How to move to canada

How to Move to Canada

This article was co-authored by Timothy Morson. Timothy Morson is a Canadian Immigration Specialist and a former Canadian Diplomat. With over 30 years of experience, Timothy specializes in Canadian immigration programs, immigration management, employer compliance, and international mobility. He holds a BA in Political Science from Concordia University and an MA in Journalism from Western University. Timothy is accredited by the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC), Immigration Quebec, and is a member of the Order of Chartered Administrators of Quebec (Adm.A). He works to help people and companies around the world achieve their immigration goals.

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Approximately 250,000 people move to Canada each year. There are multiple paths to legally move to Canada and many people will qualify for at least one of them. Detailed step by step by step instructions on making your move to Canada follow.

Immigrate to Canada 2022: 5 Easiest Ways

Canada plans on welcoming over 1.3 million new immigrants between 2022 and 2024! There are many methods to take in order to immigrate to Canada in 2022, and we will explain the 5 easiest ways to do so in detail below. If you are interested in learning about every possible way to immigrate, visit our main Canadian Visa immigration page.

Immigration to Canada is not easy. There are many steps one has to take in order to successfully apply and get approved for Canadian immigration. Also, the process can take a number of months and in some cases a few years. But if you know what options are available, you can improve your chances of success and avoid “pitfalls”, frustrations and delays. Here, you can learn how to move to Canada through permanent residence, working, visiting, and even studying in Canada.

How to Immigrate to Canada: 5 Options for Migrating to Canada in 2022

1. Express Entry Program

Canadian Immigration Program that allows immigrants to live and work in Canada as a skilled worker through Express Entry. The new system will allow Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) to pro-actively assess, recruit, and select immigrants who are skilled and/or possessed the relevant qualifications under federal economic immigration programs:

The Express Entry program will also allow individual provinces and territories to use the system in order to recruit suitable candidates as part of the Provincial Nominee Programs so that labour market demands are met.

Usually, this is one of Canada’s most popular programs, but we haven’t seen an FSW draw since December of 2020, and a CEC since September of 2021. There have also been slower processing times due to the Covid-19 outbreak, but we encourage you to continue to apply as things should be back to normal by mid-year of 2022.

2. Family Class Sponsorship

Family Reunification remains a cornerstone of Canada’s immigration policy. Families in Canada can sponsor their relatives to come to Canada on a permanent basis. In order to qualify to sponsor your relative, you have to be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Also who you can sponsor is: your spouse and children under the age of 22 (there are some exceptions to this). Sponsoring your parents or grandparents is no longer an option at this time. However, you can bring them to Canada under the Super Visa Category.

3. LMIA Work Visa

Many applicants for Canadian immigration first get Canadian job offers, apply for a work visa and then on that basis, immigrate to Canada. The LMIA involves securing a Canadian job offer, having the Canadian employer apply for an LMIA through Service Canada, and then the applicant applying for the work permit after the LMIA is approved. This is a very involved process but can lead to Canadian permanent residence.

4. The Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)

The PNP route is becoming an increasingly popular way to immigrate to Canada. Canadian provinces such as Alberta, Ontario, British Columbia and others have developed their own immigration programs that often lead to a fast-track process. However, the PNP category generally requires that applicants reside in the respective Provinces after they arrive in Canada. Further, most PNPs require a job offer from a Canadian employer in order to qualify.

5. Canadian Investor Immigration

The Investor Category is designed for high net worth individuals who have owned or managed businesses overseas. By allowing experienced business people to invest in the Canadian economy, they are contributing to Canada’s overall growth and prosperity. There are essentially two investor programs in Canada: The Federal Investor Program and the Quebec program. Both programs are somewhat similar and require that the applicants have a high net worth and make a large investment in an approved investment fund for a 5-year period. Investor immigrants can bring their spouses and children as dependents on their applications.

