How to immigrate to Canada: every pathway

What it is

As published by IRCC, the Federal Skilled Worker program selects for permanent residence based on skilled work experience gained anywhere in the world. Candidates must first meet the published minimum requirements for the program, then pass a separate six-factor points grid worth 100 points, of which 67 are needed. Those who qualify enter the Express Entry pool and are ranked against everyone else in it by the Comprehensive Ranking System. Rounds of invitations are issued periodically; only candidates invited in a round may apply.

Designed for: Skilled workers with foreign work experience and no requirement to have worked in Canada.

Core requirements, as the program states them

• •At least one year of continuous skilled work experience in the past ten years, in an occupation classified NOC TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3
• •Language results at CLB 7 or higher in all four abilities, from an IRCC-approved test
• •Secondary education, or an Educational Credential Assessment for a credential earned outside Canada
• •Proof of settlement funds, unless authorized to work in Canada with a valid job offer, plus 67 or more points on the published selection grid

Job offer

Not needed

Language level

CLB 7 in all four abilities

IRCC fee

$1,590 (Principal applicant)$990 processing + $600 right of permanent residence fee

IRCC processing estimate

~7 monthssnapshot of November 2026

Fees from the IRCC fee list. Estimates change often. Fee calculator · Processing times

Start here: the usual order of steps

The order the process asks for, with the tool for each step. It is not advice.

1. 1Find the NOC code and TEER of the job: NOC Finder
2. 2Convert language test scores to CLB levels: Language Converter
3. 3Work out the CRS score: CRS Calculator
4. 4Look up the proof of funds or income figure: Proof of Funds Calculator
5. 5Read the recent Express Entry rounds and cut-offs: Express Entry Draws
6. 6List the documents the application asks for: Document Checklist
7. 7Total the fees for everyone on the application: Immigration Fees
8. 8Read the guide: Federal Skilled Worker guide
9. 9Read the official page. Applications are made there: IRCC: Federal Skilled Worker eligibility ↗

This page lists published rules. It does not assess anyone. An officer decides every application.

What it is

As published by IRCC, the Canadian Experience Class is the Express Entry program for people who have already worked in Canada under authorization. There is no separate points grid and no settlement-funds requirement for this program; candidates who meet the published minimums enter the same Express Entry pool and are ranked by the Comprehensive Ranking System. Work performed while a full-time student does not count toward the experience requirement, and neither does self-employment, except that a temporary public policy lets some physicians who provided publicly funded medical services in Canada count it.

Designed for: People who have already accumulated authorized skilled work experience inside Canada, including many former students on a post-graduation work permit.

Core requirements, as the program states them

• •At least one year of skilled work experience in Canada within the past three years, gained with authorization
• •Experience in an occupation classified NOC TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3
• •Language results at CLB 7 for TEER 0 or 1 occupations, or CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3 occupations
• •Intention to live outside Quebec, since Quebec selects its own economic immigrants

Job offer

Not needed

Language level

CLB 7 for TEER 0 or 1, CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3

IRCC fee

$1,590 (Principal applicant)$990 processing + $600 right of permanent residence fee

IRCC processing estimate

~6 monthssnapshot of November 2026

Fees from the IRCC fee list. Estimates change often. Fee calculator · Processing times

Start here: the usual order of steps

The order the process asks for, with the tool for each step. It is not advice.

1. 1Find the NOC code and TEER of the job: NOC Finder
2. 2Convert language test scores to CLB levels: Language Converter
3. 3Work out the CRS score: CRS Calculator
4. 4Read the recent Express Entry rounds and cut-offs: Express Entry Draws
5. 5List the documents the application asks for: Document Checklist
6. 6Total the fees for everyone on the application: Immigration Fees
7. 7Read the guide: Canadian Experience Class guide
8. 8Read the official page. Applications are made there: IRCC: Canadian Experience Class eligibility ↗

This page lists published rules. It does not assess anyone. An officer decides every application.

What it is

As published by IRCC, the Federal Skilled Trades program is the Express Entry stream built around qualification in a skilled trade rather than around formal education. The published criteria require experience in one of the eligible trade groups plus either a Canadian certificate of qualification or a valid job offer of at least one year. Language thresholds are lower than the other two Express Entry programs, and reading and writing are assessed separately from speaking and listening.

Designed for: Tradespeople in eligible trade groups such as construction, industrial, electrical, maintenance, and certain chef and butcher occupations.

