Immigrate
Immigrate to Canada
Easiest Ways to
The best way to immigrate to Canada depends on your unique profile and connections. With immigration targets higher than ever, now is the perfect time to begin your journey.
There is no single simple route to immigrate to Canada. While some programs may be more accessible for you, the process is detailed and requires patience and commitment. Despite the financial and emotional investment, immigrating to Canada is highly rewarding, as the country consistently ranks among the best for quality of life and warmly welcomes newcomers.
Four Popular Pathways to Canada
#1 – Express Entry
Express Entry is the fastest and most popular immigration pathway. Eligible candidates may gain permanent residence within six months.
By 2025, Canada aims to welcome 500,000 newcomers, with a significant number entering through one of three Express Entry streams:
- Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
The process begins with submitting an online profile assessed through the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The highest-ranking candidates receive invitations to apply for permanent residence.
While meeting the CRS cut-off can be challenging, being in the pool also opens the opportunity for provincial nomination, which can lead to permanent residency.
Costs:
Immigrating through Express Entry typically costs around $2,300 CAD for single applicants or $4,500 CAD for couples, excluding required settlement funds that vary by family size.
Express Entry remains a straightforward option for those meeting eligibility and ranking criteria, making it a popular choice for many applicants.
#2 – Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) remained active during the pandemic, with provinces continuing to nominate overseas workers for permanent residence. By 2025, Canada aims to welcome 117,500 new immigrants through PNPs.
Canada’s ten provinces and three territories offer numerous PNPs, each with unique eligibility criteria. While many programs require a connection to the province, some invite candidates based on their ability to meet provincial labor market needs, even without prior ties.
PNPs have varying processing times. After receiving a nomination, candidates must apply to the federal government for permanent residence. Processing times for these applications depend on whether the PNP is aligned with the Express Entry system.
Costs:
The cost of immigrating through a PNP is generally similar to Express Entry, with additional provincial fees ranging from no charge in some provinces to up to $1,500 CAD in others, such as Ontario.
#3 – Business Immigration
If you have experience managing or owning a business, business immigration programs may provide the easiest pathway to work and live in Canada.
The federal government offers programs for individuals planning to be self-employed or start a business in Canada. Additionally, several Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) cater to international entrepreneurs looking to establish businesses in specific provinces.
These programs typically require a significant financial investment in the proposed business. The investment amount varies depending on the specific program. Some PNPs offer regional entrepreneur streams with lower investment requirements for businesses located in less populated areas.
#4 – Sponsorship
If you have a qualifying family member who is a permanent resident or citizen of Canada, family sponsorship may be the easiest path for you to live in Canada.
Canada offers various programs allowing permanent residents and citizens to bring family members to the country. This year, the government aims to welcome 105,000 new permanent residents through family sponsorship programs.
You may qualify for family sponsorship if your spouse, child, or grandchild is a Canadian permanent resident or citizen.
Sponsoring a relative typically costs around $1,135 CAD, with additional fees applicable if the sponsor resides or plans to reside in Quebec. Processing times vary depending on the family member sponsoring you, with spousal sponsorship applications usually taking about 12 months from start to finish.