Immigrate to Canada
Canada runs one of the world's most transparent, points-based immigration systems. Whether you're a skilled worker, have family in Canada, or are nominated by a province, there's likely a route for you — here's how it works.
Main ways to immigrate
The most common official routes. Which one fits you depends on your situation — we help you compare them.
Express Entry
The main route for skilled workers. You create an online profile, and candidates are ranked and invited to apply for permanent residence based on their overall points.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Canadian provinces nominate workers whose skills match local labour needs. A nomination can strongly boost a permanent-residence application.
Family sponsorship
Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor eligible spouses, partners, children, and certain other relatives to become permanent residents.
Who this is for
- Skilled workers with post-secondary education and work experience
- People with a job offer or an in-demand occupation in a Canadian province
- Spouses, partners, and close family of Canadian citizens or permanent residents
- International students and workers already building experience in Canada
How the process works
- 1
Check your eligibility
Confirm which programs you may qualify for based on age, education, work experience, and language ability.
- 2
Prove language and credentials
Take an approved language test and, if needed, have your foreign education assessed so it can be recognized.
- 3
Submit your profile and apply
Create your Express Entry profile or provincial application, then submit a full permanent-residence application if you are invited.
- 4
Prepare to land
Complete medical, background, and document checks, then plan your arrival and first weeks in Canada.
Settling in after you arrive
- Get your Social Insurance Number (SIN) so you can work
- Open a Canadian bank account
- Find housing and understand your rental rights
- Register for health coverage and file your first taxes
Official sources
Every step links back to the official government source. We point you to them — we never replace them.
- IRCC — Express Entry
- IRCC — Provincial Nominee Program
- IRCC — Permanent residence
- IRCC — Settling in Canada
- CRA — Newcomers to Canada
Informational guidance, not legal advice. Rules and fees change; always confirm on the official government pages above.
Frequently asked questions
- How can I immigrate to Canada?
- Most people immigrate to Canada as a skilled worker through Express Entry, are nominated by a province (PNP), or are sponsored by family. The right route depends on your age, education, work experience, and language ability — Immigrate builds a personalized plan and links every step to the official IRCC pages.
- How much does it cost to immigrate to Canada?
- Costs vary by program and family size and can include government fees, language tests, and credential assessments, plus proof of settlement funds for some routes. We never guess — Immigrate estimates your specific costs and shows the official fee pages so you always confirm the current amounts.
- How long does it take to immigrate to Canada?
- Timelines depend on the program and your documents, and official processing times change over time. Immigrate tracks the current official estimates for your route and builds a timeline around your situation instead of quoting one fixed number.
- Can I move to Canada without a job offer?
- Yes — Express Entry does not always require a job offer, although a job offer or a provincial nomination can strengthen your profile. Immigrate helps you see which routes fit you with and without an offer.
Ready to start your move to Canada?
Answer a few questions and get a personalized, step-by-step plan — official processes, costs, and timelines, all in one place.