Over the last two decades, Canada has become a top destination in the world for people looking for better opportunities. Each year, thousands of people move to pursue education, advance their careers, explore business opportunities, or make Canada their permanent home. The reason behind this massive migration is that the country has a strong economy, a high quality of life, and welcomes multiple diversities, making it especially suitable.
With the rising demand comes increasing complexity in immigration. Immigration to Canada is governed by a wide range of programs, policies, and regulations that are subject to frequent changes. Navigating these requirements can be complex, and even small mistakes may lead to delays or refusals.
Why Do So Many People Move To Canada Every Year?
- High Standards of Living
There’s no question that Canada is one of the best countries to live in, thanks to its people-first facilities, clean environment, strong infrastructure, and access to numerous opportunities for growth in education and career. Various surveys carried out in 2024-2025 have ranked major cities such as Vancouver, Ontario, Montreal, Ottawa, and Toronto among the world’s top standards of living.
- Free Healthcare & Strong Education System
Many people opt to move to Canada due to several benefits, such as publicly funded healthcare facilities, which reduce the burden of medical costs on individuals. On the other hand, Canada is also home to some of the best educational institutions in the world, making it a preferred choice for students looking to pursue higher educational opportunities.
- Multicultural Society
Canada is one of the most diverse countries in the world, with people from various cultures visiting it. Because of this cultural exchange and diversity, people feel more comfortable and find it easier to immigrate to Canada as compared to other nations.
- Career and Business Opportunities
Canada offers lucrative growth for both skilled professionals and business owners to thrive. The country has a rapidly growing economy, a strong labour market, and supportive programs for entrepreneurs.
- Safe and Welcoming Environment
Canada is known worldwide for its political stability, low crime rates, and a great reputation as one of the most welcoming countries for immigrants.
What are the Main Immigration Pathways for Canada?
If you are someone looking to immigrate to Canada, knowing the right pathway can make your move smoother, more efficient, and increase your chances of success. Below are the most popular pathways to immigrate to Canada:
Express Entry (Skilled Workers)
EE is a points-based system for skilled workers, and candidates are ranked based on factors like age, education, work experience, and language ability. Applicants who manage to score a high ranking have a higher chance of receiving invitations to apply for permanent residency.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
In Canada, each province has its own immigration program that aims to attract people to meet local labour market needs. If your skills match the demand in that particular province, a PNP nomination can make way for you and increase your chances of becoming a permanent resident.
Family Sponsorship
In this immigration program, a person holding permanent residency in Canada can sponsor close family members to live in Canada.
Study Permits & Post-Graduation Work Permits
After graduating from a highly reputable institute, a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows students to gain Canadian work experience, often enabling them to acquire permanent residency.
Work Permits & LMIA
Foreigners who wish to work in Canada can apply for temporary work permits. For this purpose, many employers need to complete a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to prove the need for hiring foreign talent.
Business & Investor Pathways
Entrepreneurs and investors can immigrate through programs like the Start-Up Visa, which supports unique business ideas and helps newcomers build reputable companies in Canada.
What are Some Challenges that Applicants Face?
Moving abroad sounds exciting, but the complex legal requirements behind the whole immigration process can steal your peace of mind. Here are some common but complex challenges that applicants might face:
One of the most common challenges that applicants face during the process is the complex legal documentation that requires careful attention to detail. The application forms involve detailed information, proper documentation and strict formatting. Even a minor error or mistake can lead to rejection or delays.
Another common challenge is meeting the requirements of each immigration pathway, as each has its own terms and conditions. Understanding which program you are eligible for can be confusing and requires the assistance of a professional immigration lawyer in Canada.
Additionally, the processing times for these applications can take months to years. To add to that, the laws for immigration and quotas keep changing, making the whole process a lot more complex.
If you are planning to immigrate to Canada but are unsure of your options and eligibility, contacting a reputable partner is essential for making the process easier.
Hansen & Company, a trusted name, has been operating for over 30 years, providing reputable and transparent immigration services in Calgary to clients worldwide.
Apart from offering immigration assistance, this Calgary law firm specialises in a broad range of other legal services, including support for complex matters such as matrimonial property division, divorce cases, child support, cohabitation, personal injury laws, pardons and waivers, and real estate, among others.
