Do you also have a Canadian dream, but not sure how to make it true? It does not matter if you want to settle in Canada permanently or want to stay in the country for a temporary period; the important part is to stay updated with the correct and recent procedure for immigrate to Canada.

Know how you can immigrate to Canada?

We have divided this page into three sections, which will focus on three main categories of immigration programs that you may want to consider, and these are:

  • Permanent Residence: This section includes long-term immigration programs, comprising the three federal economic immigration programs and family sponsorship.
  • Study Permits: These programs permit international students to pursue any study program at an approved institution, with an option to work while studying, and after completing the study, also they have an option to choose permanent residency that.
  • Work Permits: These programs allow eligible candidates to work in Canada for a specified period.

 We have listed all the active immigration programs below, so this way, you can find out the most suitable immigration option(s) for yourself and accompanying dependents, as applicable. If there are more than one immigration programs for which you qualify, then we suggest you research all the potential immigration options so that you can pick the best. 

If you do not find anything from the list per your eligibility, do not worry, check through different options, you might find one of the right pathways for you. To check eligibility, you may use the government’s Come to Canada Wizard.

Economic Immigration Programs to Canada

Express Entry

Eligible Candidates: Who can apply?

The applicants under the Express Entry system include skilled foreign workers, international graduates, and tradespersons. Candidates must be proficient in French or English. Also, age is no bar for this immigration system; however, the preference is given to younger candidates.

 Framework

Introduced in January 2015, the Express Entry system has become the most-chosen immigration pathway to Canada among skilled workers on a global scale. 

Candidates under the Express Entry pool are rewarded with a score out of 1200 points based on different human capital factors, known as the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).

Regular Express Entry draws are held, and the candidates with the highest ranks are issued an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency in Canada. Moreover, candidates in the EE pool can improve their CRS scores by keeping their profiles updated.

Candidates can obtain a valid job offer from a Canadian employer or a provincial nomination from one of the Express Entry-aligned Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams. As a result, candidates are offered an extra 600 points. Thus, this is how they can improve their chances of being invited to apply.

 Pros

The Express Entry system is considered as a fast-track pathway to Canadian immigration, as nearly 80% of the applications are processed within six months. Moreover, the process is online and easier to keep track of.

Also, the Express Entry system values those candidates who demonstrate that they can substantially contribute to the nation’s economy.

Monetary Requirements

A rough estimate will be around $1,500-2,000, including the complete documentation and fee-payment if you complete the process on your own.

While hiring immigration consultants will add to the cost a bit more; however, the price is worth your efforts and time.

Time Taken for the Process

The process can last for 4-6 months after the submission of the application. Before that, additional time is needed to obtain supporting documents and complete relevant tests.

Other thoughts?

An ITA is not guaranteed under the Express Entry system, as a small portion is invited in a draw. However, it has become the major immigration pathway to Canada in current times. Moreover, the cut-off CRS score has also decreased over the years.

Want to know more?

There are four programs under the Express Entry system through which applicants are invited:

  •       Federal Skilled Worker Class is for applicants with at least one year of skilled work experience.
  •       Federal Skilled Trades Class is for application with a qualification in a skilled trade.
  •       Canadian Experience Class is for foreign workers who have already obtained work experience in Canada, and now wish to apply for permanent resident status.
  •       Provincial Nominee Program enables Canadian provinces and territories to nominate potential candidates to settle permanently in the region.

 Eligibility criteria vary for these programs, and you may qualify for more than one.

Check more details about this immigration system in our Express Entry guide.

Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSWC)

Eligible Candidates: Who can apply?

Applicants under this class include foreign skilled workers and professionals who are willing to settle permanently in Canada.

Framework

Candidates are evaluated on the basis of FSWC points-based system, and to meet eligibility, candidates must score a minimum of 67 points out of 100. Points are given based on age, work experience, language ability, educational qualification, arranged employment, and adaptability factors.

Eligible candidates must create an Express Entry profile and have an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for immigration to Canada before submitting an application.

Pros 

More than thousands of newcomers obtain their permanent resident status under this program every year. This program allows people across the world to immigrate to Canada, even without a previous connection.

Monetary Requirements

The cost will be around $1,500-2,000, inclusive of documentation, fee-payment, and taking language and educational assessments if you complete the process on your own.

Time Taken for the Process

The federal department insists on processing all applications within six months.

Other thoughts?