Core requirements, as the program states them

• •At least two years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade within the past five years
• •A Canadian certificate of qualification in the trade, or a valid job offer of at least one year
• •Language results at CLB 5 for speaking and listening and CLB 4 for reading and writing
• •Proof of settlement funds unless already authorized to work in Canada with a valid job offer

Job offer

A job offer of at least one year, or a Canadian certificate of qualification

Language level

CLB 5 speaking and listening, CLB 4 reading and writing

IRCC fee

$1,590 (Principal applicant)$990 processing + $600 right of permanent residence fee

IRCC processing estimate

Not enough datasnapshot of November 2026

Fees from the IRCC fee list. Estimates change often. Fee calculator · Processing times

Start here: the usual order of steps

The order the process asks for, with the tool for each step. It is not advice.

1. 1Find the NOC code and TEER of the job: NOC Finder
2. 2Convert language test scores to CLB levels: Language Converter
3. 3Work out the CRS score: CRS Calculator
4. 4Look up the proof of funds or income figure: Proof of Funds Calculator
5. 5Read the recent Express Entry rounds and cut-offs: Express Entry Draws
6. 6List the documents the application asks for: Document Checklist
7. 7Total the fees for everyone on the application: Immigration Fees
8. 8Read the guide: Immigrating in the trades
9. 9Read the official page. Applications are made there: IRCC: Federal Skilled Trades eligibility ↗

This page lists published rules. It does not assess anyone. An officer decides every application.

This site holds no status row for this pathway. The official page has the current intake notice.

What it is

As published by IRCC, some rounds of invitations are limited to candidates in the Express Entry pool who also fit a published category. For 2026, IRCC lists 10 categories: French-language proficiency, healthcare and social services, STEM, trades, education, transport, physicians with Canadian work experience, senior managers with Canadian work experience, researchers with Canadian work experience, and skilled military recruits. Each occupation category has a closed list of NOC codes. Category rounds do not change the program requirements. They change who is invited, often at a different cut-off than general rounds.

Designed for: Candidates already eligible for an Express Entry program whose language ability or occupation falls inside a category announced for that year.

Core requirements, as the program states them

• •Eligibility for FSW, CEC or FST first, since category rounds invite only from the existing pool
• •French-language category: NCLC 7 or higher in all four abilities in French
• •Healthcare and social services, STEM, trades, education and transport: at least 12 months of full-time work (or the same amount part-time) in the past 3 years in a listed occupation
• •Physicians, senior managers and researchers: that work experience must be in Canada. Skilled military recruits have their own conditions

Job offer

Not needed

Language level

French category: NCLC 7 in all four abilities

IRCC fee

Not listed on this site

IRCC processing estimate

Not listed on this site

Fees from the IRCC fee list. Estimates change often. Fee calculator · Processing times

Start here: the usual order of steps

The order the process asks for, with the tool for each step. It is not advice.

1. 1Find the NOC code and TEER of the job: NOC Finder
2. 2Convert language test scores to CLB levels: Language Converter
3. 3Work out the CRS score: CRS Calculator
4. 4Read the recent Express Entry rounds and cut-offs: Express Entry Draws
5. 5Read the guide: Category-based rounds explained
6. 6Read the official page. Applications are made there: IRCC: category-based selection ↗

This page lists published rules. It does not assess anyone. An officer decides every application.

What it is

As published by IRCC and by each province, a base PNP stream runs outside Express Entry. The province assesses against its own published criteria, issues a nomination if satisfied, and the nominee then applies to IRCC for permanent residence online. Every province and territory except Quebec and Nunavut operates a nominee program, and each publishes its own streams for workers, graduates, entrepreneurs, and in-demand occupations.

Designed for: People with a genuine connection to one province, such as a job offer, studies, or family there, who are not aiming at the federal pool.

Core requirements, as the program states them

• •Criteria are set by the province, not by IRCC, and differ between worker, graduate and entrepreneur streams
• •Most streams require a job offer, prior work or study in the province, or an occupation on the province list
• •A genuine intention to live in the nominating province is a published requirement
• •Federal admissibility is assessed separately by IRCC after nomination

Job offer

Depends on the stream

Language level

Set by each stream

IRCC fee

$1,590 (Principal applicant, federal fee)$990 processing + $600 right of permanent residence fee

IRCC processing estimate

~13 monthssnapshot of November 2026

Fees from the IRCC fee list. Estimates change often. Fee calculator · Processing times

Start here: the usual order of steps

The order the process asks for, with the tool for each step. It is not advice.

1. 1Find the NOC code and TEER of the job: NOC Finder
2. 2Read the recent provincial rounds: PNP Draws
3. 3Convert language test scores to CLB levels: Language Converter
4. 4List the documents the application asks for: Document Checklist
5. 5Total the fees for everyone on the application: Immigration Fees
6. 6Read the guide: Provincial Nominee Program guide
7. 7Read the official page. Applications are made there: IRCC: Provincial Nominee Program ↗

This page lists published rules. It does not assess anyone. An officer decides every application.

