Moving to a developed country such as Canada, which is known for its peaceful, safe environment and high standard of living, is attractive to people around the world. Canada currently accepts almost 250,000 immigrants a year. Common reasons persons cited by persons moving to Canada are its high standard of living, its banking system which is regarded as one of the most sound in the world, its excellent education system, and its universal health care system. This article provides an overview of the main methods for moving permanently to Canada.

There are a number of options for immigrating. Canada's 10 Provinces and territories enjoy some statutory authority and can fast track applications for permanent residency. Those immigrants nominated by the provinces and territories can have permanent residents visas issued by the Federal government subject only to them and their family members passing medical and background checks.

There are also Federal immigration options based on the so called family class i.e. on marriage, common-law and close family relationships. In all cases, the sponsor may have to demonstrate they have the required income. For instance if you are married to a permanent resident or citizen, or have lived together with them for at least a year, you will generally be able to achieve permanent residency. Gender does not matter, since. Canada allows same-sex marriages and accepts relationships whether they are heterosexual or not. If you have dependant children, they may be included on your application. The nephew, niece, or grandchild of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, may also be sponsored for residency under certain circumstances. Normally, siblings can not be sponsored under the Federal program, however some Canadian provinces allow this. Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada may also sponsor their parents or grandparents.

Canada also attempts to attract succesful, experienced business owners to Canada and offers good opportunities to those who fit its entrepreneur and investor requirements. For example, if you have a net worth of $300,000 and extensive business management experience, or net assets of $800,000, you may be eligible for these immigration categories. If you have over $1 million in net assets your financial affairs may even be structured in such a way that you realize a 5-year holiday from income taxes upon immigration to Canada.

As an applicant with an offer of permanent employment, or as a temporary foreign worker or student in Canada, or if you have experience in an occupation listed as desirable by the federal government, you may be eligible for rapid immigration. Although the list of sopecific occupations may change from time to time, it currently includes financial managers and health care personnel, mining engineers, carpenters, plumbers, electricians and crane operators.

Increasingly, immigration to Canada requires working or studying in Canada - which can often be facilitated by an intermediary based in Canada, such as a good immigration consultant. Comprehending the immigration categories and finding the one that will reduce the elapsed time before receiving the coveted permanent residence visa is not a trivial task, and historically the refusal rate for applicants has been high. It may therefore be helpful to engage the services of an accredited Canadian immigration consultant who can assess your chances of qualification and smooth the way for successful immigration. You can find immigration consultants online, but make sure that you select one that has a high success rate, one that will provide you with an honest assessment of your chances for success, and one that offers personal and effective services at a fair price. By doing so, you will greatly increase the chance that you will soon be enjoying the advantages, peaceful lifestyle, and beautiful scenery that Canada has to offer.