Pakistan ranks as one of the leading source countries for new immigrants to Canada.
In 2021, over 8,400 individuals from Pakistan made Canada their new home, positioning it as the tenth-largest source country overall.
In addition to that, Pakistan is said to be among the top 20 countries of origin for international students, with approximately 3,400 Pakistani students choosing Canada as their study destination in 2021.
Moreover, in 2020, Pakistan ranked fourth in terms of the citizenship of invited candidates through the Express Entry system.
According to the latest available census data, there are approximately 202,000 Canadians with Pakistani ancestry.
The majority of the Pakistani diaspora resides in Ontario, particularly in cities like Toronto, Mississauga, and Milton. On the west coast, Vancouver also boasts a sizable Pakistani community.
One of the key factors that make Canada appealing is its safety and political stability. It also boasts a highly developed healthcare system and an internationally recognized education system.
The country offers excellent public elementary education and is home to leading universities, colleges, and skilled trades institutions at the post-secondary level.
With over 300,000 people of Pakistani origin already residing in Canada, this number continues to grow as more individuals from Pakistan choose to immigrate, work, and study in Canada.
Most permanent residents in Canada eventually become citizens, enjoying the benefits of one of the world’s strongest passports, which provides visa-free access to over 180 countries.
6 Best Canadian Immigration and Visa Options Available To Pakistani Nationals
For Pakistanis interested in immigrating to Canada, several pathways are available.
Depending on your current situation, feel free to opt for any pathway to immigration you want. That is, for as long as you meet the requirements criterion for that immigration bracket to Canada.
The same rule applies to immigration visas to other countries from Pakistan.
1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) Canada:
One option is the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), which allows candidates with work experience and no connection to Canada or job offer to apply for permanent residence.
The FSWP targets skilled workers who can use their foreign work experience, education, language skills, and other factors to become economically established in Canada.
To be eligible for the FSWP, candidates must meet certain requirements, including having one year of continuous full-time or equivalent paid work experience in a skilled occupation, demonstrating language proficiency, and possessing a Canadian educational credential or a foreign credential with an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report.
Applicants must also achieve a minimum of 67 points on the immigration selection factors.
Please note that the FSWP is part of the Canadian government’s Express Entry application management system.
Eligible candidates can create an Express Entry profile on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. Profiles receive Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores based on factors such as age, education, work experience, and language ability. IRCC regularly invites the highest-scoring candidates to apply for permanent residence, with a processing service standard of 6 months.
2. Provincial Nominee Program Canada
Another option for Pakistani immigration candidates is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Canada’s provinces and territories have their own PNPs, allowing them to select skilled worker candidates based on their economic and demographic needs.
Candidates may apply directly through a PNP or enter the Express Entry pool and be nominated by a province. Nominated candidates receive additional CRS points, virtually guaranteeing an invitation to apply for permanent residence.
3. Quebec Immigrant Entrepreneur Program:
If you are interested in owning and managing a business in Quebec, the Quebec Immigrant
Entrepreneur Program can assist. To be eligible for this program, you must have a minimum of 5 years of business experience in a profitable venture.
Moreover, you are required to have a minimum net worth of CAD 900,000. If you are selected, you will need to make a security deposit of CAD 200,000, which acts as insurance that the business will be established upon your arrival in Quebec.
Your application will also take into account other factors such as age, language proficiency, education, and financial self-sufficiency.
Bear in mind that according to the latest dollar conversion rates and the flux in the international economy, the rates and fee structure may vary from the one that we have mentioned above.
4. Quebec Immigrant Investor Program:
The Quebec Immigrant Investor Program is highly popular and allows investors from around the world to relocate to Quebec.
To qualify, you must have a net worth of CAD 2 million, including your spouse’s assets if applicable. Additionally, you are required to make a one-time non-refundable payment of CAD 320,000 to the Quebec Government.
Lastly, you must have a minimum of 2 years of management or business experience.
5. Student Direct Stream Program:
The Student Direct Stream Program is specifically designed for students from select countries who wish to study in Canada.
It is a popular pathway for individuals seeking educational opportunities in Canada. The process is streamlined and can take as little as 21 working days to obtain a visa.
