The Spark That Ignited My Canadian Dream
Before diving into the main part of my topic Permanent Residency in Canada, I want to give my readers a bit of background on how the idea of moving to Canada first came to me. It wasn’t just one sudden decision—it was a series of experiences and conversations that planted the seed in my mind over the years. From hearing about Canada during my childhood to witnessing my elder brother’s immigration, and finally, the failed Europe trip that made me realize how much easier things could be with Canadian residency—each of these moments nudged me closer toward pursuing life in Canada.
The Spark That Ignited My Canadian Dream
Somewhere in the back of my mind, I had always dream of going to Canada, even from a young age. The first time I heard about Canada was when someone told me that it offers opportunities and a good life to educated people. Back in our hometown, two PhD doctors had moved to Canada, and it became the talk of the town. Everyone was curious and would ask their families the same question: “How can we move to Canada too?”
That idea stayed with me, and it sparked a desire to explore how I could eventually make my way there.
My Brother’s Journey: A Major Influence
The second time I seriously thought about moving to Canada was when my elder brother, an engineer, used to work at a cement factory. I often visited him there, and every time I did, I noticed that the main topic of conversation among his friends and colleagues was Canada. This was around 2001-2002, when there was a boom, Canada needed well-educated people, with engineers and doctors at the top of the list. The immigration process was faster too, with some people making it to Canada within just six months!
Next time when I visited my brother, I met new faces, and it felt like everyone had either already moved to Canada or was planning to go soon. I used to think that my brother might be one of the last from his batch to apply for immigration, but eventually, in 2004, he applied and made the big move to Canada.
A Failed Europe Trip That Changed My Perspective
My plan to move to Canada really started taking shape in 2009, and it all began with a trip to Europe that never happened. At that time, a group of us were working at the Network Operation Center (NOC) of a major cellular company, and one of my friends suggested that we take a trip to Europe. Since Pakistani passports don’t easily get visas, we were hopeful because we were working for a multinational European company with good salaries. Plus, we had to travel to other countries occasionally for training, so we thought the visa wouldn’t be an issue.
But things didn’t go as expected. Out of the 10 of us who applied, only one person got the visa. The rest of us were rejected, with the reasoning being that we wouldn’t return to Pakistan. Even the company’s official letter, stating that we were only going for three weeks, didn’t help. Interestingly, the only person who got the visa had a Canadian resident card. This experience made me think even more seriously about applying for Canadian immigration.
The Canadian immigration process involves several key steps, and each one needs careful attention. It’s not just about filling out an application; it requires gathering and submitting various documents at each stage to meet the government’s requirements.
Key Steps in the Immigration Process:
- Submitting the Application
The first step is to complete and submit our immigration application. Depending on the program (Federal skilled worker, or provincial Nominee), we need to provide details about our education, work experience, and language skills,
Another critical thing to keep in mind during the Canadian immigration process is ensuring that your documents are complete and consistent. Any gaps in your residence history, education, or employment can cause unnecessary delays.
- Gathering Required Documents
We need to submit important documents, such as educational certificates, Police certificates, employment letters, and language test results (like IELTS). It’s essential to gather these documents well in advance to avoid delays - Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
A police clearance certificate is required to prove that we don’t have a criminal record. During my time, I had to submit a new PCC every three months, which was quite challenging! Each country or city we have lived in for six months or more requires a clearance certificate, so it can get a bit complicated if you’ve lived in multiple places. - Medical Examination
For the Canadian immigration process, a medical examination is a mandatory step. You can’t just visit any doctor for this; you have to go to one approved by the Canadian immigration authorities. These doctors are part of the Panel Physician network.
During the medical exam, the doctor will assess your overall health, including checking for any serious conditions that might impact public health in Canada. After the exam, two reports are generated, one is shared with you, and the other is sent directly to the immigration authorities.
- Biometrics and Other Security Checks
Biometrics (like fingerprints and photos) are now a standard part of the process. These are used for identity verification and security purposes. Security checks are taken seriously to ensure the safety of the country.
