380,000
PR target for 2026 (IRCC Levels Plan)
7 categories
Economic, family, temporary, humanitarian, business
Sourced from IRCC
Every requirement links to official sources
Canada offers multiple pathways to permanent residence, temporary work, and study. Each has specific eligibility requirements, processing timelines, and costs. Understanding your options is the first step — explore each pathway below.
Most Popular Pathways
Express Entry
Canada's primary system for skilled worker PR applications. Includes FSW, CEC, and FST streams. CRS-ranked draws issued regularly.
Spousal Sponsorship
Sponsor your spouse or partner for permanent residence. Open work permit available while application processes.
Work Permit → PR
Work in Canada, gain experience, then apply through Canadian Experience Class in Express Entry.
Study → PGWP → PR
Study at a Canadian DLI, obtain a Post-Graduation Work Permit, accumulate Canadian experience, then apply for PR.
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Economic Immigration
2 pathwaysExpress Entry
EconomicCanada's primary system for managing PR applications from skilled workers. Includes Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and Federal Skilled Trades (FST).
Key Requirements
- Minimum 1 year skilled work experience (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3)
- Language proficiency (CLB 7+ for FSW)
- Education credential assessment for foreign degrees
6 months (80% of applications)
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
EconomicProvinces and territories nominate individuals who want to settle in their region and who have the skills, education, and work experience to contribute to their economy.
Key Requirements
- Requirements vary by province and stream
- Most require job offer or connection to the province
- Some streams aligned with Express Entry (adds 600 CRS points)
12-18 months (varies by province)
Family Immigration
1 pathwayFamily Sponsorship
FamilyCanadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor close family members (spouse, partner, dependent children, parents, grandparents) for permanent residence.
Key Requirements
- Sponsor must be Canadian citizen or PR, 18+
- Must meet income requirements (parents/grandparents)
- Must sign undertaking to financially support sponsored person
12 months (spousal — inland/outland combined)
Temporary Immigration
2 pathwaysWork Permits
TemporaryTemporary authorization to work in Canada. Most require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from the employer, though many exemptions exist under international agreements and other programs.
Key Requirements
- Job offer from Canadian employer (most cases)
- LMIA or LMIA-exempt category
- No criminal inadmissibility
1-27 weeks (varies by country and type)
Study Permits
TemporaryRequired for international students studying in Canada for programs longer than 6 months. Must be accepted at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
Key Requirements
- Letter of acceptance from a DLI
- Proof of financial support (tuition + $20,635/year living expenses for 2024)
- No criminal inadmissibility
1-16 weeks (varies by country)
Humanitarian Immigration
1 pathwayRefugee & Humanitarian
HumanitarianProtection for people who fear persecution or face danger in their home country. Includes in-Canada asylum claims and government/private sponsorship of refugees abroad.
Key Requirements
- Well-founded fear of persecution (Convention refugee)
- Risk of torture, cruel treatment, or risk to life (person in need of protection)
- Government-Assisted Refugees (GAR) selected by UNHCR
Varies significantly by claim type and country
Business Immigration
1 pathwayBusiness Immigration
BusinessPrograms for entrepreneurs, investors, and self-employed persons who want to establish or invest in Canadian businesses.
Key Requirements
- Start-Up Visa: letter of support from designated organization
- Self-Employed: relevant experience in cultural/athletic activities or farm management
- Provincial entrepreneur streams have varying requirements
12-37 months (varies by program)
Have a Criminal Record?
A criminal record can create inadmissibility under IRPA s.36, potentially affecting your immigration application or entry to Canada. Understanding your admissibility status is an important first step before pursuing any pathway.
Related Resources
Important: Processing times are estimates based on IRCC published data and vary by individual circumstances. Always verify with the official IRCC processing time tool before making travel or employment decisions. ClearToEnter is an educational resource, not legal advice. For complex cases, consult a licensed immigration lawyer.
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