Immigrate
Walk the path to becoming a Canadian permanent resident. Well over 60 different programs are available in Canada, one might be just right for you!
Economic immigration programs
Express Entry (EE) – Online economic selection pool and permanent residence application system introduced by Immigration, Refugees and Canada in 2015. Candidates are awarded points based on multiple factors, including language skills, age, work experience. IRCC is periodically draws scores fro the EE pool and sends an Invitation to Apply (ITA) to each candidate, with that score in the pool. If you receive an ITA, you have 60 days to submit your permanent residence application along all supporting documents.
In order to create and submit a profile into the EE pool, you must meet the eligibility requirements of one of the below three programs:
1. Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) – Must have a minimum of 1 year full-time qualifying work experience in the past 10 years, CLB 7 level language score in all 4 abilities, and at least secondary school credential. FSW has its own point system and the minimum score to qualify under this class is 67. You must have proof of funds as it is set out by IRCC. (Some exceptions may apply)
2. Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – Must have one year of full-time employment in Canada (within the past 3 years)in a qualifying position, and a minimum of CLB 5/7 level language score in all 4 abilities (English or French) depending on your position in order to be eligible to apply under this category.
3. Federal Skilled Trades (FST) – Must have at least 2 years of qualifying work experience within the past 5 years, a job offer and a minimum of CLB 5 for speaking and listening, and a minimum of CLB 4 for reading and writing in one of the official languages (English or French). You must have proof of funds as it is set out by IRCC. (Some exceptions may apply)
· Provincial Nominee Program – your education unique skills may make you desirable to a Canadian province or territory to receive a nomination in your Express entry profile, which you submitted under one of the above 3 programs. The nomination will award you with an additional 600 points, which will help you reach the total score to qualify under one of the EE draws.
Provincial Nominee Program (non-Express Entry based) – Canadian provinces and territories have various agreements with the government, which allows them to make their own selection and nominate certain applicants for local settlement, based on the province’s specific demands. This program is 2 steps, first you need to apply to the province to get a nomination. If accepted, you will need to submit a permanent resident application to IRCC. This was a paper based application until recently. IRCC introduced the online application portal for this category in 2021.
OINP (Ontario Immigration Nominee Program) – The province has various programs that focus on job offer/work experience, international students and/or Masters/PhD graduates. The programs have their own annual quota and some fill quickly. If you miss it, you will have to wait until the next time the program opens.
Start-up Visa (Business) program – Canada targets successful entrepreneurs , who have the potential and the skills to build businesses in Canada, creating jobs and opportunities for Canadians. This program requires unique business ideas, financial stability and available funds, as well as a letter of support from a designated organization (venture capital funds, angel investor groups or business incubators). A minimum of CLB 5 level language score in all 4 abilities (English or French) is also mandatory.
Self-employed persons class – As a self-employed applicant, you must have a minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience in athletics or cultural activities. This program has its own point based selection criteria, with a passing mark of 35. You receive points for education, experience, age, language abilities and adaptability.
Other immigration programs
Application for permanent residence under the family class – please visit our SPONSOR page for complete details.
Application for permanent residence as a protected person – This option is available for accepted convention refugees/protected persons in Canada to obtain their permanent resident status and PR card.
Application for permanent residence under Humanitarian and Compassionate grounds – this option is for applicants, who reside in Canada and need an exemption from some of of the eligibility requirements of applying for permanent residence set by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations. If there are no other application solutions available and you have compelling reasons to stay in Canada permanently this application is available. The processing time is long and the onus is on you to provide enough sufficient evidence to IRCC to convince the decision maker to grant you this exemption.