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Are you interested in immigration to Canada, but not sure how to do it? Whether you want to make Canada your temporary or permanent home, it is important to get access to the most up-to-date information.
This section will help you answer the question: How do I immigrate to Canada?
Our immigration to Canada section has three main categories of programs for you to consider:
- Permanent Residence: Long-term immigration programs, including economic programs (inclusive of Express Entry) and family sponsorship.
- Work Permits: Programs which allow you to work in Canada for a limited period.
- Study Permits: Permission to study at approved institutions, with the possibility to work during and after your studies and options to transition to permanent residence.
From the options below, click on the most applicable situation to find out which option(s) for moving to Canada may be available to you and your family, if applicable. If more than one of the situations listed above applies to you, we encourage you to begin your research with whichever situation is listed first. However, make sure to review the other potential option(s) as well.
If none of the situations listed apply to you, don’t lose heart – you may still be eligible for immigration to Canada. Check through the range of options outlined below to find out which pathway may be right for you, and use the government of Canada’s Come to Canada Wizard to check your eligibility.
Select an option:
I have worked or studied in Canada
I have a post-secondary education and work experience in a managerial, professional, or technical/trades occupation
I am a qualified, experienced tradesperson
I have a spouse / common-law partner who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
I have a son, daughter, grandson, or granddaughter who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
I am under 22 years of age and my parent is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
I wish to settle in the province of Quebec
I know which Canadian province I’d prefer to settle in permanently (and it's not Quebec)
My spouse or common-law partner has a Canadian work permit or study permit
I am under 36 years old and from one of these countries: Australia, Austria, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan
I am under 31 years old and from one of these countries: Belgium, Hong Kong, Japan, Netherlands, South Korea, Sweden, United Kingdom
My employer wants to transfer me to its Canadian office or branch
I have a job offer from a Canadian employer
I want to study in Canada, before potentially staying after graduation
I have a great idea for a start-up / I am an entrepreneur
I have a high net worth
I fear persecution in my home country
How to immigrate as a worker
Take a look at this video to understand the main options for immigrating to Canada as a worker:
Economic immigration to Canada
Express Entry
Express Entry overview
Who is it for?
Express Entry immigration to Canada is open to skilled foreign workers, tradespersons, and graduates with ability in English and/or French. Individuals of any age may become a candidate, but preference is given to younger workers seeking immigration to Canada.
How does it work?
Since January 2015, eligible individuals can express their interest in becoming a permanent resident of Canada. Eligibility may be through the Federal Skilled Worker Class, the Canadian Experience Class, or the Federal Skilled Trades Class.
Candidates are assigned a score (out of 1,200 points) based on their education, career history, and other personal details, and will be ranked against other candidates under what is called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
When draws from the Express Entry pool occur, the top-ranking candidates are invited to apply for Canadian permanent residence. While in the pool, candidates can strive to increase their CRS points total, and thus their ranking, by proving better human capital factors, for example by re-taking a language test or completing additional work experience.
Moreover, a candidate may obtain a qualifying job offer or a provincial nomination through one of the many Express Entry-aligned Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams. A provincial nomination is particularly valuable, as it results in 600 additional CRS points being awarded to the candidate, who will then be invited to apply in a subsequent draw from the pool.
What’s the advantage?
Express Entry has proven to be a quick route for immigration to Canada, with more than 80 percent of applications processed within six months. The process is entirely online, and it is easy to track the status of the application.
Furthermore, Express Entry is a system that rewards proactive individuals who can prove to the government that they are likely to be economically successful upon settlement in Canada.
How much does it cost?
About $1,500–$2,000, including educational and language assessments, obtaining documents, and payment of fees, if you complete the process yourself.
Hiring representation (i.e. a regulated lawyer or consultant) would entail additional fees, but this is a price that many candidates feel is worth the outlay. Moving2Canada has partnered with a number of experienced representatives who can help candidates with their Canadian immigration goals.
How long does it take?
About 4–6 months from when you submit the application. In advance of this, additional time may be required to complete any relevant tests and obtain documents.