The eligibility for the program does not ensure that an ITA or permanent residency will be offered to the candidate.

Want to know more?

Check the complete details on our Federal Skilled Worker Class guide.

Federal Skilled Trades Class (FSTC)

Eligible Candidates: Who can apply?

Applicants under this class include qualified, experienced foreign tradespersons who wish to work and settle in Canada.

Framework

Eligible candidates must create an Express Entry profile and have an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for immigration to Canada before submitting an application.

Pros 

  •       Earlier, IRCC has held program-specific draws for just FSTC candidates, with a CRS cut-off relatively lesser compared to other programs.
  •       Candidates can also obtain a valid job offer from a Canadian employer as a tradesperson to increase his or her chances of being invited to apply.
  •       The language ability requirement has been set lower for FSTC candidates in the Express Entry pool compared to FSWC and CEC candidates.

Monetary Requirements

The cost will be around $1,500-2,000, inclusive of documentation, fee-payment, and taking language and educational assessments if you complete the process on your own.

Time Taken for the Process

The federal department insists on processing all applications within six months.

Other thoughts?

The eligibility for the program does not ensure that an ITA or permanent residency will be offered to the candidate.

Want to know more?

Check the complete details on our Federal Skilled Trades Class guide.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Eligible Candidates: Who can apply?

Applicants under this class include foreign workers with a minimum of one year of Canadian work experience within the last three years.

Framework

Eligible candidates must create an Express Entry profile and have an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for immigration to Canada before submitting an application.

Pros 

Candidates have gained a minimum of one year of work experience in Canada, which is a much-valued under CRS; thus, it increases the chances of these applicants in the Express Entry pool.

  •       Documentation is minimal, and applications are processed in as little as three-four months.
  •       No proof/evidence of settlement funds is needed.

Monetary Requirements

The cost will be around $1,500-2,000, inclusive of documentation, fee-payment, and taking language and educational assessments if you complete the process on your own.

Time Taken for the Process

Though the federal department insists on processing all applications within six months, while in some cases, these applications are processes even sooner.

 Other thoughts?

The eligibility for the program does not ensure that an ITA or permanent residency will be offered to the candidate.

Want to know more?

Check the complete details on our Canadian Experience Class guide.

Provincial Nominee Programs

Eligible Candidates: Who can apply?

Candidates who are willing to settle permanently in a particular province and can demonstrate their ability to integrate into the region’s economy. Usually, PNP streams prefer candidates with previous ties with the province, through education, job, or family connection. However, in some cases, individuals are issued an ITA without any previous connection to the province.

Framework

There are two steps involved in obtaining permanent residency through PNPs. Eligible candidates must apply to the province for a provincial nomination certificate, and after that, he or she can apply with the federal government for the further procedure for PR. Also, the federal government takes care of the criminal and medical checks of the applicant.

There are a few PNP streams that are oriented with the Express Entry system, called enhanced streams. A provincial nomination certificate obtained via any enhanced stream results in an additional 600 CRS points, thus, improved chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in the Express Entry pool.

Base streams include the PNP streams that are aligned with the Express Entry system. When a candidate receives a provincial nomination under a base stream, it does not affect the candidate’s CRS score. Moreover, candidates are not required to have an Express Entry profile to apply to a base PNP stream.   

Pros 

Candidates admitted as permanent residents under PNPs are the ones nominated by the destination province, considering that they can adapt to Canada’s lifestyle.

Another advantage is for candidates who have not met the cut-off CRS score and have received a provincial nomination through enhanced streams will be rewarded extra 600 points, which means receiving an ITA. On the other hand, base PNP streams even accept candidates who are ineligible under the Express Entry system. 

Monetary Requirements

Cost varies for different provinces and streams. Some provinces enable candidates to make an expression of interest without any fee, with charges to be paid later when an ITA will be issued, or an application will be submitted. At the same time, there are some other provinces that demand a processing fee up-front.

Time Taken for the Process

As mentioned earlier, it is a two-step process; that is why there are two stages to be completed for processing applications: the provincial processing stage and the federal processing stage. 

Provincial Stage: Different provinces update applicants about the latest processing times.

Federal Stage: For Express Entry-aligned PNP streams, the average processing time generally lasts up to six months. While for base PNP streams, average processing times at this stage last between 15-19 months.

Other thoughts?

Applicants must be willing to settle permanently in the province for which they are applying. After obtaining permanent residency, they have the right to live and work in any territory or province of Canada.

