
- Visit the Government of Canada website and go to Immigrate and then to “Find out if you can apply”. Take the questionnaire and wait for the results.
- If you qualify for any of the permanent visas, you will get a reference code and instructions on how to apply.
- Create an account using your bank information or the Government of Canada login (GCKey)/\.
- Start and submit your application by inputting your reference code and completing the necessary documents.
- When you submit your application, you will have to also pay the application fees.
- Wait for processing and if necessary, attend a visa interview and give your biometrics information.
- Check your account frequently for any notifications on the status of your visa processing.
- If your visa is approved, mail in your passport according to the instructions that the Canadian Consulate sends you with the processing fees.
- The Consulate will stamp the visa on your passport and send you a Permanent Resident Travel Card (PRTC) with your passport via mail.
- You can then travel to Canada and wait for your Canada PR Card to be mailed to you.
- Congratulations! You are a Canadian Permanent Resident.
What documents are required for Canadian visa?
CANADIAN VISA REQUIREMENTS Below is the list of documents required for Canada visa application; 1. e-passport valid for at least 6 months from date of visa application. 2. 6 months bank statement(s) (Individual bank statement(s) showing sufficient fund for trip). 3. 2 color passport photographs taken against a white background. 4.
How to get a temporary resident visa for Canada?
You will need to bring the following to your visa appointment:
- Appointment confirmation
- Visa form
- Passport-sized photograph
- Passport (original & photocopy)
- Payment method for visa fee ($40 USD) I paid with a credit card.
- Proof of economic solvency See the above section for details
Do I need transit visa to travel through Canada?
You need a transit visa if you’re from a visa-required country and: your international flight stops at a Canadian airport on its way to another country; you’ll be connecting between 2 international flights at a Canadian airport; you’ll transit through Canada in 48 hours or less; you don’t have a valid visitor visa; Apply for a transit visa. eTA. You need an eTA to transit through Canada by air if you’re from an eTA-required country.
How to get a study visa to study in Canada?
- Obtain a letter of acceptance from an accredited school in Canada
- Visit the CIC website to obtain Canadian student visa application package.
- Fill in your boi-data correctly to ascertain your eligibility.

How long does it take to get a visa to live in Canada?
For Canada's visitor visa, the processing time ranges from 8 to 40 days. For Canada's business visa, the processing time could take about 16 to 20 day. However, these times can vary since it depends on the country you're applying from.
Can I live in Canada if I am a US citizen?
US citizens can obtain Canadian citizenship, but just as other foreign nationals, they need to become Permanent Residents first. After having held Permanent Resident status for a minimum of 5 years, then they can apply for Canadian Citizenship.
How much does it cost to get a visa to live in Canada?
Economic Immigration FeesType of fee$CANEconomic immigration application fee (without right of permanent residence fee)550Application fee including spouse or common-law partner1,040 (Includes processing fee of $550 and right of permanent residence fee of $490)3 more rows
How can I legally move to Canada?
Services and informationExpress Entry. Immigrate as a skilled worker.Family sponsorship. Sponsor your relatives, including your spouse, partner, children, parents, grandparents, and others to immigrate.Provincial nominees. ... Quebec-selected skilled workers. ... Atlantic Immigration Program. ... Caregivers. ... Start-up Visa. ... Self-employed.More items...•
Can I move to Canada without a job?
No, in most cases you don't need a job offer. But, you will need one if you: are eligible for either the Federal Skilled Worker Program or the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and. do not have enough money to support yourself and your family in Canada.
How difficult is it to move to Canada?
Generally speaking, moving to Canada is not too difficult. Because Canada is open to welcoming new immigrants and offers several immigration programs, it's easier for you to qualify for one immigration stream. Still, you have to meet the requirements for the pathway you want to apply for.
How much money do I need to move to Canada?
This table shows the minimum amount you need to immigrate to Canada as of June 9, 2022....How much money you'll need.Number of family membersFunds required (in Canadian dollars)1$13,3102$16,5703$20,3714$24,7334 more rows•Jun 15, 2022
What kind of visa do I need to live in Canada?
To live and work in Canada. If you are interested to live and work in Canada, you are required to have a visa. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a permanent visa within the skilled worker category if you meet the requirements.
How much money do you need to sponsor someone in Canada?
Table 1 - Low Income Cut-Off (LICO)Size of Family UnitMinimum necessary income1 person (the sponsor)$26,6202 persons$33,1403 persons$40,7424 persons$49,4664 more rows•Jul 26, 2022
Is it expensive to live in Canada?
