Immigrate to Canada, step by step

Read this first

These three apply on every page of this site.

Explains public processes, not your own file.
We fill in nothing and decide nothing.
Every step links to canada.ca, which wins.

How to check a representative

General information

This site explains public processes. It doesn't know your file, and it can't tell you what to do in your situation.

Not legal advice

Nothing here is legal advice. We don't fill in forms, we don't talk to IRCC, and we decide nothing about you.

IRCC is the authority

Every step links to canada.ca. If our page and the official page disagree, the official page is right.

Choose your pathway

Not sure? Start with whichever is closest to your situation. You can switch later.

Federal · Permanent residenceExpress EntryOne pool and a points score for three federal skilled-worker programs.12 stepsAbout 8 to 18 months Provincial · Permanent residenceProvincial Nominee ProgramsA province nominates you for permanent residence, in or outside Express Entry.8 stepsAbout 1 to 2 years StudentsStudy permit → PGWP → PRThe long route: study, then work, then apply to stay permanently.13 stepsAbout 3 to 6 years WorkersWork permitsEmployer-specific and open permits, LMIA and LMIA-exempt streams.7 stepsAbout 2 to 8 months FamilyFamily sponsorshipSponsor a spouse, partner or child. Parents and grandparents are paused.9 stepsAbout 12 to 24 months After permanent residenceCitizenshipResidency days, the test, and the oath.7 stepsAbout 12 to 18 months Short staysVisitors and eTAVisitor visas, electronic travel authorization, and extensions.5 stepsDays to weeks

Protection in Canada

Refugee and asylum claims

If you're afraid to go back to your country, you may be able to make a refugee claim in Canada. The deadlines are strict, and the Refugee Protection Division of the IRB decides the claim, not us.

This section links only to official and non-profit sources. Free legal aid and settlement help exist in every province; you don't have to pay anyone to make a claim.

IRCC · claiming refugee protection

If you are in immediate danger, call 911. For confidential help in many languages, call 211.

Checklists

Plain task lists, separate from the step-by-step pathways. They run from before your flight to the year after the ceremony, whatever program you're on.

01Before you arriveDocuments to carry, money limits to declare, what to arrange before the flight.11 tasks · start 6 weeks out 02Your first 90 days in CanadaSIN, health coverage, bank account, phone, housing, school, licence, taxes.9 tasks · grouped by urgency 03After you get permanent residencePR card, permanent SIN, benefits, licensing, and the residency obligation that follows.13 items · what to expect 04After you become a citizenThe certificate, a passport, the vote, and what stops applying to you.9 items · the last list

Canadian immigration and settlement, mapped step by step