Immigrating to Canada

Coming to Canada as an immigrant is an exciting opportunity. However, there are several things you should consider before you apply to be a permanent resident.

In most cases, you must apply at a Canadian visa office outside of Canada. In some cases, you can apply to become a permanent resident after you arrive in Canada. For example, live-in caregivers or people granted refugee protection can apply from within Canada.

If you want to immigrate to Canada, there are a few different ways to apply. You will need to decide which immigration program will work best for you and your family.

Find out about the requirements in each category:

Skilled Workers and Professionals - Education, experience and language skills you need:

If you are eligible to apply as a skilled worker, you will be assessed on six selection factors and a point system as follows:

Investors, Entrepreneurs and Self-Employed Persons - Who can start a business in Canada

Investment Immigration: The Immigrant Investor Program seeks to attract experienced business people to invest C$400,000 into Canada’s economy. Investors must:

• show that they have business experience
• have a minimum net worth of C$800,000 that was obtained legally and make a C$400,000 investment

Your investment is managed by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) and is guaranteed by the Canadian provinces that use it to create jobs and help their economies grow.

CIC will return your C$400,000 investment, without interest, about five years and two months after payment.

Entrepreneur Immigration:

The Entrepreneur Program seeks to attract experienced business persons who will own and actively manage businesses in Canada that contribute to the economy and create jobs. Entrepreneurs must:

• show that they have business experience
• have a minimum net worth of C$300,000 that was obtained legally and espect the conditions for entrepreneurs after they arrive in Canada

Self-employed Immigration:

The Self-Employed Persons Program seeks to attract applicants who have the intention and ability to become self-employed in Canada. Self-employed persons are required to have either:

• relevant experience that will make a significant contribution to the cultural or athletic life of Canada or
• experience in farm management and the intention and ability to purchase and manage a farm in Canada

Sponsoring Your Family - If you are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada, you can sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, dependent child including adopted child or other eligible relative such as a parent or grandparent to become a permanent resident

Provincial Nominees - Must be nominated by a Canadian province or territory to apply under the Provincial Nominee Program

Quebec-Selected Skilled Workers - Must apply to the Quebec Government