As of June 2014, applications still in the backlog of the federal Immigrant Investor Program and Entrepreneur Program were terminated. The Quebec Investor Program and Quebec Entrepreneur Program were not affected.

Are there other options for Canadian Migration?

There are other ways to obtain Canadian immigration such as the CEC category, Humanitarian and Compassionate application, Refugee Claims, as well as the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program.

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is an immigration program that allows individuals who have worked in Canada for at least one year to immigrate permanently.

Humanitarian and Compassionate Application

Humanitarian and Compassionate Applications, or “H&Cs,” are Canadian permanent residence applications that are filed from within Canada. They are for people who do not have legal status in Canada but who have still made Canada their home.

Refugee Claims

Individuals can make an asylum claim in Canada at a port of entry or at an inland CBSA or Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) office. They must demonstrate why they can not go back to their home country.

Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program

The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIP) works to recruit newcomers to the Atlantic provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. These provinces are able to fill labour gaps with immigrants who qualify with work experience.

Canada Immigration FAQs

Who Processes Canada Visa Applications?

Citizenship, Immigration, and Refugees Canada promotes the entrance of immigrants, protects refugees, and provides programs to assist newcomers in settling in Canada. The IRCC also gives Canadians citizenship and issues travel papers (such as passports).

What Are the Requirements to Immigrate to Canada?

Each immigration program has its own set of basic qualifications. It is critical to confirm your eligibility before applying.

When you apply, the Canadian government will ask for several papers to verify your employment experience, education, identification, and criminal and medical history. The sorts of documentation necessary vary depending on the program to which you are applying.

To decide the papers you will need, you must first establish which immigration program is suitable for you!

Is There an Age Limit to Immigrate to Canada?

There are no age restrictions for any Canadian immigration program. However, in most economic immigration categories, candidates aged 25 to 35 earn the highest points. This is not to say that older candidates cannot be chosen. Significant job experience, excellent language fluency, Canadian contacts, and advanced education may readily compensate for any points lost due to age in economic immigration.

Family sponsorship and humanitarian and refugee immigration to Canada do not employ a ranking system and have no age restrictions.

What Is the Fastest Way I Can Immigrate to Canada?

Express Entry is the quickest way to immigrate to Canada. Most Express Entry applications are processed in six months or fewer.

What is a Canadian Permanent Resident?

A Canadian permanent resident is a citizen of another country who has been given permanent residency in Canada. A person with permanent resident status has the right to live and work anywhere in the United States. Permanent residents in Canada are entitled to several privileges, including access to healthcare and social services, the freedom to live, work, and study anywhere in Canada, and legal protection. Furthermore, after a set period of time as a permanent resident, permanent residents are entitled to seek to become Canadian citizens! Notably, permanent residents of Canada do not have the ability to vote in Canadian elections.

Is It Easy to Immigrate to Canada?

With over 80 immigration channels, Canada offers a variety of possibilities for all sorts of candidates. Moving to a new nation, however, necessitates some work. Some immigration programs need more credentials and documentation than others. Using the services of a Canadian immigration lawyer can substantially aid in the entire immigration process.

For your application, Canadian immigration attorneys will be your point of contact with the government. They manage the filing of your application and advise you on which papers you need, which you should include, and which you should not supply.

Are You Interested in Immigrating to Canada But Don’t Know Where to Start?

If so, Contact VisaPlace today. All our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals, and consultants who work for VisaPlace Legal an award-winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.

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The assessment form should take approximately 5-7 minutes to complete. We will get back to you within one business day to let you know if we are able to help.

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Michael is a graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto. He is a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada, the Canadian Bar Association’s Citizenship and Immigration Section and the Associate Member of the American Bar Association.

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Immigration to Canada — How to make it happen

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Immigration to Canada can be achieved through a wide range of programs. If you’re not yet sure how to select the right Canadian immigration program for you, you’re in the right place.

This section will help you answer the question: How do I immigrate to Canada?

