Economic Immigration Guide

Economic Immigration Guide

Immigration Category Main Purpose Key Programs & Streams Who It Is For Special Requirements
1. Programs
(Express Entry)		 Main federal system used to select skilled workers based on a points-based scorecard.
  • Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
  • Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
  • Professionals with university degrees
  • Experienced office managers
  • Trades people (e.g., plumbers, bakers)
  • High scores in age, education, and language skills
  • For some streams, at least 1 year of Canadian work experience
2. Provincial Nominee Programs
(PNP)		 Allows individual provinces and territories to choose immigrants who fit local economic needs.
  • Local Province Streams
  • Enhanced Express Entry Streams
  • Workers willing to settle in a specific province
  • Workers filling local job shortages
  • Must intend to live in the nominating province
  • Must meet that specific province's unique job criteria
3. Quebec Immigration Separate system managed entirely by the province of Quebec under a special federal agreement.
  • Regular Skilled Worker Program
  • Quebec Experience Program
 Skilled workers and graduates wishing to live in Quebec
  • Strong focus on French language skills
  • Must get a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) first
4. Business & Regional Pilots Targeted pathways designed to help specific industries, business setups, or smaller communities.
  • Start-up Visa Program
  • Atlantic Immigration Program
  • Entrepreneurs and business owners
  • Workers moving to eastern provinces or smaller towns
  • Business ideas must have Canadian investor backing
  • Job offers from approved employers in specific regions
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