Immigrate to Canada, step by step

Read this first

These three stay true 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 8–18 months

Provincial · Permanent residenceProvincial Nominee ProgramsNot mapped yetA province nominates you for permanent residence, in or outside Express Entry.9–14 stepsAbout 1–2 years

StudentsStudy permit → PGWP → PRNot mapped yetThe long route: study, then work, then apply to stay permanently.16 stepsAbout 3–6 years

WorkersWork permitsNot mapped yetEmployer-specific and open permits, LMIA and LMIA-exempt streams.8–11 stepsAbout 2–8 months

FamilyFamily sponsorshipNot mapped yetSponsor a spouse, partner, child, parent or grandparent.10 stepsAbout 12–24 months

After permanent residenceCitizenshipNot mapped yetResidency days, the test, and the oath.7 stepsAbout 12–18 months

Short staysVisitors and eTANot mapped yetVisitor 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 claim is decided by the Refugee Protection Division of the IRB — not by 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.

Four checklists, not pathways

Plain task lists rather than dependency trees, running from before the flight to the year after the ceremony. They apply 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