The best ways I know to relocate to the Maple-Leaf Nation yearly are through the three main routes that many are shying away from; but without any, many can’t become permanent residents of Canada easily with their dependents like spouses and children getting full social benefits.
As a result, many apply for “Less-Than-Perfect-Permits-and-Visas”, seeking asylum and becoming refugees.
Becoming a Canadian permanent resident myself from Nigeria with my common-law partner and assisting others with their language learning, test preparations, relocation plans, career development training and business mentorship, I have noticed that there are popular but not so fun methods of migration out there which many later regret when they finally live abroad.
These routes are:
Study Permit
Work Permit
Visitor Visa
Asylum and Refugee
Strict Conditional-PR programs
While a Canada Study Permit allows international students to pursue their studies in Canada, there are some potential challenges associated with it:
A. Financial Costs: Studying abroad can be expensive. International students in Canada must pay tuition fees, accommodation, food, health insurance, and other living expenses.
B. Work Restrictions: While the study permit allows students to work part-time during the academic session and full-time during scheduled breaks, there are limitations. Some programs may have heavy workloads, making it difficult for students to balance work and studies.
Additionally, finding suitable part-time employment may not always be easy.
C. Dependence on Program Duration: The study permit is generally valid for the duration of the academic program. If the program extends beyond the original permit duration, students may need to renew their study permit.
This process can be time-consuming, and there is no guarantee that the permit will be extended.
D. Limited Access to Social Benefits: International students may not have access to the same social benefits and healthcare as Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
While some provinces offer limited healthcare coverage, it may not cover all medical expenses, and they may need to get additional health insurance.
E. Post-Graduation Plans: After completing their studies, students may face uncertainties about their post-graduation plans. The process of transitioning from a study permit to a work permit or permanent residency can be complex, and there is no guarantee of success.
Obtaining a work permit in Canada allows foreign nationals to work legally. While it opens up opportunities for gaining work experience and potentially transitioning to permanent residency, there are certain challenges associated with Canadian work permits:
2. Job Matching: Finding a job that aligns with one’s skills and qualifications can be a challenge. It may take time for individuals to secure a position that matches their professional background and career goals.
3. Employer-Specific Permits: Some work permits are tied to a specific employer. This means that if a foreign national wants to change jobs, they may need to apply for a new work permit. This process can be time-consuming and may require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) in some cases.
4. Work Permit Duration: Work permits are often issued for a specific duration. If an individual wishes to extend their stay or continue working in Canada, they need to apply for a permit extension. There is no guarantee that an extension will be granted.
5. Dependency on Job Offer: Many work permit categories require a job offer from a Canadian employer. Securing a job offer can be competitive, and some individuals may face challenges in finding employers willing to sponsor them.
6. Ineligibility for Certain Benefits: Work permit holders may not be eligible for certain social benefits available to Canadian citizens or permanent residents, and they may need to rely on private insurance for healthcare coverage.
While a Canada Visitor Visa (also known as a Temporary Resident Visa or TRV) allows individuals to visit Canada for tourism, family visits, or business purposes, there are certain potential drawbacks with it as well:
1. Temporary Stay: A Visitor Visa is temporary, typically allowing stays for up to six months. If individuals wish to stay longer or visit frequently, they may need to apply for extensions or explore other immigration options.
2. No Work Authorization: Visitors with a standard Visitor Visa are generally not allowed to work in Canada. If the purpose of the visit includes work or business activities, a different type of visa or work permit may be required.
3. No Access to Public Healthcare: Visitors are not covered by Canada’s public healthcare system. They may need to buy private health insurance to cover medical expenses during their stay, as healthcare costs in Canada are high.
4. Limited Access to Social Benefits: Visitors do not have access to social benefits that Canadian citizens or permanent residents may receive, such as unemployment benefits or financial assistance.
5. Stringent Entry Requirements: Obtaining a Visitor Visa can be competitive, and applicants must meet certain criteria to prove their intention to leave Canada after the authorized stay. The visa officers assess factors such as ties to the home country, financial stability, and purpose of the visit.
6. Risk of Visa Denial: There is a risk of visa denial, especially if the applicant’s documentation is incomplete, they fail to demonstrate strong ties to their home country, or there are concerns about the genuineness of the visit. Visa denials can be disappointing and may impact future applications.
7. Travel Restrictions: Visitors must comply with the conditions of their visa, like duration of stay and other restrictions. Violating these conditions can lead to serious consequences, including deportation and future entry bans.
8. Uncertainty for Extended Visits: If individuals plan to visit family or stay for an extended period, they may face uncertainty about whether they will be granted extensions. Extended stays might require additional documentation and justification.
9. Impact on Future Immigration Applications: Multiple visits on Visitor Visas without a clear purpose of returning to the home country might impact future immigration applications. Visa officers may question the intent to return, potentially affecting applications for other types of visas or permits.