Want to know more?

Check the complete details on our Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) guide.

Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP)

Eligible Candidates: Who can apply?

Applicants under this program include candidates with a valid job offer in one of the Atlantic provinces (New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island).

Framework

The AIPP has been divided into three sub-programs, and these are:

  •       Atlantic High-Skilled Program
  •       Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program
  •       Atlantic International Graduate Program

Pros 

Under this program, registered employers do not have to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) for the job offer to be considered valid, resulting in a streamlined hiring process. Moreover, the employers are required to work with a recognized settlement organization, which can assist the candidate and his or her family in settling in the community.     

Monetary Requirements 

A single applicant has to pay a total amount of $1,325, including a right of permanent residence fee of $500 and a processing fee of $825. The same fee applies for accompanying spouse or common-law partner, which means $1,325 divided into two installments. The cost per dependent child is $225.

Time Taken for the Process

The federal department insists on processing all applications within six months.

Other thoughts?

The eligibility for the program does not ensure that an ITA or permanent residency will be offered to the candidate.

Want to know more?

The department of IRCC has more details to share about AIPP.

Immigration to Quebec

Eligible Candidates: Who can apply?

Applicants include individuals and families who are willing to settle permanently in Quebec.

Framework

Quebec nominates candidates on its own and then issues a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ). After receiving a QSC, the candidate can apply to the federal government for permanent residency. Quebec issues certificates to skilled workers under the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP), while the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) is for international graduates, students, and workers. There are Quebec business immigration programs as well for interested entrepreneurs.

Pros

For graduates, students, and workers with French ability, or those who can prove such ability get a direct pathway to permanent residence in Quebec through the PEQ, and thus they are not required to achieve minimum points.

Monetary Requirements

The provincial government of Quebec levies a fee of $812 for the principal applicant, plus there is an extra fee of $174 for a spouse and the same for each dependent child.

The next step after obtaining a CSQ includes submitting an application to the federal government to secure permanent residency. The federal government charges a total amount of $1,325, including a processing fee of $825 and a right of permanent residence fee of $500; also, similar charges will be levied for accompanying spouse or common-law partner, while there is a fee of $225 for each dependent child.

Time Taken for the Process

PEQ: There is a processing time of nearly six months to obtain a CSQ under PEQ.

QSWP: Processing times under the QSWP are generally longer, lasting for a few months to over a year for different applicants. However, Quebec’s government has now introduced a program similar to the Express Entry system to manage and process all applications, expected to reduce the processing times.

After a CSQ is issued to a candidate, it takes approximately 15-17 months to complete the procedure.

Other thoughts?

Quebec boasts primarily a French-speaking economy and culture. However, French is not a mandatory requirement under the QSWP; it still has a higher weightage compared to English under eligibility. On the other hand, applicants under PEQ must be able to demonstrate advanced to intermediate ability in French to be eligible.

Want to know more?

If you are currently working or studying Quebec or wish to do either, then we suggest you go through our Quebec immigration guide. Moreover, we have created a brief guide for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program, which does not mandate candidates to have prior work or study ties in the province.

Quebec Immigrant Investor Program

Eligible Candidates: Who can apply?

Applicants under this program include high net worth individuals who are willing to invest (passive) in the province of Quebec.

Framework

As per the revised regulations of 2018, applicants make an investment of CAD1,200,000 for five years with any subsidiary of Investissement Québec. To make this investment, the applicant must sign an investment agreement with a financial intermediary. Also, this intermediary must have the authority to participate in the program.

Moreover, the investment agreement is one of the mandatory documents which are required for applying for a CSQ. An applicant is required to obtain a CSQ before applying for Canadian immigration.

Pros 

The provincial government guarantees the passive investment, while trust companies and brokers enable financing the investment.

Monetary Requirements

The provincial government levies a fee of $15,763 for the principal applicant. Moreover, this amount includes the complete file, and the applicant is not required to pay any further charges for accompanying family members.

The next step after obtaining a CSQ includes submitting an application to the federal government to secure permanent residency. The federal government charges a total amount of $2,075, including a processing fee of $1,575 and a right of permanent residence fee of $500; also, there is a fee of $1,325 (including $825 as a processing fee and $500 as a right of permanent residence fee) for an accompanying spouse or common-law partner, while there is a fee of $225 for each dependent child.

