Immigration to Canada
Complete and comprehensive guide to all Canadian immigration pathways
Canada is one of the most popular immigration destinations in the world, accepting over 400,000 new immigrants annually. With a transparent and fair immigration system, high quality of life, strong economy, and multicultural society, this country offers unique opportunities for living, working, and studying.
On this page, we introduce you to all immigration pathways to Canada, requirements, costs, and the steps to obtain permanent residence.
Main Immigration Pathways to Canada
Express Entry
The fastest and most popular Canadian immigration system for skilled workers. Includes three programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST)
Processing time: 6 months
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
Provincial programs that allow you to obtain residence through provincial nomination. Each province has its own specific requirements.
- Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
- British Columbia PNP
- Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)
- Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
- And other provinces...
Processing time: 15-19 months
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
A special program for immigration to Atlantic provinces with easier requirements and faster processing.
Processing time: 6-12 months
Start-up Visa Program
For entrepreneurs and innovative business owners who want to start their business in Canada.
Processing time: 12-16 months
Family Sponsorship
If your spouse, parents, or children are Canadian citizens or permanent residents, they can sponsor you.
Processing time: 12-24 months
Quebec Immigration
Quebec has its own independent immigration system (Quebec Skilled Worker Program).
Processing time: Variable
How Does Express Entry Work?
Express Entry is a points-based system that ranks applicants based on age, education, work experience, language skills, and other factors.
Create Express Entry Profile
Enter your information and calculate your CRS score.
Enter the Pool
Your profile is placed in a competitive pool with other applicants.
Receive Invitation (ITA)
If your score is above the cut-off, you receive an Invitation to Apply.
Submit Complete Application
You have 60 days to submit all documents.
Receive Permanent Residence
After approval, receive your permanent residence visa.
CRS Score Factors
Age (Max 110 points)
Highest points for ages 20-29
Education (Max 150 points)
PhD has the highest points
Language Skills (Max 160 points)
High IELTS or bilingual (English + French)
Work Experience (Max 80 points)
Canadian experience has more points
Job Offer (50-200 points)
Valid job offer with LMIA
Provincial Nomination (600 points)
Guaranteed invitation in next round
Main Requirements for Immigration to Canada
1. Language Skills
Minimum CLB 7 (equivalent to IELTS 6.0) for FSW and CEC. Higher scores mean more points.
2. Education
Minimum high school diploma. For foreign credentials, you must complete an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
3. Work Experience
Minimum 1 year of full-time work experience in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations.
4. Proof of Funds
You must prove you have sufficient funds to settle yourself and your family in Canada (approximately $13,000 CAD for one person).
5. No Criminal Record
Police clearance certificate from all countries where you lived for more than 6 months.
6. Medical Examination
Medical examination by IRCC-approved physicians.
Immigration to Canada Costs
* These costs do not include consultation fees and only cover official government fees and mandatory steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to immigrate to Canada?
The fastest way depends on your situation. Express Entry for young people with high education and strong language skills, Provincial Nominee Programs for those with job offers, and Atlantic Immigration Program for Atlantic province applicants are the fastest pathways.
What is the minimum CRS score to receive an invitation?
The required CRS score varies in each draw and usually fluctuates between 470 and 540. However, with Provincial Nominee, you can receive an additional 600 points which guarantees an invitation.
How long does it take to get Canadian permanent residence?
Processing time depends on the immigration program. Express Entry usually takes 6 months, PNP between 15 to 19 months, and Atlantic Immigration Program about 6 to 12 months.
Can I immigrate to Canada without IELTS?
No, almost all Canadian economic immigration programs require proof of language proficiency (IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF). This is one of the main requirements for all programs.
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