The cost of living in Canada Canada consistently ranks as one of the most expensive places to live in the world, though it also has one of the world's highest median incomes. In fact, the median income in Canada is approximately $37,800, which is among the top 20 in the world.
How long can you live in Canada without being a citizen?
6 monthsMost visitors can stay for up to 6 months in Canada. If you're allowed to enter Canada, the border services officer may allow you to stay for less or more than 6 months. If so, they'll put the date you need to leave by in your passport.
What are the negatives of living in Canada?
Cons of Living in CanadaCanada Gets REALLY COLD. ... Getting Around Between Cities can be a Problem. ... City Life is Expensive. ... Taxes are higher Too. ... Limited Availability of the Goods You're Used to. ... Houses are Expensive and Getting Even More Expensive. ... Healthcare Can Come with Delays. ... You may have to learn some French, Oui.More items...
How long can a US citizen live in Canada?
6 monthsMost visitors can stay for up to 6 months in Canada. If you're allowed to enter Canada, the border services officer may allow you to stay for less or more than 6 months. If so, they'll put the date you need to leave by in your passport.
Can US retirees move to Canada?
Moving to Canada doesn't mean you need to give up your U.S. citizenship. You can receive Social Security benefits while living in another country, but you will also likely still be subject to U.S. taxes if you earn supplemental income. This is because the United States carries out citizen-based taxation.
What happens if you stay longer than 6 months in Canada?
If you stay longer than 6 months under the eTA program and your stay has not been extended by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (emergency situations only), you will lose your travel authorization and not be able to use the eTA for future trips.
Is it good to move to Canada from USA?
Canada may be an attractive option for many U.S. residents for a plethora of reasons, most notably: Free universal healthcare: Canadians and permanent residents do not have to worry about huge medical bills. Better work-life balance: Workers in Canada enjoy shorter hours.
How to get a work visa in Canada?
Obtaining a Canadian work visa (referred to as a work permit in Canada) is usually an important step towards working legally in Canada on a temporary basis . You and your prospective employer may have to obtain a document called a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) before you begin working in Canada. However, most work permit holders in Canada however do not need an LMIA. In some cases, an LMIA is needed as it serves as evidence that your employment in Canada is likely to have a neutral or positive effect on the local labour market. Once the LMIA is granted, you will be able to apply for a temporary work permit from the IRCC. There may be opportunities to speed up the process, depending on your occupation and the work you plan to do in Canada.
How long do you have to stay in Canada to get a work permit?
For stays longer than six months you will need to apply for a work or study permit. The length of your stay on this type of permit will depend on the length of your academic studies or the length of your job offer in Canada.
What is Express Entry in Canada?
Express Entry is Canada's main way of managing skilled worker applications for permanent residence. The U.S. is the second-leading source country of those who immigrate to Canada through Express Entry. A major advantage with the Express Entry immigration selection system is that applications are processed within six months or less. U.S. citizens and residents typically have a strong chance of being invited to apply for Canadian permanent residence through Express Entry, thanks to their strong language skills, skilled work experience, and high levels of education.
How many people immigrate to Canada each year?
Over 10,000 people immigrate from the U.S. to Canada each year. Tens of thousands more move to Canada in pursuit of work and education. Learn how you can be among them. Simply click on the menu item below to jump to the section that addresses your Canadian immigration goal.
How long are Canadian stamps valid?
In general, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers at a Canadian Port of Entry issue entry stamps valid for a period of up to six months from the date of entry for visitors. This period may be extended from within Canada.
What is the PNP in Canada?
However, unlike American states, Canadian provinces and territories have an important role to play in determining who comes to these jurisdictions as new immigrants. The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) can be a great starting point for U.S. citizens and residents who know which province or territory they want to settle in , as well as others who have specific skills and work experience sought by a particular province or territory. If you are eligible for Express Entry, there is another major benefit to submitting an Express Entry profile. Candidates nominated by a Canadian province or territory who have a profile in the Express Entry pool receive an additional 600 points toward their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, effectively guaranteeing them an Invitation to Apply for Canadian permanent residence.
Why is Canada refusing to allow me to travel?
A person may also be refused entry to Canada on health grounds if their condition is likely to be a danger to public health or safety or might reasonably be expected to cause excessive demand on Canada's health or social services. For family sponsorship cases involving the sponsorship of a spouse/common-law partner and dependent children, this excessive demand component of refusals on medical grounds is removed.
How to work in Canada on a temporary basis?