Time Taken for the Process

The federal processing time is around 54 months, as listed by IRCC. Also, this time does not include the time taken by Quebec’s government to process the application at the initial stage.

Other thoughts?

Under this program, French ability is not a mandate. Moreover, this program is pretty popular, as well as quotas fill quickly.

Quebec Entrepreneur Program

Eligible Candidates: Who can apply?

Applicants under this program include experienced business owners who are willing to establish a new business or purchase an existing one in the province of Quebec.

Framework

The process starts with the submission of an application for a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ). To be eligible, the candidate must have net assets of a minimum of $300,000 and a minimum experience of two years in running a business in the last five years. With a CSQ, the candidate can further apply for immigration to Canada.

Pros 

In recent intake cycles, French-speaking candidates were given an advantage over other applicants, as they were permitted to apply outside the quota. However, this policy can be in effect in future intake cycles as well.

Monetary Requirements

The provincial government charges a fee of $1,099 for the principal applicant, while there are additional fees of $174 for the spouse and a similar amount for each dependent child.

The next step after obtaining a CSQ includes submitting an application to the federal government to secure permanent residency. The federal government charges a total amount of $2,075, including a processing fee of $1,575 and a right of permanent residence fee of $500; also, there is a fee of $1,325 (including $825 as a processing fee and $500 as a right of permanent residence fee) for an accompanying spouse or common-law partner, while there is a fee of $225 for each dependent child.

Time Taken for the Process

The federal processing time is around 54 months, as listed by IRCC. Also, this time does not include the time taken by Quebec’s government to process the application at the initial stage.

Other thoughts?

Applicants must be willing to live in Quebec.

Quebec Self-Employed Program

Eligible Candidates: Who can apply?

Applicants under this program include self-employed workers who have net assets with a minimum worth of $100,000 and must have at least two years of work experience in the trade, which they are willing to practice in the province of Quebec.

Framework

Qualifying candidates apply for a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ). After obtaining a CSQ, the candidate can further apply for Canadian immigration for himself or herself and accompanying family members.

Pros 

Unlike many other Canadian economic immigration programs, where it may be a struggle to prove self-employment or the work experience is not considered, Quebec promotes self-employment through this program by offering permanent residence in Canada.

Monetary Requirements

The provincial government charges a fee of $1,099 for the principal applicant. At the same time, there are additional fees of $174 for a spouse or common-law partner and a similar amount for each dependent child.

The next step after obtaining a CSQ includes submitting an application to the federal government to secure permanent residency. The federal government charges a total amount of $2,075, including a processing fee of $1,575 and a right of permanent residence fee of $500; also, there is a fee of $1,325 (including $825 as a processing fee and $500 as a right of permanent residence fee) for an accompanying spouse or common-law partner, while there is a fee of $225 for each dependent child.

Time Taken for the Process

The federal processing time is around 54 months, as listed by IRCC. Also, this time does not include the time taken by Quebec’s government to process the application at the initial stage.

Other thoughts?

Applicants must be willing to live in Quebec.

Entrepreneur Start-up Visa

Eligible Candidates: Who can apply?

Applicants under this program include entrepreneurs who have the potential to set up innovative businesses in Canada, create employment opportunities for Canadians, and work on the worldwide-level. The Entrepreneur Start-Up Program is a recent addition to the list of business immigration programs to Canada.

Framework

Applicants must have the support of a designated organization (Angel investors group, business incubators, and venture capital funds are on the list); they must also meet the minimum language requirements and have to demonstrate the proof of settlement funds.

Eligible applicants with a Commitment Certificate and Letter of Support can apply for a short-spanned work permit before applying for Canadian permanent residency.

While receiving permanent residency, applicants must:

  •       Demonstrate that a business has been incorporated in Canada
  •       Prove that all the essential activities related to the business are being performed in Canada
  •       Ensure that active management of the business is carried out from within Canada

Pros 

Successful applicants stand in a strong position to turn their business idea into success, through the guidance of a designated organization.

Monetary Requirements

The federal government charges a total amount of $2,075, including a processing fee of $1,575 and a right of permanent residence fee of $500; also, there is a fee of $1,325 (including $825 as a processing fee and $500 as a right of permanent residence fee) for an accompanying spouse or common-law partner, while there is a fee of $225 for each dependent child.

Time Taken for the Process

Applications under this program are processed by the federal department of IRCC within 12-16 months.

Other thoughts?

