How do I go to Canada from Bangladesh
How do I go to Canada from Bangladesh
Exploring Your Pathways to Canada from Bangladesh
As an immigration consulting firm, one of the most frequently asked questions we receive is: “How do I go to Canada?” The answer isn’t simple, as Canada offers various pathways tailored to different goals, such as visiting, studying, working, or becoming a permanent resident. Here, we’ll outline some of the primary routes that people from Bangladesh can take to make their Canadian dreams a reality.
1. Visiting Canada: Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)
A visitor visa (also known as a Temporary Resident Visa, or TRV) allows people from Bangladesh to visit Canada for up to six months. This visa is suitable for tourists, parents accompanying children studying in Canada, and those attending short courses or training programs (under six months). However, a TRV does not permit visitors to work in Canada.
Special Categories of Visitor Visas:
- Super Visa: This is a long-term visa specifically for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. It allows holders to stay for up to five years per visit, with multiple entries over a period of up to 10 years. However, the Super Visa is strictly for visiting and does not provide work authorization.
- International Mobility Program (IMP): Certain categories of visitors, like guest speakers, performers, athletes, and journalists, may be able to work under this program, provided they meet specific eligibility requirements.
Study Permits for Short Courses (SX-1 Visa): Individuals planning to attend short courses (under six months) in Canada can apply for an SX-1 Visa. This visa doesn’t require a study permit but categorizes the individual as a visitor, so they won’t be permitted to work during their stay.
2. Studying in Canada: Study Permits
Canada is a popular destination for Bangladeshi students, thanks to its world-renowned education system. Students who obtain a study permit are allowed to study full-time at designated institutions in Canada. Full-time students (excluding those in language courses) can also work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) off-campus during the school year and full-time during scheduled breaks.
Key Points About Study Permits:
- On-Campus Employment: Students can work on-campus without restrictions on hours.
- Off-Campus Employment: Part-time work (up to 24 hours per week) is allowed for students enrolled in eligible programs, as long as the permit specifies this condition.
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): After completing their studies, students can apply for a PGWP, which allows them to work full-time in Canada and gain valuable Canadian work experience. This experience can be beneficial for students planning to transition to permanent residency.
3. Working in Canada: Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program
Individuals from Bangladesh can work in Canada through the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program. However, this route is often more complex than it seems, as it involves several steps and the cooperation of a Canadian employer.
Key Steps and Requirements:
- Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA): Canadian employers must apply for an LMIA to demonstrate that they couldn’t find a qualified Canadian citizen or permanent resident to fill the position. This process involves advertising the position on government and third-party job platforms for at least one month and explaining why Canadian applicants were unsuitable.
- Work Permit Application: Once the LMIA is approved, the foreign worker can apply for a work permit tied to that specific employer. The work permit’s validity is typically aligned with the LMIA approval duration. If the worker wishes to change jobs, the new employer must go through the same LMIA process.
It’s important to note that LMIA applications can be challenging to obtain, as Canada prioritizes hiring Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Jobs requiring an LMIA often involve high-demand skills that are difficult to fill within Canada.
4. Permanent Residency: Economic and Family Sponsorship Programs
For those aiming to settle in Canada permanently, there are several permanent residency programs available. Here are some of the most common pathways:
- Express Entry System: This is Canada’s primary pathway for skilled workers to gain permanent residency. Express Entry is a points-based system where candidates are evaluated on factors such as age, education, work experience, language skills, and adaptability. Eligible programs under Express Entry include:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Each Canadian province and territory has its own immigration program targeting specific labor market needs. Candidates nominated through a PNP receive additional points under Express Entry, increasing their chances of being invited to apply for permanent residency.
- Family Sponsorship: If you have close family members in Canada who are citizens or permanent residents, they may be able to sponsor you for permanent residency under Canada’s Family Sponsorship program.
5. Other Considerations
- Rehabilitation for Criminal Inadmissibility: If you have a criminal record, it may affect your eligibility to enter Canada. Canada offers Criminal Rehabilitation and Temporary Resident Permits (TRP) for individuals who need to overcome criminal inadmissibility.
- Appealing Denials: If your visa, work permit, or residency application is denied, you may be able to appeal the decision in Canadian Federal Court. Appeals must be filed within a limited timeframe, usually 15-60 days depending on the case.
Why Choose WE Immigration?
Navigating the complexities of Canadian immigration from Bangladesh can be challenging, given the multiple pathways and requirements. At WE Immigration, we specialize in helping clients from Bangladesh and around the world achieve their Canadian immigration goals. Whether you’re interested in visiting, studying, working, or settling permanently, our experienced team can guide you every step of the way, from application preparation to handling appeals.
Contact us today to start your journey to Canada.
