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Immigration Steps

How visas, permits, permanent residence and citizenship work, step by step: what to expect, documents and government fees. From official IRCC pages.

26 programs

Visit and study

Visitor visa or eTA

Most visitors need either a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA). Which one depends on your passport. You need a visa if you can’t use an eTA.Open

Study permit

For studying in Canada at a designated learning institution (DLI). Apply before you travel. From outside Canada you must apply online, except in special cases.Open

Super visa for parents and grandparents

Lets parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens, permanent residents and registered Indians visit for up to 5 years at a time, with multiple entries for up to 10 years.

Work permits

Work permit

There are two kinds. An employer-specific permit names your employer, job and location. An open work permit lets you work for most employers, but IRCC says most people applying from outside Canada can’t get one.Open

LMIA work permit (Temporary Foreign Worker Program)

The employer first gets a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). The worker then applies to IRCC for an employer-specific work permit. The wage decides the stream: at or above the provincial median wage is high-wage, below is low-wage.Open

Global Talent Stream

A fast LMIA stream for highly skilled jobs. Category A is for unique and specialized talent referred by a designated partner. Category B is for jobs on the Global talent occupations list.Open

Work permit under a free trade agreement (no LMIA)

Some business people can get a work permit without an LMIA under agreements such as CUSMA, CETA or CPTPP. Categories include professionals and specialists, company transfers (intra-company transferees), traders and investors. It depends on your citizenship.Paused

International Experience Canada (Working Holiday, Young Professionals, Co-op)

Work and travel in Canada for young people (usually 18–35, 18–30 in some countries) from countries that have an agreement with Canada.Open

Post-graduation work permit (PGWP)

An open work permit for graduates of a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada.Open

Open work permit for spouses of foreign workers

Some spouses and common-law partners of foreign workers in Canada can get an open work permit. IRCC calls it a temporary measure.Open

Bridging open work permit (BOWP)

Lets people who applied for permanent residence keep working in Canada while they wait for the decision. For Express Entry, the Provincial Nominee Program, Quebec skilled workers and some other programs.Open

Agricultural workers (SAWP and the agricultural stream)

Farm workers come through the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) or the agricultural stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. IRCC says SAWP workers “can work for any SAWP employer in Canada”; other agricultural workers get a permit for one named employer.

Permanent residence: skilled workers

Express Entry (FSW, CEC, FST)

Express Entry is the main online system for skilled workers. It manages 3 programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST). You create a profile, enter a pool, and IRCC invites the candidates with the most points in rounds.Open

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Provinces and territories nominate people who can help their economy and want to live there. Each one sets its own streams and numbers. Quebec and Nunavut have no PNP.Quebec selects

Quebec skilled workers

Quebec has a special immigration agreement with Canada and chooses its own skilled workers. You apply to Quebec first, then to IRCC for permanent residence.Open

Atlantic Immigration Program

For skilled foreign workers and international graduates of a Canadian school who want to live in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island or Newfoundland and Labrador.Open

Rural and Francophone Community Immigration Pilots

Permanent residence for skilled candidates who get a job offer in one of 18 selected communities. The Francophone pilot is for French speakers outside Quebec.Closed

Caregivers (home care workers)

Caregivers used to get permanent residence through special pilots. IRCC lists them all as closed: the Home Care Worker Immigration pilots, the Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker pilots (closed June 17, 2024), the Live-in Caregiver Program and older pilots.Closed

Agri-Food Pilot

A permanent residence pilot for experienced non-seasonal workers in certain agri-food industries and jobs. It is no longer accepting new applications.

Permanent residence: business and investors

Start-up Visa Program

For immigrant entrepreneurs who build innovative businesses outside Quebec, with support from a designated venture capital fund, angel investor group or business incubator.Paused

Self-employed Persons Program

For people with relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics who will make a significant contribution to Canada’s cultural or athletic life. IRCC lists it as paused.Quebec selects

Quebec investors, entrepreneurs and self-employed people

For investors, entrepreneurs and self-employed people who want to settle in Quebec and invest in or run a business there. You need a Quebec selection certificate (CSQ) before you apply to IRCC.

Family sponsorship

Sponsor your spouse, partner or children

Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor a spouse, common-law or conjugal partner, or dependent children to become permanent residents.Paused

Sponsor your parents and grandparents (PGP)

Lets citizens and permanent residents sponsor parents and grandparents for permanent residence. While it is paused, the super visa is the main way for parents and grandparents to stay long term.

Refugees and protected persons

Permanent residence for protected persons

For people the Immigration and Refugee Board decided are Convention refugees or persons in need of protection, people granted protection after a pre-removal risk assessment, and protected temporary residents.

Citizenship

Canadian citizenship

Permanent residents can apply when they meet the rules, including physical presence: at least 1,095 days (3 years) in Canada during the 5 years before the date you sign your application.

How long does it take?

Processing times change every week. Check today’s times on IRCC’s official tool. Check processing times ↗

General information only. This is not legal advice and does not check whether you are eligible. Your own checklist in your IRCC account is what counts. Last checked 2026-10-30.