columbia: Vancouver, Victoria. Jobs in tourism, mining, forestry, tech. Mild climate.
- Alberta: Calgary, Edmonton. Oil/gas industry jobs. Affordable housing.
- Quebec: Montreal, Quebec City. French-speaking. Distinct culture. Own immigration program.
Consider the job prospects, immigrant communities, cost of living, climate, and culture in choosing your ideal province.
Bringing your family to Canada: As a PR, you can sponsor your spouse, children, parents and grandparents to also immigrate to Canada. But be prepared to prove you can support your dependents financially and provide housing.
The Express Entry system makes immigrating to Canada from India a straightforward process. With proper preparation and effort, you can achieve your Canadian dreams! Focus on improving your score and standing out from other applicants. Consult an immigration consultant to ensure you have optimized your profile. Stay up-to-date on the latest CRS cut-offs and trends. With the right strategy, you’ll be on your way to Canada in no time.
