15 Ways to Migrate to Canada After Studying or Working in the USA, UK, and Beyond

This post serves as a guide to help you focus on the programs and pathways for your Canadian immigration journey. However, it’s crucial to conduct additional research or consult with professionals before taking any steps. This is an essential precaution!

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent delays and backlogs in Canadian immigration, many foreign nationals have opted to pursue studies or work in the USA, UK, and other countries. Nevertheless, a significant number still harbour aspirations of moving to Canada for various reasons.

For individuals residing in other countries, there is a renewed interest in making Canada their destination. As the backlogs gradually clear and application processing speeds up, the prospect of moving to Canada becomes more feasible.

If you are considering a move to Canada but are uncertain about the process or the appropriate visa route, this information is tailored for you. Here are some viable ways to relocate to Canada, regardless of your current country of residence:

1) The Express Entry Program

Introduced in 2015, the Express Entry system is designed to facilitate the processing of permanent residence applications for skilled workers aspiring to settle in Canada permanently. Annually, thousands of candidates receive invitations through one of the three sub-categories of the Express Entry System, granting them the opportunity to become permanent residents of Canada.

Express Entry stands out as the most popular program for permanent residence applications in Canada because it does not mandate applicants to have a job offer in the country. Work experience gained in your home country, as a student in your current location, or post-graduation work experience in your current country can all contribute to your application for permanent residence through Express Entry.

The initial draw on July 6, 2022, understandably had a high cutoff, given that it was the first draw in over a year. However, with consistent subsequent draws, the cutoff has been steadily decreasing. To position yourself optimally, it’s crucial to prepare in advance, enter the pool, and explore additional strategies to enhance your score, as detailed in the guide above.

2) Provincial Nomination Programs

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) serve two key purposes:

• Boosting Express Entry Scores: If nominated as an Express Entry applicant through a PNP, you gain an additional 600 points added to your Express Entry score, significantly enhancing your chances of receiving an invitation.
• Independent Immigration: PNPs also offer a pathway to immigrate to Canada independently of the Express Entry system. Some provinces have distinct nomination routes that operate independently from Express Entry. Through these programs, foreign nationals can secure permanent residency in Canada.

3) Strategic International Recruitment by Provinces

Numerous Canadian provinces actively engage in strategic international recruitment programs, actively seeking global talent across the USA, UK, Asia, and Europe. Missing out on these opportunities could mean overlooking potential pathways to Canada.

Given your work experience and education in these regions, you possess valuable skills that align with the needs of provinces and employers in Canada. To stay informed and seize these opportunities, explore dedicated websites for recruitment events available on provincial websites. Some well-known initiatives include:

• New Brunswick Job Connector. Available here
• New Brunswick International Recruitment. Available here
• Saskatchewan International Healthcare Worker pool. Available here
• Quebec International Recruitment. Available here
• Saskatchewan Hard-to-Fill Skills Pilot. Available here

Once you secure a job through any of the recruitment programs, you can leverage it as a pathway to Canada as a worker, positioning yourself on the track to permanent residency in the respective province.

4) Atlantic Permanent Residence Immigration Program

Contrary to popular belief, the Express Entry program is not the sole route to permanent residency in Canada. In 2017, the Government of Canada initiated the Atlantic Immigrant Pilot Program (AIPP). Although initially a three-year pilot, it has now been established as a permanent fixture. This program empowers local employers in the Atlantic provinces to identify, recruit, and retain global talent.

The AIPP facilitates the hiring of foreign skilled workers by employers in Atlantic Canada who aspire to immigrate to the region. It also supports international graduates seeking to remain in Atlantic Canada post-graduation.

The primary objectives of the program are to bolster population growth, cultivate a skilled workforce, and enhance employment rates in the Atlantic region. Embracing the Atlantic Permanent Residence Immigration Program opens up diverse avenues for those aspiring to make Canada their permanent home.

The bright spots about the program:

1. Job Offer and Work Permit: You require a job offer, and this offer can be utilized to obtain a work permit, allowing you to come to Canada while your permanent residence application is in progress.
2. Low Proof of Funds: The proof of funds required for this program is exceptionally low, making it more accessible for applicants.
3. IELTS Requirement: The language proficiency requirement for the program is modest, with an IELTS score of just CLB 4-5.

