Canada is a country that is equipped with diverse opportunities that can advance the cause of your career, open you to better living opportunities, and grant you the privilege of enjoying the benefits of a first-world country.
As a citizen of Cote d’Ivoire with a dream of immigrating to Canada, this article may be important to you as it contains the necessary information to complete the immigration process.
Table of Contents
Pathways to Immigration
Quebec Immigrant Investor Program
The government of Canada sets aside the Quebec Immigration Investor Program for top corporate individuals who, by the development of their business and brands, have attained financial sufficiency with a minimum net worth of C$2 million and are interested in living in the French-speaking environment of Quebec.
Due to Cote d’Ivoire and Quebec’s cultural ties and language similarities, Ivorians have the environment to carry out their daily practices. Quebec is seen as a home away from home.
As of November 2023, IRCC recorded 15 new investors who immigrated to Canada from Cote d’Ivoire.
The Quebec Immigration Investor Program is an immigration program that also allows investors to obtain the status of a permanent resident immediately. However, this will require the applicant to invest $1 million with IQ Immigrant Investisseurs Inc. of Canada.
Also, a non-refundable financial contribution of $200,000 would be required from the Investor.
After the application process, successful Ivorian candidates would be given the Quebec Selection Certificate. This certificate would provide them with easy access to obtaining permanent residence, and this is after the Federal Immigration Agency has carried out the necessary investigations to ascertain their source of funds and their medical reports to ascertain their health.
In addition to the eligibility criteria mentioned above, you also need the following:
- Minimum of 2 years of practical business experience and management.
- French language proficiency.
- Canadian educational degree or diploma or its equivalent in Canada.
- You must be ready to reside in the province of Quebec.
Provincial Nominee Programs
Here is another opportunity to immigrate to Canada from Cote d’Ivoire. It is a system of immigration programs where a province or a Canadian territory nominates an applicant who has been found skilled in a certain occupation or trade to satisfy the deficit or demand of that provincial economy.
However, this program can only be utilized in the absence of a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident qualified for that role.
Across the 10 Canadian provinces and its three territories, there is a network of nominee programs looking to accommodate workers or traders with specific skills required for that province for better efficiency and economic growth.
Foreign immigrants such as Ivorians can take advantage of this. According to the record provided by IRCC, 305 Ivorians immigrated to Canada through this program in 2024.
Receiving a nomination from the province or territory you choose to live in would increase your chances of being pulled from the entry draws, and this will grant you access to obtain the status of permanent residency through the Federal Immigration Agency, IRCC.
Refugee and Humanitarian Resettlement Program
It has become a common practice for Canada to protect refugees from other countries. Yearly, it has been recorded that Canada takes up to 30,000 refugees across different countries.
The Refugee And Humanitarian Settlement Program is another way to immigrate to Canada from Cote d’Ivoire, provided there is a form of abuse to one’s human rights, danger to citizen’s safety due to political, religious or social stance and need for protection in the country.
In 2023, 60 Ivorians immigrated to Canada through this program.
Here are the processes involved before immigrants can be granted immigration into Canada:
- The refugee claimant must provide credible information to support his claim of being in danger in his home country at the Canadian point of entry or Canada Immigration Centre offices.
- A CIC officer will then refer the refugee to the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB), which is comprised of Refugee Protection Division members, to determine whether he is a Convention Refugee or needs protection.
- The refugee claimant, upon deliberation, would then be approved to apply for Permanent Residence. In the meantime, authorization would be granted to obtain a work or a student permit.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
If you wish to immigrate to Canada from Cote d’Ivoire to live and work, you can also consider taking this route. However, the CEC program is mostly conducive for foreign immigrants with practical years of living experience in Canada who wish to settle there.
Should you find this piece engaging, we kindly invite you to explore the wealth of content in our other articles:
This program requires at least a 1-year living and working experience. They include;
- Have a minimum of 1 year of work experience in an occupation that is contained within the National Occupation Classification (NOC) program of Canada.
- As an Ivorian, you must meet the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) to ascertain your language proficiency.
- Applying on a criminal, medical, or security basis may deny you access to this program.
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)
The Federal Skilled Worker program is designed for foreign immigrants who possess a skill or another that can meaningfully contribute to the country’s economy and create a strong link in the Canadian Society.
This program is one of the three sub-programs under the Express Entry program, which was designed to aid the immigration of newcomers into the country.
With high-scoring CRS points, there is a high chance of being invited to apply (ITA) for permanent residence after the application process.
To be eligible for this program, here are what you may need:
- Canadian educational credentials, e.g., degree, diploma, etc., are equivalent to Canadian educational standards.
- Minimum work experience of one year, equivalent to 1,560 hours, in an occupation that the government of Canada recognizes in the national occupation classification based on training, education, experience, and responsibilities (NOC TEER).
- For the language proficiency assessment, you must meet the Canadian language benchmark.
Start-up Visa Program
This program is designed for entrepreneurs who may be interested in expanding the scope of their business and have considered Canada as the best location for that establishment.
This program also grants Permanent Residence to foreign immigrants with no visa conditions, such as the Ivorians. Also, you can enjoy an early entry work permit within the first six months of immigration.
The program is designed to recruit entrepreneurs with innovative ideas and development and link them with designated Canadian organizations, such as Angel investors, business incubators, and venture capital funds.
To be eligible, you require the following:
- You need to be able to pitch your innovative ideas backed up with substantial proof of work.
- Letter of support from a designated organization (Angel investors, business incubators, and venture capital funds).
- Language proficiency assessment.
- Proof of fund – a minimum of C$14,690.
Conclusion
Your purpose for immigrating to Canada will play a huge role in determining which immigration pathway to go through. However, with the right knowledge and available resources, immigrating to Canada from Cote d’Ivoire can be made possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a refugee claimant to be approved to apply for permanent residence in Canada?
It takes an average of 18 months to be approved to apply for Permanent Residence as a refugee claimant.
How much are Ivorians accepted in Canada?
Due to the shortage of labor forces experienced in Canada, there are no exemptions for individuals who can reduce this work dilemma. So, Ivorians who possess one skill or another are widely accepted in the country.
What is the easiest immigration pathway to immigrate to Canada from Cote d’Ivoire?
One of the easiest immigration pathways to Canada is the federal skilled worker program. In 2023, over 1,400 Ivorians obtained permanent residence through this pathway.
What are the immigration policies in Canada for intended Ivorians?
The immigration policy in Canada for intending Ivorians varies widely depending on the immigration pathway they choose to follow. However, some general policies need to be adhered to. They include but are not limited to having a valid traveling passport, showing proof of funds depending on the number of families, and passing the Canadian minimum language benchmark.
How much does it cost to immigrate from Cote d’Ivoire to Canada?
The cost of immigration would depend on the program you wish to go through. However, it requires an average cost of C$14,960 for an Ivorian.