This site holds no status row for this pathway. The official page has the current intake notice.

What it is

As published by IRCC, an enhanced PNP stream is aligned with Express Entry. The candidate must already meet the requirements of one of the three federal Express Entry programs; the province then nominates from the pool, and the published effect of that nomination is 600 additional points under the Comprehensive Ranking System. Provinces search the pool and issue notifications of interest, and some also accept direct applications to the stream.

Designed for: Candidates already in the Express Entry pool who also meet a province stream, and who want to apply through Express Entry.

Core requirements, as the program states them

• •Eligibility for FSW, CEC or FST is a precondition, since the nomination is issued from the pool
• •The province stream criteria must be met as well, including any occupation or connection requirement
• •A nomination adds 600 points under the published Comprehensive Ranking System grid
• •Both the province and IRCC must be satisfied; a nomination is not by itself permanent residence

Job offer

Depends on the stream

Language level

The Express Entry program minimum, plus any stream rule

IRCC fee

$1,590 (Principal applicant, federal fee)$990 processing + $600 right of permanent residence fee

IRCC processing estimate

~7 monthssnapshot of November 2026

Fees from the IRCC fee list. Estimates change often. Fee calculator · Processing times

Start here: the usual order of steps

The order the process asks for, with the tool for each step. It is not advice.

1. 1Find the NOC code and TEER of the job: NOC Finder
2. 2Convert language test scores to CLB levels: Language Converter
3. 3Work out the CRS score: CRS Calculator
4. 4Read the recent provincial rounds: PNP Draws
5. 5Read the recent Express Entry rounds and cut-offs: Express Entry Draws
6. 6Total the fees for everyone on the application: Immigration Fees
7. 7Read the guide: Express Entry compared with the PNP
8. 8Read the official page. Applications are made there: IRCC: Provincial Nominee Program ↗

This page lists published rules. It does not assess anyone. An officer decides every application.

This site holds no status row for this pathway. The official page has the current intake notice.

What it is

Quebec runs a separate system. Under the Canada-Quebec Accord, Quebec sets its own selection criteria for economic immigrants and issues a Quebec Selection Certificate, and only after that does IRCC assess admissibility and issue permanent residence. Quebec streams are published by the province, weight French heavily, and use their own points grids and intake windows. Federal Express Entry programs are for people intending to live outside Quebec.

Designed for: People who intend to settle in Quebec, particularly French speakers and graduates or workers already in the province.

Core requirements, as the program states them

• •Selection criteria and points grids are published by Quebec, not by IRCC
• •French-language proficiency carries substantial published weight across the Quebec streams
• •A Quebec Selection Certificate comes first, then a separate federal permanent residence application
• •Intake for several Quebec streams opens in limited windows, so the current provincial notice governs

Job offer

Depends on the stream

Language level

Set by Quebec. French carries heavy weight

IRCC fee

Not listed on this site

IRCC processing estimate

11 months (Federal stage)snapshot of November 2026

Fees from the IRCC fee list. Estimates change often. Fee calculator · Processing times

Start here: the usual order of steps

The order the process asks for, with the tool for each step. It is not advice.

1. 1Find the NOC code and TEER of the job: NOC Finder
2. 2Convert language test scores to CLB levels: Language Converter
3. 3Read the current processing time: Processing Times
4. 4Read the guide: Quebec immigration guide
5. 5Read the official page. Applications are made there: Gouvernement du Québec: skilled worker immigration ↗

This page lists published rules. It does not assess anyone. An officer decides every application.

This site holds no status row for this pathway. The official page has the current intake notice.

What it is

As published by IRCC, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who is at least 18 can sponsor a spouse or partner for permanent residence. The published test is the genuineness of the relationship and the sponsor eligibility rules, not points. Applications are filed either inland, where the sponsored person is in Canada and an open work permit may be available while the file is processed, or outland through a visa office. In most cases there is no income requirement for this category; IRCC sets one only when the sponsored partner has a dependent child who has a dependent child of their own.

Designed for: Couples where one partner is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, including common-law and conjugal partners.

Core requirements, as the program states them

• •Sponsor is a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian under the Indian Act, and at least 18
• •A genuine relationship that was not entered into primarily to gain an immigration benefit
• •The sponsor signs an undertaking to support the sponsored person for the published period
• •The sponsor must not be in default on a previous undertaking or barred under the published rules

Job offer

Not needed

Language level

No language test in the criteria

IRCC fee

$1,260 (Sponsor and spouse, total)

IRCC processing estimate

~26 months (Inside Canada)snapshot of November 2026

~18 months (Outside Canada)snapshot of November 2026

Fees from the IRCC fee list. Estimates change often. Fee calculator · Processing times

Start here: the usual order of steps

The order the process asks for, with the tool for each step. It is not advice.