To work on a temporary basis in Canada you will need have a job offer from a Canadian employer. Your employer must have a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). You will usually be granted an employer-specific work permit which details the employer you will work for, how long you can work, and the location.
What documents are needed for a visa?
Depending the type of visa you are applying for, your family situation, and your eventual route to residency if applicable, you may need: 1 A current valid passport 2 Birth and marriage certificates 3 If you have a Provincial Nomination you will need to provide proof of this including any employment offer and an R204c) letter 4 Passports, birth, and marriage certificates for any dependents 5 To be in good health and have no criminal convictions 6 To prove you can support yourself during your stay 7 To prove that you are planning to return to your home country, if you are not going to work or apply for residency 8 To have a medical exam and/or a letter of invitation from someone who lives in Canada
What is LMIA in Canada?
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) may need to be obtained by your potential employer in Canada before they can offer you a role. An LMIA is only granted when an employer has done all they can to try and employ a Canadian worker. It shows there is a need for a foreign worker to fill their job.
How many provinces are there in Canada?
Each of the 11 provinces of Canada operate their own immigration programs. Some run alongside the federal schemes and some are independent. They will depend on the labour market in each province and the skills which are in demand. Some of the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) criteria can be very favourable and they are well worth investigating.
What is self employed in Canada?
Or, those with experience managing a farm and who intend to purchase and run a farm in Canada.
Do study permits expire in Canada?
These are usually universities or colleges. Student visas expire once the study period is over, and individuals are expected to return home. It depends on your individual situation whether you are allowed to work too.
Is there a federal immigration scheme for Canada?
There are federal immigration schemes for Canada as a whole, but also provincial immigration schemes that may mean faster immigration if you can gain a nomination from your chosen province.
Why do people come to Canada?
With Canada's high standard of living, world-class education and strong economy , immigrating to Canada is an exciting opportunity.
What is family sponsorship in Canada?
Family Sponsorship: Canada Welcomes You specializes in re-uniting families. If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who wishes to sponsor a close relative from abroad such as your spouse, partner, parent or dependent child, we can help! Contact us and we will represent and advise you from start to finish.
How long do you have to be a Canadian resident to stay in Canada?
The current residency obligation is for a permanent resident to be in Canada for at least 730 days within a five-year period unless you meet any of the following exceptions:
How many years do you have to stay in Canada to become a permanent resident?
If you are a permanent resident, you must spend at least two cumulative years in a five-year period in Canada. If you spend more than three years in another country that is not Canada, you can lose your permanent resident status.
How long do you have to live outside of Canada to be a refugee?
Committed a serious crime, either before or after becoming a Canadian permanent resident (unless you receive a pardon for your crime, or meet other requirements) Lived more than three years in a five year period outside of Canada.
Does Canada's PR card expire?
You cannot automatically lose your PR status in Canada nor does it expire. Your PR card can however expire and will need to be renewed. In order for your PR status to be lost, you will need go through an official process.
Is Canada a permanent resident?
If you are a permanent resident of Canada, you may have Permanent Residency (PR), but this does not mean you are a Canadian citizen. At this point, you are most likely still a citizen of another country.
What is a permanent visa in Canada?
A Permanent Canada Visa is a visa which allows the holder to stay in Canada permanently. It is an immigration visa, just like the Green Card is for the United States. Once you get a Permanent Canada Visa, you can move to any province of Canada, live, work, and study there. You are considered a Canadian Permanent Resident.
What are the Types of the Permanent Canada Visas?
Depending on your situation, there are different ways to get an immigration visa for Canada. There are four categories which have their own visas for permanent residence, so you can get the status through the following:
What is a Canadian PR card?
This card, otherwise known as a Canadian PR Card proves that you have permanent residence in Canada. You must have it with you at all times, especially when you travel.
What happens if Canadian immigration refuses to allow you to live in Canada?
If the Canadian Immigration has refused your application for permanent residence, they will send you a letter to inform you and let you know about the reasons for the refusal. After they refuse your application, you can immediately apply again at any time, unless the letter says that you cannot.
What is a self employed person visa?
The Self-employed Persons Program visa is given to people who have skills in business, athletics, culture, or farming and can start their own businesses.
What is a caregiver visa?
This visa is given to caregivers that are qualified to care for elderly, disabled people, or children and live in a private home in Canada.
What is a PNP visa?
The Provincial Nomination Programs (PNP) visa is for semi or low-skilled workers who can contribute to the Canadian economy though their work. The workers get placement in different provinces of Canada where the demand for their work is higher.
How long does it take to get approved for Canadian citizenship?
