The Ultimate Guide for Immigrating to Canada: All programs, eligibility and Tips for Success

People around the world immigrate to Canada for its natural beauty, friendly citizens, and strong economy. The country offers a high standard of living, excellent healthcare, and a well-funded education system open to all. 

Canada’s diverse society and commitment to inclusivity make it a desirable destination for immigrants, despite the challenges of the complex and varied immigration process. This guide will examine different methods of immigrating to Canada, including Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, and more. It will also detail the requirements and procedures for each category and offer guidance on the available resources. 

Whether you’re a skilled worker, student, business person, or seeking to reunite with family, this article will provide valuable information to help you navigate the immigration process and fulfill your dream of living in Canada.

Disclaimer: Always refer to the official Canadian Immigration website when you’re doing an application. This article is meant to be informative and not legal advice. You can also read about “how to avoid immigration scams” at the end section of this article.

1) Atlantic Immigration Program

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) allows employers in the Canadian provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador to hire foreign workers and international graduates to fill job vacancies. The program is designed to help these provinces address labor shortages and attract skilled workers to their communities. 

The AIP is a collaboration between the Government of Canada and the governments of the four Atlantic provinces. It is a faster and more streamlined way for employers to hire foreign workers.

One of the most appealing aspects of the Atlantic Immigration Program is its accessibility, as it has a relatively low barrier to entry compared to other immigration programs. Even those with only a high school education can effectively immigrate to Canada through this program.

Note: The Atlantic Immigration Program replaced the Atlantic Immigration Pilot. 

2) Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

The Canada Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is a way for Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals who want to immigrate to Canada and who are interested in settling in a particular province or territory. 

The PNP allows provinces and territories to select immigrants who have the skills and experience needed to contribute to the economy of the province or territory. 

Each province and territory has its criteria and processes for selecting nominees under the PNP. If a province or territory nominates an individual, the individual can then apply for permanent residence through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Here’s a list of the provincial nominee programs (PNPs) in Canada: 

• Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)
• British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
• Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
• New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)
• Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)
• Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)
• Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
• Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
• Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)
• Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)
• Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
• Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)

3) Express entry

Canada’s Express Entry is the most popular program for permanent residency applications. Express Entry allows skilled workers to immigrate to Canada by submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the government, which is then ranked against other applicants based on factors such as education, work experience, and language proficiency.

Those with the highest scores are invited to apply for permanent residence. The Express Entry system is used to manage applications for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class.

4) Quebec-selected skilled workers

Quebec has its own immigration system and processes applications for skilled workers who want to settle in the province. 

The Quebec Selected Skilled Worker program allows skilled workers to immigrate to Quebec and apply for Canadian permanent residence. The program is designed for individuals who have the skills and qualifications needed to contribute to the Quebec economy, and who are able to settle in the province and integrate into Quebec society. To be eligible, candidates must meet certain criteria, including language proficiency, work experience, and education. 

Note: The Quebec Selected Skilled Worker program is also referred to as the Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP) on Quebec’s immigration page. 

Quebec also has other immigration programs such as:

• Permanent immigration pilot program for orderlies. 
• Permanent immigration pilot program for workers in the artificial intelligence, information technologies and visual effects sectors. 
• Permanent immigration pilot program for workers in food processing
• Programme de l’expérience québécoise (PEQ – Québec experience program).

5) Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot

The Canada Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) is a program designed to attract and retain skilled workers to rural and northern communities in Canada that are facing labour shortages. The program aims to address the unique challenges that these communities face in recruiting and retaining newcomers by providing a pathway to permanent residency for eligible candidates. 

The program is open to applicants with a job offer in an in-demand occupation, who meet certain language and educational requirements and have at least one year of work experience.

Here are a few key points:

• The program is a community-driven initiative, which means that each participating community has a certain number of spots allocated to them, and they are responsible for selecting and nominating eligible candidates.
• RNIP communities are relatively small and isolated from major urban centers. They typically have a population of 50,000 or less and are located at least 75 km from the nearest urban center with a population of 50,000 or more.
• RNIP is open to skilled workers in various fields, including healthcare, business, and trades.
• RNIP has specific language requirements, as well as educational and work experience criteria that applicants must meet.
• RNIP also has a specific process for selection, nomination and application, and it’s different from other immigration programs.
• Once nominated, the applicant and their family can submit a permanent residence application to the federal government.
• This pilot program is a way for certain communities to attract and retain skilled immigrants to support economic development and address population decline.

