Canadian Federal Immigration Programs
Please note that on January 1, 2015 the way that Canada accepts permanent residents has changed. The new system, called Express Entry, represents a change in method rather than in requirements. This page will be updated shortly.
Immigration to Canada under one of the Canadian Federal Immigration Programs is an exciting opportunity and there are a few different ways to apply. You will need to decide which Canadian immigration program works best for you and your family.
Index
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Family Sponsorship
- Federal Skilled Trades program
- Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program
- Immigrant Investors and Entrepreneurs (formerly Canadian Investor Class)
- Live-In Caregiver
- Refugees
- Self-Employed Professionals (Athletes, cultural professionals and farmers only)
- Start-Up Visa
- Study Permit
- Work Permit
- About Canada
To see how you may qualify for these programs and the provincial programs, check out this free tool.
Click on the federal immigration program that is best for you or contact us for a consultation
Canadian Experience Class (Canadian Work Experience)
Under the Experience Class, if you have recent Canadian work experience or have graduated and recently worked in the country you can qualify for permanent residence. As a permanent resident you will receive access to social services, and can live, work or study freely in the country. Permanent residents can eventually apply for Canadian citizenship once they have fulfilled certain residency requirements.
Federal Skilled Trades (Tradesmend Immigrating to Canada)
You must have at least two years experience in an accepted trade and you must have a valid job offer. Also, you must meet the language requirements.
Federal Skilled Worker Program (Overseas Skilled Workers Immigrating to Canada)
You must score the necessary points that awarded for education, language ability, relevant work experience, age, and adaptability. Points are also awarded for having a confirmed job offer before you apply.
Investors and Entrepreneus Immigrating to Canada
This program is currently on hold. The Immigrant Investor Program makes it possible for established business people wishing to live and work in Canada to obtain their permanent resident status by investing in the Canadian economy or setting up their own business here.
This program is currenlty on hold. The federal entrepreneur program is designed to attrac business professionals with experience who will actively manage companies in Canada.
Live-in Caregivers Immigration
This program is on hold.
Refugees Coming to Canada
Canada has three refugee programs:
- Sponsored Refugees
- Refugees referred to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees or non-governmental organizations
- People claiming refugee protection from within Canada
Self Employed Immigrants
The self employed program is divided into two streams:
- those who are world-class cultural or athletic performers or those who can demostratably support themselves in cultural activities or athletics
- farmers
To qualify, you must have at least two years of experience in the five years before you apply in one of the above professions. to learn more, contact us for a consultation.
Canadian Start Up Visa
The Start Up Visa is a way for young innovators to come to Canada. You must have a business idea and that idea must be supported by a designated investment organization. To learn more, contact us for a consultation.
Canadian Study Permit
If you want to study in Canada for more than six months you must obtain a study permit to do to legally. You must be accepted to a Canadian eduational institution prior to applying. Contact us for a consultation.
Canadian Work Permit
If you want to work in Canada temporarily you must obtain a work permit in order to do so legally. Employers may require a Labour Market Opinion confirmation in order to hire foreign workers.
Didn’t find the program you were looking for? See the full list of Canadian immigration programs (Federal and PNPs) on this page.
Quick Facts about Canada
Population: Approximately 34 million
Land Mass: 9.9 million km2
Capital: Ottawa
Major Cities: Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton
Key Industries: Logging, Energy, Agriculture
GDP Per Capita: Approximately $38,025
Currency: Canadian Dollar $
Official Language: English and French
Internet TLD: .ca
Dialing Code: +1
Express Entry Points Cut Offs by Draw
