Are you a Filipino who dreams of living in Canada? If so, you are not alone. For good reasons, Canada is one of the most popular destinations for Filipino immigrants. Canada offers many economic, social, and personal growth opportunities, a high quality of life, a multicultural society, a welcoming attitude, and a beautiful natural environment.
But how can you make your dream come true? How can you immigrate to Canada from the Philippines? What are the requirements, the options, and the steps you need to take? In this blog post, we will answer these questions and provide a complete guide on how to immigrate to Canada from the Philippines.
There are many ways to immigrate to Canada from the Philippines, depending on your skills, education, work experience, family situation, and preferences. Here are some of the leading programs that you can consider:
Table of Contents
1. Express Entry
Express Entry is the online system Canada uses to manage applications for permanent residence from skilled workers. It covers three federal programs:
- The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- The Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
It also allows provinces and territories to select candidates from the Express Entry pool through their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
To apply through Express Entry, you must create an online profile and provide information about your age, education, language ability, work experience, 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 two weeks, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issues invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residence to the highest-ranked candidates.
The minimum CRS score required to receive an ITA varies depending on the number of candidates and invitations in each draw. In 2021, the lowest CRS score was 75, and the highest was 478. The average processing time for Express Entry applications is six months.
To be eligible for Express Entry, you need to meet the following criteria:
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
You need to have at least one year of continuous full-time or equivalent paid work experience in a skilled occupation classified under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill level 0, A, or B in the past ten years; meet the minimum language requirement of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in English or French; have a Canadian educational credential or a foreign credential with an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report; score at least 67 points on IRCC’s six selection factors; and show that you have enough money to support yourself and your family in Canada.
Federal Skilled Trades Program FSTP
You need to have at least two years of full-time or equivalent paid work experience in a skilled trade listed in the NOC skill level B in the past five years; meet the minimum language requirement of CLB 5 for speaking and listening and CLB 4 for reading and writing in English or French; have a valid job offer of at least one year from a Canadian employer or a certificate of qualification from a Canadian provincial or territorial authority; and be able to perform all the duties of your trade in Canada. This program has been in place since 2013. This program aims to attract and retain skilled trades professionals worldwide.
To qualify for this program, you must at least meet the following requirements:
- Have at least two years of work experience in a skilled trade.
- Have at least moderate proficiency in English or French.
- Have a job offer or certificate of qualification.
- Be a Graduate
- Have a Proof of funds.
- Admissibility
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
You need to have at least one year of full-time or equivalent paid work experience in a skilled occupation classified under the NOC skill level 0, A, or B in Canada in the past three years; meet the minimum language requirement of CLB 7 for NOC 0 or A occupations or CLB 5 for NOC B occupations in English or French; and plan to live and work outside of Quebec.
2. Provincial Nominee Program
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows each province and territory in Canada to nominate candidates who meet their specific labor market needs and economic development goals. Each PNP has its streams, criteria, and processes, which may vary depending on the demand and availability of occupations in each region.
To apply through a PNP, you must either submit an expression of interest directly to a province or territory with a PNP stream aligned with your skills and qualifications or enter the Express Entry pool and indicate your interest in a specific province or territory. If a province or territory nominates you, you will receive 600 points on your CRS score, increasing your chances of getting an ITA for permanent residence.
The processing time for PNP applications depends on the province or territory that nominates you and whether you apply through Express Entry. Generally, it can take from six months to two years.
Some of the PNPs that are popular among Filipino immigrants are:
Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)
The AINP has three streams: the Alberta Opportunity Stream, which targets workers who have a valid job offer and work experience in Alberta in an eligible occupation; the Alberta Express Entry Stream, which selects candidates from the Express Entry pool who have strong ties to Alberta or can support the province’s economic development and diversification; and the Alberta Self-Employed Farmer Stream, which targets experienced farmers who can purchase and manage a farm in Alberta.