Other considerations
Success in this system is not guaranteed, as the government invites only a portion of candidates from the pool when it conducts one of its draws. However, the government has stated that the Express Entry pool is now the main source of economic immigration to Canada, and over time the CRS cut-off threshold has decreased substantially.
Where can I learn more?
The Express Entry system invites candidates to apply through four different programs. These are:
- Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSWC): for those who have more than one year of skilled work experience.
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): suitable for foreign workers, who gained legal work experience in Canada (for example, through the IEC program) and who are now seeking permanent residency.
- Federal Skilled Trades Class (FSTC): designed for those with a qualification in a skilled trade.
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Canadian provinces and territories can nominate individuals in the pool who are interested in living and working in a particular province or territory.
The criteria for each program is different, and it is possible to be eligible for more than one. For example, if you have a mix of foreign and Canadian work experience, you may be eligible for both the FSWC and the CEC.
To learn more about these programs, see our Express Entry Canada guide.
Canadian Experience Class
Learn more about the Canadian Experience Class
Who is it for?
Foreign workers who have completed at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years.
How does it work?
Candidates under the Canadian Experience Class must create an Express Entry profile and be invited to apply for immigration to Canada before submitting an application through Express Entry (see above for details).
What’s the advantage?
- Candidates have built up at least one year of Canadian work experience. This is a highly-valued factor under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), and, as such, gives these applicants something of a “head start” against other candidates in the pool.
- Because the required documentation is minimal, applications are processed quickly, often within three to four months.
- Applicants are not required to show proof of settlement funds.
How much does it cost?
About $1,500–$2,000, including educational and language assessments, obtaining documents, and payment of fees, if you complete the process yourself.
How long does it take?
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) aims to process applications within six months, though in many cases Canadian Experience Class applications have been found to be processed more quickly.
Other considerations
Eligibility for the program does not guarantee that an invitation to apply will be issued or that permanent residence will be granted.
Where can I learn more?
See our dedicated Canadian Experience Class overview page.
Federal Skilled Worker Class
Learn more about the Federal Skilled Worker Class
Who is it for?
Professionals and skilled workers around the world who want to immigrate to Canada permanently.
How does it work?
Interested individuals are assessed according to the FSWC points system and must score at least 67 points on this grid (out of 100) in order to be eligible. Points are awarded for age, language ability, level of education, work experience, whether or not the candidate has a job offer, and certain adaptability factors.
Eligible candidates must create an Express Entry profile and be invited to apply before submitting an application through Express Entry (see above for details).
What’s the advantage?
As this is Canada’s flagship immigration program, tens of thousands of newcomers are admitted as permanent residents annually. This provides a unique opportunity for individuals and families around the world to make the move to Canada, even if they don’t have previous ties to Canada.
How much does it cost?
About $1,500–$2,000, including educational and language assessments, obtaining documents, and payment of fees, if you complete the process yourself.
How long does it take?
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) aims to process applications within six months.
Other considerations
Eligibility for the program does not guarantee that an invitation to apply for immigration to Canada will be issued or that permanent residence will be granted.
Where can I learn more?
See our dedicated Federal Skilled Worker Class overview page.
Federal Skilled Trades Class
Learn more about the Federal Skilled Trades Class
Who’s it for?
Qualified, experienced tradespersons from around the world who want to immigrate to Canada.
How does it work?
Eligible candidates must create an Express Entry profile and be invited to apply before submitting an application through Express Entry (see above for details).
What’s the advantage?
- IRCC has previously conducted program-specific draws for federal skilled trades candidates only, with a CRS cut-off threshold far below what other candidates have needed in order to be invited to apply.
- One way of being eligible as a tradesperson is to get a job offer in your trade from a Canadian employer. As well as helping you to become eligible, you may then also receive additional CRS points for the job offer. This will increase your chances of being invited to apply.
- The language ability criteria to enter the Express Entry pool is set lower for federal skilled trades candidates than it is for FSWC and CEC candidates.
How much does it cost?
About $1,500–$2,000, including educational and language assessments, obtaining documents, and payment of fees, if you complete the process yourself.
How long does it take?
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) aims to process applications within six months.
Other considerations
Eligibility for the program does not guarantee that an invitation to apply for immigration to Canada will be issued or that permanent residence will be granted.
