The Best PR Visa options for Canada in 2024: Express Entry, PNP, and more
Tags: canada, immigration
Published: 2024-02-26 06:45:17

The Best PR Visa options for Canada in 2024: Express Entry, PNP, and more  

Canada is one of the most popular destinations for immigrants from all over the world. The country offers a high quality of life, a diverse and multicultural society, a strong economy, and a welcoming attitude towards newcomers. Canada also has a flexible and dynamic immigration system that allows skilled workers, business people, and families to obtain permanent residency (PR) through various programs and pathways.

In this article, we will explore some of the best PR visa options for Canada in 2024, based on the latest immigration levels plan announced by the government in November 2023. We will also provide some tips and advice on how to prepare and apply for these options.



Express Entry
Express Entry is Canada's main pathway for economic class skilled workers. It is an online system that manages applications for three federal immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

To apply through Express Entry, you need to create an online profile and provide information about your skills, education, work experience, language ability, and other factors. You will then receive a score based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which ranks you against other candidates in the pool. Every few weeks, the government issues invitations to apply (ITAs) for PR to the highest-ranked candidates.

The CRS score is dynamic and can change depending on your personal circumstances and the pool situation. You can improve your score by improving your language test results, gaining more work experience, obtaining a provincial nomination, or having a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.

The Express Entry system is competitive and fast. In 2023, Canada invited over 200,000 candidates through Express Entry, with an average processing time of six. In 2024, Canada plans to welcome 120,000 new immigrants through Express Entry To increase your chances of success, you should aim to have a CRS score of at least 450 or higher.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is another major pathway for skilled workers who want to immigrate to Canada. The PNP allows each province and territory to nominate immigrants who meet their specific labour market needs and regional priorities.

There are over 80 different PNP streams, each with its own eligibility criteria and application process. Some PNP streams are aligned with Express Entry, which means you need to have an Express Entry profile and receive a nomination from a province or territory to apply. Other PNP streams are not aligned with Express Entry, which means you can apply directly to the province or territory without having an Express Entry profile.

The PNP is a great option for candidates who have a strong connection to a specific province or territory, such as having a job offer, a relative, or previous education or work experience there. It is also a good option for candidates who have lower CRS scores or do not qualify for the federal programs.

The PNP is flexible and diverse. In 2023, Canada welcomed over 100,000 new immigrants through the PNP, with an average processing time of 15 to 19 months In 2024, Canada plans to welcome 105,000 new immigrants through the PNP. To increase your chances of success, you should research the different PNP streams and find the one that best matches your profile and goals.

Quebec Immigration
Quebec is a unique province in Canada that has its own immigration system and programs. If you want to live and work in Quebec, you need to apply through the Quebec immigration programs, not the federal ones.

Quebec has two main programs for skilled workers: the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) and the Quebec Experience Class (QEC). The QSWP is for foreign workers who have the skills and qualifications that are in demand in Quebec. The QEC is for foreign workers or students who have work or study experience in Quebec and can demonstrate a high level of French proficiency.

To apply through the Quebec programs, you need to first obtain a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ), which confirms that you are eligible to immigrate to Quebec. You then need to apply for PR to the federal government, which will conduct the final security and medical checks.

The Quebec programs are attractive and popular. In 2023, Quebec welcomed over 50,000 new immigrants, with an average processing time of 12 to 17 months. In 2024, Quebec plans to welcome 55,000 new immigrants To increase your chances of success, you should have a good knowledge of French, a high level of education, and a strong interest in Quebec culture and society.

Other Options
Besides the three main options discussed above, there are also other PR visa options for Canada in 2024, such as:

•  The Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP), which is for foreign workers who have a job offer from an employer in one of the four Atlantic provinces: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

•  The Agri-Food Pilot (AFP), which is for foreign workers who have work experience in specific agri-food industries and occupations, such as meat processing, mushroom production, and greenhouse cultivation.

•  The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP), which is for foreign workers who have a job offer from an employer in one of the 11 participating rural and northern communities across Canada.

•  The Start-up Visa (SUV), which is for foreign entrepreneurs who have an innovative business idea and the support of a designated organisation in Canada.

•  The Self-Employed Program (SEP), which is for foreign individuals who have relevant experience in cultural or athletic activities and can make a significant contribution to Canada's cultural or athletic life.

•  The Family Class Sponsorship (FCS), which is for foreign relatives of Canadian citizens or permanent residents who want to reunite with their family members in Canada.

Each of these options has its own requirements and benefits. You should explore them and see if you qualify for any of them.

Conclusion
Canada is a great country to immigrate to, and there are many PR visa options for you to choose from. However, the immigration process can be complex and challenging, especially if you are not familiar with the rules and procedures. That is why it is advisable to seek professional guidance and assistance from a qualified and experienced immigration consultant or lawyer.

At Cohen Immigration Law, we have helped thousands of clients achieve their Canada immigration goals. We can help you too. We can assess your eligibility, advise you on the best option for you, prepare and submit your application, and represent you throughout the process. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us make your Canada dream come true.