1. 1List the documents the application asks for: Document Checklist
2. 2Total the fees for everyone on the application: Immigration Fees
3. 3Read the current processing time: Processing Times
4. 4Read the guide: Spousal sponsorship overview
5. 5Read the official page. Applications are made there: IRCC: sponsor your spouse, partner or children ↗

This page lists published rules. It does not assess anyone. An officer decides every application.

This site holds no status row for this pathway. The official page has the current intake notice.

What it is

As published by IRCC, a sponsor can include or separately sponsor a dependent child. The published definition of a dependent child turns on age at the lock-in date and on whether the child is financially dependent because of a physical or mental condition. Adopted children and children being adopted have their own published route with additional provincial requirements.

Designed for: Canadian citizens and permanent residents bringing their own children, including adopted children, to Canada permanently.

Core requirements, as the program states them

• •The child is under the published age limit at the lock-in date and is unmarried and not in a common-law relationship
• •A child at or over that age may still qualify if dependent on a parent because of a physical or mental condition
• •The parent sponsoring is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and signs an undertaking for the published length of time
• •Adoption cases require provincial approval as well as the federal application

Job offer

Not needed

Language level

No language test in the criteria

IRCC fee

$180 (Per sponsored child)

IRCC processing estimate

~41 monthssnapshot of November 2026

Fees from the IRCC fee list. Estimates change often. Fee calculator · Processing times

Start here: the usual order of steps

The order the process asks for, with the tool for each step. It is not advice.

1. 1List the documents the application asks for: Document Checklist
2. 2Total the fees for everyone on the application: Immigration Fees
3. 3Read the current processing time: Processing Times
4. 4Read the guide: Dependent child sponsorship guide
5. 5Read the official page. Applications are made there: IRCC: sponsor your spouse, partner or children ↗

This page lists published rules. It does not assess anyone. An officer decides every application.

What it is

As published by IRCC, the Parents and Grandparents Program lets a Canadian citizen or permanent resident sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residence. When it runs, sponsors first send an interest to sponsor form, and IRCC invites sponsors from that pool. IRCC has paused the program: the status line above comes from the official page. The category publishes a minimum necessary income plus 30%, tested over 3 tax years, and a longer undertaking than spousal sponsorship. The Super Visa is the published temporary alternative, a long-stay visitor visa with its own income and medical insurance rules.

Designed for: Canadian citizens and permanent residents who want their parents or grandparents to live in Canada permanently, or to visit for extended periods.

Core requirements, as the program states them

• •When the program runs, sponsors are invited from a pool of interest to sponsor forms and cannot apply at will
• •The sponsor, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, must meet the published minimum necessary income plus 30% for each of the 3 tax years before applying
• •The undertaking period for this category is longer than for spousal sponsorship
• •The Super Visa is a separate temporary route with its own published income and insurance requirements

Job offer

Not needed

Language level

No language test in the criteria

IRCC fee

$1,260 (Per sponsored parent or grandparent, total)

IRCC processing estimate

~28 months (Applications already in process)snapshot of November 2026

Fees from the IRCC fee list. Estimates change often. Fee calculator · Processing times

Start here: the usual order of steps

The order the process asks for, with the tool for each step. It is not advice.

1. 1Look up the proof of funds or income figure: Proof of Funds Calculator
2. 2List the documents the application asks for: Document Checklist
3. 3Total the fees for everyone on the application: Immigration Fees
4. 4Read the current processing time: Processing Times
5. 5Read the guide: Parent and grandparent sponsorship guide
6. 6Read the official page. Applications are made there: IRCC: sponsor your parents and grandparents ↗

This page lists published rules. It does not assess anyone. An officer decides every application.

This site holds no status row for this pathway. The official page has the current intake notice.

What it is

As published by IRCC, a study permit is required for most programs of study in Canada longer than six months. The published requirements include acceptance at a designated learning institution, a provincial or territorial attestation letter for most applicants, proof of funds for tuition and living costs, and satisfying an officer of admissibility and of intent to leave at the end of the authorized stay. Study permit intake has been subject to published national caps since 2024, so the current notice governs.

Designed for: International students accepted at a Canadian designated learning institution, and often used as the first stage of a longer route.

