The Bangladeshi population in Canada is rising every year. The first immigrants from Bangladesh who began to migrate to Canada began in the 1960s. Some came for higher education, while others went for professional training.
The migration from Bangladesh to Canada hit its peak in the late 1980s. At that time, there were two pathways that were popular among the community: the skilled worker category and the family category.
Between 1991 and 2011, Montreal and Toronto saw a vibrant influx of Bangladeshi newcomers. The most popular areas that attracted the newcomers were east Toronto, Victoria Avenue, Danforth, and Park Extension.
As the years continued, so did the migration. By 2016, it was reported that nearly 59,000 Bangladeshi’s immigrated to Canada. And as 2022 reaches its end, it is estimated that there are 100,000 people living in Canada who came from Bangladesh.
People from Bangladesh move to Canada for numerous reasons, but the pathways they choose have remained very true to the ones seen in 1980. To this day, the main pathways chosen for Bangladeshis are to better enhance their career opportunities or to have a secure life for their family.
Why Choose Canada?
People from Bangladesh come to Canada for the same reasons as those from the Philippines or Vietnam because Canada is peaceful and inclusive.
Using information from WorldData, the chart below shows how people in Bangladesh (BD) and Canada (CAN) view the quality of life in the country.
A total of 36 factors were included in the calculation of the overall index, divided into seven subject areas. The best possible value in each division is 100.
| Stability (15%) | Rights (20%) | Health (15%) | Safety (10%) | Climate(15%) | Costs (15%) | Popularity (10%) | Total
(100%) |
|
| CAN | 84 | 93 | 78 | 97 | 33 | 37 | 45 | 68 |
| BD | 45 | 25 | 22 | 74 | 50 | 61 | 33 | 46 |
Using the same data, it was found that among the 137 countries, Canada ranked 23rd for quality of life while Bangladesh ranked 108th.
Some key highlights of Canada’s overall high ranking include
- It is one of the best countries in the world because of its health care, retirement schemes, excellent education system, and secure environment.
- Permanent Residents of Canada can get accessible medical facilities.
- Education up to grade 12 is absolutely free.
- Canada has a high employment rate and many qualified and skilled migrant opportunities.
- Canada respect and ensure everyone’s equality respective race, religious value, sex, colour, and multicultural activities.
Best pathways for newcomers arriving from Bangladesh
There are more than 75 programs offered to immigrants coming from Bangladesh. However, the skilled worker programs such as Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) are the most popular in this community.
Express Entry
- Due to its speed and flexibility, Express Entry is still considered one of the most popular ways for skilled workers to immigrate to Canada. This pathway is suited for Bangladeshi people who fall under one of three categories:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program: specifically for professionals with universities degrees, looking for jobs such as medical workers, accountants, architects, lawyers, teachers, or scientific staff
- Federal Skilled Trades Program: specifically for professionals with post-secondary diplomas or certificates, looking for jobs such as carpenters, welders, plumbers, or kitchen workers.
- Canadian Experience Class: specifically for professionals who have already been living and working in Canada for one year, jobs would include hospitality, legislation, finance, or filing.
Through this pathway, Bangladeshi immigrants will be able to live and work anywhere in Canada, bring their family members with them to live in Canada, have access to free education for their children and free health care, the ability to move between provinces, and apply for Canadian Citizenship.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- If someone from Bangladesh is unable to apply through Express Entry, the PNP pathway is an option. Almost every Canadian province operates a PNP to attract qualified workers to accelerate its economic growth. The most popular PNPs for Bangladeshi immigrants are:
- Ontario Immigration Nominee Program (OINP)
- British Columbia Immigrant Nominee Program (BC PNP)
- Quebec Provincial Nominee Program (QPNP)
- Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
- Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)
People from Bangladesh look at this pathway since some of the benefits it offers include low IELTS score requirements, skilled migrants enjoying the same privileges and benefits as the Express Entry migrants, still having access to free education and healthcare, and the opportunity to apply for Canadian Citizenship.
Owner Operator Work Permit (OOWP)
- Another excellent option for skilled foreign workers looking to immigrate and work in Canada is the OOWP. It is a two-step program where an initial work permit serves as a platform to become a permanent resident. The program works in four steps:
- Buy an existing Canadian business or set up a new business in Canada
- Create a job position for yourself as an employee of the business and apply for the Owner-Operator LMIA
- Get a work permit and start working for your own business as its employee
- Apply through Express Entry and become a permanent resident of Canada
This pathway is best suited for Bangladesh people looking to invest in a business in Canada. It allows them to own 51% of a Canadian business, receive training and mentorship to run the business in the first few months, work permit for up to 2 years, and family members and children can enjoy free health care and schooling.
What are the advantages of coming to Canada from Bangladesh?
As most Bangladeshi Canadians populate around the Greater Toronto Area and Montreal, there is a vast and growing community to emerge into when arriving in Canada. This commitment to cultural roots allows those to immigrate to Canada while preserving their heritage.
An advantage of moving to Canada from Bangladesh is the ability to join communities in a new country that welcomes and celebrates diversity.
In addition, another significant advantage of moving to Canada from Bangladesh is the freedom of social benefits offered. Canada ensures many options for those coming to work in Canada, such as substantial high-paying jobs. Other facilities include retirement money, disability benefits, jobless benefits, and survivor’s benefits for passed-away workers.
Lastly, those coming to Canada from Bangladesh can ensure they will be safe and protected. Statistics show that Canada is one of the safest countries in the world, and in 2021, it was ranked as the 4th safest country.
Mana immigration has multiple offices around the world that offer different services and pathways aimed at helping people immigrate to Canada. Our Country Head for Bangladesh is a licensed RCIC and is always looking to help Bangladeshi people immigrate to Canada. Fill out our assessment form today to get the chance to have a free consultation that will help pave your way into Canada.
