How to immigrate to Canada from Kenya in 2023

immigrate to Canada from Kenya

Read on to find out how to immigrate to Canada from Kenya in 2022 as I will show you the different options through which Kenyans can move to Canada.

The easiest and fastest way to move to Canada as a Kenyan is to decide where you want to live in Canada and then apply for a visa program that works for you.

Why are most Kenyans so successful in moving to Canada?

  • Proficiency in the English language, and French for others
  • Higher education among most Kenyans

Following are the top five most popular ways you can come to Canada from Kenya!

What's Covered in This Article

1. Get an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through Express Entry

The Express Entry system is the most common immigration pathway used by skilled Kenyan workers who want to live and work in Canada.

The whole premise behind the Express Entry system is that an applicant scores their highest points possible on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). so as to get an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency in Canada.

How Can You Get an ITA from Kenya?

Express Entry applicants are compared against each other through a bi-weekly draw based on their CRS score (maximum is 1,200) determined using personal factors applicable to them such as age, years of work experience, English and/or French language proficiency, provincial nomination (or not), education level, etc.

Express entry candidates are sent ITAs based on the ranks from the bi-weekly Express Entry draw rounds. Watch the video below for some ways to improve your score:

How Long Does it Take to Process Express Entry Applications?

Immigrating to Canada from Kenya through the Express Entry pathway is one of the fastest ways to move to Canada from Kenya since the application processing time can take as little as six months from when a candidate receives an Invitation to Apply (ITA)!

2. Through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) 

With a provincial nomination  Kenyan nationals can apply for permanent residency in Canada from Kenya, and settle in the province that has nominated them.

How Does the Provincial Nomination Program Work?

Nomination of candidates by the respective provinces in Canada is based on its economic needs or of its territory. I would however advise you to do your research and find provinces with the best opportunities for jobs in your line of work, and the city in which your skills are mostly on demand before you start your application process.

For example, the The Atlantic Immigration Pilot is exempt from the Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This means, employers don’t have to get an LMIA to employ you, and you can start working in Canada while your PR application is being processed.

To be considered for a PNP, apply directly or send an expression of interest to the province looking for a candidate with your skills through your Express Entry profile.

3. Study in Canada to Qualify for a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)

Having Canadian work experience plus Canadian education is your almost sure bet getting permanent residency in Canada from Kenya.

Although getting an education in Canada through a student visa does not directly lead to immigration to Canada, it is a first step towards improve your chances as Canadian permanent residence post-graduation as it significantly increases your CRS score.

Besides, if you undertake your studies from eligible Canadian designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada and study a course that is longer than eight months you may qualify for a Post-Graduate Work Permit that allows you to to obtain an open work permit to gain valuable Canadian work experience after your studies.

4. Work in Canada as a Farmworker or Caregiver

If you have been working in Canada in an eligible farming or caregiving position then you can apply to move to Canada from Kenya through the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot and the Home Care Provider Pilot.

Once you have one to two years of work experience in Canada and a permanent job offer from your employer, you’re good to immigrate to Canada as a PR from Kenya.

5. Obtain a Job Offer from a Designated Employer through the Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP) Program

You can also apply to move to Canada from Kenya through the Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP) is an employer-driven program that you can apply for to move to Canada from Nigeria and and settle in one of the Atlantic provinces of Canada, i.e.: New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.

With a job offer from a designated employer in one of the provinces in Atlantic Canada, you can migrate to Canada from Kenya.

Below is a list of designated employers below from each of the provinces:

How Much Does it Cost to Immigrate to Canada from Kenya?

  • The permanent resident federal processing fee: $1,325.
  • Settlement funds (if you don’t have a job offer in Canada): Minimum $12,960 as a single applicant
  • Additional costs per dependent family member (even if they don’t move to Canada with you): $3,492
  • Express entry visa processing fee: $825  + $225 per dependent child accompanying you to Canada
  • Right of permanent resident fee: $500 per adult applicant

Learn more about what it costs to move to Canada from Kenya here.

7 thoughts on “How to immigrate to Canada from Kenya in 2023

  1. Do you know a reliable agent in Nairobi/Kenya who can assist in moving to Canada for both academic progression and working as well, aiming for permanent resident in future?????

Comments are closed.