Core requirements, as the program states them

• •A letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution
• •A provincial or territorial attestation letter, unless the applicant falls in a published exemption
• •Proof of funds covering tuition plus the published cost-of-living amount, which is updated periodically
• •No inadmissibility, and satisfying an officer of intent to leave at the end of the authorized stay

Job offer

Not needed

Language level

Not summarized here. See the official page

IRCC fee

$150 (Study permit)

IRCC processing estimate

~6 weeks (varies by country) (From outside Canada)snapshot of November 2026

Fees from the IRCC fee list. Estimates change often. Fee calculator · Processing times

Start here: the usual order of steps

The order the process asks for, with the tool for each step. It is not advice.

1. 1Look up the proof of funds or income figure: Proof of Funds Calculator
2. 2List the documents the application asks for: Document Checklist
3. 3Total the fees for everyone on the application: Immigration Fees
4. 4Read the current processing time: Processing Times
5. 5Read the guide: Study permit overview
6. 6Read the official page. Applications are made there: IRCC: study permit ↗

This page lists published rules. It does not assess anyone. An officer decides every application.

This site holds no status row for this pathway. The official page has the current intake notice.

What it is

As published by IRCC, the Post-Graduation Work Permit is an open work permit for graduates of eligible Canadian programs. It is issued once, and its published length is tied to the length of the program of study, up to a stated maximum. Eligibility rules now include published field-of-study requirements for several categories of program, plus language thresholds, so the current published list governs. Canadian work experience gained on a PGWP is what many people later use for the Canadian Experience Class.

Designed for: Graduates of eligible Canadian programs who want authorized open work experience after finishing their studies.

Core requirements, as the program states them

• •Completion of an eligible program at an eligible institution, with the published minimum program length
• •Application within the published window after receiving confirmation of program completion
• •Field-of-study requirements apply to several program categories under the current published list
• •For applications made on or after November 1, 2024, language results at CLB or NCLC 7 for university graduates, or 5 for other programs

Job offer

Not needed

Language level

A published minimum for the categories that need one

IRCC fee

$255 (Open work permit, incl. holder fee)

IRCC processing estimate

16 weeks (Inside Canada)snapshot of November 2026

Fees from the IRCC fee list. Estimates change often. Fee calculator · Processing times

Start here: the usual order of steps

The order the process asks for, with the tool for each step. It is not advice.

1. 1List the documents the application asks for: Document Checklist
2. 2Total the fees for everyone on the application: Immigration Fees
3. 3Read the current processing time: Processing Times
4. 4Read the guide: PGWP guide
5. 5Read the official page. Applications are made there: IRCC: work after graduation ↗

This page lists published rules. It does not assess anyone. An officer decides every application.

This site holds no status row for this pathway. The official page has the current intake notice.

What it is

As published by Employment and Social Development Canada, most employer-specific work permits begin with a Labour Market Impact Assessment. The employer applies and must show, against published criteria, that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively affect the Canadian labour market. If a positive assessment is issued, the worker then applies to IRCC for the permit, which names the employer, the occupation, and the location.

Designed for: Workers with a confirmed job offer from a Canadian employer willing to complete the labour market process.

Core requirements, as the program states them

• •A job offer from a Canadian employer, who applies for the Labour Market Impact Assessment first
• •Recruitment, wage, and workplace conditions are assessed under the published streams
• •The resulting work permit is tied to the named employer, occupation, and location
• •The worker must still meet admissibility requirements assessed separately by IRCC

Job offer

Needed

Language level

Not summarized here. See the official page

IRCC fee

$155 (Work permit, worker pays)

$1,000 (LMIA, employer pays per position)

IRCC processing estimate

16 weeks (Permit, inside Canada)snapshot of November 2026

~8 weeks (varies by country) (Permit, outside Canada)snapshot of November 2026

Fees from the IRCC fee list. Estimates change often. Fee calculator · Processing times

Start here: the usual order of steps

The order the process asks for, with the tool for each step. It is not advice.

1. 1Find the NOC code and TEER of the job: NOC Finder
2. 2List the documents the application asks for: Document Checklist
3. 3Total the fees for everyone on the application: Immigration Fees
4. 4Read the current processing time: Processing Times
5. 5Read the guide: LMIA guide
6. 6Read the official page. Applications are made there: ESDC: hire a temporary foreign worker ↗

This page lists published rules. It does not assess anyone. An officer decides every application.

This site holds no status row for this pathway. The official page has the current intake notice.

What it is

As published by IRCC, a large set of work permits is exempt from the Labour Market Impact Assessment because of a broader benefit to Canada or an international agreement. Published exemption categories include free trade agreement professionals and intra-company transferees, spouses of certain workers and students, and reciprocal programs. Each exemption has its own published code and its own evidence requirements, and the employer normally submits an offer of employment through the employer portal.

