Some potential asylum seekers may have other options for entering the country including, making a temporary status application, or humanitarian and compassionate application; accessing the federal economic immigration program, Quebec immigrant investor program or provincial nominee programs; or family sponsorship.
Temporary Status Application
- Study or work permit can be stepping stone to economic immigration
- Immigration history/status in US and other countries will be examined (must prove intent to enter Canada only temporarily)
Economic Immigration Program
- Points-based (language, education, work experience, age, financial means)
Family Sponsorship
- Spouses, children, parents, grandparents of Canadians/permanent residents
Humanitarian & Compassionate (H&C) application
- Where the applicant’s circumstances, taken as a whole, are sufficiently sympathetic to warrant an exemption from the requirement to apply for permanent residence in the regular manner.
PROVINCIAL PROGRAMS
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
- Every Canadian province (except the province of Quebec) operates their own PNP with specific eligibility criteria (e.g. language ability, level of education, work experience)
- A provincial nomination awards 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points under the Express Entry point-based management system. It therefore virtually guarantees that a candidate will receive an “Invitation to Apply” for Canadian Permanent Residence
Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP)
- Quebec is currently the only province in Canada that offers a passive immigrant investor (loan) program.
- Basic eligibility criteria : possess net assets (obtained legally) of CAD $2,000,000, have a minimum of two (2) years of management experience, have an intention to settle in Quebec and to sign an agreement to invest CAD $1,200,000 with a financial intermediary authorized to participate in the QIIP.
- A successful applicant will receive a Quebec Selection Certificate with which he / she can apply to become a Canadian Permanent Resident.