Canada has a well-established system for dealing with asylum seekers and refugees. While the country is known for its humanitarian approach, there are certain challenges and issues associated with the asylum and refugee process:
1. Backlog and Processing Times: Canada’s refugee system has faced challenges with backlogs and lengthy processing times. Delays in processing claims can lead to prolonged uncertainty for asylum seekers and may impact their ability to integrate into Canadian society.
2. Safe Third Country Agreement: The Safe Third Country Agreement between Canada and the United States limits the ability of individuals to seek asylum at official ports of entry if they have already entered the U.S. This agreement has been the subject of legal challenges, and critics argue that it may discourage individuals from seeking asylum in a safe and timely manner.
3. Detention of Asylum Seekers: Some asylum seekers may be subject to detention while their claims are being processed. Detention can be a challenging and stressful experience, especially for vulnerable populations such as families and children.
4. Deportation and Removal Orders: Failed asylum claimants may face deportation or removal orders. The process of removal can be distressing for individuals who have built lives in Canada while awaiting the outcome of their claims.
5. Integration Challenges: Successful refugees and asylum seekers may face challenges in integrating into Canadian society, including language barriers, employment issues, and cultural adjustment. Adequate support services are crucial to facilitating successful integration.
6. Access to Legal Representation: Access to legal representation is essential for a fair asylum process. Some asylum seekers may face challenges in securing legal assistance, especially if they are detained or if there are gaps in legal aid services.
7. Changes in Asylum Policies: Changes in government policies and regulations can impact the asylum process. Shifts in political climates or changes in leadership may lead to alterations in immigration and asylum policies, affecting the eligibility criteria and outcomes for asylum seekers.
8. Public Opinion and Political Debates: Asylum and refugee issues can be polarizing topics, and public opinion and political debates may influence the reception and treatment of asylum seekers. Public perception can impact the overall environment for refugees and asylum seekers in Canada.
9. Human Smuggling and Trafficking: Some individuals may resort to irregular migration, including human smuggling and trafficking, to reach Canada. This poses risks to the safety and well-being of asylum seekers and may lead to criminal charges.
Programs with strict conditional Permanent Residency (PR) requirements often come with specific challenges that applicants need to consider. While these programs may provide pathways to Canadian PR, the conditions attached to them can impact the individuals involved. Let’s look at some potential challenges associated with specific programs that I have come across and mentioned:
Regional Ties: Applicants are required to live and work in one of the Atlantic provinces. This regional requirement may limit job opportunities and career mobility for individuals who may have preferred to settle in other parts of Canada.
Retention Commitment: There may be challenges in fulfilling the commitment to live and work in the Atlantic provinces for a certain period to maintain PR status.
Live-in Requirement: Caregivers are often required to live with their employers, which may impact their personal life and privacy.
Changing Employers: Changing employers can be complex and may require approval. This condition can create challenges if the working conditions are not favorable.
Limited Locations: The program restricts applicants to specific rural or northern communities. Limited job opportunities and services in these areas may pose challenges for settling and building a life.
Job Offer Dependence: The program relies on having a job offer from a designated employer. If an individual loses their job or faces unfavorable working conditions, maintaining PR status can be challenging.
Wage and Occupation Requirements: Meeting the specific wage and occupation requirements can be challenging, especially if there are limited opportunities in certain occupations.
Business Success: Self-employed individuals are required to demonstrate the potential for significant contribution to cultural or athletic activities or purchase and manage a farm. The success of the business or cultural/athletic endeavor may be uncertain.
Financial Risk: Starting and managing a business involves financial risks, and there is no guaranteed income.
In addition to other similar challenges,
French Language Requirement: Quebec places a strong emphasis on French language proficiency. Applicants need to demonstrate their ability to speak and understand French, which may be a challenge for individuals who are not fluent in the language.
Long Processing Times: The processing times for applications under the Quebec-selected skilled workers program can be lengthy. Delays in processing may affect applicants’ plans and timelines.
These are pathways which have their unique conditions but once you enter Canada through any of them, you are free to live, work and study freely. You can also be eligible for more extended social benefits and government aid. Even though they have their demerits, they are not in any way comparable to others mentioned.
After landing in Canada with any of them, Canadian citizenship is less farther from reach. Within 1,095 days staying in the country, you can become a citizen and even access the Canadian passport.
These routes are; Express Entry, Provincial nominees and/or Family sponsorship. For easier, more predictable and faster immigration, candidates can apply for 2 or more streams within these programs. To learn more about this, visit this link.
To your international success,
A.O.S
Aos – Copyright© 2023. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy I Terms And Conditions I Disclaimer
This site is not a part of the Facebook website or Facebook Inc. Additionally, this site is NOT
endorsed by Facebook in any way. FACEBOOK is a trademark of FACEBOOK inc.
This site is not a part of Google, Youtube or any company wholly owned by Google or Youtube.
Additionally, this website is not endorsed by Google or Youtube in any way.