Designed for: Workers who fall inside a published exemption category, such as treaty professionals, transferees, or spouses of certain permit holders.

Core requirements, as the program states them

• •The specific exemption code and its published conditions must be identified before applying
• •Most categories require the employer to submit an offer of employment and pay the compliance fee
• •Some categories, such as certain agreement-based professionals, have published occupation lists
• •Open work permits under this program have their own published eligibility rules

Job offer

Most categories need an offer from the employer. Open permits have their own rules

Language level

Not summarized here. See the official page

IRCC fee

$155 (Work permit, worker pays)

$230 (Compliance fee, employer pays)

IRCC processing estimate

Not listed on this site

Fees from the IRCC fee list. Estimates change often. Fee calculator · Processing times

Start here: the usual order of steps

The order the process asks for, with the tool for each step. It is not advice.

1. 1Find the NOC code and TEER of the job: NOC Finder
2. 2List the documents the application asks for: Document Checklist
3. 3Total the fees for everyone on the application: Immigration Fees
4. 4Read the current processing time: Processing Times
5. 5Read the guide: LMIA-exempt work permits
6. 6Read the official page. Applications are made there: IRCC: hire through the International Mobility Program ↗

This page lists published rules. It does not assess anyone. An officer decides every application.

What it is

As published by IRCC, International Experience Canada gives youth from countries with a bilateral youth mobility arrangement the chance to work in Canada temporarily. The published categories are Working Holiday, which is an open permit, Young Professionals, and International Co-op for students. Candidates submit to a pool for their country and category and are invited in rounds until no spots remain or the season closes, and eligible ages and quotas differ by country agreement.

Designed for: Young adults who are citizens of a country with a youth mobility arrangement with Canada, or who use a recognized organization.

Core requirements, as the program states them

• •Citizenship of a country with a published bilateral youth mobility agreement, or use of a recognized organization
• •Age within the range published in that country agreement at the time of application
• •The published category conditions, since Young Professionals and Co-op require a related job or placement offer
• •Quotas and rounds of invitations are published for each season, so the current notice governs

Job offer

Working Holiday: no. Young Professionals and Co-op: a related job or placement offer

Language level

Not summarized here. See the official page

IRCC fee

$184.75 (Participation fee, per person)

IRCC processing estimate

6 weeks (Working Holiday)snapshot of November 2026

Fees from the IRCC fee list. Estimates change often. Fee calculator · Processing times

Start here: the usual order of steps

The order the process asks for, with the tool for each step. It is not advice.

1. 1List the documents the application asks for: Document Checklist
2. 2Total the fees for everyone on the application: Immigration Fees
3. 3Read the current processing time: Processing Times
4. 4Read the guide: Working Holiday guide
5. 5Read the official page. Applications are made there: IRCC: International Experience Canada ↗

This page lists published rules. It does not assess anyone. An officer decides every application.

What it is

As published by IRCC, this pilot supports French-speaking newcomers settling in francophone minority communities outside Quebec. Participating communities are named by IRCC, each works with a local economic development organization, and the published route runs through a job offer from a designated employer in that community plus a community recommendation. Language is assessed in French, and the pilot is time-limited by design, so the current published community list and intake status govern.

Designed for: French-speaking workers who want to settle in a designated francophone minority community outside Quebec.

Core requirements, as the program states them

• •A job offer from an employer designated by one of the participating communities
• •French-language test results of at least NCLC 5 in all four abilities, whatever the job offer
• •Work experience or an eligible Canadian credential as published for the stream
• •A community recommendation, plus proof of funds and intent to live in that community

Job offer

Needed

Language level

French, at the published minimum for the job category

IRCC fee

Not listed on this site

IRCC processing estimate

Not listed on this site

Fees from the IRCC fee list. Estimates change often. Fee calculator · Processing times

Start here: the usual order of steps

The order the process asks for, with the tool for each step. It is not advice.

1. 1Find the NOC code and TEER of the job: NOC Finder
2. 2Convert language test scores to CLB levels: Language Converter
3. 3Look up the proof of funds or income figure: Proof of Funds Calculator
4. 4List the documents the application asks for: Document Checklist
5. 5Total the fees for everyone on the application: Immigration Fees
6. 6Read the guide: Francophone pilot guide
7. 7Read the official page. Applications are made there: IRCC: Francophone Community Immigration Pilot ↗

This page lists published rules. It does not assess anyone. An officer decides every application.

What it is

As published by IRCC, the Atlantic Immigration Program is an employer-driven permanent residence route for the four Atlantic provinces. A designated employer makes a job offer, the province endorses the application after a settlement plan is prepared with a designated settlement organization, and the applicant then files with IRCC. The published criteria include work experience or an Atlantic Canadian credential, language, education, and funds.

