Immigration Pathways

Canadian immigration is governed by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and its regulations (IRPR). Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is the federal department responsible for processing applications for work permits, study permits, permanent residence, and citizenship. Canada admits approximately 400,000 to 500,000 new permanent residents each year under its Immigration Levels Plan.

The cornerstone of Canada's economic immigration system is Express Entry, a points-based system that manages applications for three federal programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST). Candidates are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which awards points for age, education, language ability, and work experience. The highest-ranked candidates receive Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence in regular draws.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) allow provinces and territories to nominate candidates who meet local labor market needs. A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points, effectively guaranteeing an ITA. Each province has its own streams with different eligibility requirements.

Application fees vary by program. A work permit costs $155 CAD, a study permit $150 CAD, permanent residence applications $1,365 CAD (principal applicant including right of permanent residence fee), and citizenship $630 CAD. Biometrics cost $85 CAD per person. Processing times are published at ircc.canada.ca and vary significantly by program and country of origin.