Immigration services in Canada

Persecution.

Persecution. Resettlement from abroad through the UN.

Humanitarian considerations. For people already in Canada.

An online system for managing applications from skilled workers; three programmes run through it: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. Category-based selection is in operation; the list of priority categories is updated every year.

Selection under a six-factor system: 67 points or more must be scored.

For skilled workers with Canadian work experience.

A nomination by a province or territory, which assesses how far the candidate matches its economic and labour needs. The province of Quebec has no provincial nominee programme; each province and territory has its own requirements.

Sponsorship of a spouse, common-law or conjugal partner, dependent children, and also parents and grandparents (by blood or adoption).

Authorisation to work for a particular employer. Most vacancies require a labour market impact assessment (LMIA) — the document confirming that a foreign worker needs to be hired. The employer must show reasonable efforts to hire Canadians and permanent residents: the vacancy must be advertised for at least 8 consecutive weeks within the 3 months before the LMIA application. Some vacancies are exempt from the LMIA (LMIA-exempt).

Authorisation to study in Canada; proof of funds for the applicant and for accompanying family members is required. The instructions of the visa office for your own country or region should also be checked — local requirements may differ.

The physical presence requirement: 1,095 days in Canada within the 5 years immediately preceding the date the application is signed. Days outside Canada are deducted; the day of departure and the day of return count as days of presence. Time spent in prison, on parole or on probation does not count. It is advisable to apply with a margin above the minimum of 1,095 days. An official online calculator is provided for the calculation.

Support for the start-up from a designated organisation: a venture capital fund, an angel investor group or a business incubator. Intake is closed. New applications have not been accepted since 1 January 2026, and those with a 2025 commitment from an organisation had until 30 June 2026 to file. IRCC continues to process applications filed earlier and is preparing a replacement — a pilot programme for entrepreneurs.

A route to permanent residence for people with notable experience in the arts, culture, recreation or sport who will contribute to the cultural life of Canada. Intake has been closed since 30 April 2024, and in December 2025 the pause was extended until further notice. Applications filed before the pause continue to be processed. The pass mark under the selection criteria is 35 out of 100, and it may change.