Designed for: Skilled workers and graduates of Atlantic Canadian institutions with a job offer from a designated Atlantic employer.

Core requirements, as the program states them

• •A job offer from an employer designated under the program in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island or Newfoundland and Labrador
• •Qualifying work experience, or graduation from a recognized Atlantic Canadian institution under the published exemption
• •Language and education results at the published minimums for the occupation category
• •A settlement plan and a provincial endorsement before the federal application

Job offer

Needed

Language level

A published minimum by job category

IRCC fee

Not listed on this site

IRCC processing estimate

~26 monthssnapshot of November 2026

Fees from the IRCC fee list. Estimates change often. Fee calculator · Processing times

Start here: the usual order of steps

The order the process asks for, with the tool for each step. It is not advice.

1. 1Find the NOC code and TEER of the job: NOC Finder
2. 2Convert language test scores to CLB levels: Language Converter
3. 3Look up the proof of funds or income figure: Proof of Funds Calculator
4. 4List the documents the application asks for: Document Checklist
5. 5Total the fees for everyone on the application: Immigration Fees
6. 6Read the guide: Atlantic Immigration Program guide
7. 7Read the official page. Applications are made there: IRCC: Atlantic Immigration Program ↗

This page lists published rules. It does not assess anyone. An officer decides every application.

IRCC's page for this pilot says it will close as of January 1, 2027. Read on canada.ca on November 11, 2026.

What it is

As published by IRCC, this pilot gives participating rural communities a route to recommend candidates for permanent residence. The structure mirrors the francophone pilot: IRCC names the communities, a local economic development organization designates employers, and a community recommendation accompanies the federal application. IRCC introduced it after the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot ended on August 31, 2024, and as a pilot it is time-limited, so the current published community list and intake status govern.

Designed for: Workers willing to settle in one of the participating rural communities, with a job offer from a designated employer there.

Core requirements, as the program states them

• •A job offer from an employer designated by a participating rural community
• •Work experience or an eligible Canadian credential as published for the stream
• •Language and education results at the published minimums for the occupation category
• •A community recommendation, proof of funds, and intent to live in that community

Job offer

Needed

Language level

A published minimum by job category

IRCC fee

Not listed on this site

IRCC processing estimate

Not listed on this site

Fees from the IRCC fee list. Estimates change often. Fee calculator · Processing times

Start here: the usual order of steps

The order the process asks for, with the tool for each step. It is not advice.

1. 1Find the NOC code and TEER of the job: NOC Finder
2. 2Convert language test scores to CLB levels: Language Converter
3. 3Look up the proof of funds or income figure: Proof of Funds Calculator
4. 4List the documents the application asks for: Document Checklist
5. 5Total the fees for everyone on the application: Immigration Fees
6. 6Read the guide: Rural pilot guide
7. 7Read the official page. Applications are made there: IRCC: Rural Community Immigration Pilot ↗

This page lists published rules. It does not assess anyone. An officer decides every application.

What it is

As published by IRCC, the Agri-Food Pilot was a permanent residence route for experienced non-seasonal workers in specific meat processing, mushroom and greenhouse production, and livestock raising occupations. The pilot ended on May 14, 2025. IRCC keeps processing the applications it accepted before that date. Treat this entry as background, not a live option.

Designed for: Experienced workers in the named agri-food occupations. Included here so the category is not mistaken for a currently open route.

Core requirements, as the program states them

• •The published occupation list was narrow and industry-specific
• •Non-seasonal full-time Canadian work experience in an eligible occupation was required
• •Language, education, and job offer requirements were published for the pilot
• •Confirm current status on the official page before relying on anything here

Job offer

Needed

Language level

Not summarized here. See the official page

IRCC fee

Not listed on this site

IRCC processing estimate

Not listed on this site

Fees from the IRCC fee list. Estimates change often. Fee calculator · Processing times

Start here: the usual order of steps

The order the process asks for, with the tool for each step. It is not advice.

1. 1Read the official page. Applications are made there: IRCC: Agri-Food Pilot ↗

This page lists published rules. It does not assess anyone. An officer decides every application.

What it is

As published by IRCC, the Start-Up Visa grants permanent residence to entrepreneurs whose business is backed by a designated Canadian venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator. The designated organization issues a commitment certificate and letter of support, and up to five owners can be included in one business. IRCC lists the program as paused and closed to new applications: the status line above comes from the official page.

Designed for: Entrepreneurs with a scalable business idea who can secure support from a designated Canadian organization.