Where can I learn more?
See our dedicated Federal Skilled Trades Class overview page.
Provincial Nominee Programs
Learn more about the Provincial Nominee Programs
Who is it for?
Individuals who intend to reside in a specific province and who can prove their ability to settle into the provincial economy. PNP streams often favour individuals with prior connections to the province, either through work experience, study, or family connections, though in some cases some individuals without a prior connection to the province may be eligible to apply or invited to apply, as the case may be.
How does it work?
PNPs offer a two-step pathway to permanent residence. Eligible individuals must first apply to the province for a provincial nomination certificate. Upon obtaining this certificate, applicants may then apply to the federal government for permanent residence; the federal government reviews an applicant’s criminal and medical admissibility to Canada.
Some PNP streams are aligned with the Express Entry system, outlined above. These are known as enhanced streams. A nomination certificate obtained through an enhanced PNP stream results in an Express Entry candidate being awarded 600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, effectively guaranteeing that an invitation to apply (ITA) for immigration to Canada will be issued in a subsequent draw from the Express Entry pool. The application for permanent residence will be receive priority processing by the federal government, with a processing time target of six months or less.
PNP streams that are not aligned with Express Entry are known as base streams. A nomination certificate obtained through a base PNP stream does not alter a candidate’s Express Entry CRS score. Indeed, eligible individuals may apply to a base PNP stream without ever having an Express Entry profile, and base PNP streams may offer a pathway to permanent residence for individuals who are not eligible to enter the Express Entry pool.
What’s the advantage?
There is a lot to be said for the fact that permanent residents admitted through a PNP have been personally selected by their destination province – they can settle into their life in Canada knowing that they are truly wanted at a local level.
Beyond this more emotionally subjective advantage, there are some more immediately practical advantages. For Express Entry candidates who have not yet met the CRS cut-off threshold set in Express Entry draws, enhanced PNP streams offer the opportunity to obtain 600 additional CRS points, resulting in the issuance of an ITA. For individuals not eligible for Express Entry, base PNP streams leave the door open for economic immigration to Canada.
How much does it cost?
That depends on the province and the stream. Some provinces allow individuals to make an expression of interest in immigrating to their province free of charge, with fees to be paid if or when an invitation to apply to the PNP is issued and a subsequent application submitted. Other PNP streams operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and consequently a processing fee would be demanded up front.
How long does it take?
As this is a two-step process, application processing times include a provincial processing stage and a federal processing stage, and both stages should be taken into account when considering the overall time it may take from start to finish.
Provincial stage: Some provinces publish updated processing times. Click any of the links below to find out more.
Federal stage: For enhanced PNP streams, the federal processing time is usually under six months. For base PNP streams, average processing times at the federal stage are 15 to 19 months (as of February, 2019).
Other considerations
Applicants should have the intention to live in the province they are applying to. Once Canadian permanent residence has been granted, permanent residents have the right to live and work in any Canadian province or territory.
Where can I learn more?
- Provincial Nominee Programs overview
- PNP Live Tracker – get the latest updates as they happen
Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program
Learn more about the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program
Who’s it for?
Individuals with a job offer in one of the Atlantic provinces, namely Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador.
How does it work?
The AIPP is segmented into three sub-programs: the Atlantic High-Skilled Program, the Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program, and the Atlantic International Graduate Program.
The info-graphic below, provided by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), shows the step-by-step AIPP process for immigration to Canada.
What’s the advantage?
Registered employers are not required to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) in order for the job offer to be considered valid under this program. This streamlines the hiring process for employers and applicants alike. In addition, employers must partner with a recognized settlement organization, which helps applicants and their families, if applicable, settle into their new surroundings.
How much does it cost?
A single applicant pays a processing fee of $550 and a right of permanent residence fee of $490, bringing the total to $1,040. If a spouse or partner is included, the same fees apply (i.e. $1,040 divided into two installments). Fees for dependent children amount to $150 per child.
How long does it take?
IRCC aims to process applications for permanent residence submitted through this program within six months.
Other considerations
Applicants must have a job offer from a designated employer in one of the Atlantic provinces and must intend to live in their destination province.