Our immigration to Canada section has three main categories of programs for you to consider:

From the options below, click on the most applicable situation to find out which option(s) for moving to Canada may be available to you and your family, if applicable. If more than one of the situations listed above applies to you, we encourage you to begin your research with whichever situation is listed first. However, make sure to review the other potential option(s) as well.

If none of the situations listed apply to you, don’t lose heart – you may still be eligible for immigration to Canada. Check through the range of options outlined below to find out which pathway may be right for you, and use the government of Canada’s Come to Canada Wizard to check your eligibility.

Select an option:

How to immigrate as a worker

Take a look at this video to understand the main options for immigrating to Canada as a worker:

Economic immigration to Canada

Express Entry

Express Entry overview

Who is it for?

Express Entry immigration to Canada is open to skilled foreign workers, tradespersons, and graduates with ability in English and/or French. Individuals of any age may become a candidate, but preference is given to younger workers seeking immigration to Canada.

How does it work?

Since January 2015, eligible individuals can express their interest in becoming a permanent resident of Canada. Eligibility may be through the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, or the Federal Skilled Trades Program.

Candidates are assigned a score (out of 1,200 points) based on their education, career history, and other personal details, and will be ranked against other candidates under what is called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).

When draws from the Express Entry pool occur, the top-ranking candidates are invited to apply for Canadian permanent residence. While in the pool, candidates can strive to increase their CRS points total, and thus their ranking, by proving better human capital factors, for example by re-taking a language test or completing additional work experience.

Moreover, a candidate may obtain a qualifying job offer or a provincial nomination through one of the many Express Entry-aligned Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams. A provincial nomination is particularly valuable, as it results in 600 additional CRS points being awarded to the candidate, who will then be invited to apply in a subsequent draw from the pool.

What’s the advantage?

Express Entry has proven to be a quick route for immigration to Canada, with more than 80 percent of applications processed within six months. The process is entirely online, and it is easy to track the status of the application.

Furthermore, Express Entry is a system that rewards proactive individuals who can prove to the government that they are likely to be economically successful upon settlement in Canada.

How much does it cost?

Hiring representation (i.e. a regulated lawyer or consultant) would entail additional fees, but this is a price that many candidates feel is worth the outlay. Moving2Canada has partnered with a number of experienced representatives who can help candidates with their Canadian immigration goals.

How long does it take?

About 4–6 months from when you submit the application. In advance of this, additional time may be required to complete any relevant tests and obtain documents.

Other considerations

Success in this system is not guaranteed, as the government invites only a portion of candidates from the pool when it conducts one of its draws. However, the government has stated that the Express Entry pool is now the main source of economic immigration to Canada, and over time the CRS cut-off threshold has decreased substantially.

Where can I learn more?

The Express Entry system invites candidates to apply through four different programs. These are:

The criteria for each program is different, and it is possible to be eligible for more than one. For example, if you have a mix of foreign and Canadian work experience, you may be eligible for both the FSWC and the CEC.

To learn more about these programs, see our Express Entry Canada guide.

Canadian Experience Class

Learn more about the Canadian Experience Class

Who is it for?

Foreign workers who have completed at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years can pursue permanent immigration to Canada through the Canadian Experience Class.

How does it work?

Candidates under the Canadian Experience Class must create an Express Entry profile and be invited to apply for immigration to Canada before submitting an application through Express Entry (see above for details).

What’s the advantage?

How much does it cost?

How long does it take?

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) aims to process applications within six months, though in many cases Canadian Experience Class applications have been found to be processed more quickly.

Other considerations

Eligibility for the program does not guarantee that an invitation to apply will be issued or that permanent residence will be granted.

Where can I learn more?

Federal Skilled Worker Program

Learn more about the Federal Skilled Worker Program

Who is it for?

Professionals and skilled workers around the world who want to immigrate to Canada permanently.

How does it work?

Interested individuals are assessed according to the FSWC points system and must score at least 67 points on this grid (out of 100) in order to be eligible. Points are awarded for age, language ability, level of education, work experience, whether or not the candidate has a job offer, and certain adaptability factors.