6) Start-up Visa Program

The Start-up Visa Program allows entrepreneurs to immigrate to Canada if they have the support of a designated organization. 

A designated organization is a business group that’s been approved by the Canadian government to invest in or support start-ups.

The program aims to attract innovative entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to build high-growth companies that can create jobs and drive economic growth in Canada.  

A short summary of the Start-up Visa Program:

• To be eligible for the program, applicants must have a qualifying business idea and the support of a designated organization, such as a business incubator, accelerator program, angel investor group, or venture capital fund.
• The designated organization must be willing to invest in the applicant’s business and provide mentorship and support to help them establish and grow their business in Canada.
• To apply for the Start-up Visa program, applicants must submit an application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), along with all the required documents and evidence of support from a designated organization.

7) Canada’s refugee and asylum system

Individuals can seek protection in Canada if they fear persecution or harm in their home country. The process includes an initial screening to determine whether the individual is eligible to make a claim, followed by an assessment of the claim by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. 

If the claim is accepted, the individual is granted refugee status and can apply for permanent residence. If the claim is rejected, the individual may appeal the decision or be subject to deportation. Canada also has a program for privately sponsored refugees and accepts refugees through government-assisted resettlement programs.

Canada’s refugee and asylum system also includes several other important elements:

• The Safe Third Country Agreement with the United States, under which individuals who have already made a refugee claim in the US are not eligible to make a claim at the Canada-US border.
• The Designated Country of Origin (DCO) list, designates certain countries as safe for asylum seekers and fast-tracks claims made by individuals from those countries. Though according to Immigration Canada, the country no longer practices this.
• The Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) process, allows individuals who have been ordered removed from Canada to apply for protection if they fear persecution or harm in their home country.
• The Blended Visa Office-Referred (BVOR) program, matches government-assisted refugees with private sponsors in Canada who provide financial and social support during the resettlement process.

Canada’s refugee and asylum system is regularly reviewed and revised by the government, to ensure that it is fair, efficient, and effective in providing protection to those who need it.

8)Family sponsorship

Canada has a Family Class sponsorship program that allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor certain family members to come to Canada as permanent residents. Eligible family members include spouses, common-law or conjugal partners, dependent children, and parents or grandparents. 

The sponsor must meet certain income requirements and must agree to provide financial support for the sponsored family member for a period of time. The sponsored family member must also pass medical, criminal, and security checks. 

The process for sponsoring a family member can be complex and it is recommended to seek the advice of an immigration lawyer or a qualified immigration consultant.

In addition, here are a few more things to consider when sponsoring a family member to come to Canada:

• The sponsor must be at least 18 years of age and must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Canada.
• The sponsor must provide a signed undertaking that commits to providing for the basic needs of the sponsored person for a certain period of time, which is typically three years from the date the sponsored person becomes a permanent resident.
• Sponsors must also provide evidence of their income, such as a Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), to prove they meet the minimum necessary income requirement.
• The sponsor must also submit a sponsorship application and the sponsored family member must submit an application for permanent residence.
• The process can be lengthy and the processing time can vary depending on the location and the specific circumstances of the case.
• The sponsorship process is different for spouses and common-law partners, parents or grandparents. Sponsorship programs are different and have different eligibility criteria.
• The sponsor can be held financially responsible for the sponsored person if they become dependent on government assistance.
• The sponsorship application can be refused if the sponsor has a previous sponsorship undertaking or a previous sponsorship agreement that is still in effect.
• The sponsor will have to submit the sponsorship application and related documentation, in addition to the permanent residence application and related documents of the sponsored person.

It’s important to note that the above information is general and is not a substitute for legal advice. It’s always recommended to consult an immigration lawyer or a qualified immigration consultant for a specific case scenario.

9) Caregiver Program

The Canada Caregiver Program allows certain individuals to come to Canada as caregivers to provide care for children, the elderly, or disabled individuals who are unable to take care of themselves. Caregivers must have the necessary qualifications and experience to provide the required care, and they must also pass a medical examination and security clearance. 

The program had three main categories: The Caring for Children Program, Caring for People with High Medical Needs and the Interim Pathway for Caregivers. All these programs are closed and are not accepting applications, however, there are alternatives.

• The Caring for Children Program (ended on June 18, 2019). For individuals interested in child care, you can apply for the Home Child Care Provider Pilot.
• Caring for People with High Medical Needs (ended on June 18, 2019). If you’ve been working as a support worker, you may be eligible for the Home Support Worker Pilot.
• The Interim Pathway for Caregivers (ended on October 8, 2019).

