How to Immigrate to Canada from Syria – Full Guide
Many immigrants, especially refugees, prefer to immigrate to Canada from Syria because they feel safer in Canada than other developed countries. Truly, Canada is now the number one destination for all Syrians trying to run away from the country. Many of these refugees want to call Canada home as Canada is open to receiving them.
Since the COVID-19, Syria has become one of the sources of immigrants to Canada. Even as travel restrictions were put in place, Canada still allowed immigrants into the country including Syrians. However, only Syrians who have completed their permanent residence application are allowed to come into Canada during that time.
Even till today as the COVID-19 is gradually phasing out, Canada still allows Syrians to migrate into the country. For that reason, any Syrian who meets the eligibility criteria for Canadian immigration can enter Canada using any of the available pathways.
Why Canada?
Syrians began to migrate to Canada in large numbers from 2015 when more than 40,000 refugees from Syria were welcomed in Canada. This was as a result of Canada’s quick response to the refugee crisis facing the country and world.
Ever since then, Canada has opened its door to more refugees from Syria. In 2019 alone, more than 10,000 immigrants migrated to Canada from Syria. However, this number slowed down in the following years due to the COVID-19. Now, this number is gradually beginning to stabilize as new immigrants came into Canada in 2021.
Syrians coming into Canada have many ways to immigrate to Canada from Syria. Canada is one of the visitor friendly countries with relaxed immigration pathways. This allows eligible candidates from any part of the world to immigrate to Canada at any time.
Moreover, since Syria is in civil war, Canada has granted asylum to citizens of Syria to come into the country as refugees. Therefore, in the following lines, you will find out the easiest ways to immigrate to Canada from Syria.
How to immigrate to Canada from Syria
Syrians who want to immigrate to Canada from Syria can use any of the following immigration programs. They include
- Federal Economic Class (Express Entry).
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP).
- Canada Investor Immigration Program
- Transition to Permanent from Temporary residence
- Family Sponsorship
#1: Federal Economic Class(Express Entry).
Obviously, the easiest way to migrate to Canada. Express Entry applicants stand a chance of getting Canadian permanent residence as soon as six months if they meet the eligibility criteria for the program. Canada is planning to allow more than 240,000 newcomers into the country using the economic class under the Express Entry:
Each candidate applying for any of the streams under the Express Entry must first of all create an online Express Entry profile. This profile must contain every information about the applicant since it will be used to choose candidates who qualify for any of these programs.
The express entry uses the Comprehensive Ranking System in which candidates with the highest scores are given the invitation to apply for Canada Permanent Residence through an Express Entry pool. You have only 90 days to submit your application if you receive an invitation to apply.
Yes, truly this is the simplest way to immigrate to Canada but not all eligible candidates will be selected. However, you still stand a chance of getting nominated by a province if your profile meets the province’s criteria for PNP.
Express Entry may last about 6 to 8 months. The cost is around 2,300 CAD for a single applicant, or $4,500 CAD for a couple. In addition, you must provide proof of funds as part of the eligibility requirement depending on your family size. Other require for Express Entry include:
- Passport or travel document
- Language test results
- Educational credential assessment report
- Written job offer from an employer in Canada.
Steps to migrate to Canada from Syria using the Express Entry system
- Submit profile and enter Express Entry Pool.
- Get issued an Invitation to Apply if you meet minimum points requirement.
- Submit an application in 60 days.
- Get a decision in target processing time of six months.
- If successful, move to Canada.
#2: Provincial Nominee Program
Equivalent to the Express Entry in each of the Canadian provinces is the PNP. This program is designed specifically for applicants who want to live in a particular province. An applicant must meet certain eligibility criteria to work in the selected province. In addition, an applicant must have skills, education, and work experience to contribute to the economy of a specific province or territory. Each province has different streams of nominee programs depending on the needs of a particular province.
Each of the PNPs has their own application processing time. Applicants can either submit a paper application or apply online through the Express Entry. The success of these programs also depends on the federal government since only the federal government can offer permanent residence.
Generally, the cost of PNP is the same as the Express Entry except for the processing fees charged by some provinces. For instance Ontario charges upto 1,500 CAD.
Following are the province or territory that provide PNP:
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- New Brunswick
- Nova Scotia
- Ontario
- Prince Edward Island
- Saskatchewan
- Yukon
#3: Family sponsorship
If a member of your family is either a permanent resident or citizen of Canada. You can consider using a family sponsorship program as it could be the easiest pathway to immigrate to Canada from Syria. Canadian citizens and permanent residents can bring their qualifying family member to Canada if such family members meet the eligibility criteria.
The cost of family sponsorship is $1,135 CAD and the processing time varies depending on the family member sponsoring you. Spousal sponsorships take about 12 months to complete. Qualifying family members who are eligible include:
- Spouse, partner, or dependent children
- Parents and grandparents
- Adopted child
- Relatives (With certain conditions)
#4: Canada Investor Immigration Program
If you have a qualifying business or already have managerial experience. The easiest way to immigrate into Canada from Syria is through the federal or provincial business immigration program. This program allows people who can contribute to the economic growth of Canada to come into the country.
There are essentially two investor programs in Canada: The Federal Investor Program and the Quebec program. Both programs are somewhat similar and require that the applicants have a high net worth and make a large investment in an approved investment fund for a 5 year period. Investor immigrants can bring their spouses and children as dependents on their applications.
Business immigration programs typically require a significant investment in the company you intend to start in Canada. The amount required will depend on the program you are interested in. Many PNPs have regional entrepreneur programs that require a lower investment for candidates interested in starting a business in a less populated area.
#5: Transition from temporary residence to permanent residence
Many Syrians who came to Canada used temporary residence as a means. As time goes on, they will be able to transition to permanent residence using some of the pathways provided by the IRCC.
These pathways include the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, International Mobility Program and International Experience Canada Program. These allow the immigrants to get Canadian work permits based on their years of experience working or studying in Canada.
This is a popular route for candidates who do not immediately qualify for permanent residence when applying from Syria. Time spent in Canada as a temporary resident counts towards a permanent residence application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the processing time for Canadian study permit?
For a Canadian study permit, applicants will obtain their permit within 3 to 6 months of applying for It.
What is the processing time for Canadian work permit?
It takes about 3 to 6 months to process a Canadian work permit. Those who want to immigrate to Canada from Syria must start on time to meet this deadline.
How much does it cost to process visa to Canada?
The cost of obtaining a Canadian work permit is $150CAD. This is also the same thing with a study permit.
What is the best way to immigrate to Canada from Syria?
Looking for how to immigrate to Canada from Syria. There is no single best way to do that. Rather, the way you choose must depend on your qualifications and situation.
Conclusion
In summary, there is no best or easiest way to immigrate to Canada from Syria. It depends on your reasons for trying to immigrate. More so, Syrians can seek asylum in Canada because of the ongoing war in the country. For further information on traveling to Canada, please reachout to us via the suggestion box below.