Should you find this piece engaging, we kindly invite you to explore the wealth of content in our other articles:
- Top 5 Nations With Simple Immigration For International Students
- Differentiating Original and Fake Canada Visa
- Expired Permanent Resident Visa Holders May be Permitted Into Canada
- Everything You Need to Know About Spouse Open Work Permit in Canada From India
- Canada Express Entry: Your Options if Your PGWP is Expiring
British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
The BC PNP has two categories: Skills Immigration, which targets workers who have a valid job offer and work experience in BC in a high-demand occupation, and Express Entry BC, which selects candidates from the Express Entry pool who have a valid job offer and work experience in BC in a high-demand occupation. Both categories have sub-categories for skilled workers, healthcare professionals, international graduates, international post-graduates, and entry-level and semi-skilled workers.
Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
The MPNP has three streams: the Skilled Worker Stream, which targets workers who have a connection to Manitoba through previous education, work experience, family or friends, and a valid job offer or an in-demand occupation; the International Education Stream, which targets international graduates who have completed their studies in Manitoba and have a good job offer or an in-demand occupation; and the Business Investor Stream, which targets entrepreneurs and investors who can start or buy a business in Manitoba.
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
The OINP has three categories: the Human Capital Category, which targets workers who have a high level of education, skills, and experience and can contribute to Ontario’s economy; the Employer Job Offer Category, which targets workers who have a valid job offer from an Ontario employer; and the Business Category, which targets entrepreneurs and investors who can start or buy a business in Ontario. The Human Capital Category has sub-categories for skilled workers, international graduates, international students, French-speaking skilled workers, and Express Entry candidates.
Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
The SINP has three categories: the International Skilled Worker Category, which targets workers who have a high level of education, skills, and experience and can meet the labor market needs of Saskatchewan; the Saskatchewan Experience Category, which targets workers who have already worked in Saskatchewan for at least six months and have a valid job offer; and the Entrepreneur and Farm Category, which targets entrepreneurs and farmers who can start or buy a business or a farm in Saskatchewan.
3. Study Permit
Another way to immigrate to Canada from the Philippines is to apply for a study permit. A study permit allows you to study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada for up to six months or longer, depending on the duration of your program. A study permit also allows you to work part-time on-campus or off-campus for up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks.
To apply for a study permit, you need to:
- Have an acceptance letter from a DLI in Canada.
- Have enough money to pay for your tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation.
- Have no criminal record and pass a medical exam.
- Prove that you will leave Canada at the end of your studies.
The processing time for study permit applications varies depending on your country of residence and the type of application you submit. You can check the current processing times on IRCC’s website. Generally, it can take from two weeks to four months.
Studying in Canada can be a great way to improve your skills, gain Canadian credentials, experience Canadian culture, and make connections to help you with your future immigration plans. After completing your studies in Canada, you may be eligible to apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP), which allows you to work in Canada for up to three years, depending on the length of your program. A Canadian education and work experience can also increase your chances of qualifying for Express Entry or PNP programs.
4. Family Sponsorship
Suppose you have a spouse, common-law partner, dependent child, parent, or grandparent who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. In that case, you may be able to immigrate to Canada through family sponsorship. Family sponsorship allows eligible relatives to sponsor their family members for permanent residence in Canada.
To apply for family sponsorship, you need to:
- Meet the eligibility requirements as a sponsor or a sponsored person.
- Prove your relationship with your family member.
- Sign an undertaking agreement that states that you will provide financial support for your family member for a certain period.
- Pay the application fees and submit the required documents.
The processing time for family sponsorship applications depends on the type of relationship and the country of origin of the sponsored person. You can check the current processing times on IRCC’s website. Generally, it can take from 12 months to 36 months.
Family sponsorship is one of the most popular and fastest ways to immigrate to Canada from the Philippines. It allows you to reunite with your loved ones and enjoy the benefits of living in Canada as a permanent resident.
The Bottom Line
These are some main ways to immigrate to Canada from the Philippines, but other options may be available depending on your specific circumstances. To find out which immigration program best suits you, you can use the online tool Come to Canada on the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). You can also consult a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer who can guide you through the process and help you avoid common mistakes and delays.
Immigrating to Canada from the Philippines is not easy, but it is not impossible either. With proper planning, preparation, and perseverance, you can achieve your goal of becoming a Canadian permanent resident and enjoy the benefits of living in one of the best countries in the world. We hope this article has given you helpful information and inspiration to start your journey. Good luck, and see you in Canada!
