Canada has long been one of the world’s most popular destinations for immigrants, and if you’re wondering how to immigrate to Canada, you’ve come to the right place. This is a wealthy country that, despite being the second largest in the world, has a relatively small population.
Alongside its economic opportunities, Canada offers one of the highest standards of living in the world and a diverse culture that embraces immigrants from all over the world.
Remitly is all about living across borders, and in this article, we’ll break down the process of Canadian immigration. Canada has strict requirements for who it allows in, but by following our step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to navigate the process and start building a new life in the Great White North.
Understanding the main immigration pathways
Canada has several pathways for immigration, which means you have a choice of programs that may allow you to live and work in this country. Let’s look at the most common methods to immigrate to Canada.
1. Express Entry
The Express Entry system is Canada’s main immigration pathway for skilled workers. Canada needs workers in various fields to fill labour shortages, and it uses a points-based system to manage applications for temporary visas and permanent residence.
Express Entry is divided into three separate programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): For people with foreign work experience.
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For people with Canadian work experience.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): For skilled trades professionals.
If you fall into one of these categories, then Express Entry may be the right option for you.
Express Entry uses the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which awards points for:
- Age (younger candidates score higher)
- Education
- Work experience, both Canadian and foreign
- Language skills in English or French
The higher your CRS score, the greater your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
2. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
While the Express Entry system is handled at a federal level, each province also runs its own immigration program called a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). PNPs allow you to move to Canada if you fit the criteria for a specific province.
Here’s how it works:
- Provinces nominate candidates who have skills and work experience that meet local economic needs.
- A provincial nomination gives you extra CRS points for Express Entry, or you can apply directly through the province’s own system.
- If you qualify for the PNP and successfully obtain a nomination, you can apply directly through the province. Each province has its own application system, which you’ll need to navigate.
Note that these Canadian immigration programs are often for highly skilled, highly paid jobs. For example, in October 2025, British Columbia issued invitations to 114 candidates who were currently working full-time in BC on a minimum wage of at least CAD$90 an hour or CAD$175,000 a year.
Every province and territory, apart from Québec and Nunavut, has a PNP. Different provinces have different needs, and their PNP will reflect this.
For example, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) often looks for tech talent. The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program is focused on agricultural and healthcare workers, along with other in-demand roles.
Your skills and experience may determine which province best suits your goal of moving to Canada.
3. Family sponsorship
Close family members already living in Canada can sponsor their relatives. If you qualify, this is often the easiest way to apply for permanent residence.
Who can sponsor immigration to Canada?
- Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Must live in Canada.
- Must sign a sponsorship agreement to support the sponsored person.
- Must demonstrate sufficient income to support you. To sponsor a single person, the sponsor needs a minimum income of $30,526. The minimum income required goes up with each new person they want to sponsor.
Who can be sponsored?
- Spouse or common-law partner
- Dependent children (up to 22 years old if unmarried; older children may qualify if financially dependent since before the age of 22)
4. Other immigration pathways
Other Canadian immigration programs may allow you to live and work in the country temporarily, sometimes leading to permanent residence:
- Study permits: Depending on your educational status, you may be eligible for a visa to study in Canada. Sometimes, this can lead to a post-graduation work permit and permanent residency.
- Temporary Foreign Worker Program: This allows people to work temporarily, often in seasonal industries like agriculture or forestry. Gaining this work experience in Canada can help you eventually gain permanent residence, especially if your employer offers you a full-time job.
- Pilot programs. Sometimes, Canada tries out new immigration programs. The Rural Community Immigration Pilot allows skilled workers to apply to work and settle in 14 remote communities. For this program, you need a job offer from one of the designated employers in the eligible communities.
Step-by-step: how to immigrate to Canada
Different Canadian immigration programs have different application processes. However, most people use either the Express Entry method or a Provincial Nominee Program.
Let’s look at how to apply for Express Entry to Canada. These are the steps you need to take to give you the best possible chance of success.
-
Determine your eligibility
The first step is to see which immigration programs you may be eligible for. Luckily, the federal government operates a Come to Canada tool to help you check your eligibility.
It will ask you questions about your nationality, age, language ability, education, work experience, and income. Based on the answers you give, it will advise you on what program you may qualify for.
