Immigrate to Canada from Kenya
More than 13,000 Kenyans live in Canada. If you want to immigrate to Canada from Kenya, you’re in the right place. This page provides an overview of Canadian immigration options available to Kenyans.
Overview: Why immigrate to Canada from Kenya?
Canada is a preferred destination for Kenyans because of the economic opportunities it offers. Canada also has many advantages, including a safe and politically stable country, a prosperous economy, a highly developed health care system, and an internationally recognized education system. There are currently more than 13,000 Kenyans living in Canada. This number continues to increase every year as more Kenyans move to Canada for immigration, work and study. Canada is working to improve its immigration rate and there will be more opportunities for Kenyans to immigrate to Canada in the future.
How do I immigrate to Canada from Kenya?
Kenyans are well-positioned to immigrate to Canada due to their excellent English skills, education, and work experience. These are among the important factors that Canada considers when selecting economic class immigrants.
Federal Skilled Worker Program: If you are a Kenyan living abroad, the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) may be your best option. The FSWP allows applicants with a work history and no ties to Canada or a job offer to apply for permanent residence. This program is aimed at professionals who can leverage their foreign work experience, education, language skills, and other human capital factors to establish themselves economically in Canada. For the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), applicants must meet several eligibility requirements. These include
Meeting all of these requirements is crucial for being considered eligible for the FSWP.
What should I do if I qualify for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)?
The Federal Skilled Worker Program is one of three programs managed under the Government of Canada’s Express Entry application management system. Once you have confirmed your eligibility for FSWP, you can upload your Express Entry profile to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. Upon uploading their Express Entry profile, Kenyan candidates receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on human capital factors such as age, education, work experience, and proficiency in official languages. Every two weeks, IRCC will send an invitation to apply for permanent residence to the candidates with the highest scores.
Additionally, IRCC has set a six-month processing service standard under Express Entry. The goal is to admit more than 110,000 permanent residents per year through Express Entry.
Taken together, these factors make Express Entry one of the most attractive options and the fastest way to obtain Canadian permanent residence for economy class candidates.
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
PNP is another major option for immigrant candidates in Kenya. Canada is a federal country consisting of ten provinces and three territories, most of which control the PNP. The program allows each state and territory, with its own population and economy, to design immigration pathways based on their economic and demographic needs. Through the PNP, provinces and territories can nominate skilled labor candidates for immigration to their respective jurisdictions. Kenyan candidates may apply to immigrate to Canada directly through the PNP if they meet the eligibility criteria. You may also be invited to participate in the Express Entry pool and apply for nominations from states that select candidates from the federal pool. If you are nominated through a stream linked to Express Entry, you will receive an additional 600 CRS Points. This means you are virtually guaranteed to receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence (ITA) in a subsequent Express Entry Draw
Conclusion
If you are considering immigrating to Canada from Kenya, it is crucial to explore your options and understand the various immigration programs available to you. Canada offers a welcoming environment, economic opportunities, and a high quality of life for immigrants. Whether you choose the Federal Skilled Worker Program or the Provincial Nominee Program, taking the first step towards your Canadian dream starts with understanding the immigration process and requirements. Good luck on your journey to Canada!
FAQs
What are the general requirements to immigrate to Canada from Kenya?
The requirements vary depending on the immigration program you choose. However, some common requirements are proof of English/French language proficiency, educational qualifications, work experience, and sufficient funds to support yourself.
Which immigration programs are available for Kenyan applicants?
Kenya nationals can apply for various programs such as the Express Entry system, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), Family Sponsorship, and the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program.
How do I check my eligibility for Canadian immigration?
To check your eligibility, you can refer to the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or consult with a registered immigration consultant/lawyer.
How long does the Canadian immigration process take?
The processing time varies depending on the program and individual circumstances. It can range from a few months to over a year. The specific timelines can be found on the IRCC website.
Do I need a job offer in Canada to immigrate from Kenya?
Having a job offer is not mandatory for all immigration programs, but it can significantly increase your chances of being selected, especially under the Express Entry system and some PNPs.
How much money do I need to immigrate to Canada from Kenya?
The amount of funds required varies depending on the size of your family and the chosen immigration program. It is essential to demonstrate that you have enough money to settle and support yourself and your family members in Canada.
Can I bring my family with me when immigrating to Canada?
Yes, you can bring your immediate family members, including your spouse and dependent children, to Canada. However, you must meet the specific requirements of the program you are applying to.
Are there any age restrictions for immigrating to Canada from Kenya?
No, there are no specific age restrictions for most immigration programs. However, certain programs may have age limits or specific requirements based on age, such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
Do I need to take an English/French language test for Canadian immigration?
Yes, most immigration programs require applicants to take an approved language test, such as the IELTS or CELPIP (for English) and TEF (for French). The test results determine your language proficiency.
Can I apply for Canadian citizenship after immigrating from Kenya?
Yes, once you meet the eligibility criteria, such as residing in Canada for a specific period, meeting language requirements, and passing the citizenship test, you can apply for Canadian citizenship.