5) The Rural and Northern Immigration Program (RNIP)

Mirroring the Atlantic Immigration Program, the Government of Canada introduced the RNIP a few years ago. This program is open to foreign nationals who possess the potential for economic establishment and intend to reside in selected communities eligible for the program. Unlike the Atlantic program, the RNIP covers 11 specific communities situated in various parts of Canada.

To apply, you’ll need a job offer, community endorsement, and then you can proceed to apply for permanent residence or a temporary work permit.

Bright spots about the program:

1. Community Websites: The 11 communities have dedicated websites where job opportunities are advertised, actively attracting foreign workers.
2. Job Offer and Work Permit: Similar to other programs, having a job offer enables you to obtain a work permit, allowing you to come to Canada while your permanent residence application is being processed.
3. Low Proof of Funds: The program maintains a very low requirement for proof of funds, enhancing accessibility for potential applicants.
4. IELTS Requirement: The language proficiency requirement for the RNIP is also set at a modest level, with an IELTS score of just CLB 4-5.

To read more about the RNIP process, check the information available on the Government website here

6) Temporary Foreign Worker Program

Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers for both temporary and permanent positions. Governed by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, this program is administered in collaboration with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

To participate in this program, you’ll need a job offer from an employer who will then process the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) for you to apply for a work permit. While not a direct path to permanent residence, working in Canada under this program for one year enables you to use the gained experience to apply for permanent residency through the Canadian Experience Class of the Express Entry program.

7) The Global Talent Stream

Designed for applicants with experience in tech-related jobs, the Global Talent Stream is tailored for innovative Canadian firms aiming to hire specialized temporary foreign workers to facilitate growth and expansion.

This stream also caters to Canadian firms looking to recruit highly-skilled foreign workers for positions listed in the Global Talent Occupations List. Occupations targeted by this program include:

• Computer and information systems managers
• Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers)
• Mathematicians and statisticians
• Information systems analysts and consultants
• Database analysts and data administrators
• Software engineers and designers
• Computer programmers and interactive media developers
• Web designers and developers
• Computer network technicians
• Information systems testing technicians
• Producer, technical, creative, and artistic director and project manager – Visual effects and video game
• Digital media designers

You can read more about each occupation and the occupation requirements here.

If you possess skills in any of the occupations mentioned above, the Global Talent Stream offers a pathway for you to come to Canada.

Bright spots about the program:

1. Rapid Processing: Global Talent Stream applications are processed within 10 business days, 80% of the time, ensuring swift and efficient handling.
2. No IELTS Requirement: Unlike many other programs, the Global Talent Stream does not necessitate an IELTS examination, making the process more accessible for applicants.
3. Permanent Residency Opportunity: The work experience gained through this program can be utilized to apply for permanent residence in Canada after completing one year. This feature adds a valuable long-term aspect to the program, aligning with the goal of establishing a more permanent presence in Canada.

To read more about the Global Talent Stream, check the information available on the Government website here

8) Global Skills Strategy (Post-Doctoral Researchers and Academic Hiring) Programs

Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)/Service Canada, in collaboration with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), has established special hiring criteria for universities, degree-granting colleges, and unions representing Canadian academics.

These programs enable universities and colleges to recruit post-doctoral students from other countries as temporary foreign workers. This is particularly beneficial for students who have completed a Ph.D. in other countries and wish to pursue their post-doctoral program in Canada.

Upon securing a post-doctoral position, you can obtain a work permit allowing you to come to Canada with your family. The work experience gained through this position can be utilized to apply for permanent residence in Canada after one year.

Bright spots about the program:

1. Rapid Processing: Global Skills Strategy applications are processed within 2 weeks, ensuring a quick turnaround time for applicants. (Learn more about the 2-week processing here)
2. No IELTS Requirement: Similar to the Global Talent Stream, the Global Skills Strategy for Post-Doctoral Researchers and Academic Hiring does not require an IELTS examination.
3. Permanent Residency Opportunity: The work experience gained through this program can be leveraged to apply for permanent residence in Canada after completing one year, providing a pathway to long-term settlement in the country.

9) Study in Canada

Regardless of your current location, you have the opportunity to apply to study in Canada from anywhere in the world. This option is available for all levels of study.

