Most popular pathways for Indian immigrants to Canada

Canada has set a goal to welcome 500,000 newcomer permanent residents annually by 2025. 

Among these over 120,000 individuals from India get permanent residency in Canada and also each year making it home to one of the largest Indian diasporas in the world.

Indians are well-positioned for Canada's immigration pathways due to factors such as high English proficiency, education level, and work experience.

According to data from Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada the number of Indians who became permanent residents in Canada increased from 32,828 in 2013 to 118,095 in 2022 and representing a remarkable 260% increase.

The immigration process to Canada can take several months or even years. It is crucial to understand your options and determine the most suitable pathway that aligns with your eligibility, optimizing your chances of successful immigration.

1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP):

As an overseas Indian immigration candidate the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) may be a viable option. This program allows candidates with work experience to apply for permanent residence, even without any prior connection to Canada or a job offer.

To be eligible for the FSWP candidates must meet certain criteria including one year of continuous full-time or equivalent paid work experience, language proficiency and educational qualifications.

The FSWP is one of the programs managed under Canada's Express Entry application system. Candidates create an Express Entry profile on the Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada IRCC website and based on factors such as age, education, work experience, and language skills, they receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.

The highest-scoring candidates receive Invitations to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

IRCC has also introduced category-based selections for Express Entry candidates, targeting specific areas like

Healthcare

STEM professions

trades

Transportation

Agriculture, Agri-Food

Strong French Language Proficiency.

These targeted draws are expected to begin this summer.

2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP):

The Provincial Nominee Program PNP is another effective option for Indian immigration candidates. Most of Canada's provinces and territories excluding Quebec and Nunavut have their own PNP allowing them to design immigration pathways based on their specific economic, labor market, and demographic needs.

Through the PNP, provinces and territories can nominate skilled worker candidates for immigration. Each province has its own eligibility criteria, and candidates in the Express Entry pool may receive invitations to apply for nomination, providing an additional 600 CRS points.

3. Study in Canada:

Canada is a highly sought after destination for international students including those from India. due to its high quality education, work opportunities during and after programs, and affordability. In 2022, India was the top source country for international students in Canada, with 319,130 students studying by December 31, 2022.

Studying in Canada offers the advantage of potentially extending one's stay and transitioning to permanent residence. International students can obtain a Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after completing their education and also allows them to gain Canadian work experience for up to three years so depending on their academic program. Canadian education and work experience can be valuable when pursuing Canadian permanent residence, as federal and provincial immigration programs often prioritize candidates with such backgrounds.

If you are originally from India and desire to settle in Canada so there are various immigration options available. It is recommended to seek guidance from an experienced immigration lawyer who can help guide the available programs and help with the application process.