Your Complete Guide to Canadian Immigration
Discover how to immigrate to Canada through Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, and family sponsorship. Start your journey to Canadian permanent residence today.
Why Choose Canada for Immigration?
Canada offers world-class opportunities, universal healthcare, exceptional education, and a welcoming multicultural society that embraces diversity.
Universal Healthcare
Free healthcare coverage for all permanent residents and citizens, ranked among the world’s best healthcare systems.
World-Class Education
Top-ranked universities and schools, with affordable education costs and excellent post-graduation opportunities.
Strong Job Market
Low unemployment rates, high wages, and strong demand for skilled workers across multiple industries.
Multicultural Society
Welcoming communities, official multiculturalism policy, and celebration of diverse cultures and languages.
High Quality of Life
Safe communities, clean environment, work-life balance, and consistently ranked among the world’s most livable countries.
Strong Passport
Canadian passport provides visa-free access to 185+ countries, offering excellent global mobility.
Main Canadian Immigration Programs
Explore the primary pathways to Canadian permanent residence, each designed for different qualifications and circumstances.
Express Entry System
Canada’s premier skilled worker program
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Points-based Comprehensive Ranking System
- Bi-weekly invitation rounds
Provincial Nominee Program
Province-specific immigration streams
- Nomination by Canadian provinces/territories
- Enhanced and base streams available
- Job offer requirements vary by province
- Adds 600 points to Express Entry profile
- Over 80 different PNP streams
Family Sponsorship
Reunite with family in Canada
- Spouse/partner sponsorship
- Parent & grandparent sponsorship
- Dependent children sponsorship
- Other eligible relatives in specific cases
- Financial support requirements
Processing times and fees updated as of July 2025. Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Step-by-Step Immigration Process
Follow this comprehensive guide to navigate your Canadian immigration journey from eligibility assessment to landing in Canada.
Eligibility Assessment
Complete a free eligibility assessment to determine which immigration programs match your profile and qualifications.
Language Testing
Take approved language tests (IELTS, CELPIP for English; TEF, TCF for French) and achieve required scores for your chosen program.
Credential Assessment
Get your foreign education assessed by designated organizations to confirm Canadian equivalency for your degrees.
Create Express Entry Profile
Submit your Express Entry profile online, providing all required information to calculate your CRS score and enter the pool.
Receive Invitation (ITA)
Wait for an Invitation to Apply during bi-weekly draws. Check current processing times and draw results.
Submit Application
Submit your complete permanent residence application within 60 days, including medical exams, police certificates, and supporting documents.
Medical & Background Checks
Complete medical examinations with IRCC panel physicians and provide police clearance certificates from all countries lived in.
Landing in Canada
Receive your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and permanent resident visa to complete your landing at a Canadian port of entry.
Current Processing Times & Costs
Stay updated with the latest IRCC processing times and comprehensive cost breakdown for Canadian immigration programs.
July 2025 Processing Times
Complete Cost Breakdown
Costs shown in Canadian dollars. Processing times updated July 2025. Visit our Canada visa costs calculator for personalized estimates.
Top Provincial Immigration Destinations
Discover the most popular provinces for immigrants, each offering unique opportunities, lifestyle benefits, and settlement support.
Ontario
Canada’s economic powerhouse, home to Toronto and Ottawa, offering diverse job opportunities and vibrant multicultural communities.
- Largest economy and job market in Canada
- Multiple PNP streams available
- World-class universities and healthcare
- Easy access to the US border
British Columbia
Pacific coast province known for Vancouver, mild climate, outdoor lifestyle, and strong tech industry presence.
- Tech Hub with major tech companies
- Mild coastal climate year-round
- Gateway to Asia-Pacific markets
- Excellent quality of life rankings
Alberta
Energy and agriculture hub with no provincial sales tax, strong economy, and beautiful Rocky Mountain landscapes.
- No provincial sales tax (PST)
- Strong oil & gas, agriculture sectors
- Low cost of living and housing
- Regular PNP draws with lower scores
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most common questions about Canadian immigration processes, requirements, and timelines.
CRS scores vary by draw type and date. Recent general draws have required 475-525 points, while category-based draws (French language, healthcare) have lower requirements of 410-475 points. PNP candidates with 600 additional points have scores around 788. Check latest draw results for current scores.
Timeline depends on your pathway: Express Entry applications are processed within 6 months after receiving ITA. Overall journey from starting your profile to landing can take 12-18 months including preparation time for language tests, credential assessment, and document gathering. View detailed processing times.
No, job offers are not required for most Express Entry programs. As of March 2025, IRCC removed job offer points from the CRS system. However, job offers may be required for specific PNP streams and can still help with program eligibility. Focus on improving language scores, education, and work experience instead.
Minimum CLB 7 (IELTS 6.0) in all four skills for most Express Entry programs. Higher scores significantly improve your CRS ranking. French language proficiency provides additional points and access to category-based draws with lower CRS requirements. Learn about language testing.
Yes, you can include your spouse/common-law partner and dependent children (under 22) in your application. They will receive permanent residence when you do. Including your spouse may affect your CRS score depending on their qualifications. Dependent children don’t require separate applications but need medical exams and may need police certificates if over 18.