India has long been a top source country of Canadian immigrants. The number of Indians who became permanent residents in Canada increased from 39,340 in 2016 to 85,585 in 2019. In 2021, close to 100,000 new Canadian permanent residents emigrated from India.
While an Indian skilled worker could potentially wait decades before obtaining permanent residence in the US, Canada’s immigration system allows skilled workers to apply directly for permanent residence if they qualify for a program. If granted permanent residency, a person is given the right to live and work anywhere in Canada, plus access to Canadian universal healthcare and social services.
Here are four of the easiest ways for Indian nationals to obtain Canadian permanent residence:
Express Entry – Federal Skilled Worker
The Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) stream is for those with at least one year of skilled work experience. It is highly competitive, using the complex Comprehensive Ranking System to give all applicants a points-based score. Only the most competitive applicants will be selected for immigration.
In 2021 over 50% of all invitations through Express Entry were issued to Indian nationals, mostly under the Federal Skilled Worker stream.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Each of Canada’s thirteen provinces and territories operates its own immigration programs, called Provincial Nominee Programs, or PNPs. As the provinces have different populations and economies, their immigration programs are unique and built to fit their economic and demographic needs.
PNPs are a popular option because they can be the fastest pathway to Canadian permanent residence for candidates that are lacking enough CRS points to receive an ITA.
Immigration through a Provincial Nominee Program makes up a large portion of Canada’s total economic immigration. Of a total of 232,500 economic immigrants targeted for 2021, 80,800 were reserved for those applying under a Provincial Nominee Program. In fact, in 2021, Canada issued three times as many invitations in PNP-specific Express Entry draws compared to 2020.
Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW)
The province of Quebec runs its own skilled worker immigration program. The Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSW) is an immigration program operated by the province of Quebec for candidates who have skilled work experience and will be able to make lasting contributions to Quebec’s economy as members of the workforce.
Similar to Express Entry, candidates are ranked using a points system and then certain candidates are invited to apply.
Work Permits / Intra-Company Transfers
Certain Indian nationals may be eligible for a Canadian work permit. Often, a job offer will be required to obtain a work permit. However, one significant exception to this is for intra-company transfers.
If your employer is part of a multinational corporation with offices in Canada, you may be eligible to be transferred to an office in Canada, without too much paperwork!
Family Sponsorship
If you have a qualifying relative living in Canada, you may be eligible for Family Class sponsorship. Canada offers numerous immigration programs that give Canadians the opportunity to sponsor their family members to Canada.
Visit our Sponsorship page to learn more about your options to sponsor a relative from India to Canada.
Study in Canada
Figures from India’s ministry of external affairs revealed that more Indian nationals are choosing to study in Canada over the United States. One of the reasons many Indian nationals choose to study in Canada is the ample options to work during and after their studies. After completing a Canadian credential, there are many permanent residency immigration opportunities that become available to international graduates. Many of Canada’s immigration programs also require a certain amount of skilled work experience. Fortunately, the majority of international student graduates in Canada are eligible to apply for a post-graduation work permit, This permit allows international graduates to work anywhere in Canada and gain this valuable work experience.
