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First visit? Here's how the map works.

Steps run in order. A dashed step is blocked: something before it has to be finished first.

Check a step off when it's done. Whatever it was blocking unlocks by itself.

Some steps are IRCC's to make, not yours. Those show as waiting and can't be checked off.

Start with step 1: Choose the province you want to live in

Provincial Nominee ProgramsDecisionStep 8 of 8

BlockedIRCC decides · RequiredYou are here

8. Decision

IRCC decides the permanent residence application.

Waiting on: Biometrics, medical and police certificates

Open this step

The rest of the pathway, folded up

This view fits the whole pathway on one screen: the step you're on is enlarged, its neighbours are shown small, and everything further out is folded into a summary bar you can open. The idea is borrowed from degree-of-interest trees (Card and Nation, 2002).

Times and fees on this page are rough and change without notice. Check canada.ca before you pay for anything or make a plan around a date.

Step 8 of 8 · RequiredClose

Decision

BlockedRequired

The authority on this stepImmigrate as a provincial nomineecanada.ca · Government of Canada

IRCC is the only authority here. Our summary is here to help you find your way. If anything below differs from the official page, the official page is right. Requirements, fees and processing times change without notice.

Our plain-language summaryLast reviewed 29 July 2026

IRCC decides the permanent residence application. If it's approved you receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence, and a permanent resident visa as well if you're applying from outside Canada.

Why it's required: You are expected to settle in the province that nominated you. Permanent residents have mobility rights, but a nomination obtained with no intention of living there is a misrepresentation problem.

Processing timeCheck the toolIt differs sharply between the two routes; IRCC publishes both.

If refusedReasons givenSpeak to a lawyer or an RCIC before reapplying.

Before this step

BlockedBiometrics, medical and police certificates

This is the last step of the pathway.