Eligible candidates must create an Express Entry profile and be invited to apply before submitting an application through Express Entry (see above for details).

What’s the advantage?

As this is Canada’s flagship immigration program, tens of thousands of newcomers are admitted as permanent residents annually. This provides a unique opportunity for individuals and families around the world to make the move to Canada, even if they don’t have previous ties to Canada.

How much does it cost?

How long does it take?

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) aims to process applications within six months.

Other considerations

Eligibility for the program does not guarantee that an invitation to apply for immigration to Canada will be issued or that permanent residence will be granted.

Where can I learn more?

See our dedicated Federal Skilled Worker Program overview page.

Federal Skilled Trades Program

Learn more about the Federal Skilled Trades Program

Who’s it for?

Qualified, experienced tradespersons from around the world who want to immigrate to Canada.

How does it work?

Eligible candidates must create an Express Entry profile and be invited to apply before submitting an application through Express Entry (see above for details).

What’s the advantage?

How much does it cost?

How long does it take?

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) aims to process applications within six months.

Other considerations

Eligibility for the program does not guarantee that an invitation to apply for immigration to Canada will be issued or that permanent residence will be granted.

Where can I learn more?

Provincial Nominee Programs

Learn more about the Provincial Nominee Programs

Who is it for?

Individuals who intend to reside in a specific province and who can prove their ability to settle into the provincial economy. PNP streams often favour individuals with prior connections to the province, either through work experience, study, or family connections, though in some cases some individuals without a prior connection to the province may be eligible to apply or invited to apply, as the case may be.

How does it work?

PNPs offer a two-step pathway to permanent residence. Eligible individuals must first apply to the province for a provincial nomination certificate. Upon obtaining this certificate, applicants may then apply to the federal government for permanent residence; the federal government reviews an applicant’s criminal and medical admissibility to Canada.

Some PNP streams are aligned with the Express Entry system, outlined above. These are known as enhanced streams. A nomination certificate obtained through an enhanced PNP stream results in an Express Entry candidate being awarded 600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, effectively guaranteeing that an invitation to apply (ITA) for immigration to Canada will be issued in a subsequent draw from the Express Entry pool. The application for permanent residence will be receive priority processing by the federal government, with a processing time target of six months or less.

PNP streams that are not aligned with Express Entry are known as base streams. A nomination certificate obtained through a base PNP stream does not alter a candidate’s Express Entry CRS score. Indeed, eligible individuals may apply to a base PNP stream without ever having an Express Entry profile, and base PNP streams may offer a pathway to permanent residence for individuals who are not eligible to enter the Express Entry pool.

What’s the advantage?

There is a lot to be said for the fact that permanent residents admitted through a PNP have been personally selected by their destination province – they can settle into their life in Canada knowing that they are truly wanted at a local level.

Beyond this more emotionally subjective advantage, there are some more immediately practical advantages. For Express Entry candidates who have not yet met the CRS cut-off threshold set in Express Entry draws, enhanced PNP streams offer the opportunity to obtain 600 additional CRS points, resulting in the issuance of an ITA. For individuals not eligible for Express Entry, base PNP streams leave the door open for economic immigration to Canada.

How much does it cost?

That depends on the province and the stream. Some provinces allow individuals to make an expression of interest in immigrating to their province free of charge, with fees to be paid if or when an invitation to apply to the PNP is issued and a subsequent application submitted. Other PNP streams operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and consequently a processing fee would be demanded up front.

How long does it take?

As this is a two-step process, application processing times include a provincial processing stage and a federal processing stage, and both stages should be taken into account when considering the overall time it may take from start to finish. Immigration to Canada through a PNP can take anywhere from a few months to a few years.

Provincial stage: Some provinces publish updated processing times. Click any of the links below to find out more.