Core requirements, as the program states them

• •A qualifying business, with the published ownership and control thresholds met by the applicants
• •A letter of support from a designated venture capital fund, angel group, or incubator
• •Language results at the published minimum in English or French
• •Settlement funds. The program is closed to new applications, as the status above explains

Job offer

No job offer. A letter of support from a designated organization instead

Language level

A published minimum in English or French

IRCC fee

$2,495 (Principal applicant)$1,895 processing + $600 right of permanent residence fee

IRCC processing estimate

Not listed on this site

Fees from the IRCC fee list. Estimates change often. Fee calculator · Processing times

Start here: the usual order of steps

The order the process asks for, with the tool for each step. It is not advice.

1. 1Total the fees for everyone on the application: Immigration Fees
2. 2Read the official page. Applications are made there: IRCC: Start-Up Visa ↗

This page lists published rules. It does not assess anyone. An officer decides every application.

What it is

As published by IRCC, the Self-Employed Persons Program was for people with relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics who intended to be self-employed in Canada. IRCC has published that intake for this program is paused. Treat this entry as background on the category rather than a currently open route, and check the official page for its status before planning anything around it.

Designed for: People with published relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics. Listed for completeness while intake is paused.

Core requirements, as the program states them

• •Relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics, as defined in the published program criteria
• •An intention and ability to be self-employed and to make a significant contribution in Canada
• •A published selection grid covering experience, education, age, language, and adaptability
• •Intake is paused, so the official page is the only reliable source on current status

Job offer

Not needed

Language level

Not summarized here. See the official page

IRCC fee

$2,495 (Principal applicant)$1,895 processing + $600 right of permanent residence fee

IRCC processing estimate

Not listed on this site

Fees from the IRCC fee list. Estimates change often. Fee calculator · Processing times

Start here: the usual order of steps

The order the process asks for, with the tool for each step. It is not advice.

1. 1Total the fees for everyone on the application: Immigration Fees
2. 2Read the official page. Applications are made there: IRCC: Self-Employed Persons Program ↗

This page lists published rules. It does not assess anyone. An officer decides every application.

What it is

As published by IRCC, no caregiver route to permanent residence is open to new applicants. The Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots are closed while IRCC processes the applications it already has. The older Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker pilots ended on June 17, 2024. IRCC lists one temporary route as open: working temporarily in Canada as a home care worker, on a work permit.

Designed for: Home care and child care workers with a qualifying offer of employment in Canada.

Core requirements, as the program states them

• •The Home Care Worker pilots required a full-time job offer for home care work meeting the published conditions
• •They also set a published minimum for language results and education
• •Recent relevant work experience or training was part of the published criteria
• •IRCC lists no caregiver route to permanent residence as open, so check the official page for any new intake

Job offer

Needed

Language level

Not summarized here. See the official page

IRCC fee

Not listed on this site

IRCC processing estimate

~77 months (Applications already in process)snapshot of November 2026

Fees from the IRCC fee list. Estimates change often. Fee calculator · Processing times

Start here: the usual order of steps

The order the process asks for, with the tool for each step. It is not advice.

1. 1Read the guide: Caregiver immigration guide
2. 2Read the official page. Applications are made there: IRCC: caregiver programs ↗

This page lists published rules. It does not assess anyone. An officer decides every application.

This site holds no status row for this pathway. The official page has the current intake notice.

What it is

These routes are decided on the individual facts of a case and should be taken to a licensed representative rather than a reference tool. In outline, as published: refugee protection covers in-Canada claims decided by the Immigration and Refugee Board, government-assisted and privately sponsored resettlement from abroad, and humanitarian and compassionate consideration is a discretionary request under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for people who would not otherwise qualify.

Designed for: People seeking protection, and people asking for discretionary relief. Both are fact-specific: speak to a lawyer or a CICC-licensed consultant.

Core requirements, as the program states them

• •In-Canada refugee claims are decided by the Immigration and Refugee Board, not by IRCC officers
• •Resettlement from abroad runs through referral or private sponsorship, not direct application
• •Humanitarian and compassionate requests are discretionary and are assessed on the published factors
• •This is the one category on this page where a reference summary is genuinely not enough

Job offer

Does not apply

Language level

Not summarized here. See the official page

IRCC fee

Not listed on this site

IRCC processing estimate

Not listed on this site

Fees from the IRCC fee list. Estimates change often. Fee calculator · Processing times

Start here: the usual order of steps

The order the process asks for, with the tool for each step. It is not advice.

1. 1Read the guide: Claiming refugee status
2. 2Read the official page. Applications are made there: IRCC: refugees and asylum ↗

This page lists published rules. It does not assess anyone. An officer decides every application.