There are several ways to settle temporarily or permanently on Canadian soil. At the federal level, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is the department responsible for immigration, settlement, resettlement, and citizenship programs and services, and decides immigration policies and strategies. All visa applications can be submitted to Visa Application Centers (VACs).

The Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is sufficient to travel to Canada for a period not exceeding six months when a visa is not required, for vacation, study or business. Valid for five years, the application can be submitted online and is automatically linked to the passport. You must be able to prove that you have sufficient financial means for the duration of your stay.

Visa for Canada

• The temporary resident visa for longer stays and when the criteria for obtaining the eTA are not sufficient to authorize a 6-month stay. A distinction is made between the single-entry visa, which is valid for a single stay during its period of validity, and the multiple-entry visa, which allows you to travel to Canada anywhere within 10 years.
• The permanent resident visa is issued subject to stricter criteria and grants the same rights as a Canadian citizen (except for the right to vote).
• The Working Holiday program allows French people aged 18 to 35 to obtain a temporary work visa to travel to any province in Canada and work there for a maximum period of 24 months. The PVT is part of a system called International Experience Canada (EIC – formerly Youth Mobility Program) which targets three categories: the aforementioned Working Holiday Program, international coop internships which allow French students to obtain an internship as part of their studies complete for a maximum of twelve months and young professionals who have received a job offer with a permanent contract for a maximum of twenty-four months. The federal government has just announced that foreign students will be allowed to work more than 20 hours a week from November 2022.

Please note that Quebec immigration procedures differ from other provinces. The province of La Belle has its own criteria and tools for selecting candidates (see p.??).

The rest of the conditions for entering Canada will go through Express entry. This federally administered system features a rapid process that selects access to the country.

The various immigration programs

• The Skilled Worker Program is not tied to any specific Canadian province. The country believes these workers are useful to the economy and have every opportunity to integrate into Canada. The process is to declare your desire to immigrate to Canada by creating an Express Entry profile online. Depending on various factors (age, occupation, language skills, adaptability, spouse profile, etc.), candidates receive points through a global ranking system that places them in the pool of suitable candidates.
• To attract skilled foreign workers to small communities, the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot Program aims to allow specific locations to benefit from the dynamics of economic immigration by providing access to permanent residency for those who wish to settle there permanently is facilitated.
• The Skilled Trades Program addresses professions that are in high demand in Canada. It has no educational requirements and covers four sectors: construction, transport, manufacturing and services. This program offers applicants great chances of permanent residency as the Canadian government, which previously favored the points system, has decided to ease immigration for professionals in these important sectors in light of labor shortages.
• Canadian Experience Class requires work experience in Canada as a temporary resident with a work permit. This professional experience must have been acquired in specific positions with a sufficient number of hours.
• The provinces and territories participating in the Provincial Nominee Program have signed an agreement with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada that allows them to propose regulations customized to their specific needs. Immigration is therefore possible through a job offer from an employer from these federal states. The company must be validated by Canadian authorities to proceed with these settings. The job offer must be full-time for at least two years with the possibility of extension. This offers a candidate who does not have enough points the opportunity to receive 600 additional points, which will automatically prompt them to submit an application for residency. It is advisable to contact each province’s government side to find out exactly what their needs are.
• The Atlantic Canada Immigration Program (ICAP) includes four provinces, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. It is intended for foreign nationals who have received a job offer in the Atlantic region or hold a diploma from a recognized post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada and who meet the education, work experience and language skills (mandatory exams).
• Entrepreneurs: Entrepreneurship is strongly encouraged on the North Atlantic continent. The residency is possible to start a business that will innovate and create jobs for Canadians. The company must be supported by a Canadian-designated organization.
• Self Employed: To be accepted in this category you must have at least two years of cultural or sporting experience and be able to create your own employment in Canada.
• the Family Class Immigrants (Sponsorship) Canadian citizens and permanent residents may include close family members. They must demonstrate a stable situation and sufficient income to cover their needs for a period of time.
• Refugees: This status is only granted to people who are forced to flee their country. They must be nominated or sponsored by authorized bodies. This type of immigration is carefully checked by the Canadian authorities.
• The pilot program for babysitters and caregivers : The country welcomes certain family aids. To apply, you must obtain a job offer as a family helper, provide evidence of relevant experience in your country of origin and claim equivalent qualifications. The immigration process will vary depending on the situation and experience gained.

Keep in mind that all of these programs must meet certain medical and security requirements (medical exam, criminal record).

Sources: www.canada.ca