Federal stage: For enhanced PNP streams, the federal processing time is usually under six months. For base PNP streams, average processing times at the federal stage are 15 to 19 months.

Other considerations

Applicants should have the intention to live in the province they are applying to. Once Canadian permanent residence has been granted, permanent residents have the right to live and work in any Canadian province or territory.

Where can I learn more?

Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program

Learn more about the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program

Who’s it for?

Individuals with a job offer in one of the Atlantic provinces, namely Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador.

How does it work?

The AIPP is segmented into three sub-programs: the Atlantic High-Skilled Program, the Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program, and the Atlantic International Graduate Program.

The info-graphic below, provided by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), shows the step-by-step AIPP process for immigration to Canada.

What’s the advantage?

Registered employers are not required to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) in order for the job offer to be considered valid under this program. This streamlines the hiring process for employers and applicants alike. In addition, employers must partner with a recognized settlement organization, which helps applicants and their families, if applicable, settle into their new surroundings.

How much does it cost?

How long does it take?

IRCC aims to process applications for permanent residence submitted through this program within six months.

Other considerations

Applicants must have a job offer from a designated employer in one of the Atlantic provinces and must intend to live in their destination province.

Where can I learn more?

We hope you are enjoying the content on Moving2Canada.

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We hope you are enjoying the content on Moving2Canada.

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We pride ourselves on delivering fast and accurate immigration news to our community. Revenue from trusted advertisers helps support this work.

Please consider disabling your ad blocker while visiting our site.

Prepare for life in Canada

Find a job, get your credentials assessed, learn English and French, and find out what to expect when you get to Canada—financially, socially and culturally.

Ukraine immigration measures: Financial assistance

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Living in Canada tool

Learn about what it’s like to live in Canada and which resources are available to you to help you settle here.

Welcome to Canada

Find out what to expect in your first few weeks in Canada.

Before you arrive

Find out what you can bring to Canada when you cross the border.

How to move to Canada: Step-by-step guide

Whether you’re starting a new school, job, or setting off on an adventure, Canada is a wonderful place to live.

In this complete relocation guide you’ll learn all of the ins and outs of what it’s like to live as a Canadian. Below you’ll find tips on landing new accommodation and employment, steps to set up a bank account and health insurance, and the typical costs of living.

Living in Canada quick stats:

Before moving to Canada, it’s helpful to understand some basic statistics:

Step 1: Figure out the legal requirements to move to Canada

If you’re looking to relocate permanently to Canada, there are generally two ways of doing it: economic immigration or family reunification. For reunification, you’ll need to have a Canadian relative that’s either a citizen, a permanent resident, or registered under the Canadian Indian Act and is at least 18 years old and will sponsor your move.

An independent visa is assessed on a points-based system. Sixty-seven points are required, and will be given to you based on your age, and whether you have family in Canada. Other points are assessed based on education, training and skill set.

Most new residents make the move under one of Canada’s many economic immigration paths as a skilled worker or investor. The Express Entry program allows people to apply for residence based on future employment success in Canada. This factors in things like age, job and education, and language skills. Because English or French language proficiency is a must in Canada, those relocating from the UK, Australia or the US have an immediate advantage.

Some provinces, like Quebec or those less populated in the Atlantic region, have additional opportunities to entice future residents with stable employment. You can also be sponsored by a province if your job skills are especially unique.

Canada also encourages new permanent residents through its Start-Up Visa Program for those entrepreneurs who are willing to invest in the country. The program allows entry for entrepreneurs who are innovative, will employ Canadians, and could compete on a global scale.

In general, plan to follow these basic rules:

There are a few special work visa programs that can speed up the permit process. For example, the International Mobility Program lets employers hire temporary workers without lengthy paperwork requirements if there are clear economic, cultural or other competitive advantages for Canada.

Requirements for Australian citizens

Australian citizens, provided they speak English or French, can move to Canada under the above-written rules. If they’re hired by a Canadian employer or coming as an intra-company transfer, this will make things significantly easier.

