Are you considering immigrating to Canada from Italy after the pandemic? Discover a wealth of options for Canada immigration and find out why Italy is a top source country for Canadian immigration. With over 100 pathways available for Italian immigrants to Canada, there are ample opportunities to immigrate as a foreign skilled worker, international student, skilled professional, or through family sponsorship by a Canadian permanent resident or citizen.
Italian citizens and residents seek to migrate to Canada for various reasons, including furthering their studies, pursuing specialized skilled trades, securing a better future for their families, and exploring career opportunities in the North American market.
Perfect Time to Immigrate to Canada from Italy
Canada requires immigrants to recover from the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic. As a result, the country is actively seeking skilled workers and international students to contribute to its recovery efforts. For example, Canada has announced dramatic increases in immigration levels and plans to spend millions on immigration to spark economic recovery.
Canada’s Economic Immigration Programs
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) classifies immigration into three categories: economic class, family class, and refugees. The most popular route to immigrate to Canada from Italy is through Express Entry economic class immigration, followed by family class immigration. Refugees can come to Canada if referred by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), a designated referral organization, or a private group.
Over 100 Immigration Programs for Italian Immigrants to Canada
Canada offers over 100 economic-class immigration pathways for Italian citizens and residents. However, the best pathway for you and your family depends on individual circumstances and goals. Below is an overview of the most popular pathways to immigrate to Canada from Italy:
- Canada Express Entry Economic Programs: The Express Entry system manages permanent residence (PR) applications and is the most popular way to immigrate to Canada. Candidates must meet the eligibility requirements for one of three economic programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Class, the Federal Skilled Trades Class, or the Canadian Experience Class.
- Canada Provincial Immigrant Nominee Programs (PNPs): Canadian provinces can nominate individuals for Canada PR who want to settle in their province. Each program has its own unique selection criteria. Securing a PNP nomination awards 600 points out of a total of 1,200 points available under the Express Entry system, virtually guaranteeing an invitation to apply for PR in an Express Entry draw.
- International Students Pathway: The International student study permit is a popular pathway to Canadian permanent residency. After graduating, students can obtain a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allowing them to work in Canada for up to three years, boosting their PR application.
- Canada Temporary Work Permit Pathway: With over one million job vacancies, Canadian employers face labor shortages. The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) allows foreign workers to come to work in various areas, including agriculture, accommodation and food services, healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. Canadian work experience through the TFWP makes applicants eligible for many Canadian immigration programs.
- Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program: Entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas can immigrate to Canada through the start-up visa program, designed to boost the economy and create employment opportunities during the pandemic recovery.
Step-by-Step Guides to Immigrate to Canada from Italy
The following sections provide a simplified 10-step guide to immigrating to Canada from Italy, covering topics such as choosing where to live in Canada, determining eligibility for immigration programs, passing eligibility requirements, gathering important documents, completing IELTS and TEF exams, obtaining an ECA education assessment, undergoing a medical examination, obtaining a police clearance certificate, applying for biometrics, and using a Canada immigration lawyer or agent.
Step 1 – Where to Live in Canada Consider the best places to live in Canada based on your personal needs, such as moving to a family-friendly province with excellent education systems and daycare programs or a province with the best economic factors like job opportunities. Canadian provinces have their own immigration programs (PNPs) designed to address unique human labor needs, and securing a nomination from a PNP increases your chances of becoming a Canadian permanent resident. The province of Quebec primarily focuses on French-speaking candidates, while other PNPs, like Ontario and Nova Scotia, also target French-speaking applicants.
Step 2 – Determine Eligibility for Canada Immigration Programs With over 100 Canada immigration programs in multiple categories and sub-categories, each with unique requirements, first clarify your reasons for immigrating to Canada. Are you looking to work, reunite with family, study, improve your lifestyle, or a combination of these factors?
Step 3 – Pass Eligibility Requirements for Your Chosen Canada Immigration Program Assess your potential to meet the eligibility requirements for your desired program to save time and focus on fulfilling these requirements for Canadian permanent residency.
Step 4 – Gather All Important Documents Ensure you include all required documents for your chosen program to avoid rejection or delay. Common documents include ID, passport or birth certificate, medical exam results, IELTS and TEF exam results, biometric records, ECA (Educational Credential Assessment), and police clearance certificates.
Step 5 – Complete IELTS and TEF Exams Language skills in French and English are crucial for most Canada immigration programs. Proficiency in these languages will increase your overall ranking scores on the CRS points system and the likelihood of success in your application.
Step 6 – Obtain Your ECA Education Assessment Education is a high-value factor under the Canadian immigration points system. Get all of your certificates, degrees, diplomas, licenses, and qualifications verified by accredited organizations to demonstrate that they meet Canadian standards.
Step 7 – Complete Your Medical Examination All Canada immigration programs requiring stays longer than six months mandate a medical examination. Note that IRCC only accepts exams conducted by Canada-approved Panel Physicians.
Step 8 – Obtain a Police Clearance Certificate IRCC requires a police certificate to demonstrate that you have a clear criminal record check.
Step 9 – Apply for Biometrics Since July 31, 2018, Canadian immigration law requires international students and graduates from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa to submit biometrics (fingerprints and a facial recognition photo) with their applications.
Step 10 – Use a Canada Immigration Lawyer or Agent While not required for a successful application, obtaining a lawyer or agent can be helpful due to the complexity and frequent changes in Canadian immigration systems. Errors can result in costly delays or rejections.
By following these steps and focusing on the most suitable immigration pathways, you can improve your chances of successfully immigrating to Canada from Italy and start your new life in this welcoming and opportunity-filled country.
