Migrate to Canada
Discover your pathway to Canadian permanent residency. Canada welcomes skilled workers from around the world to contribute to its economy and multicultural society.
The Skilled Migration Process for Canada
Canada primarily uses the Express Entry system to manage skilled worker applications. The process is points-based and competitive.
Determine Your Eligibility
Check if you meet the minimum requirements for one of the federal skilled worker programs (Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, or Federal Skilled Trades Program).
Language & Education Assessment
Take an approved language test (IELTS or CELPIP) and get your educational credentials assessed (ECA) by a designated organization to prove they are equivalent to Canadian standards.
Create an Express Entry Profile
Submit your profile to the Express Entry pool. You will be assigned a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on your age, education, work experience, and language skills.
Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
IRCC holds regular draws, inviting candidates with the highest CRS scores to apply for permanent residence.
Submit Your Application
If you receive an ITA, you have 60 days to submit a complete application with all supporting documents (proof of funds, work experience letters, police certificates).
Express Entry System
The main pathway for skilled workers. It is a points-based system that ranks candidates and invites the most competitive ones to apply for permanent residence.
Points-Based (CRS)
Your profile is scored based on factors like age, education, work experience, language skills, and Canadian connections (e.g., a job offer or previous Canadian study/work).
Regular Draws
The Canadian government conducts draws from the pool every few weeks, setting a minimum CRS score for that round.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Provinces can nominate candidates from the Express Entry pool to meet their specific labor market needs. A provincial nomination gives you an extra 600 CRS points, virtually guaranteeing an invitation.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Canadian provinces and territories can nominate individuals who have the skills, education, and work experience to contribute to their economy.
Targeted Skills
Each province has its own "streams" (immigration programs) that target specific groups, such as students, business people, or skilled workers in certain occupations.
Two Routes
You can apply directly to a province's PNP stream or be selected from the Express Entry pool by a province.
Direct Path to PR
A successful nomination allows you to apply for permanent residence with IRCC.