Each step of the process can take time, and it’s important to be organized to avoid delays. I
Immigrating to Canada means leaving behind your loved ones and your familiar life, hoping for a better future. It’s a big life changing decision, but the Canadian government encourages it by promising a brighter tomorrow
Exploring Different Routes to Permanent Residency
There are many ways to become a Canadian permanent resident, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Provincial Nominee Programs, investor/entrepreneur programs, family sponsorship, and refugee/humanitarian programs and Students. Based on my own experience, these three options are relatively easier to pursue
1) Federal Skilled Worker Program: My Chosen Path
The FSW program is one of the most popular immigration routes to Canada. It works on a points based system, where your eligibility is determined by factors like age, education, work experience, language skills (like IELTS), and adaptability. If you score enough points, (67 points) you can apply on this website “https://www.canada.ca/en/services/immigration-citizenship.html” and if selected, you’ll receive an invitation to become a permanent resident. This program is ideal for professionals with relevant skills that align with the Canadian job market. The table is given below to check whether you qualify or not .
The table below includes my personal score, making it easier for you to understand whether you might be eligible or not. By following this structure, you can quickly compare your own points and determine where you stand in the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program. check your self and apply if you have more than 67 points
| Factors | Maximum point | Description | My score | Scenario |
| Education | 25 | Points based on your highest degree or diploma. | 22 | if you have master’s degree |
| Language Proficiency | 28 | Points for language skills (English/French), based on IELTS/TEF scores. | 23 | If you have more than 6.5 bands |
| Work Experience | 15 | Points for years of full-time, skilled work experience. | 15 | If you have 3 or more than 3 years of experience in relevant field |
| Age | 12 | Points based on your age, with younger applicants receiving more points. | 11 | If your age is 32 |
| Arranged Employment | 10 | Points for having a valid job offer from a Canadian employer. | 0 | If you don’t have job offer |
| Adaptability | 10 | Points for factors like spouse’s education, relatives in Canada, or previous Canadian work/study experience. | 5 | If your blood relative Like brother or sister |
| Total | 100 | 76 |
This table reflects my understanding of the FSW point system, and I have explained every aspect in detail. I hope it makes sense to you. You can also make your own comparisons based on it.
For more detailed information, you can visit the official Canadian immigration website here:
Canada Immigration and Citizenship
2) Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is another great option. If you have a blood relative living in a specific province, it gives you a significant advantage in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). This connection can greatly increase your chances of being nominated, as provinces prioritize applicants with family ties, making it easier to integrate into the community.
Canada’s provinces and territories each have their own specific job market needs, and through this program, they can nominate individuals who meet those needs. If you apply through the PNP and get nominated, it increases your chances of getting permanent residency. It’s especially helpful if you’re planning to move to a specific province, as provinces like Ontario, Alberta, or British Columbia offer tailored immigration pathways.
3) Investor/Entrepreneur Program
The Investor/Entrepreneur Program is designed for individuals who have experience running businesses or managing investments and want to contribute to Canada’s economy. If you have the financial means and a business mindset, this program offers a pathway to permanent residency.
To qualify, you typically need to:
- Have a certain net worth (each province may have its own requirements).
- Invest a specific amount in a business or start a new one in Canada.
- Create job opportunities for locals.
This program isn’t just about money, it’s about bringing entrepreneurial skills that boost the local economy. Different provinces have their own variations, and you can find more information from their official website “https://www.canada.ca/en/services/immigration-citizenship.html”
Since I applied through the FSW program, which follows a paper-based submission process, it took a bit more time to complete. However, there’s also a faster version called the Express Entry, which is entirely online. Through Express Entry, the process can take as little as six months to a year for you to receive permanent residency.
After submitting the application, all that’s left is to wait. It’s important to respond promptly to any requests for forms or documents from the immigration office to avoid delays.
Eventually, you’ll receive a call for an orientation session. Our orientation was held at the Canadian embassy and lasted an entire day. During the session, they introduced us to Canada’s system of government and the challenges we might face initially. They also provided valuable information on how to search for jobs, find housing, and use public transportation, as well as what rights we have once we land in Canada.
The session covers a bit of everything to help new immigrants settle smoothly. And just when it’s time to wrap up—after some tea and refreshments—they remind us of what to expect from Canada’s weather.
Looking Ahead: Real Experiences of Life in Canada
The weather in Canada can get very cold, sometimes as low as -55°C. But when you’re excited to move to Canada, you might not think about the cold too much. It’s only after you’re there that you really understand how cold it can be and how difficult it can be to live in. It’s something you can’t really understand until you experience it yourself.
This is the story of how I moved to Canada from Pakistan. In the next part, I’ll talk about what my life was like when I first got here. It will be interesting and helpful for anyone who is thinking about moving to Canada, because I’ll share the real experiences of settling in a new country and give advice to new arrivals
