7 Legal Ways To Move To Canada in 2025

Moving to Canada in 2024 is a goal for many, but finding the right immigration pathway can be confusing due to the overwhelming information online. This guide breaks down the legal ways to move to Canada in 2024 so you can pick the route that fits your profile and begin your application process confidently.

What Immigration Route Will You Choose?

Whether you’re looking for jobs with no experience, professional positions, visa sponsorships, or government employment, Canada has multiple avenues to offer. Below are the seven key legal pathways for immigration in 2024:

1. Express Entry System

The Express Entry system is one of the fastest and most popular ways for skilled workers to immigrate to Canada. It covers three main federal programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

How It Works:

• Submit an online profile detailing your work experience, education, language skills, and other personal info.
• Receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on your profile.
• If your CRS score ranks high, you get an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.

Benefits:

Processing typically takes less than six months. Plus, you can include your spouse and dependent children in your application.

2. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Each Canadian province and territory has its own immigration streams through Provincial Nominee Programs designed to address specific regional labour needs.

What to Know:

• Choose a province or territory where you want to live and work.
• Apply for nomination if you meet the province’s criteria.
• Some PNPs align with Express Entry to speed up processing.

Advantages:

PNPs offer extra routes for applicants who don’t qualify through federal programs, with tailored opportunities based on local demands.

3. Family Sponsorship

If you have close family members who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents, they might sponsor your immigration.

Eligible Sponsors:

• Spouse or common-law partner
• Dependent children
• Parents and grandparents (through specific programs)
• Occasionally, other relatives if no immediate family qualifies.

Important:

Sponsors must financially support you and meet eligibility requirements.

Why Choose This Path:

Family reunification is a priority in Canada’s immigration system, offering a supportive way to migrate.

4. Study Permits

Studying in Canada is a pathway that can lead to permanent residency.

Steps:

• Get accepted by a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
• Apply for a study permit through Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
• After graduation, apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) to gain Canadian work experience.

Benefits:

Canadian education and work experience significantly boost your chances of qualifying for permanent residence programs like the Canadian Experience Class or PNPs.

5. Work Permits and Employment

Obtaining a valid job offer from a Canadian employer can help you secure a work permit and later apply for permanent residence.

Types of Work Permits:

• Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
• International Mobility Program (IMP), which is LMIA-exempt and includes programmes like Intra-Company Transfers and the Global Talent Stream.

Advantages:

Canadian work experience gained via these permits can improve eligibility for Express Entry and provincial nominee programmes.

6. Start-Up Visa Program

If you’re an entrepreneur with an innovative business idea, Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program offers a direct route to permanent residency.

Requirements:

• Secure support from a designated venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator.
• Own at least 10% of the business voting rights.
• Meet language proficiency in English or French.

Why It’s Attractive:

Canada’s growing start-up ecosystem makes this programme ideal for innovative entrepreneurs seeking to settle permanently.

7. Self-Employed Program

This programme suits those with significant experience in cultural or athletic activities who plan to contribute to Canada’s cultural or sports sectors.

Eligibility:

• At least two years of relevant experience.
• Ability and intent to be self-employed in Canada.

Benefits:

Tailored for individuals with unique skills in the arts, culture, or athletics.

Final Thoughts

Canada presents diverse legal ways to move in 2024, whether you are a skilled worker, student, entrepreneur, or have family ties in the country. Understanding your options and preparing your application carefully is key to turning your Canadian immigration goals into reality.

For tailored guidance and the latest updates, it’s wise to consult with an authorised immigration consultant or lawyer who can navigate the complexities of the process with you.