Where can I learn more?
Immigration to Quebec
Immigration to Quebec
Who’s it for?
Individuals and families who want to reside permanently in the province of Quebec, Canada’s only predominantly French-speaking province, home to the city of Montreal.
How does it work?
Quebec selects its own economic immigrants, who are issued a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ). With a CSQ, a person may then apply to the government of Canada for permanent resident status. Certificates are issued to skilled workers under the Quebec Skilled Worker Program, to international students, graduates, and workers in Quebec under the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ), and to a variety of business persons under one of the Quebec business immigration programs (outlined below).
What’s the advantage?
For students, graduates, and workers in Quebec with French ability – or the reasonable expectation of eventually being able to prove such ability – the PEQ offers a pathway to permanent residence that is not dependent on being invited to apply or achieving a points total.
How much does it cost?
Fees levied by the government of Quebec amount to $785 for the principal applicant, as well as $168 for a spouse or partner and $168 for each dependent child.
Once a CSQ has been obtained and the applicant can apply to the government of Canada for permanent residence, federal application fees amount to a processing fee of $550 and a right of permanent residence fee of $490 ($1,040 total), plus $1,040 for an accompanying spouse or partner (divided into a processing fee of $550 and a right of permanent residence fee of $490) and $150 for each accompanying child.
How long does it take?
PEQ: The processing time for obtaining a CSQ under the PEQ is relatively short, often less than a month.
QSWP: Processing times are generally lengthier under this program, ranging from a few months for cap-exempt applicants to more than a year for regular applicants. However, the government of Quebec has introduced a new Express Entry-style application management system for this program, which moves it from a first-come, first-served (or supply-based) system to a demand-based system that places a limit on applications received. This should result in reduced processing times.
Once a CSQ is issued, the federal processing time is approximately 15 to 17 months (as of February, 2019)
Other considerations
Quebec offers a predominantly French-speaking culture and economy. While French is not currently mandatory under the QSWP, it is weighted significantly more favourably than English under the eligibility points grid. Applicants to the PEQ are required to prove advanced-intermediate or better French ability in order to be approved for a CSQ under that program.
Where can I learn more?
If you intend to study or work in Quebec, or are currently working or studying in the province, we encourage you to review your options under the Quebec Experience Program. We also have a comprehensive guide for the points-based Quebec Skilled Worker Program, which doesn’t require applicants to have any previous period of work or study in Quebec (though such prior connections may be rewarded with additional points).
Quebec Immigrant Investor Program
Learn more about the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program
Who is it for?
High net worth individuals wishing to make a passive investment in the province of Quebec.
How does it work?
Under revised program regulations introduced in 2018, applicants make a five-year term investment of CAD $1,200,000 with a subsidiary of Investissement Québec for which the foreign national has entered into an investment agreement with a financial intermediary authorized to participate in the program.
The investment agreement is one of the documents to be submitted with the Application for a Certificat de selection du Québec (CSQ), which must be obtained before the applicant and his or her accompanying family members, if applicable, may apply for immigration to Canada.
What’s the advantage?
The passive investment is guaranteed by the government of Quebec, and brokers and trust companies offer the possibility of financing the investment.
How much does it cost?
Fees levied by the government of Quebec amount to $15,235 for the principal applicant. This fee covers the entire file, with no further fees payable to Quebec for any accompanying family members.
Once a CSQ has been obtained and the applicant can apply to the government of Canada for permanent residence, federal application fees amount to a processing fee of $1,050 and a right of permanent residence fee of $490 ($1,540 total), plus $1,040 for an accompanying spouse or partner (divided into a processing fee of $550 and a right of permanent residence fee of $490) and $150 for each accompanying child.
How long does it take?
As of February, 2019 IRCC lists the federal processing time at 47 months. This does not include the time it takes the government of Quebec to process the initial application.
Other considerations
The program is typically quite popular, and quotas generally fill quickly. Note that knowledge of French is not a requirement for this program.
Where can I learn more?
The government of Quebec provides further details.
Quebec Entrepreneur Program
Learn more about the Quebec Entrepreneur Program
Who is it for?