Applicants must be prepared for any and every situation, as catching the attention and support of a designated organization will not be enough; they will require the support of the federal government as well.

Family Class Immigration to Canada

Parent and Grandparent Program

Eligible Candidates: Who can apply?

Applicants under this program include the citizens and permanent residents of Canada who want to sponsor their non-Canadian parents or grandparents for Canadian permanent residency.

Framework

The federal government allows prospective sponsors to submit an online Interest to sponsor form during a specified time frame. After the completion of this period, the government then invites selected sponsors to apply for sponsoring their parents or grandparents for Canadian immigration. Moreover, all the potential immigrants are not simultaneously invited to apply; however, they may receive an invitation later on.

Pros 

The majority of countries do not allow immigrants and naturalized citizens to sponsor their parents and grandparents as immigrants. However, Canada is providing a rare opportunity through this program for family-based immigration. Moreover, sponsored parents and grandparents have the same rights linked to the Canadian permanent residency, including access to publicly-funded healthcare benefits and other facilities, and also, they have the right to work.

Monetary Requirements

The charges per sponsored candidate are equal to $1,050, and this amount includes a processing fee of $475, a sponsorship fee of $75, and a right of permanent residence fee of $500.

Time Taken for the Process

With effect from January 1, 2017, the IRCC is processing all the applications under this program within 20-24 months.

Other thoughts?

Every year, the ratio of the number of applications accepted under this program is far less than the ratio of the Sponsor forms submitted. However, Canada also grants the Super Visa to the parents and grandparents of the Canadian permanent residents and citizens, which allows them to visit Canada. Furthermore, there is no annual quota for Super Visas, and the processing times are as little as a few weeks to months. Another thing to note here is that Super Visa holders must have a private insurance policy, and they are not allowed to work in Canada.

Want to know more?

Read through our Parent and Grandparent Program guide to know further details.

Spousal/Common-Law Sponsorship

Eligible Candidates: Who can apply?

Applicants under this immigration pathway include spouses and common-law partners of any Canadian citizen or permanent resident. A common-law relationship can be defined as a couple who has lived together for a minimum of 12 months of the relationship, which can be considered as co-dependent. Moreover, in all the Canadian immigration programs, the eligibility criteria are similar for both same-sex and opposite-sex relationships.

Framework

The Outland sponsorship pathway is to be followed in cases where the sponsored individual resides outside of Canada. In other words, in such cases, the visa office is located outside of Canada (this can be the applicant’s home country or the country of residence), where the applicant has to submit the sponsorship application. 

On the other hand, if the sponsored candidate is residing within Canada (as a worker, visitor, or student), then he or she may apply through the Inland Sponsorship pathway. Under this pathway, the sponsored candidate may qualify for an open work permit to work in Canada while waiting for the application to be processed.

Pros 

This category of immigration enables families to be connected or united in Canada. Moreover, sponsored individuals may work in Canada while waiting for their immigration applications to be processed.

Monetary Requirements

The total amount of charges levied on the principal applicant is $1,050, and this amount includes a processing fee of $475, a sponsorship fee of $75, and a right of permanent residence fee of $500.

Time Taken for the Process

The federal government insists on processing all the spousal/common-law sponsorship applications within 12 months, and this target has been met by the government of Canada in a majority of cases.

Other thoughts?

The applicant must demonstrate that there is a legitimate relationship to be eligible. Moreover, if the applicant cannot show valid proof about the relationship, then the federal department of IRCC has the right to reject these applications.

Want to know more?

Read through our Spousal/Common-law Sponsorship guide to know the complete details.

Sponsorship of Dependent Child(ren)

Eligible Candidates: Who can apply?

Applicants under this program include Canadian citizens and permanent residents who want to sponsor their dependent child(ren) for permanent residency. Also, dependent children may be of 21 years of age or less.

Framework

There are no pre-set intake limits or periods for this category decided by the IRCC. Also, the sponsor and sponsored individual must have a familial relationship to meet the eligibility.

Pros 

The fundamental principle associated with this immigration category is that it allows families to unite. 

Monetary Requirements

The charges under this category are equal to a total of $1,050, and this amount includes a processing fee of $475, a sponsorship fee of $75, and a right of permanent residence fee of $500.

Time Taken for the Process

Processing times under this category vary depending on where you are applying.

Other thoughts?

Adopted child(ren) may qualify under the category.

Refugee and Humanitarian Resettlement Programs

Eligible Candidates: Who can apply?

