Your Trusted Filipino Immigration Lawyers in Toronto
Moving to Canada is a dream shared by thousands of Filipinos every year. At JCA Law Office Professional Corporation, we understand the unique immigration journey of Filipino-Canadians. Whether you’re bringing family members to Canada, pursuing permanent residence through Express Entry, or navigating provincial nominee programs, our team provides personalized guidance every step of the way.
As Filipino lawyers who understand both Canadian immigration law and the Filipino community’s needs, we offer services in English, Tagalog, and Bisaya.
Overview of Immigration Pathways
Canada offers multiple routes to permanent residence. The best pathway for you depends on your education, work experience, language skills, and personal circumstances.
| Pathway | Best For | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Express Entry | Skilled workers with high CRS scores | 6-8 months |
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | Workers with job offers or targeted skills | 12-18 months |
| Family Sponsorship | Spouses, parents, children of Canadian citizens/PRs | 12-24 months |
| Caregiver Pathways | Caregivers with Canadian work experience | 12-18 months |
| Study Permit → PGWP → PR | International students | 3-5 years total |
Express Entry & Economic Immigration
Express Entry is Canada’s flagship immigration system, managing applications for three federal economic programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) – For professionals with foreign work experience
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – For those with Canadian work experience
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) – For qualified tradespeople
📘 Complete Immigration Guide: Filipino Immigrant Guide to Canada – From Visa to PR (2026)
Comprehensive overview of all pathways, CRS scoring, and step-by-step application guidance.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
Each Canadian province operates its own immigration program. A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points to your Express Entry profile, virtually guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply.
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
📘 Complete OINP Guide: Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) – Complete Guide for Filipinos (2026)
Covers all 8 OINP streams, eligibility requirements, 2026 updates, and step-by-step application process.
British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
📗 Complete BC PNP Guide: British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) – Complete Guide for Filipinos (2026)
Covers Skills Immigration, Express Entry BC, SIRS points system, 2026 restrictions, and application process.
Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
📙 Complete Alberta AAIP Guide: Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) – Complete Guide for Filipinos (2026)
Covers Alberta Opportunity Stream, Express Entry Stream, priority pathways in healthcare/tech/construction, and application process.
Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
📕 Complete Manitoba MPNP Guide: Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) – Complete Guide for Filipinos (2026)
Covers Skilled Worker Stream, International Education Stream, EOI points system, in-demand occupations, and application process.
Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
📘 Complete Saskatchewan SINP Guide: Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) – Complete Guide for Filipinos (2026)
Covers International Skilled Worker, Saskatchewan Experience categories, EOI points system, priority sectors, and application process.
Family Sponsorship
Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their close family members for immigration.
💕 Complete Spousal Sponsorship Guide: Spousal Sponsorship Canada – Complete Guide for Filipinos (2026)
Covers inland vs. outland applications, open work permits, processing times, required documents, common refusal reasons, and step-by-step application process.
Inland vs. Outland Applications
| Feature | Inland | Outland |
|---|---|---|
| Applicant Location | Must be in Canada | Can be anywhere |
| Open Work Permit | Yes, while waiting | No |
| Processing Time | 12-15 months | 12 months |
| Travel During Processing | Limited | Flexible |
Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship
The Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP) opens annually with limited spots. Sponsors must meet minimum income requirements (LICO + 30%) for three consecutive tax years.
Alternative: Super Visa – A 10-year multiple-entry visa allowing parents/grandparents to stay up to 5 years per visit.
Caregiver Pathways
Canada offers dedicated immigration pathways for caregivers, which is particularly relevant for many Filipino workers.
👩⚕️ Complete Caregiver Pathway Guide: Filipino Caregiver Pathway to Canada PR – Complete Guide (2026)
Covers Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots, eligibility requirements (CLB 4, high school diploma), Stream A vs. Stream B, application caps, government fees, alternative pathways through PNPs, and step-by-step application process.
Home Child Care Provider Pilot
- Care for children under 18 in a private home
- Requires job offer and work permit
- 24 months of Canadian work experience → PR eligibility
Home Support Worker Pilot
- Care for seniors or persons with disabilities
- Same requirements as Child Care Provider Pilot
- Pathway to permanent residence after 24 months
Study Permit & PGWP
The international student pathway is a popular route for young Filipinos.
🎓 Complete PGWP Guide: Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Canada – Complete Guide for Filipinos (2026)
Covers November 2024 changes (new language requirements CLB 5/7, field of study requirements), eligible programs, PGWP duration (8 months to 3 years), application fees, processing times, and pathway to permanent residence.
Understanding NOC TEER Categories
Canada’s National Occupation Classification (NOC) system uses TEER (Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities) categories to classify occupations:
| TEER | Education/Training | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| TEER 0 | Management experience | Restaurant managers, construction managers |
| TEER 1 | University degree | Software engineers, nurses, accountants |
| TEER 2 | College diploma or apprenticeship (2+ years) | Electricians, paralegals, chefs |
| TEER 3 | College diploma or apprenticeship (<2 years) | Bakers, dental assistants, bookkeepers |
| TEER 4 | High school + on-the-job training | Home support workers, retail salespersons |
| TEER 5 | Short work demonstration | Landscaping labourers, food counter attendants |
For Express Entry: TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations qualify for most economic immigration programs.
Philippine Documents We Can Help With
Many immigration applications require authenticated Philippine documents. Our team can assist with:
- NBI Clearance – Required for police certificates
- PSA Birth/Marriage Certificates – Authentication and apostille
- CENOMAR – Certificate of No Marriage
- Special Power of Attorney – For representatives in the Philippines
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to hire an immigration lawyer?
Our fees vary by service complexity. Consultations start at $199 for 15 minutes or $299 for 30 minutes (plus applicable tax). The consultation fee may be credited towards any services we recommend. We provide transparent fee quotes and payment plans are available for qualifying clients.
Can I apply for Express Entry without a job offer?
Yes! Most Express Entry candidates don’t have job offers. A valid job offer adds 50-200 CRS points but isn’t required. Provincial nominations add 600 points and are often more accessible.
What is the minimum IELTS score for Canada immigration?
For Express Entry, you need minimum CLB 7 (IELTS 6.0 in each band) for Federal Skilled Worker. Higher scores significantly improve your CRS ranking.
How long does it take to get PR in Canada?
Processing times vary by pathway: Express Entry (6-8 months), PNP (12-18 months), Family Sponsorship (12-24 months). Working with an experienced immigration lawyer can help avoid delays.
Can JCA Law Office help if my application was refused?
Yes. We handle refusal appeals, judicial reviews, and reapplications. We’ll review your refusal letter and advise on the best path forward.
How JCA Law Office Can Help
Navigating Canadian immigration can be overwhelming. At JCA Law Office, we provide:
- Initial Assessment – Evaluate your eligibility for various pathways
- Application Preparation – Complete and accurate documentation
- Express Entry Profile Optimization – Maximize your CRS score
- PNP Applications – Strategic provincial nomination applications
- Spousal Sponsorship – Inland and outland applications
- Document Procurement – NBI clearance, PSA certificates from Canada
- Refusal Appeals – Judicial review and reapplication strategies
Start Your Immigration Journey Today
Ready to take the next step? JCA Law Office has helped hundreds of Filipino families navigate Canadian immigration successfully.
- Phone: 1-855-522-5290
- Email: info@filipinolawyer.ca
- Office: 168 Eglinton Ave East, Suite 203, Toronto, ON M4P 1A6
- Book Online: Schedule a Consultation
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws and policies change frequently. Consult with a licensed immigration lawyer for advice specific to your situation.
Last Updated: December 2025