How to immigrate to Canada

This immigration status allows newcomers to come to Canada and work for a specified period of time. Subject to specific conditions, some work permits Opens in a new window. even allow immigrants to change employers and move around the country. However, others are tied to a certain employer in one location. When applying for a work permit in Canada, it’s important to understand what sort of work permit you’ll need. Here’s a short list of the most common work permits:

• International Experience Canada (IEC) — for youth ages 18-30 or 18-35 (depending on the country) from 36 participating countries. This is the simplest work permit option for those who are eligible to apply.
• Intra-Company Transfer — if you work for a multinational company that has an office in Canada, your company may wish to temporarily transfer you to the Canadian location.  
• USMCA (also CUSMA) — workers in certain professions from Canada, the United State and Mexico can obtain work permits between any of the three countries.

Even though a work permit immigration status is temporary, it can act as a stepping stone toward acquiring a permanent status. This can give you an advantage as a candidate for the Provincial Nominee Programs and Express Entry.

Canada is home to some of the world’s top-ranked universities, so it’s ideal for post-secondary education. Coming to Canada as an international student offers many benefits. It may allow you to work while studying, and it can make you eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit. This permit is essential for international graduates to gain Canadian work experience that can lead to permanent resident status through a Provincial Nominee Program or Express Entry.

It's important to note that the expense associated with this type of immigration status is high. International students pay more than their Canadian counterparts. Tuition fees and costs of living can differ depending on where you live in Canada, so international students should examine their finances when considering this option.

This is one of the few types of immigration statuses that offers permanent residence to skilled workers with the knowledge to contribute to the Canadian economy. Three immigration programs align with the Express Entry Canadian immigration system:

• Canadian Experience Class — if you have Canadian work experience
• Federal Skilled Trades — if you're a skilled tradesperson with employment or licensing in Canada
• Federal Skilled Worker — if you have foreign work experience

This type of immigration status is highly competitive. If you meet the eligibility requirements Opens in a new window., you'll be given a score out of 1,200 points based on your level of education, language ability, work experience, connections to Canada, etc. Candidates with the highest scores are invited to submit their applications.

This type of immigration status is available to family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. This includes a spouse or common-law partner, any dependent children, parents and grandparents. There may be circumstances where family members outside these categories are sponsored. For example, if you have no eligible relatives to sponsor, you may sponsor an orphaned brother, sister, nephew, niece or a grandchild.

These mini-immigration programs Opens in a new window. are organized by Canada’s provinces and territories. Provinces can implement immigration programs that meet their specific needs. You may be able to get nominated if you:

• Are an entrepreneur who can demonstrate business management experience, have a high personal net worth and want to invest in entrepreneurial ventures in the province
• Have a connection to the province through previous work experience or education
• Have work experience in a priority occupation
• Receive a job offer from an employer in the province.

Canada’s international reputation for welcoming refugees and other immigrants for compassionate and humanitarian reasons means a large portion of Canada’s annual immigration target is committed to admitting refugees.