Canada has consistently been one of the best countries for immigration because it is immigrant-friendly and offers better standards of living.
Canada has been a top choice for Qatari immigrants since 1974 when diplomatic relations between the two countries were established. People migrate from Qatar to Canada each month to seek a better life.
But how do immigrants from the peninsular Arab country successfully move to Canada? This Qatar to Canada immigration guide will answer all your questions, so let’s get started!
Immigrate from Qatar to Canada as a Permanent Resident
When migrating from Qatar to Canada, immigrants aim for permanent residency, which allows them to stay in Canada for as long as they want. Some of the best immigration programs for permanent residency when looking for migration services Qatar are:
- Express Entry programs
- Provincial Nominee Programs
- Family Sponsorship Class
Express Entry
Express Entry is the best Qatar to Canada immigration pathway for skilled workers. Express Entry opens allows skilled Qataris with professional work experience to immigrate to Canada as permanent residents.
There are three Express Entry programs, targeting different categories of skilled workers:
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) – The FSWP is perfect for Qatari workers that have relevant training and work experience, allowing them to fill particular NOC (National Occupational Classification) listed jobs in Canada. Applicants need at least one year of work experience, obtained within the last 10 years.
Federal Skilled Trade Program (FSTP) – The FSTP is perfect for Qatar workers skilled in particular NOC-listed trades. They’ll need at least 2 years’ experience in the skilled trade, obtained within the last 5 years.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – The CEC is perfect for professional Qataris who have recently worked in Canada. Applicants must have at least 1-year Canadian work experience, obtained within the last 3 years.
Express Entry is perfect for Qataris that want to immigrate to Canada permanently as professional workers.
To immigrate from Qatar to Canada via Express Entry, follow these steps:
Step #1 – Determine the Express Entry (EE) program you qualify for
Check the minimum requirements of the three EE programs and target the one that you best qualify for. For example, if you’ve never worked in Canada, the CEC program is not for you.
Also, if you have experience in professional jobs, the FSWP is for you. Lastly, if you have experience/qualifications in a skill trade, the FSTP is perfect.
Step #2 – Create an Express Entry profile
Fill out the online form to submit your profile to the relevant Express Entry pool. All candidates in the pool are assessed and ranked using a comprehensive ranking system (CRS). The system scores candidates using several factors (like age, education, language proficiency, work experience, etc.).
Candidates with the highest CRS scores are regularly selected from the pool and invited to apply to be permanent residents.
Step #3 – Try to boost your CRS score
While waiting in the EE pool, you can boost your CRS score and increase your chances of being invited to apply for permanent residency. Some ways to boost your CRS score are:
- Get a higher degree
- Get more work experience
- Improve your language score
- Get a Canadian job offer
- Contact Canadian provinces to consider you for the Provincial Nominee Program
Step #4 – Receive an invitation to apply (ITA)
There are about two rounds of Express Entry draws each month, after which the highest-ranking candidates are sent ITAs. Only candidates receiving ITAs can proceed to apply to become permanent residents. The qualifying CRS score varies from draw to draw.
Step #5 – Apply for permanent residency
If you receive an ITA, you must submit your application for permanent residency within 60 days.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
The PNP is for Qatari professionals with the education, skills, and work experience to contribute to the economy of a specific Canadian province or territory. The programs allow Canadian provinces to nominate candidates, from the Express Entry pool, to meet their labor needs.
A provincial nomination adds 600 points to a candidate’s CRS scores. 600 additional points automatically makes you a strong candidate and all but guarantees receiving an ITA.
Thus, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is a brilliant Qatar-Canada pathway for Qatari professionals who find Express Entry programs too competitive.
There are two ways to apply for the PNP:
- Look for a PNP Program – Search for a PNP program you qualify for and apply directly to it. If you are nominated, create an EE profile and include your nomination certificate.
- Use the Express Entry System – Create an Express Entry profile and indicate the provinces you are interested in. If the province contacts you, you can then apply to them. If it nominates you, you should update your EE profile with your nomination certificate.
Family Sponsorship Class
The Family Sponsorship Class program allows adult Canadian citizens or permanent residents to sponsor their relatives to the country. The government created this program so that families can be reunited.
If you are a Qatari having relatives in Canada, the Family Sponsorship program may be the easiest way to permanently immigrate from Qatar to Canada.
Family members that a Canadian citizen or permanent resident can sponsor to the country include:
- Spouse or common-law partner
- Parent and grand parent
- Children
Immigrate from Qatar to Canada on a Temporary Visa
Getting a temporary visa is easier than getting permanent residency. Interestingly, temporary visa holders fare better with obtaining permanent residency. Thus, an easier route to migrating from Qatar to Canada is going on a temporary visa and later transitioning to permanent residency.
The popular Canadian temporary visas for Qatari immigrants are either through a work or study permit. Here we take a closer look at them both.
Work Permit
A Canadian work permit allows you to work in Canada temporarily. This gives Canadian work experience that makes one a stronger candidate when later applying to become a permanent resident.
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) is the most popular for Qataris seeking Canadian temporary work visas.
The TFWP allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers to fill temporary jobs when they cannot find qualified Canadians.
The TFWP has different streams targeting different categories of workers, such as Global Talent Stream, Low-Wage Worker Stream, High-Wage Worker Stream, In-Home Caregiver Stream, etc.
To apply for a Canadian work permit:
- Apply to and secure employment from a Canadian employer
- Get an offer of employment and the Labor Market Impact Assessment document from the employer (the LMIA shows that the employer can hire a foreign worker)
- Submit an online application to the IRCC for a work visa
Study Permit
A Canadian Study Permit allows you to live in Canada and study at a designated learning institution (DLI).
The visa is usually for the duration of your studies. However, it gives Canadian education. Also, most candidates qualify for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after their studies, which provides Canadian work experience. A Canadian education and Canadian work experience makes you a stronger candidate when later applying to become a permanent resident.
A study permit is easy to get once you meet the minimum requirements of a DLI program and can pay applicable fees. The steps for applying are:
- Apply to a DLI and get a letter of acceptance
- Submit an online application.
Final Thoughts
Many Qataris call Canada home today. You too can successfully migrate from Qatar to Canada. If you have skills or a professional background, the Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs are excellent for permanently migrating from Qatar to Canada.
If you have family in Canada, the Family Sponsorship Class program can help you move permanently to Canada. Alternatively, you can easily move from Qatar to Canada on a temporary Work Permit or Study Permit, and later transition to permanent residency.
If you’re dreaming of making the move from Qatar to Canada, take the assessment form on our website. Once you’ve done that, you’ll have a clear on the next steps you need to take.
