Our favourite places to stay on this sleepy Cebu island.
Dreaming of a fresh start abroad but worried about not having a job lined up? Good news: Filipinos can move to Canada in 2025 without a job offer, without hiring an agent, and regardless of age. Several immigration programs now make it possible for families to start a new life in Canada, even if you don’t have employment arranged beforehand.
Here’s your step-by-step guide to making it happen.
You don’t need a job offer to immigrate
Image credit: Canva Pro
Canada offers multiple pathways where a job isn’t required. The Express Entry System is a fast-track online process for skilled workers. Two streams allow applicants without a job offer:
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) – for skilled foreign workers with foreign work experience.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – for those with at least one year of Canadian work experience.
Some Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) also allow applications without a job. Notable examples include:
Alberta Express Entry Stream
Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities Stream
Prince Edward Island (PEI) Express Entry Stream
Saskatchewan Occupation In-Demand Category
Saskatchewan Express Entry Stream
Ontario French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream
Ontario Human Capital Priorities Stream
You can also apply through Family Sponsorship if you have a Canadian relative willing to sponsor you. Eligible family members include your spouse, children, adopted children, or siblings under 18 at the time of adoption.
Also read: Canada Expands Visa-Free Travel to the Philippines: Here’s What You Need to Know
No strict age limit or agent required
Image credit: Canva Pro
Age affects scoring in programs like Express Entry, but there is no strict maximum age to apply. You can submit your application directly through IRCC. Hiring a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) is optional, not mandatory.
Eligibility basics
Even without a job, you must meet certain requirements:
Skilled work experience (for Express Entry or PNPs)
Language proficiency in English or French
Proof of funds to support yourself and your dependents
Essential documentation such as your passport, medical exam, and criminal background check
Choosing the right program
Image credit: Canva Pro
For families, selecting the right pathway is key. Express Entry allows skilled workers to apply without a job offer, while certain PNP streams do the same. Family sponsorship provides a direct path for those with relatives in Canada.
When selecting a PNP, consider programs like Alberta, Nova Scotia, PEI, Saskatchewan, and Ontario, which have streams that open doors without requiring a job offer. Align your skills with in-demand occupations in your province of choice to boost your chances of success.
Preparing your application
Image credit: Canva Pro
Creating an Express Entry profile or submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) for a PNP stream is the first step. Gather all required documents, including:
Educational credentials
Proof of work experience
Language test results
Passport
Proof of funds
Optional: consult a RCIC for personalised guidance, though it’s not mandatory.
Even though a job offer isn’t required, having one can increase your chances in certain programs. All eligible programs allow you to include your dependents, so make sure you demonstrate that you can financially support your spouse, children, and any other dependents upon arrival.
Also read: Filipino Travellers Can Now Fly Non-Stop Between Vancouver and Manila With Air Canada
How to start a new life in Canada with your family?
Image credit: Canva Pro
Determine the best immigration pathway for your family.
Gather required documents such as passports, educational credentials, and work experience records.
Submit your profile or application through IRCC or the relevant PNP.
Track your CRS score or nomination status and respond promptly to Invitations To Apply (ITA).
Prepare for arrival, including proof of funds, accommodation plans, and settlement preparations.
Which Canadian city is perfect for your family?
Image credit: Canva Pro
Planning your move is also a chance to explore Canada’s best destinations. Here are six cities and regions perfect for different family types:
TORONTO: For culturally curious families
Vibrant neighborhoods like Chinatown and Greektown, plus landmarks like the CN Tower, make it ideal for families who thrive on urban life and cultural experiences.
MONTREAL: For music and arts lovers
Canada’s cultural heart comes alive with festivals, rooftop bars, and over 500 performances at the Montréal International Jazz Festival. Perfect for creative families.
VANCOUVER: For outdoor-adventurous families
Ski mountains, beaches, and Stanley Park are steps from downtown. Families can picnic, spot wildlife, or enjoy laid-back city life amid breathtaking scenery.
NIAGARA FALLS: For thrill-seeking families
Iconic waterfalls, hiking trails, and adventure activities like the Maid of the Mist boat tour or Wildplay Zipline offer unforgettable experiences.
QEUBEC: For history-loving families
Cobblestone streets, spired cathedrals, and charming cafés create a storybook setting. Families who love culture and picturesque towns will feel at home.
CHURCHILL, MANITOBA: For wildlife enthusiasts
Polar bears, beluga whales, and tundra adventures make Churchill a unique destination for families seeking once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Also read: Want to Migrate to Canada? Here Are the 12 Best Cities to Live in
What you need to know before moving to Canada
Image credit: Canva Pro
Moving to Canada is achievable for Filipino families. Many ask:
Can I move with my spouse and children?
Do I need work experience or a degree?
How much money do I need to bring?
Programs like Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, and Family Sponsorship answer all these questions. By understanding the requirements and preparing the right documents, you can take the first step toward living and working in Canada legally and safely, while also exploring some of the country’s most beautiful and exciting destinations.
Also read: 11 Easiest Countries to Immigrate to for Better Opportunities
Ready to start fresh in Canada?
Image credit: Canva Pro
Moving to Canada isn’t just about forms or visas. It’s about giving your family a better life. Many Filipino families dream of safer communities, better schools, and more opportunities. Canada makes that possible, even if you don’t have a job lined up or an agent to help.
Knowing the right programs, getting your documents ready, and choosing a city that fits your family’s lifestyle isn’t just paperwork. It’s the first step toward a new chapter. Whether it’s exploring Montréal’s music scene or seeing polar bears in Churchill, Canada offers experiences that your family will remember forever.
This guide is here to make the process clearer and less stressful. Every step you take gets you closer to living your Canadian dream and giving your family a fresh start.
Featured image credit: Canva Pro
Published at
Get our weekly tips and travel news!
Our favourite places to stay on this sleepy Cebu island.
Coffee date on the mountains, anyone?
Los Angeles is more than Hollywood stars. From hikes with killer views to beaches straight out of a rom-com, here are 10 must-do LA experiences for Filipino travellers or any wanderers in general!
Spread the good word!
Looking for a place to meet fellow artists and thinkers? Here are 10 collaborative spaces in Metro Manila where creatives can hang out, brainstorm, and build ideas.
Read how 'One Visayas' can make your Visayan trip easier.
Looking for safe destinations in Asia with world-class healthcare? From Singapore to Taiwan, here are the top countries where travellers can feel secure and cared for.
Autumn adventures in Tokyo
Permanent visas for Filipinos
US firms must now pay $100,000 yearly for each H-1B visa. Tech firms warn of chaos, while Filipinos may face fewer job opportunities in America.