Facts About Canada

Immigration to Canada

Immigration in Canada is managed under federal law with provincial/territorial collaboration. People come as permanent residents (economic, family, refugees/protected persons) or as temporary residents (workers, students, visitors), with some pathways allowing transition from temporary to permanent status. Policies evolve; always verify current rules on official Government of Canada pages.

At a glance — Immigration in Canada
Governing framework Federal legislation and regulations; federal–provincial agreements; Quebec has distinct selection for most economic immigrants.
Permanent resident classes Economic (e.g., Express Entry–managed programs, PNP), Family sponsorship, Refugees/protected persons, Humanitarian.
Temporary residents Workers (employer-specific or open), International students, Visitors.
Common requirements Passports/identity, biometrics, medical/security checks, language tests where required, proof of funds where applicable.
After arrival Settlement services, language training, credential recognition, labour-market integration; later eligibility for citizenship subject to residence rules.

How the system is organized

Canada sets national objectives for immigration and works with provinces/territories through agreements. Provinces/territories can nominate candidates suited to local labour-market needs; Quebec conducts its own selection for most economic categories. Federal authorities make final admissibility decisions (medical/security).

Permanent residence pathways

Economic programs (skills, experience, job offers)

  • Express Entry (application management system) ranks candidates for programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, and Canadian Experience Class. Profiles are scored and invitations to apply are issued periodically.
  • Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows provinces/territories to nominate candidates meeting regional priorities (some streams align with Express Entry; others are paper-based).
  • Quebec-selected workers use distinct selection criteria and application streams, followed by federal admissibility.
  • Other targeted or sectoral streams may exist (e.g., regional or employer-driven routes); check current federal/provincial pages.

Family sponsorship

Canadian citizens and permanent residents may sponsor eligible family members (spouses/partners, dependent children, and—under specific programs—parents and grandparents) subject to eligibility, income undertakings, and documentation.

Refugees and protected persons

Refugee resettlement includes government-assisted and privately sponsored programs. In-Canada claims are adjudicated under federal processes. Protected persons may apply for permanent residence when eligible.

Humanitarian and other routes

Discretionary or special public policies may apply in limited circumstances, subject to federal criteria.

Temporary residents

Workers

  • Employer-specific work permits (often supported by a labour-market process) or open work permits in defined situations.
  • Conditions may specify employer, occupation, and location; compliance with Canadian labour standards is required.

International students

  • Study permits for designated learning institutions (DLIs); proof of funds and, where applicable, language and admissibility requirements.
  • Some students may work during studies or obtain post-graduation work authorization, subject to current federal rules.

Visitors (tourists/business)

  • Travel authorizations depend on nationality and mode of entry (eTA or temporary resident visa). Visitors must respect the authorized length of stay and conditions (e.g., not working without authorization).

From temporary to permanent

Work experience gained in Canada and/or provincial nomination can support permanent residence under certain streams (e.g., Canadian Experience Class, PNP). Program details vary—check current criteria before applying.

Language, education, and credentials

Many economic pathways require language tests in English and/or French from designated providers. Education completed outside Canada may require an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). Regulated occupations also require professional recognition by provincial/territorial bodies.

Settlement and integration

Newcomers can access federally and provincially funded services: needs assessments, language classes, employment counselling, mentorship, and community connections. Credential recognition and bridging programs help align international experience with Canadian requirements.

Rights and obligations

Permanent residents have many of the same rights as citizens (e.g., to live, work, study anywhere in Canada) and must meet residency obligations over a rolling period to maintain status. Temporary residents must respect the conditions of their permits (work, study, stay length). All residents must comply with Canadian laws.

Fraud prevention and authorized representatives

Applicants should beware of misinformation and unauthorized advisors. Only authorized representatives (e.g., lawyers, regulated consultants) may provide paid immigration representation in Canada. Always verify representatives and use official fee/payment channels.

Quick comparison table

Pathway Typical applicants Permanent or temporary? Notes
Express Entry (FSW/CEC/FST) Skilled workers with language tests, education, experience Permanent Points-based ranking; invitations to apply are issued periodically.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Candidates aligned with a province/territory’s needs Permanent Nomination may add points or proceed by paper; criteria differ by province.
Family sponsorship Spouses/partners, children, some parents/grandparents Permanent Sponsor undertakings and income requirements apply.
Refugees/protected persons Those needing protection/resettlement Permanent Government-assisted and private sponsorship streams; adjudication applies.
Work permits Workers with employer offers or open-permit eligibility Temporary Employer-specific or open; may support future PR in some cases.
Study permits Students admitted to DLIs Temporary May include on-campus/off-campus work and post-graduation options (check current rules).
Visitors Tourists/business travellers Temporary eTA or visa depending on nationality; cannot work without authorization.

See also

External links (official)

Retrieved from "https://factsaboutcanada.ca/index.php?title=Immigration_to_Canada&oldid=916"