10) Immigrate as self-employed

Yes, it’s possible to immigrate to Canada as a self-employed person. Canada’s Self-Employed Persons Program allows individuals with relevant experience and skills to immigrate to Canada permanently as self-employed individuals. 

However, the program has specific requirements and a rigorous selection process, and applicants must demonstrate that they will be able to create their own employment and contribute to the Canadian economy.

Additional points to consider when immigrating to Canada as a self-employed person include:

• Eligibility: To be eligible for the Self-Employed Persons Program, you must have relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics, and be able to demonstrate that you will be able to create your own employment and make a significant contribution to the cultural or athletic life of Canada.
• Selection criteria: The program has selection criteria that are based on factors such as your experience, education, age, language proficiency, and adaptability. You will need to score a certain number of points to be considered for the program.
• Application process: The application process for the Self-Employed Persons Program can be complex and time-consuming. You will need to provide extensive documentation and pass a medical exam and security clearance to be considered for the program.
• Business plan: You will need to provide a detailed business plan outlining your proposed self-employment activities in Canada, including how you plan to create employment opportunities, generate income, and contribute to the cultural or athletic life of Canada.

It’s important to note you will still need to show that you have the means to support yourself, and have the relevant experience to support your business.

11) Agri-Food Pilot

The Canada Agri-Food Pilot is a program launched by the Canadian government in 2020 that aims to address labor shortages in the agriculture and food processing sectors by providing a streamlined process for temporary foreign workers to come to Canada to work in these industries. 

The pilot program allows participating employers to hire a limited number of foreign workers, and provides a pathway to permanent residency. The goal of the pilot is to help address labor shortages and support the growth of the agriculture and food processing sectors in Canada.

Additional points to consider regarding the Canada Agri-Food Pilot:

• Eligibility: To be eligible to participate in the pilot, employers must be located in one of the participating provinces (Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and Manitoba) and must demonstrate that they have been unable to find sufficient numbers of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to fill the positions they are offering.
• Application process: Employers who wish to participate in the pilot must first apply for a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to show that the hiring of temporary foreign workers will not harm the Canadian labor market. Once the LMIA is approved, the employer can then apply to bring foreign workers to Canada.
• Work permit: Once the employer’s application is approved, the foreign worker can apply for a work permit. The work permit will be valid for up to two years and can be extended for an additional two years.
• Pathway to permanent residence: Some foreign workers who have worked in Canada for at least three years under the pilot program may be eligible for permanent residence through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program.
• Cap: The pilot program will cap the number of workers that can be employed under the program.
• The pilot program is not open for all the provinces but only for Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and Manitoba as of now.
• The program aimed to start on 1st of December 2020 and will run for three years, with the possibility of extension.

12) Economic Mobility Pathways pilot

The Canada Economic Mobility Pathways (CEMP) pilot is a program designed to help refugees with in-demand skills, find jobs in their field more quickly. The pilot is being run by the Government of Canada in partnership with provinces and employers to enhance the economic mobility of newcomers by providing them with the necessary resources and support to secure employment in their field of choice

This includes language training, mentorship, and networking opportunities. The CEMP pilot is currently being tested in several Canadian cities and will be evaluated for potential expansion in the future.

Additional points to consider about the Canada Economic Mobility Pathways (CEMP) pilot include:

• The pilot is focused on helping refugees who have been in Canada for less than five years and have the skills and qualifications to work in certain in-demand occupations. These occupations include those in the healthcare, information technology, and engineering fields.
• The CEMP pilot provides a holistic approach to employment support, including pre-arrival services, language training, mentorship, and job search assistance.
• The program also aims to connect newcomers with employers who are looking to hire individuals with the skills and qualifications that match the in-demand occupations targeted by the pilot.
• The pilot is currently being tested in several cities across Canada, including Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver.
• The CEMP pilot is being evaluated by the Government of Canada to assess its effectiveness and to determine whether it should be expanded to other cities or made a permanent program.

The pilot is currently being tested in several Canadian cities, and will be evaluated for potential expansion in the future.

13) Canada study permit

A study permit is a document issued by the Canadian government that allows foreign students to study in Canada. To be eligible for a study permit, you must be accepted into a designated learning institution (DLI) and have enough funds to cover tuition and living expenses. Additionally, you may need to provide a police clearance certificate and pass a medical exam. 

It’s worth noting that a study permit is necessary to study in Canada, but it doesn’t guarantee entry. Exceptions apply for students in programs or courses shorter than six months and for family members or staff of accredited foreign representatives to Canada by Global Affairs Canada. 