This tool is just for information purposes, and it does not make immigration decisions based on your answers. However, it’s a good idea to be truthful in all your answers so that you can get the best and most accurate information on your chances of moving to Canada.
2. Gather your documents
If the Come to Canada tool suggests you’re eligible for a program, it will give you detailed instructions on how to apply. These will include documents needed for your application. Common requirements include:
- Passport
- Language test results: IELTS, CELPIP for English; TEF, TCF for French. Proof is required even if you come from a country where English or French is the official language.
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report: Confirms that your education level is equivalent to Canadian standards. Immigration to Canada determines which organizations can give these reports. Canadian organizations like the University of Toronto or the British Columbia Institute of Technology can provide them.
- Proof of work experience: Letters from your employer detailing your responsibilities, both in Canada and abroad.
- Proof of funds: Show you have enough money to settle in Canada. A single person needs a minimum of $15,263, while a family of four needs $28,362. You can prove these amounts with official letters from a bank, which must include the bank’s contact information, your name, and any outstanding debts and loans.
- Job offer (if applicable): A valid job offer can replace the need to show proof of funds.
- Provincial nomination (if applicable): If you have a provincial nomination, you can still apply through Express Entry, and the provincial nomination will give you more points.
3. Submit your profile
How to apply for Express Entry Canada
Create an online account profile with Immigration Canada online and enter your personal details. You have 60 days to complete and submit your Express Entry profile. Based on the information you enter, Immigration to Canada will match you with eligible programs.
If you qualify for more than one, you will be invited first to the Canadian Experience Class program, then the Federal Skilled Worker program, and finally the Federal Skilled Trades Program. You don’t get to choose which program you apply for. If you decline your invitation, you may not be re-invited under the next program.
How to apply for a Provincial Nomination Program
Each province manages its own immigration system differently. Check with the province that has nominated you to see what the process is.
4. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
The government invites candidates from the application pool throughout the year. Some rounds are just for people applying through the Provincial Nominee Program, but there are also general rounds, in which the highest-scoring applicants will be invited to apply.
If chosen, you’ll get a message through your online account. This invitation is only valid for 60 days, which is why it’s a good idea to get all your documents together before you start. That way, you can get your application in as quickly as possible.
5. Complete your application
Submit your application online by uploading all required documents. Note that in addition to the documents already discussed, you’ll need an immigration medical exam (IME) from a doctor before. Your family members also need a medical exam, even if they aren’t accompanying you.
Tips for a stronger application
Understanding Canada’s points system is key to strengthening your application.
For example, language proficiency is a key factor. Studying English or French can help you achieve a higher score, which will raise your CRS. Gaining additional skilled work experience can also make you a more attractive candidate, as can completing another degree or diploma.
Ultimately, Canada wants skilled, educated workers who can contribute positively to the country’s economy. Make sure you can demonstrate your skills, experience, and education, and you’ll have a much better chance of successfully moving to Canada.
Getting a provincial nomination is one of the best ways to boost your odds of success, as it demonstrates that your skills and experience are valuable to a specific province of Canada.
Finally, be honest in your application. If you’re caught in a lie, you’ll not only be rejected, but you may be banned from applying for another five years.
Navigating the Canadian immigration process
Canada’s openness to immigration and high standard of living make it a popular destination. This demand has caused the Government of Canada to establish a structured process to handle applications.
If you dream of moving to Canada, the first thing to do is determine your eligibility so you can choose the right pathway. Express Entry, PNPs, and family sponsorship remain the most common options, depending on your skills and background.
The process takes time and effort, but with careful preparation, you can demonstrate your value to Canada. Follow the steps in this guide, and you could be starting a new life in this wonderful place.
FAQs
What is the easiest way to immigrate to Canada?
Being sponsored by a spouse or parent is often the most straightforward path to Canadian immigration. If that’s not an option, Express Entry is the quickest option for skilled workers.
How can I immigrate to Canada without a job offer?
You don’t necessarily need a job offer to immigrate to Canada, although it does help. Programs like the Federal Skilled Worker Program allow you to apply to enter the country, then find a job once you arrive.
How long does it take to immigrate to Canada?
Applying through Express Entry can take around six months if you have all your documents in order. Applying for a Provincial Nominee Program, on the other hand, can take a lot longer, with current wait times around 19 months. Family sponsorship takes longer still, with the current wait time around 23 months.