Canada is renowned for its welcoming approach to immigration, with a system designed to attract skilled workers, reunite families, and offer refuge to those in need. The country has a diverse range of immigration programs, each with its own set of eligibility criteria and application procedures.
Whether you dream of contributing to Canada’s vibrant economy, joining loved ones, or seeking a safe haven, understanding the Canadian immigration system is the first step. This page offers a comprehensive overview and links to official government resources to guide you through the process.
Key features of the Canadian immigration system include:
- Express Entry: A fast-track system for skilled workers, managing applications for various economic immigration programs.
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Allow provinces and territories to nominate individuals who meet their specific economic needs.
- Family Sponsorship: Enables Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor family members to immigrate to Canada.
- Refugee and Humanitarian Programs: Offer protection to individuals fleeing persecution, conflict, or human rights violations.
Explore the links below to delve deeper into specific programs and access relevant government websites:
| SERVICES | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| My application | You can check the status of your application and how long it will take to process by logging in to your IRCC account. You can also find forms, pay fees, change your address, get biometrics, and learn about representatives. |
| Work | You can get a work permit or extend an existing one, find out about International Experience Canada and how to become a carer, have your credentials accepted, and hire foreign workers. |
| New immigrants | Get a PR card, apply for citizenship, get a permanent resident card, and learn about your first tax year in Canada. |
| Inadmissibility, enforcement and violations | Find out why you might not be able to enter Canada and learn about immigration violations, the detention review process, and hearings for immigration admissibility. |
| Visit | To get into Canada, you need to apply for a visitor visa or electronic travel authorisation (eTA). You can then stay longer as a visitor. |
| Study | Apply for or extend a study permit or student work permit |
| For Canadians | Get a passport, sponsor your family or a refugee, show proof that you are a citizen, travel and work abroad, adopt a child from another country, and a citizen celebration. |
| Immigration fraud and scams | Discover how to stay safe from con artists and what to do if you fall for a scam. |
| Immigrate | You can apply to move to Canada through one of our programs for skilled workers, families, business owners, and more. |
| Citizenship | Make an application to become a Canadian citizen, renew your citizenship, or give it up. Study for the citizenship test and get proof of citizenship. |
| Refugees and asylum | You can ask for refugee protection, bring a refugee to Canada, find services for refugees, and appeal a refugee claim. |