Experienced business owners who wish to create or acquire a business in the province of Quebec.
How does it work?
Eligible applicants submit an application for a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ). Requirements include having net assets of at least $300,000 and at least two years’ experience in running a business acquired during the previous five years. With a CSQ, the applicant and his or her accompanying family members, if applicable, may apply for immigration to Canada.
What’s the advantage?
In previous intake cycles, applicants with French ability were allowed to apply outside the set quota, giving them an advantage over other applicants. This policy may or may not be in place for future intake cycles.
How much does it cost?
Fees levied by the government of Quebec amount to $1,062 for the principal applicant, with further fees of $168 for an accompanying spouse or partner and $168 for each dependant child.
Once a CSQ has been obtained and the applicant can apply to the government of Canada for permanent residence, federal application fees amount to a processing fee of $1,050 and a right of permanent residence fee of $490 ($1,540 total), plus $1,040 for an accompanying spouse or partner (divided into a processing fee of $550 and a right of permanent residence fee of $490) and $150 for each accompanying child.
How long does it take?
As of June, 2019, the federal government lists a processing time of 47 months. This does not include the time it takes to obtain a CSQ from the government of Quebec.
Other considerations
Applicants should intend to live in the province of Quebec.
Where can I learn more?
The government of Quebec provides more details.
Quebec Self-Employed Program
Learn more about the Quebec Self-Employed Program
Who is it for?
Self-employed workers with net assets of at least $100,000 and at least two years of experience in the profession of trade they wish to practice in Quebec.
How does it work?
Eligible applicants submit an application for a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ). With a CSQ, the applicant and his or her accompanying family members, if applicable, may apply for immigration to Canada.
What’s the advantage?
While under most Canadian economic immigration programs, self-employment may be either difficult to prove or not recognized as work experience altogether, the Quebec Self-Employed Program promotes self-employment and offers self-employed persons a route to permanent residence in Canada
How much does it cost?
Fees levied by the government of Quebec amount to $1,062 for the principal applicant, with further fees of $168 for an accompanying spouse or partner and $168 for each dependant child.
Once a CSQ has been obtained and the applicant can apply to the government of Canada for permanent residence, federal application fees amount to a processing fee of $1,050 and a right of permanent residence fee of $490 ($1,540 total), plus $1,040 for an accompanying spouse or partner (divided into a processing fee of $550 and a right of permanent residence fee of $490) and $150 for each accompanying child.
How long does it take?
As of June, 2018, IRCC lists the federal processing time at 16 months. This does not include the time it takes the government of Quebec to process the initial application.
Other considerations
Applicants should intend to live in the province of Quebec.
Where can I learn more?
The government of Quebec provides more details.
Entrepreneur Start-up Visa
Learn more about the Entrepreneur Start-up Program
Who is it for?
Entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to build innovative businesses in Canada that can create jobs for Canadians and compete on a global scale. The Entrepreneur Start-up program is a relatively new addition to the selection of programs for business immigration to Canada.
How does it work?
With the support of a designated organization (the list includes venture capital funds, angel investor groups, and business incubators), applicants must also meet language requirements and provide proof of settlement funds.
Eligible applicants who have received a Commitment Certificate and Letter of Support issued by a designated organization may qualify for a short-term work permit before submitting an application for permanent residence.
At the time applicants receive permanent residence they must:
- provide active and ongoing management of the business from within Canada;
- show that an essential part of the operations of the business happens in Canada; and
- show the business is incorporated in Canada
What’s the advantage?
With the support of a designated organization, successful applicants are in a strong position to make their business idea in Canada a successful one.
How much does it cost?
Federal application fees amount to a processing fee of $1,050 and a right of permanent residence fee of $490 ($1,540 total), plus $1,040 for an accompanying spouse or partner (divided into a processing fee of $550 and a right of permanent residence fee of $490) and $150 for each accompanying child.
How long does it take?
As of February, 2019 IRCC states that applications are being processed in 12 to 16 months.
Other considerations
Preparation is key. Not only do applicants need to attract the attention and support of a designated organization, but doing so is not a guarantee that the government of Canada will also support the idea.
Where can I learn more?
IRCC provides further details.
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