8 ways to immigrate to Canada in 2025 without FSW

When it comes to Express Entry, many candidates—especially those in the Federal Skilled Worker program (FSW)—haven’t been considered for a single draw in 2025.

Throughout 2025, the government has been restricting Express Entry draw invitations to candidates in the following scenarios:

• Candidates in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• Candidates with work experience in priority occupations in healthcare, social services, and education
• Candidates with provincial nominations
• Candidates with French-language proficiency

This has left many Federal Skilled Worker candidates wondering what other options they have. Look no further! This article outlines 8 ways to immigrate to Canada in 2025 without FSW.

A note on immigration targets: From 2025 through 2027, Canada is reducing its immigration targets. This will impact both temporary residents (workers & students) and permanent residents. As a result, prospective immigrants should expect higher competition across immigration pathways.

#1 – Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Each of Canada’s provinces operates its own Provincial Nominee Program or PNP. PNPs are designed to attract immigrants who meet the specific needs of that province. Certain PNPs target candidates with experience in in-demand occupations, with education or work history in the province, or with a job offer. As well, many PNPs are aligned with Express Entry!

There are more than 80 different PNP streams across Canada. To help find the best option for you, check out our PNP Live Tracker Tool, which allows you to filter through PNPs based on their selection criteria. If successful, provincial nominees receive permanent resident status.

#2 – International Experience Canada

If you’re a youth from one of more than 30 participating countries, you might be eligible to get a Canadian work permit through International Experience Canada (IEC). To be eligible, you must be between the ages of 18-30 or 18-35 (depending on your citizenship) and be a citizen of one the eligible countries. Check if you’re eligible by consulting this list of participating countries.

IEC does not result in permanent resident status. However, its participants receive a work permit which can allow you to gain valuable Canadian work experience. With Canadian work experience, you may be able to apply for permanent residence through Express Entry’s Canadian Experience Class, or through a PNP!

#3 – International Studies

If you’re up for a longer-term process, you could consider studying in Canada as an international student. Not only does Canada offer some of the top-ranked universities in the world, but international students may be eligible to stay in Canada to work after they graduate. This Canadian work experience can open permanent immigration options, like through Express Entry’s Canadian Experience Class or a PNP.

Of course, studying in Canada is a big commitment. At minimum, you’ll have to study for at least 8 months with many programs requiring 3 or 4 years of study. And, you have to ensure you can cover the high costs of tuition and cost of living.

Want to learn more about studying in Canada? Check out our international student resources.

#4 – LMIA-based Work Permit

A work permit is an excellent way to obtain Canadian work experience. But getting a work permit can be complicated. One option is to get a Canadian job offer that is supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment or LMIA. An LMIA is a document—obtained by the Canadian employer, not by you—that proves the employer could not find a Canadian worker to fill the position.

LMIAs are a hassle for employers. They take time and cost money. However, if you have a specialized skillset in an in-demand sector, you may be able to find a Canadian employer willing to go through the LMIA process. With an LMIA in hand, you can obtain your Canadian work permit and begin accruing valuable Canadian work experience that may make you eligible for permanent residence.

#5 – Francophone Mobility Work Permit

Do you speak French? If so, you might want to consider a Francophone Mobility work permit. Eligible Francophones can receive a Canadian work permit without obtaining a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). To obtain one of these work permits, you must have a job offer located outside the province of Quebec.

If successful, you’ll receive a work permit which allows you to gain valuable Canadian work experience and advance towards permanent residence.

A note on Quebec: Francophone Mobility work permits are not eligible for Quebec-based job offers. Quebec operates its own immigration program for foreign workers—the Quebec Skilled Worker program (QSW). This program is highly competitive.

#6 – Free Trade Agreement

Certain countries have free trade agreements with Canada. In some cases, these agreements give citizens who work in certain occupations access to work permits that do not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The biggest beneficiaries of such free trade agreement work permits are:

• Citizens of the United States and Mexico: Certain occupations are eligible under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).
• Citizens of the United Kingdom: Certain occupations are eligible under the Canada-UK Trade Continuity Agreement (Canada-UK TCA).
• Citizens of Australia, Brunei, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand and Peru: Certain occupations are eligible under the Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
• Citizens from European Union countries: Certain occupations are eligible under the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement.

Notably, a Canadian job offer is still required before a citizen from these countries can apply for the work permit.

#7 – The Atlantic Immigration Program

The Atlantic Immigration Program is a pathway to permanent residence for foreign nationals who can secure a job offer from a designated employer in one of Canada’s Atlantic provinces: New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. In order to be eligible, you must be either a skilled worker or a recent graduate from a post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada.

The biggest hurdle for the Atlantic Immigration Program is securing a job offer. The job offer must be from an employer who has been “designated” by the government. You can learn more about designated employers and the Atlantic Immigration Program in our guide.

#8 – Intra-Company Transfer Work Permit

Do you work for a multinational company that has an office in Canada? If so, you could be a good candidate for an Intra-Company Transfer work permit. Your company may be eligible to transfer you to a location in Canada on a streamlined work permit. With sufficient Canadian work experience, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residence through a program like Express Entry’s Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

Not all workers are eligible for an Intra-Company Transfer work permit. To be eligible, you must be an executive, a senior manager, or a worker with ‘specialized knowledge’. For full details on eligibility requirements, refer to our guide to Intra-Company Transfer work permits.

Not sure what to do? Talk to a professional.

There are more than 100 different pathways for Canadian immigration. It can be a challenge to determine which programs are a good choice for you. If you’re uncertain, we suggest booking a consultation with one of our recommended Canadian immigration consultants. A consultation allows you to discuss your profile and goals; the consultant will help you establish your options for immigration. Check our list of recommended immigration consultants here.