Canada is a North American country, and is the second largest in terms of land size. Though it is also the least populated country but is home to various ethnicities and culture. Globally, it is the one of the few nations that has adopted multiculturalism as its policy. Today, closer to 200 languages are spoken in Canada though French and English are its two official languages.
Immigration to Canada is a centuries old phenomenon that has become very widespread in the last couple of few years. A large number of people visualize the ‘Land of Milk and Honey’ as the country full of opportunities, economic prosperity and as a place to give safe and secure atmosphere to their loved ones.
Majority of the immigrants who come to the country show their interest in becoming its citizen. However, one has to wait a bit longer before they are provided Canadian citizenship. It is the final step after Canadian Permanent Residence (PR). After this, you will be liable to enjoy almost every benefit that the Canadian citizens have a right to.
Every country has a positive and negative side, and Canada is no different. The country provides enough opportunities to immigrants and treats them at par with its citizens. However, those who breach law and order or get themselves involved in criminal activities, are right away deported back to their native country.
Though a large number of people have an eye on the country, and are keen to immigrate many of them have very little knowledge about the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)–the apex immigration body.
It was recently when a couple of amendments were made in the country’s immigration process and the name of the apex immigration body was also changed from Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
The department deals with immigration issues, looks after the settlements of immigrants, makes amendments and passes judgment. The Federal Government established the department in 1994. Since then, it has been continuously providing its services. One of the main aims of the IRCC is to welcome new entrants, especially those who are capable of contributing towards the country’s economy and wish to permanently settle there. Hence economic immigrants are most valuable.
It helps immigrants as well as refugees to settle in the country by funding various organizations, such as the Canadian Caregivers Association. The main aim is to help new entrants comfortably settle in the country. Officially, these organizations are known as service provider organizations.
The IRCC offers several programmes, such as Quebec-selected Skilled Workers, Provincial Nominee Programmes, Express Entry, Caregivers and Family Sponsorship, Immigrant Investor, Start Up Visa, Self Employed, etc.
Before the prospective immigrants submit their visa application, it is very important to know if they are eligible to apply.