For example, if you’ve already completed a Master’s Degree in the UK, USA, or any other country, you can come to Canada to pursue a Ph.D., a second Master’s, or any other program of your choice.

Studying in Canada offers a distinct advantage—it makes you eligible for more permanent residence programs that individuals outside Canada may not qualify for. This dual benefit of education and a potential pathway to permanent residency enhances the appeal of studying in Canada.

10) Pathways for Caregivers

Canada provides dedicated pathways for individuals with caregiver experience who aspire to immigrate. These pathways encompass both temporary and permanent residence applications.

If you have a background in caregiving, these programs offer viable avenues for consideration. Further details can be found here.

11) Federal Start-up Program

The Federal Start-up Visa program offers a unique avenue for immigration to Canada, particularly for those looking to establish a business, create jobs, or support innovative entrepreneurs.

This program targets immigrant entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to build innovative businesses in Canada that:

• Are innovative
• Can generate employment opportunities for Canadians
• Can compete on a global scale

If you have an innovative business idea and can garner support for it from one of the designated organizations, you may qualify to immigrate to Canada.

If you currently operate a business elsewhere and aspire to expand globally or relocate it to Canada, this program provides a pathway to become a permanent resident. Learn more about the program here.

12) Provincial Entrepreneur Programs

In addition to the Federal Start-up Visa program, individual provinces in Canada offer business and investor programs for entrepreneurs and business owners. Each of the 10 provinces has specific requirements for those looking to start or invest in a business within their jurisdiction, providing an alternative pathway to permanent residency. Pay close attention to the investment amount and net worth criteria specified by each province.

13) Agri-food Pilot and Agri-worker Program

The Agri-Food Pilot addresses the labor needs of the Canadian agri-food sector and serves as a pathway to permanent residence for experienced, non-seasonal workers in specific industries and occupations. The pilot, which runs until May 2025, requires applicants to have at least one year of eligible Canadian work experience and a full-time, non-seasonal job offer in an eligible agricultural industry.

Eligible industries under the pilot include:

• Meat product manufacturing (NAICS 3116)
• Greenhouse, nursery, and floriculture production, including mushroom production (NAICS 1114)
• Animal production, excluding aquaculture
• Cattle ranching and farming (NAICS 1121)
• Hog and pig farming (NAICS 1122)
• Poultry and egg production (NAICS 1123)
• Sheep and goat farming (NAICS 1124)
• Other animal production (NAICS 1129)

To gain the required Canadian work experience, applicants can initially enter Canada through the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) or other work permit categories. After one year of working in Canada, they become eligible for the Agri-Food Pilot Program. Additional details can be found on the Government of Canada website:

Agri-Food Pilot Program

Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP)

Work Permit Program

14) Spousal or Family Sponsorship Programs

Canada places a strong emphasis on family reunification, offering various sponsorship programs to bring family members together both temporarily and permanently in the country.

• If your spouse is in Canada as a student, you can join them using the spousal open work permit without needing a job offer. Learn more.
• If your spouse is a Permanent Resident or Citizen of Canada, you can join them directly as a Permanent Resident without requiring a job offer, work experience, IELTS, or a degree assessment. Find more information.

Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents can also sponsor their spouse, partner, or dependent children for permanent residency. Details available here.

Additionally, there is a program that allows Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents to sponsor their orphaned brother, sister, nephew, niece, or grandchild. Explore the requirements.

15) Visitor to Work Permit Policy

As part of the COVID-19 Emergency Measures, Canada has introduced a policy allowing foreign nationals visiting the country to apply for jobs as visitors and transition to a work permit without leaving Canada. This policy, effective since August 24, 2020, enables visitors with valid temporary resident status to apply inland for an employer-specific work permit, regardless of when they arrived in Canada. The policy has been extended until February 28, 2025. Learn more.

While these outlined immigration pathways are just a fraction of the numerous options to move to Canada, they serve as valuable starting points for individuals interested in relocating after living, studying, or working in the USA, UK, or other countries.

I hope someone finds this information useful! If you have any comments, questions, feedback, or need clarifications, feel free to drop a comment below.

Note: The posts and information on this website are just a guide and not legal advice.