With its Startup Visa, Canada’s scoring with UAE residents thinking of migration moves

With its Startup Visa, Canada’s scoring with UAE residents thinking of migration moves

Dubai: Even as other nations step up their own residency and investment-linked programmes, Canada retains its hold as the top overseas choice for UAE’s residents seeking such options.

Candidates from the UAE remain among the Top 5 rankings in receiving an express-entry ‘Invitation to Apply’ (ITA), or electronic Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR) from Canadian immigration authorities.

The eAPR is the final step of Canada’s Express Entry programme, and the Startup Visa remains the top entry option in the country.

In 2019-21, Canada issued 3,587 ITAs to applicants from the UAE. The numbers have shot since then.

“Our business has grown by 10 to 15 per cent in the past year,” said Jafar Syed, founder of Cosmos Immigration.“Canadian authorities have been focusing on healthcare workers, STEM experts and French-speaking candidates.

But there is no slowdown in demand from the UAE. - Jafar Syed

Pathways to residency

For Canada’s Express Entry, those under 30, young professionals with some work experience and higher level educational degrees have the best chance to be selected,” said Preeya Malik, Managing Director of STEP Global.

Those willing to enter a pool and hedge their bets may try the Express Entry programme. - Preeya Malik

Someone not falling into that category - due to age and