Canada visas
Canada's permanent-residence system is dominated by Express Entry, covering Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class and Federal Skilled Trades, plus Provincial Nominee Programs. Temporary routes include LMIA-based work permits, International Mobility Program, and the Post-Graduation Work Permit.
Official portal
Regulators of immigration advice
- College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) — National regulator of Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs).
- Federation of Law Societies of Canada (FLSC) — Federation of provincial law societies regulating Canadian lawyers authorised to give immigration advice.
Visa routes (8)
Express Entry — Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Federal permanent-residence stream for applicants with qualifying Canadian work experience.
No sponsor needed · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 18 April 2026
Express Entry — Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
Federal points-based permanent residence for skilled workers without prior Canadian experience.
No sponsor needed · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 18 April 2026
Express Entry — Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
Permanent residence for qualified tradespeople with a Canadian job offer or provincial certification.
No sponsor needed · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 18 April 2026
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Province-led permanent residence streams giving a 600 CRS boost when aligned with Express Entry.
No sponsor needed · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 18 April 2026
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
Open work permit for graduates of eligible Canadian Designated Learning Institutions.
No sponsor needed · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 18 April 2026
Start-Up Visa (Canada)
Permanent residence for entrepreneurs with endorsement from a designated Canadian venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator.
No sponsor needed · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 18 April 2026
Canadian Study Permit
Study permit for international students at Designated Learning Institutions, governed by provincial study attestation caps.
Sponsor required · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 18 April 2026
Spousal / common-law sponsorship (Canada)
Permanent residence sponsorship of spouses, common-law partners, or conjugal partners by Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
No sponsor needed · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 18 April 2026
Recent Canada policy changes
·significant
Canada tightens Post-Graduation Work Permit eligibility
IRCC introduced significant changes to PGWP eligibility, including field-of-study restrictions for most programmes and new language-test requirements.
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We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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