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19 programs for Canada. Explore the options and get an expert assessment.
This stream covers internationally adopted children, orphaned close relatives under 18, and, in limited cases, other relatives. Sponsoring another relative is only possible when the sponsor has no closer family member who is already a citizen or permanent resident. Adoptions must meet both Canadian and foreign legal requirements.
This employer-driven program helps the four Atlantic provinces attract skilled workers and international graduates to fill local jobs. Candidates need a job offer from a designated Atlantic employer and a settlement plan. It is a permanent program that replaced the earlier Atlantic pilot.
This Express Entry stream rewards people who have already worked in skilled jobs inside Canada, often after studying or holding a work permit here. Because applicants are already established locally, it is one of the smoothest routes to permanent residence. Quebec experience does not count toward this program.
Canada offers permanent-residence routes for foreign caregivers who look after children, the elderly, or people with high medical needs. The current model uses home child care provider and home support worker programs, replacing the older Live-in Caregiver Program. Caregivers typically work in Canada and qualify for PR after gaining enough Canadian work experience.
Canadians and permanent residents can sponsor their dependent children, including a partner's children, for permanent residence. A dependent child is generally under 22 and unmarried, with exceptions for children who cannot support themselves due to a condition. All children must be declared even if not being sponsored.
Express Entry is Canada's online system for managing applications under three federal economic programs. Eligible candidates create a profile, get scored against other applicants, and the highest-ranked are invited to apply for permanent residence. It is the main fast-track route for skilled people who want to settle anywhere outside Quebec.
This Express Entry program is for people qualified in skilled trades such as construction, manufacturing, or maintenance occupations. It is built around hands-on trade experience rather than formal degrees. A job offer or a provincial trade certificate strengthens an application.
This Express Entry program is aimed at people with professional or managerial work experience gained abroad or in Canada. Candidates are assessed on factors such as age, education, language, and experience. It suits newcomers who have never worked in Canada but have strong skilled-job backgrounds elsewhere.
When someone does not qualify under a normal immigration program, they may ask for permanent residence on humanitarian and compassionate grounds. Officers weigh factors such as how settled the person is in Canada, the best interests of any children, and hardship if they had to leave. It is a discretionary, last-resort route, not a regular program.
Someone already in Canada or arriving at the border can claim asylum if they fear persecution or serious harm in their home country. The claim is decided by Canada's independent refugee tribunal. People found to be protected can then apply for permanent residence.
This program lets eligible Canadians and permanent residents sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residence. Because of high demand, IRCC usually invites sponsors from a pool rather than accepting open applications. Sponsors must prove enough income over several recent tax years.
Most provinces and territories run their own streams to nominate newcomers who fit their local labour and economic needs. A provincial nomination is a powerful boost: through Express Entry it adds enough points to virtually guarantee an invitation. Each province sets its own criteria, and nominees must intend to settle in that region.
Quebec runs its own business immigration programs for investors and entrepreneurs who want to invest capital or start and run a business in the province. As with skilled workers, the province selects candidates first and issues a notice or certificate before the federal permanent-residence step. Selected entrepreneurs and investors can usually get an open work permit to begin operating.
Quebec selects its own economic immigrants under an agreement with the federal government. Applicants must first earn a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) from the province, then apply to the federal government for permanent residence. The province assesses factors like French ability, education, and work experience.
People outside their home country who fear persecution may be resettled to Canada as permanent residents. Refugees are usually referred by the UN refugee agency or another referral body, or sponsored privately by groups in Canada. You cannot apply directly to come to Canada as a resettled refugee without a referral or sponsor.
These community-based pilots steer skilled newcomers toward smaller and northern communities, and toward French-speaking communities outside Quebec, that need workers. A participating community recommends the candidate before they apply for permanent residence. They are aimed at spreading immigration beyond big cities. (The earlier Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot closed; successor community pilots carry the model forward.)
This federal program is for people with a strong record in cultural activities or athletics who can support themselves through self-employment and contribute to Canada's cultural or sporting life. Candidates are scored on experience, education, language, age, and adaptability. Intake into this program is currently paused.
Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their spouse or partner for permanent residence. The relationship must be genuine and fall into one of three recognized types: married spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner. Sponsors take on a financial commitment to support the person after they arrive.
The Start-Up Visa offers permanent residence to entrepreneurs who can build an innovative, globally competitive business in Canada. Applicants need backing from a designated venture-capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator. Note that intake of new applications is currently paused, and the route has very long processing times.
To be eligible for Refugee Resettlement from outside Canada, you must meet specific requirements.
The Self-Employed Persons Program (Federal) is designed for individuals with a strong background in cultural activities or athletics who can support themselves through self-employment and contribute to Canada's cultural
To sponsor your spouse, common-law, or conjugal partner for permanent residence in Canada, you must meet specific requirements.
To become a Quebec-Selected Skilled Worker, you must first apply to the province of Quebec and obtain a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ).
To become a Quebec-Selected Skilled Worker, you must first apply to the province of Quebec and obtain a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ).
The Federal Skilled Worker Program requires at least one year of continuous skilled work experience, a minimum language level of CLB 7, a completed credential with an educational assessment if studied abroad, a score of at least 67 on the selection grid, and sufficient settlement funds, with varying processing times and costs that can be confirmed through official sources.
Quebec Business Immigration offers opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs to invest capital or start and run a business in the province.
To sponsor an adopted child or other relative, there are specific requirements that must be met.
Take the assessment or ask Acey, our immigration assistant.
Immigrate (Permanent Residence) — Canada