The short answer
Canada has several official ways to live and work there. Some lead to permanent residence (Express Entry, the Provincial Nominee Program, family sponsorship). Others, such as work permits, let you work for a period. Each route has its own rules, forms and official page. This guide explains how each one works in outline. It does not tell you which route you qualify for or which one to choose: that is immigration advice, and only an authorised professional can give it.
Key terms in plain English
- IRCC: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, the federal department that runs these programmes.
- Permanent residence (PR): the status that lets you live in Canada permanently, with some conditions you must keep meeting.
- Work permit: a temporary authorisation to work. An employer-specific permit ties you to one named employer. An open permit is not tied to one employer.
- Express Entry: an online system IRCC uses to manage applications from skilled workers. It is not a programme itself.
- Provincial nominee: someone a province or territory has nominated to settle there.
- Sponsor: a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who supports a relative's application.
- LMIA: a Labour Market Impact Assessment, which some employers must get before hiring a foreign worker.
How each route works, in outline
Express Entry. IRCC uses Express Entry to manage three federal programmes for skilled workers: the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. In outline, you create an online profile and enter a pool. IRCC invites candidates to apply in rounds of invitations. If you are invited, you submit a full application with your documents.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Provinces and territories nominate people whose skills and experience suit their economy and who want to live there. Each one runs its own streams and sets its own requirements. Depending on the stream, you then apply for permanent residence through Express Entry or through a separate process. Quebec selects its own skilled workers through its own programme.
Employer work permits. An employer-specific work permit lets you work for a named employer under the conditions printed on the permit. A job offer is required, and for some permits the employer must get an LMIA first. IRCC has a questionnaire that shows which type of work permit applies in a situation.
Family sponsorship. A Canadian citizen or permanent resident may be able to sponsor a spouse, partner or dependent children, and under separate rules certain other relatives, to become permanent residents. Both the sponsor and the person being sponsored have responsibilities. Some categories are paused from time to time.
Joining a family member who already has status. If your partner or parent is already in Canada, for example as a worker, there are routes for spouses and dependent children, including open work permits for some family members. What is available depends on the other person's status.
Other routes. IRCC also runs caregiver programmes, regional and Francophone community pilots, Quebec programmes and others. The Immigrate to Canada page lists them, including programmes that are currently paused or closed.
Questions worth asking before you spend money
- Which official page describes the route I am using?
- What does its checklist say I must prove, and which documents take time to get?
- Does my province or territory have its own step?
- Do I want a licensed professional to look at my case?
- If I am paying someone, are they authorised? IRCC explains how to check.
Checklist
- To do: Read the official page for the route you are using, from start to finish
- To do: Try IRCC's official questionnaire to see programmes you could explore
- To do: List every document, test and certificate the official checklist names
- To do: Check whether a province or territory has its own application or nomination step
- To do: If you plan to pay anyone for immigration advice, check they are authorised
- To do: Keep copies of everything you submit and every reply you receive
Common mistakes
- Relying on social media or forum posts. Rules change. Use the official page.
- Assuming a route that worked for a friend will work for you. Situations differ.
- Paying someone who promises a result. No one can guarantee a visa or permanent residence.
- Ignoring paused or closed programmes. Check the current status before planning around one.
Things that change
Programmes open, pause and close. Requirements, fees and processing times are updated by the government. The official Immigrate to Canada page shows which programmes are paused or closed right now.
Verify before you act
The official pages are the only place with current rules. Start with Immigrate to Canada and IRCC's questionnaire to explore programmes. Then read the page for your route: Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program, employer-specific work permits or family sponsorship. To check a representative, see IRCC on authorised representatives.