India: Your Pathway to Canada

As an Indian national, various programs and visas allow you to visit, work, study, or immigrate to Canada. Pathway2Canada is here to guide you through these processes and requirements.

Temporary Resident Visa (Visitor Visa)

Most Mexican 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 Mexico, such as a job, home, or family.

Study Permit:

Indian students are some of the largest groups of international students in Canada, thanks to the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program. The SDS program fast-tracks the processing of study permit applications for eligible students. To qualify for the SDS, you must have an acceptance letter from a post-secondary Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada, have paid your first-year tuition fee upfront, have a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAD 10,000, and have recent medical exam and language test results (IELTS score of 6.0 in each skill).

Work Permit:

Indian nationals can apply for different work permits in Canada, depending on their situation. This includes employer-specific work permits, open work permits, and work permits under the International Mobility Program. Each work permit has different requirements, such as a valid job offer, work experience, or being eligible through a specific program like the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program.

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program:

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is an open work permit that allows international students who have completed a program of study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada to gain valuable Canadian work experience. With a PGWP, graduates can work for any employer in Canada and are not restricted to a specific location.

The length of the PGWP varies depending on the length of the study program completed. If the program was less than eight months, the graduate is not eligible. For programs between eight months and two years, the work permit may be valid for a duration equivalent to the length of the study program. For programs two years or longer, or for completed multiple programs, the work permit may be issued for three years.

One of the key advantages of the PGWP is that the Canadian work experience gained can help increase eligibility for permanent immigration programs, such as the Canadian Experience Class within the Express Entry system.

It’s important to note that the application for a PGWP must be made within 180 days of receiving confirmation from the educational institution that the program requirements have been met. This includes the receipt of a transcript or an official letter from the institution. Applicants must also have maintained full-time student status in Canada during each academic session of the program or programs of study completed.

Express Entry:

Indian nationals are also eligible to apply for permanent residence under the Express Entry system. This system manages applications for three economic immigration programs: Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Canadian Experience Class. Applicants are ranked based on their age, education, work experience, and language abilities. The highest-ranking applicants are then invited to apply for permanent residence.

Family Sponsorship:

If you have family members who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents, they can sponsor you to come to Canada under the Family Class Sponsorship program. This includes spousal sponsorship, parental sponsorship, and others.

The immigration process can be complex and requires careful preparation. Pathway2Canada encourages Indian nationals to get in touch for a comprehensive assessment and guidance on the most suitable pathway for their individual circumstances.