To qualify, you need to have good grades in your most recent program of study.
The SDS also takes into consideration other factors such as age, education, and language proficiency.
6. Startup Visa Program:
Trek Law is now offering Unconditional Canadian immigration through the Start-Up Visa Program, which is offered by the Federal Government of Canada.
The basic qualifying criteria for this program include a processing time of approximately 12-16 months for direct permanent residency, a net worth of CAD 1 million, an investment of CAD 310,000 (with a possibility of a $70,000 return), and dependent children under the age of 22 qualifying as dependents.
6. Visitor Visa:
The visitor visa program is designed for individuals who wish to temporarily visit Canada.
Please note that obtaining a Canadian visitor visa can be quite challenging due to the strict requirements imposed on visitors.
It is essential to provide substantial evidence demonstrating strong ties to your home country.
The application process can be complex, but at Trek Law, we have extensive experience handling such cases and ensuring that your application is complete and error-free.
With a visitor visa, you can enter Canada as a temporary resident for a maximum period of 6 months at a time.
7. Super Visa:
The super visa program is specifically tailored for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents who wish to visit their families in Canada as temporary residents.
This type of visa offers an extended validity period, ranging from 2 to 10 years.
Although the super visa grants temporary status like the visitor visa, it allows for a longer stay in Canada.
To apply for a super visa, you must be a parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident residing in Canada. Additionally, you will need a signed invitation letter from your child or grandchild who wishes to invite you to Canada.
It is also mandatory to have medical insurance coverage from a Canadian insurance company.
Consult Trek Law Immigration Law Experts:
Trek Law is a registered is Pakistan-based, registered company, known for successfully assisting qualified candidates in immigrating to Canada, Austria, Germany, the USA and many other countries.
They provide services and guidance for various immigration programs, including visitor visas, super visas, and the programs mentioned above.
For any questions or concerns, you can reach out to them anytime.
FAQs:
1. What are the benefits of applying through an immigration consultant in Pakistan for Canadian immigration or study program?
Applying through an immigration consultant in Pakistan for Canadian immigration or study programs can offer several benefits:
-
Expert Guidance:
Immigration consultants are knowledgeable about the Canadian immigration system and study programs.
They can provide accurate and up-to-date information, guide you through the application process, and help you understand the requirements and procedures involved. Their expertise can ensure that your application is properly prepared, increasing your chances of success.
-
Simplified Process:
Immigration consultants can simplify the complex immigration or study program application process.
They can assist with completing the necessary forms, gathering required documents, and ensuring all requirements are met. This can save you time and effort by streamlining the application process.
-
Increased Approval Chances:
Immigration consultants have experience in handling various types of applications and understand the factors that can impact approval.
They can assess your profile, identify any potential weaknesses, and provide guidance on how to address them. By optimizing your application, consultants can help improve your chances of approval.
-
Personalized Advice:
Each individual’s immigration or study goals are unique.
Immigration consultants can provide personalized advice tailored to your specific circumstances.
They can assess your qualifications, education, work experience, language proficiency, and other factors to determine the best immigration or study program options for you. This personalized approach can help you make informed decisions.
-
Updates on Policy Changes:
Immigration policies and study program regulations can change over time. Immigration consultants stay updated with the latest changes and announcements.
They can inform you about any policy updates or modifications that may affect your application.
This ensures that your application aligns with current requirements and guidelines.
-
Timely Application Submission:
Immigration consultants can help ensure that your application is submitted within the designated time frame.
They can assist in organizing and submitting your application promptly, avoiding any delays or missed deadlines. This can be crucial, especially for immigration programs or study program application cycles with limited intake periods.
-
Post-Application Support:
Immigration consultants can provide support even after your application has been submitted.
They can assist with communication between you and the immigration authorities, address any inquiries or additional document requests, and guide you through the post-application stages.
Having this support can provide reassurance and peace of mind during the process.
It’s important to note that when choosing an immigration consultant, it is advisable to work with a registered and reputable consultant who is authorized to provide immigration services.
Doing so ensures that you receive reliable and ethical assistance throughout your Canadian immigration or study program journey.