Last verified: June 2026 · Source: justice.gc.ca← Back to IRPA ExplorerLast verified: June 2026 · Source: justice.gc.ca

Agreements

§8

Federal-provincial agreements

🍁 In Simple Terms

This is where the Provincial Nominee Programs and Quebec's special role come from. Ottawa can sign an immigration deal with a province, and the selection rules then have to match that deal. One thing a province cannot touch is whether you are inadmissible: that stays federal.

Affects: Immigration applicants (economic, family, humanitarian)

Legal Text: IRPA Section 8

(1)The Minister, with the approval of the Governor in Council, may enter into an agreement with the government of any province for the purposes of this Act. The Minister must publish, once a year, a list of the federal-provincial agreements that are in force.

Consistency with agreement

(2)Subject to subsection (3) but despite the other provisions of this Act, the following must be consistent with the federal-provincial agreements: (a)the selection and sponsorship of, and the acquisition of status by, foreign nationals under this Act; and (b)regulations governing those matters, including regulations respecting the examination in Canada of applications to become a permanent resident, or respecting the foreign nationals who may be selected on the basis of an investment in Canada.

Inadmissibility not limited

(3)Subsection (2) is not to be interpreted as limiting the application of any provision of this Act concerning inadmissibility to Canada.

In Practice

Related Sections

s. 7International agreements s. 9Sole provincial responsibility — permanent residents

Official Source: Justice Canada: IRPA s. 8 (authoritative, may differ from this display)

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IRPA s.9, Sole provincial responsibility — permanent residents