the CanadaVisa Team - 22 July, 2015
Approximately 80 per cent of Canadian immigrants have chosen to settle in Canada's five largest urban centres (Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, Ottawa). A Statistics Canada study cited that, for the majority of immigrants, the most important reason for choosing a particular destination in Canada is because family and/or friends are already there. Whether there are good job prospects in the area is the second most important reason. The study underlines the importance of community networks and social ties to immigrant integration and settlement.
SeveralProvincial Nomination Programs (PNP) are taking these elements into account. The thinking is that, if new immigrants can settle in areas where they have family and/or a community support group, their transition into the Canadian workforce and Canadian society will be smoother. Each of the Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan PNP's have family members categories, through which applicants who have close relatives in the province can be nominated for Canadian Permanent Residency. The Manitoba PNP also has a community support stream for skilled workers who can demonstrate the support of an established community organization in the province.
Choosing where to reside in Canada is a significant decision for soon-to-be Canadian immigrants. Doing research about Canada is an important step in the immigration process.
