Europe: Your Pathway to Canada

Canada’s immigration policies are broad and diverse, providing ample opportunities for individuals from Europe to study, work, and settle down in Canada. Here is a rundown of the various options available to European nationals.

Temporary Resident Visa (Visitor Visa)

Most European nationals require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to visit Canada. To apply, you must prove you have no criminal record, are in good health, have sufficient funds for your stay, and have significant ties that would compel you to return to Europe, such as a job, home, or family.

Study Permit:

For those wishing to pursue an education in Canada, the first step is to apply for a Study Permit. To be eligible, you must have been accepted by a designated learning institution in Canada and must be able to financially support yourself during your course of study. Additionally, you’ll need to provide a police certificate and health examination results to ensure you are admissible to Canada.

Work Permit:

If you are looking to work in Canada, the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is often a crucial part of this process. The LMIA is an evaluation by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) that an employer needs to undergo before hiring a foreign worker. As a European national, if you secure a job offer from a Canadian employer who has obtained a positive LMIA, you can apply for a Work Permit.

International Experience Canada (IEC)

International Experience Canada (IEC) is a program designed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that provides young individuals from over 30 countries, many of which are European, with the opportunity to travel and work in Canada.

The three main categories within the IEC program are:

• Working Holiday: This category allows young people from eligible countries to work anywhere in Canada for any employer. This is an open work permit.

• Young Professionals: Under this category, young individuals gain professional work experience with a Canadian employer. A job offer is required, and the work must contribute to their professional development. This is an employer-specific work permit.

• International Co-op (Internship): This category is for students who are required to complete an internship or co-op placement as part of their academic curriculum in their home country. A job offer in their field of study is required.

Eligibility requirements for European nationals depend on their country of citizenship as agreements are bilateral and vary from country to country. However, common requirements usually include:

• Age: Applicants must typically be between 18 and 35 years old (inclusive) at the time of application. The upper age limit may vary or may not exist for some countries.

• Citizenship: Applicants must hold a passport from an eligible country that will remain valid for the duration of their stay in Canada.

• Funds: Proof of sufficient funds to cover expenses for the first part of their stay is required. As of 2021, this amount is CAD $2,500.

Express Entry:

The Express Entry system is one of the most popular ways for skilled workers from Europe to immigrate to Canada. This system manages applications for three economic immigration programs: Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Canadian Experience Class. You must create an Express Entry profile detailing your skills, work experience, language ability, education, and other personal information. The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) then assigns you points based on these factors, and those with the highest scores are invited to apply for permanent residence.

Family Sponsorship:

If you have family members who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents, they may be able to sponsor you to come to Canada under the Family Sponsorship Program. This includes spouses, common-law partners, dependent children, parents, and grandparents.

Remember, the above pathways are broadly stated, and each has specific criteria that must be met for a successful application. For personalized advice and assistance, please consult our expert team at Pathway2Canada, who have extensive experience in assisting individuals from Europe in navigating their immigration journey.