Also, the process can take a number of months and in some cases a few years. But if you know what options are available, you can improve your chances of success and avoid “pitfalls”, frustrations and delays.
What is the Canadian Immigration Program?
Canadian Immigration Program that allows immigrants to live and work in Canada as a skilled worker through Express Entry. The new system will allow Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) to pro-actively assess, recruit, and select immigrants who are skilled and/or possessed the relevant qualifications under federal economic immigration programs:
What are the two investor programs in Canada?
There are essentially two investor programs in Canada: The Federal Investor Program and the Quebec program. Both programs are somewhat similar and require that the applicants have a high net worth and make a large investment in an approved investment fund for a 5 year period.
What is AIP in Canada?
The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIP) works to recruit newcomers to the Atlantic provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. These provinces are able to fill labour gaps with immigrants who qualify with work experience.
Why did Canada change immigration?
Update: There have been some changes to immigration made by the government of Canada in order to slow the spread of the Coronavirus. Learn about the impact the Coronavirus has had on Canadian Immigration here.
Which provinces require a PNP?
Canadian provinces such as Alberta, Ontario, British Columbia and others have developed their own immigration programs that often lead to a fast-track process. However, the PNP category generally requires that applicants reside in the respective Provinces after they arrive in Canada.
What is investor category in Canada?
The Investor Category is designed for high net worth individuals who have owned or managed businesses overseas. By allowing experienced business people to invest in the Canadian economy, they are contributing to Canada’s overall growth and prosperity. There are essentially two investor programs in Canada: The Federal Investor Program and the Quebec program. Both programs are somewhat similar and require that the applicants have a high net worth and make a large investment in an approved investment fund for a 5 year period. Investor immigrants can bring their spouses and children as dependents on their applications.
How to apply for a skilled worker visa?
In order to apply for a visa within this ‘Federal Skilled Worker’ category, you have to meet different requirements. In the first place, all candidates are evaluated based on their score on various factors. To be able to apply, you need at least 67 out of 100 points. Besides work experience and credentials, the following factors are important: 1 Your age 2 As mentioned, diploma’s and work experience are essential 3 Your knowledge of English and/or French language is also relevant 4 A job offer from a Canadian employer generates extra points 5 Finally: your connections with Canada (e.g. language abilities of your partner, Canadian work experience or previous study, family in Canada)
What is a provincial nominee program?
Finally, the ‘Provincial Nominee Program’ also belongs to the visa categories within Express Entry. Many Canadian provinces have their own visa programs, called the PNP’s. Through these programs, the provinces can play a more direct role in the selection of immigrants. In addition, it can respond to the demand and supply within the labour market of the specific province. Therefore, each province or territory applies its own criteria and conditions.

Immigrate as A Skilled Worker
Family Sponsorship
Work in Canada
- How long does it take to get a Canada visa from USA?
The Canada visa processing time varies for each specific case. It can take anywhere between two to four weeks, or even longer. Your Canadian application is processed only after the Canadian authorities have received your complete application. - How do I know my Canada visa is approved?
If you’ve applied for your visa application through post, you’ll notice an “approved’ stamp on your passport. This means that your Visa has been approved and now you can move to Canada.
Business Immigration
- What is the easiest way to immigrate to Canada from the U.S.?
Express Entry Express Entryis Canada's main way of managing skilled worker applications for permanent residence. The U.S. is the second-leading source country of those who immigrate to Canada through Express Entry. A major advantage with the Express Entry immigration selection … - What are my other options for moving to Canada other than Express Entry?
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Like the U.S., Canada is subdivided into different jurisdictions, called provinces and territories. These provinces are, in some ways, similar to the different states that make up the United States. However, unlike American states, Canadian provinces and territ…
Study in Canada
- I have a spouse or common-law partner living in Canada, can he or she sponsor me?
Sponsorship of a spouse or common-law partner Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their spouse or common-law partnerto obtain Canadian permanent resident status. Since Canada recognizes same-sex marriage, same-sex partners may apply for reunification as long a…
Canadian Citizenship
- I would like to move to Canada to work, what are my options?
Obtaining a Canadian work visa (referred to as a work permit in Canada) is usually an important step towards working legally in Canada on a temporary basis. You and your prospective employer may have to obtain a document called a Labour Market Impact Assessment(LMIA) before you b…
Criminal and Medical Inadmissibility
- Can I move to Canada to start a business?
Starting a business in Canada The goal of Canada's business immigration programsis to attract investors, entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals from outside Canada with venture capital, business acumen, and entrepreneurial skills. Provincial Business and Entrepreneur Programs Ca…