Requirements for EU citizens

EU citizens are more likely to be granted access to Canada if they speak English. English proficiency will give an EU migrant ‘points’ in order to reach the points threshold that makes one eligible for citizenship.

Requirements for American citizens

Americans looking to move to Canada must meet all of the requirements listed above. One popular option is to become a permanent resident instead of a citizen. While permanent residents can’t vote or hold public office, they’re entitled to healthcare and can live, work, and study in Canada. Become a permanent resident by applying through a specific province, or proving relation to a spouse who lives in Canada.

Requirements for UK citizens

Family, spouse and employment visas are the most popular way that UK citizens move to Canada. British citizens can stay in Canada for six months at a time without a visa, but afterwards will require a more permanent visa.

Requirements for students

A temporary work or study permit can be applied for either online before you arrive, in your home country’s visa office, or once you’re in Canada. If you plan to attend school, you must submit a Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution with your application.

For younger travelers, a special visa can be obtained with the International Experience Canadaprogram. This allows a temporary work permit for citizens of certain countries who are between 18 and 35 years old. This includes many EU countries, the UK, and Australia.

Step 2: Make sure you can afford the cost of living in Canada

It’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with what it actually costs to live in Canada. And don’t forget, if you’re headed to Canada for temporary work or school, they require proof you can pay for your cost of living while you’re there. Here are a few basic costs for typical living in Canada:

Step 3: Set up your finances in Canada

Canada is considered one of the world’s safest banking centers. It’s known for having the highest ATMs per capita and has thousands of bank branches across the country, especially for their top five banks: The Royal Bank of Canada, Toronto Dominion Bank, Scotiabank, Bank of Montreal, and the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce.

It’s easy toopen a bank account in Canada for foreign residents or temporary visitors. You can open an account before coming to Canada; however, it’s easier to go in-person to a bank.

Step 4: Find a job and get to work in Canada

Canada is keen to make the job search smooth for its new and future residents. If you haven’t already landed a job prior to entering the country, here are a few English-speaking sites to help you:

Step 5: Get a place to live in Canada

Most Canadians live on the southern border, near the largest cities of Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. The rental market can be competitive in these urban areas, but there are always plenty of apartments, townhouses, or single-family homes for rent or sale.

It’s smart to begin looking for housing before you land in Canada. A real estate agent may also be helpful in finding a new place to live, as almost two-thirds of Canadians report owning a home rather than renting.

Toronto and Vancouver are the more expensive areas in Canada. Living outside of the cities, in the Quebec province, or Atlantic coastal provinces like New Brunswick or Newfoundland are more affordable. Additionally, Ottawa, Ontario is home to a large population of immigrants, making it an attractive place for newcomers.

Step 6: Make sure your healthcare is covered in Canada

Expats and long-term visitors should make it a priority to register for health insurance once in Canada. Each province runs its own health care system, and some have a waiting period of up to three months before a health card can be issued. Only three provinces charge health care premiums: British Columbia, Ontario, and Alberta. In the remaining provinces, healthcare is paid for through taxes.

Private insurance is available to cover additional care, like pharmacy or specialist needs. But all provinces will provide free emergency hospital care, no matter your status or if you have a health card. You can apply for a card online or at most local hospitals, doctor’s offices or pharmacies.

Step 7: If you haven’t already, learn the language

French and English are the national languages of Canada. Most Canadians primarily speak English, but in the Quebec province, French is the official language.

Those relocating to Canada are strongly advised to be fluent in at least one of the two languages, and to become proficient in the other one as soon as possible. There are online classes, such as Duolingo or the official Language Portal of Canada. Each province has multiple in-person courses for adults and children in French and English.

Thousands of expats and foreign visitors relocate to Canada every year. There are many forums and meetups for finding fellow expat friends:

There’s a lot to take care of when relocating to another country. If you’re looking for a new place to live, Canada is a welcoming choice to travelers from around the world.