Applicants under these programs include people who left their countries due to a well-founded fear of persecution.

Framework

The Canadian refugee system has two parts:

  •       The Refugee and Humanitarian Resettlement Program: This is for individuals who demand protection from outside Canada. These refugees for settlement are recognized by the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and a few private sponsors. Cases of different individuals are processed distinctly once they are identified; they cannot directly apply for Canadian immigration.
  •       The In-Canada Asylum Program: This is for individuals who require refugee protection from within Canada, including those who have a well-founded fear of persecution.

Pros 

The recent refugee resettlement efforts made by Canada have been appreciated across the world, specifically considering that since 2015, Canada has resettled over tens of thousands of Syrians. Moreover, the nation ensures that refugees and asylum seekers get protection against criminality, health, and security issues.

Monetary Requirements

The fee under this category differs per the program and involvement of private sponsors in the application.

Time Taken for the Process

Processing times under this category varies depending on where you are applying.

Other thoughts?

Canada is planning to raise the number of permanent residents admitted under this category every year under its multi-year immigration levels plan. The country has expected to increase the number of over 50,000 from 49,700 in 2020.

Temporary work permits

International Experience Canada (IEC)

Eligible Candidates: Who can apply?

Applicants under the IEC program include passport-holders from different countries, aged between 30-35 years, and dependent on the country.

Framework

Candidates must show an Expression of Interest to notify Canadian authorities about their intent to secure a work permit in Canada by visiting the website. Eligible candidates receive an Invitation to Apply, and thereafter they can pay the application fees and submit required forms. A Letter of Introduction is issued to successful candidates, which they can use to obtain a work permit in Canada.

Pros 

The IEC program offers an easy pathway to secure a work permit in Canada, which allows candidates to work and live for up to two years depending upon the IEC category. While there is an open work permit for applicants under the Working Holiday category.

Monetary Requirements

The participation fee under this program is CAD153. For open work permit holders, there is a fee of CAD100 as well.

Moreover, an employer is needed to pay a compliance fee of CAD230 for international Co-op participants and IEC young professionals.

Time Taken for the Process 

After expressing interest in obtaining a work permit, candidates must wait for an ITA to submit their application forms. It can take from weeks to months to receive an invitation, and after the submission of required forms and payments, it takes up to eight weeks to obtain a Letter of Introduction.

Other thoughts?

Applicants who are eligible for permanent residency shall apply simultaneously while awaiting their work permits. As employers want employees to stay longer in the organization; thus, some of them do not prefer candidates on a shorter work permit. Moreover, some employers consider the working holiday work permit as a temporary permit, reducing their chances of being hired.

Want to know more?

Check out our guide about the Canadian Working Holiday Visa for further details.

Intra-Company Transfer

Eligible Candidates: Who can apply?

Applicants under this program include employees who are willing to move to the Canadian office, affiliate, or branch of their current company.

Framework

To be eligible, workers must belong under one of the below categories:

  •       Executives: These individuals majorly participate in managing the enterprise; they are a primary component of the organization and receive only general supervision from higher management, if applicable.
  •       Senior Managers: They participate in managing the complete or a part of the organization, and they supervise the work of other professional employees and managers.
  •       Workers with specialized knowledge: They show specialized skills and knowledge to contribute towards the enterprise’s service or product or possess expertise in processes of the organization. 

Moreover, workers in all three categories must have a minimum full-time work experience of one year in the foreign organization to be eligible for being transferred to Canada.

Pros 

To get a work permit issued, employers do not need to apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Furthermore, the Canadian work experience gained in the process can enable the candidate to become eligible to apply for permanent resident status in Canada.

Monetary Requirements

The worker has to pay a fee of $155 for a work permit. Moreover, there is a compliance fee of $230 to be paid by the employer.

Time Taken for the Process

Processing times under this category varies depending on where you are applying.

Other thoughts?

The Canadian work experience gained through the program can help candidates become eligible to apply for permanent residency in Canada. Moreover, work permits can be renewed.

Want to know more?

Refer to our Intra-Company transfer program guide to know the complete details.

Free Trade Agreements

Eligible Candidates: Who can apply?

Applicants under this program include eligible foreign workers and entrepreneurs belonging to the country who already have a free trade agreement (lists reciprocal exchange of workers) with Canada.

Framework

Specific professions are listed as per NAFTA and CETA, for a reciprocal exchange of workers between the participating countries and Canada.