It is recommended to visit the IRCC website for up-to-date information on the requirements and application process for a study permit.

14) Work permit

Canada offers several types of work permits for foreign workers. The type of work permit required varies and will be based on the job and duration of stay. Some examples of commonly issued permits include:

• Open Work Permit: Allows the holder to work for any employer in Canada for a specific period of time.
• Employer-Specific Work Permit: Allows the holder to work for a specific employer in Canada.
• Bridging Open Work Permit: Allows the holder to work while waiting for a decision on a permanent residence application.
• Post-Graduation Work Permit: Allows students who have graduated from a Canadian educational institution to work in Canada for a specific period of time.

You can apply for a work permit through the Government of Canada website. The application process can take several weeks or even months, so it is important to plan ahead.

Here are a few more points to consider when applying for a work permit in Canada:

• Eligibility: To be eligible for a work permit, you will typically need a job offer from a Canadian employer and a valid work permit. Some work permits also have specific requirements, such as having a certain level of education or work experience.
• Processing time: The processing time for a work permit application can vary depending on the type of permit, the location where you applied, and the volume of applications being processed. It is best to apply as soon as possible to ensure that you have enough time to receive your permit before your intended start date.
• Temporary Resident Visa (TRV): Depending on your country of origin, you may also need to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter Canada. A TRV is a document that is placed in your passport and allows you to enter Canada as a visitor, student, or worker.
• Medical Examination: Depending on your country of origin and the duration of your stay in Canada, you may be required to undergo a medical examination before being granted a work permit.
• Cost: Work permits have fees associated with them, so be sure to budget accordingly.
• Renewal: It is crucial to monitor the expiration date of your work permit and apply for renewal on time.
• Extension: Some work permits can be extended depending on the type and duration of the job.

15) Temporary resident to permanent resident pathway

The temporary resident to permanent resident pathway was introduced during the pandemic. The program allowed temporary residents with work or study permits to apply for permanent residency if they were employed in an essential job and had at least 1 year of work experience. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and the program is now closed.

16) Permanent residency pathways for Hong Kong residents

Canada, which has long-standing ties with Hong Kong, has implemented measures to assist Hong Kong residents in immigrating to Canada. One of these measures is a temporary policy that establishes two paths for Hong Kong residents to acquire permanent residence in Canada. 

This policy aims to attract recent graduates and workers with essential skills to settle in Canada with their families.

How to avoid fraud and immigration scams

To avoid immigration scams, it’s important to be cautious and research before providing personal information or paying for services. Some tips to protect yourself include:

1. Be wary of unsolicited phone calls, emails, or text messages, especially if they ask for personal information or money.
2. Never provide personal information such as your Social Security number, passport number, or credit card information over the phone or online.
3. Be cautious of offers of guaranteed results or expedited processing times, as these are often scams.
4. Research any immigration service provider before using their services. Check their credentials, read reviews and testimonials, and make sure they are authorized by the appropriate government agency.
5. Always go to official government websites for immigration information, and do not provide personal documentation such as passports, birth certificates, or credit card numbers to third-party websites.
6. Do not trust anyone who tells you they can expedite your immigration process, or that they can get you a green card, permanent residency or visa if you are not eligible. Always refer to the official government website if you get stuck.
7. Don’t pay anyone to help you with your immigration process, unless you are certain that they are an authorized immigration agency operating legally. Here’s a link to Canada’s official site, outlining how to avoid fake or scammy agencies.
8. Get help from an immigration lawyer or accredited representative if you have any doubts about the process or the person who is helping you.
9. Avoid paying upfront fees for immigration services. It is illegal for immigration service providers to charge you a fee before they have provided the service.
10. Be suspicious of anyone who asks you to sign a blank or incomplete form or document.
11. Be wary of notaries or other individuals who claim to be authorized to provide immigration services, but are not affiliated with a government agency or accredited organization.
12. Don’t provide any personal information in advance, before you have met in person with the immigration service provider and have verified their credentials.
13. Be aware that scammers may use the name and logo of legitimate organizations to make their scams appear more credible.
14. Be prepared to walk away from any situation that makes you feel uncomfortable or unsure. Trust your instincts, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
15. Report any suspicious activity or potential scams to the appropriate authorities, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This will help them track down and shut down fraudulent operations.

Click this link to learn more about immigration scams and how to avoid them.

For more information on Canada, read our article on why you should consider immigrating to Canada.