Canada is one of the most popular destinations for skilled workers around the world, thanks to its high quality of life, diverse culture, and excellent career opportunities. If you are a skilled worker looking to immigrate to Surrey, BC, there are several pathways available to help you achieve your goal of becoming a permanent resident.
At Mannz Canada Immigration, we specialize in helping skilled workers navigate the Canadian immigration process. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best immigration pathways for skilled workers and how we can support you every step of the way.
1. Express Entry System
The Express Entry System is one of the most popular and efficient immigration pathways for skilled workers. It is an online system that manages applications for three federal immigration programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The Express Entry system uses a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to assess candidates based on factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. Skilled workers who score high enough on the CRS receive invitations to apply for permanent residence through regular draws conducted by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
If you are a skilled worker who has a job offer or work experience in Surrey, BC, you may be eligible for the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP). The BC PNP allows the province to nominate individuals for permanent residence who have the skills, experience, and ability to contribute to the local economy.
There are several BC PNP streams under the Skilled Worker category, including:
- Skills Immigration: For skilled workers with a valid job offer from a BC employer.
- Express Entry BC: For skilled workers who are already in the Express Entry pool and have a valid job offer from a BC employer.
Being nominated by the province significantly improves your chances of being invited to apply for permanent residence.
3. Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP)
Though primarily for the four Atlantic provinces, the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP) can also benefit skilled workers who may want to work and live in Surrey. This program is designed for skilled workers with a job offer from a designated employer in one of the participating provinces.
While Surrey is not part of the Atlantic region, skilled workers who qualify for AIPP may use this program to gain valuable work experience and apply for permanent residency through other pathways like Express Entry or PNP once they settle in Canada.
4. Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) Work Permits
If you’re a skilled worker who has received a job offer from a Canadian employer, obtaining a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) can help you secure a work permit. An LMIA proves that there is a need for a foreign worker in the position, and no Canadian worker is available to fill it.
Once you have an LMIA, you can apply for a work permit and gain valuable Canadian work experience. After gaining sufficient work experience, you can apply for permanent residence through one of the Express Entry streams or the PNP.
5. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
For skilled workers with experience in high-demand occupations, the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is an ideal option. This program is for individuals who have work experience in a skilled occupation, a good level of English or French language proficiency, and a post-secondary education.
FSWP candidates are assessed based on a points system that considers factors such as education, work experience, age, language ability, and adaptability. If you meet the eligibility requirements and score high enough on the points grid, you can enter the Express Entry pool and receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
6. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
If you have already gained skilled work experience in Canada, the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) may be an excellent option for you. The CEC is designed for individuals who have worked in Canada for at least one year in a skilled occupation and want to transition to permanent residence.
This pathway is highly beneficial for those who have worked in Canada on a temporary work permit and want to make Canada their permanent home. If you meet the work experience and language proficiency requirements, you can apply for permanent residence through Express Entry.
7. Skilled Worker Stream for Quebec
While Surrey is not in Quebec, skilled workers who want to live in Quebec can apply through the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP). The province of Quebec has its own immigration rules and process for selecting skilled workers. Once you meet Quebec’s selection criteria, you can apply for a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ) and then apply for permanent residence through the federal process.
If you’re open to living in Quebec, this may be a suitable pathway to permanent residence in Canada.
8. Employer-Specific Work Permits
If you have a job offer from a Surrey-based employer but do not yet meet the eligibility for a work permit through LMIA, you may still be able to obtain an employer-specific work permit. These permits are issued when an employer supports your application by confirming that you are the best candidate for the position.
This option is ideal for skilled workers who want to live and work in Surrey while pursuing long-term immigration options.
How Mannz Canada Immigration Can Help
Navigating the Canadian immigration system can be complicated, especially for skilled workers who want to make Surrey their new home. At Mannz Canada Immigration, we specialize in providing expert advice and guidance on the best immigration pathways for skilled workers. Whether you’re applying through Express Entry, the BC PNP, or another program, we can help you:
- Assess your eligibility for various programs.
- Prepare and submit your application accurately.
- Stay informed about changes in immigration policies.
- Handle complex cases such as inadmissibility or job offer issues.
Our goal is to make your immigration journey as smooth as possible and help you achieve your dream of working and living in Surrey, BC.