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Writer's pictureLovely Erin

Canada Immigration and Citizenship for Filipinos

Canada is a major immigration destination for many Filipino families. With more than half a million first-generation Filipino immigrants currently living in Canada, the numbers are increasing rapidly each year.


As Canada steadily recovers from the economic downfall caused by the pandemic, the country submits to the labor demands and sees the need to welcome thousands of immigrants in the coming years.


The hot labor trends in Canada are caused by the imbalance of the working population and the manpower required to operate different businesses. By opening more opportunities for foreigners to permanently stay in the country, Canada is looking to hit its target of around 400,000 new permanent residents in 2021.


The Philippines, especially those under the student visa route, takes a great chunk in the number of immigration and citizenship applicants in Canada, and the country acknowledges its significance to help achieve its goal. This is why eligibility to permanent residency and citizenship is eased when a migrant chooses to come to Canada through the student pathway.


How Can a Filipino Get Canadian Citizenship?

Immigration and Citizenship

Citizenship not only allows a person to live and work in Canada, but it also allows them to vote and enjoy privileges including free healthcare.


Canadian Citizenship is a highly valued and wished-for status, but how do you get it? First, you have to live in Canada for 3 to 4 years, only then can you be eligible to apply for citizenship.


You also need to take a test and an oath. When you've passed everything, you will then receive your citizenship certificate via email.


As easy as it may sound, the difficult part is getting a Permanent Residency (PR). Normally, you need to get your PR before applying for Citizenship. There are three ways to get the PR status in Canada:


1. Through a spouse


If you are already married to a Canadian citizen or a Permanent Resident, it is easier for you to get your citizenship.


2. Federal Skilled Worker Program


Skilled workers from other countries can apply to this program. They can almost immediately settle into a Permanent Resident status. This program became popular because of the demands from provinces in Canada.


3. Student Visa


Canada allows migrants who studied and worked in Canada for years to get their Permanent Residency and eventually get their citizenship.


How Can I Immigrate to Canada From the Philippines?

Immigration and Citizenship

There are many reasons why Filipinos want to immigrate to Canada. Being able to live and work in the country means the chance to build a better future for their families and a good work-life balance, while some look forward to greater career opportunities.


Under the various immigration programs, it is possible to apply for a permanent residency even before coming to Canada. However, to start your immigration journey, there is a strict list of requirements you need to comply with.


Since there are many alternatives, you need to choose the most suitable one for you. Each option has unique prerequisites, to ensure that you qualify, you need to check the application packages. After complying with the requirements for application, you may submit it online or through mail to the proper office in Canada.


You will be assessed based on your application and will be contacted for an interview. If you pass, you’ll be advised about your immigration details.


To immigrate to Canada, here are the general steps to follow:


1. Choose the most appropriate program for you.


With the wide range of immigration programs available for Filipinos, you need to choose according to your needs and your qualifications. Start by considering your education, work experience, available funds, and other things required by the program of your choice.


To make things easier, you can do a self-assessment or have it done with the help of our Fil-Global agents. We can provide you with a checklist and figure out your eligibility should you decide to go to Canada via a student visa or the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program.


2. Prepare all the necessary documents

Immigration and Citizenship

Documents may vary depending on the program you wish to apply to. Applying for a working visa means securing a job first. Once you got yourself an employer, you will be sponsored and required to meet their terms.


If you decide to go via the student visa or FSW program, our team of professionals can walk you through the process and guide you in every step.


3. Apply for the program where you are eligible


Once you have assessed your qualifications and have chosen the appropriate program, you can now start submitting your documents for visa application.


Working on your immigration and citizenship plans alone can be frightening, especially since there are plenty of factors to consider for each type of program. The good news is, our country has immigration specialists that can be tapped in just a few clicks. Reach us through our page or social media account and let us help you with your immigration goals!


What Is the Easiest Way to Immigrate to Canada From the Philippines?


The processes involved in immigrating to Canada are tough and could take several months or even a few years, but there are steps you can take to get approved successfully.


The easiest way to get to Canada is dependent on the applicant’s eligibility. For example, an experienced and highly-skilled professional can be well suited under an FSW program rather than taking the student visa route.


Here are some of the options you might want to check:


Express Entry


This eligibility is for skilled workers. There are three programs under this program.


Federal Skilled Worker Program

Immigration and Citizenship

You must have paid work for at least 1 year within the last 10 years. Occupations under this program are:

  • Management jobs

  • Skilled Jobs that need university degrees.

  • Technical jobs and skilled trades that need diploma or training


Federal Skilled Trades Program


This program requires at least 2 years of full-time work experience for the last 5 years. The following groups belong to this program:

  • Industrial, electrical, and construction trades

  • Maintenance and equipment operations trades

  • Supervisors and technical jobs in natural resources and agriculture

  • Processing, manufacturing, and utility supervisors

  • Chefs and cooks

  • Butchers and bakers


Canadian Experience Class


This program is for a self-employed individual with the same skills as under the Federal Skilled Program. It requires at least 1 year of skilled experience in Canada for the last 3 years regardless of whether it's part-time or full-time.


The express entry follows a point-based grading system with components such as language, education, work experience, age, job offer, and adaptability. Express Entry allows you to include your spouse and children upon application for your visa.


The most common Express Entry option for Filipinos is the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program. Visa application processing time is around 6 to 8 months. This program does not require any Canadian experience or job offer but some basic eligibility must be met. Express Entry is competitive, but with stronger qualifications, you’ll get a higher chance of approval.


Provincial Nominee Program

Immigration and Citizenship

This program is based on the demand and requirements of the province. To immigrate to Canada from the Philippines through this program, the applicant must first make representation for a Provincial Nomination Certificate to the provincial government where they intend to settle.


Every province has a different requirement for processing permanent residency applications. This program is for workers who want to become permanent residents in Canada and have all the needed education, skills, and experience to be beneficial to the economy of the specific province.


Caregiver Program


If you have experience being a caregiver in the Philippines, this program can be a pathway to being a permanent resident of Canada. You will be given an open work permit and a chance to bring your family with you.


Family Sponsorship


If you have relatives in Canada who are Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents, then you can live in the country through family sponsorship. The member of the family can sponsor the following:

  • Spouse

  • Common-law partner

  • Conjugal Partner

  • Dependent children

  • Adopted child

  • Parents

  • Grandparents

  • Dependent brother or sister

  • Other relatives not mentioned


Self-employed

Immigration and Citizenship

This option might take you roughly 2 years of processing from the time you submit your application. This program is for those who have experience in athletics or cultural activities and are willing to contribute to the country’s economy.


Start-Up Visa


This is for entrepreneurs who want to do business in Canada and create jobs for locals.


Student Visa


If you apply for a student visa, you can be eligible for a post-graduate work permit (PGWP), which will permit you to stay in Canada for a longer time. Through the student PGWP pathway, you can shift your status eventually to Permanent Residency.




Applying for a visa can be time-consuming and difficult. With deadlines, procedures, and requirements, it could be tedious and could cost you your immigration and citizenship in Canada.


But with the help of the Fil-global Immigration Services, we can offer worry and stress-free processes. Contact us now and our team will gladly help you assess your eligibility for the program of your choice. Check us out at www.fil-global.com and let us help you live a new life in the Great White North.


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