Pros

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is not needed to be obtained by eligible foreign workers and their employers under this program, resulting in a relatively quick process. 

Monetary Requirements

There is a cost of $155 to obtain a work permit.

Time Taken for the Process

The processing times under this program may vary based on where you are applying from.

Other thoughts?

Applicants under NAFTA must know that the agreement is currently undergoing negotiations; there may be a few changes in the process depending on the new agreement.

Want to know more?

For applicants from EU countries, check our CETA guide for further details. 

For citizens of the US and Mexico, check our NAFTA guide to check more details.

Temporary Foreign Worker Program

Eligible Candidates: Who can apply?

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) can be defined as a document that a Canadian employer must obtain to proceed with the hiring process of an international worker. The employer must prove that he or she is unable to find a suitable Canadian citizen or permanent resident to fill in the job vacancy. The employer must meet other requirements as well and pay relevant fees. 

Pros

  •       The TFWP enables foreign workers to work in Canada for a specific employer, including those candidates who were unable to obtain a work permit otherwise.
  •       The Global Talent Stream enables Canadian employers to welcome eligible foreign workers in Canada through the TWFP in a duration of as little as 10 business days.
  •       Work experience obtained under this category results in increasing eligibility of the candidates for permanent residency. Moreover, for Express Entry candidates, a positive LMIA rewards 50-200 additional CRS points.

Monetary Requirements

Employers must pay a fee of CAD1000 per candidate hired under TFWP, while the candidate is exempt from the fee. On the other hand, there is no fee on the part of the employee or job candidate for LMIA submission under the Express Entry system.

Time Taken for the Process

An LMIA application can take from 2-3 months for temporary positions. 

While for candidates under the Express Entry, the federal government insists on giving the decision within 10 days. If the decision is positive, then the candidate is rewarded extra 50-200 CRS points. Thereafter, if he or she gets an ITA, there is an estimated processing time of six months specified by the IRCC.

Other thoughts?

An open work permit is not issued to LMIA-approved foreign workers; thus, they are more bound to work with a particular employer, and also face challenges in changing the employer.

LMIA-approved Express Entry candidates are not tied to any specific employer and enjoy more flexibility to change employers as they want to.

Work Permits for Spouses/Common-Law Partners of International Workers and Students

Eligible Candidates: Who can apply?

This category is for spouses and common-law partners of the eligible foreign workers and international students who are already within Canada.

Framework

A candidate may be eligible if he or she is:

  •       A spouse or partner of a skilled worker with an occupation classified under National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill type 0, A, or B, who has been allowed to work in Canada for minimum six months, or
  •       A spouse or partner of an international student at a publicly-owned post-secondary school.

Pros

A candidate can change employers and switch jobs anytime until the validity of the work permit through an open work permit. Furthermore, the Canadian work experience gained can result in permanent residence in Canada.

Monetary Requirements

There is a cost of $155 to obtain a work permit.

Time Taken for the Process

Candidates can apply at a port of entry or online. Applications submitted at the port of entry may be processed with an immediate effect, while online applications are first submitted to IRCC, and processing times vary for these applications, lasting between a few weeks.

Other thoughts?

The validity of work permits under this category cannot exceed that of the work permits of the foreign worker or student.

Want to know more?

Read through our guides for spouses/partners of students and spouses/partners of foreign workers to know more details.

Study in Canada

Eligible Candidates: Who can apply?

Applicants under this category include individuals who are willing to enroll in a study program at a college or university in Canada.

Framework

A study permit is required for a study program longer than six months, and to get a study permit, an international student must show the Letter of Acceptance from any designated learning institute (DLI) and proof of financial resources.

Pros

There are lower tuition fees for foreign students in Canada compared to other countries; moreover, candidates can support themselves by working off-campus. Also, they can work on an open permit in Canada for three years after the completion of their graduation through open work permit. 

Monetary Requirements

The study permit costs an application fee of $150. Also, the student has to pay the tuition fee as specified by the learning I, he or she is admitting. Moreover, the students must show proof of sufficient funds, that is, $10,000 per year or $11,000 in Quebec. 

Time Taken for the Process

Applications for study permits are generally processed within a few weeks, while for eligible students from specified key partner countries, the processing times can be expedited.

Other thoughts?

The applicant must obtain a letter of acceptance from a DLI before applying for a study permit.

Want to know more?

Check our Study in Canada guide for further details.