Visa Types — Canada

Express Entry: Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

Who it's for: Skilled workers with foreign work experience seeking permanent residence based on human capital factors (education, work experience, language ability, age).

Key Eligibility Requirements:

• Minimum 1 year of continuous, full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work experience (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3) in the last 10 years
• Language proficiency: CLB/NCLC 7 in English or French (IELTS ~6.0 in each band)
• Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign credentials
• Minimum 67 points out of 100 on the FSW selection grid
• Sufficient settlement funds (unless already working in Canada with a valid work permit)
• Must score competitively in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

Processing Time: ~6 months from ITA (varies; recent averages 6–8 months)

Cost:

• Processing fee: $850 CAD (~$620 USD) per principal applicant; $850 CAD (~$620 USD) for spouse; $230 CAD (~$170 USD) per dependent child
• Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF): $515 CAD (~$375 USD) per adult
• Total (single applicant): ~$1,365 CAD (~$1,000 USD)

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Express Entry: Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Who it's for: Individuals with skilled Canadian work experience (temporary foreign workers, international student graduates working in Canada).

Key Eligibility Requirements:

• At least 1 year of skilled work experience (TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3) in Canada within the last 3 years
• Language: CLB 7 for TEER 0/1 jobs; CLB 5 for TEER 2/3 jobs
• Work experience must be authorized (valid work permit)

Processing Time: ~6 months from ITA

Cost: Same as FSWP — ~$1,365 CAD (~$1,000 USD) total for a single applicant

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Express Entry: Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

Who it's for: Workers qualified in a skilled trade (e.g., electricians, plumbers, welders, chefs).

Key Eligibility Requirements:

• Minimum 2 years of full-time skilled trade experience in the last 5 years
• Valid job offer (≥1 year) or certificate of qualification from a Canadian province/territory
• Language: CLB 5 (speaking/listening), CLB 4 (reading/writing)
• Meet the job requirements outlined in the NOC for that trade

Processing Time: ~6 months from ITA

Cost: Same fee structure — ~$1,365 CAD (~$1,000 USD) total for a single applicant

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Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Who it's for: Workers, graduates, or entrepreneurs who wish to settle in a specific Canadian province (excluding Quebec, which has its own system) and who match that province's labor market needs.

Key Eligibility Requirements:

• Varies by province/territory and specific stream (e.g., Ontario, BC, Alberta, Manitoba each have multiple streams)
• Often requires job offer, connection to province, specific occupation/skills, or business investment
• Can apply directly to province or through Express Entry-aligned PNP streams (adds 600 CRS points)

Processing Time:

• Provincial nomination: 2–20 months depending on province/stream
• Federal PR processing after nomination: additional 6–19 months (non-Express Entry streams can take longer)

Cost:

• Provincial application fee: varies ($0–$1,500+ CAD depending on province, e.g., Ontario charges up to $1,500 CAD/~$1,090 USD for some streams; BC PNP ~$1,150 CAD/~$840 USD)
• Federal processing fee: $850 CAD (~$620 USD) + RPRF $515 CAD (~$375 USD)

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Quebec-Selected Skilled Workers (Quebec Skilled Worker Program - QSWP)

Who it's for: Skilled workers intending to settle specifically in Quebec.

Key Eligibility Requirements:

• Points-based system (Grille de sélection) assessing age, education, work experience, French language proficiency
• Must obtain Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) before applying federally
• Strong preference given to French speakers

Processing Time:

• CSQ processing: 12–24 months (varies significantly)
• Federal PR processing after CSQ: additional 12–24 months

Cost:

• Quebec CSQ application fee: $822 CAD (~$600 USD) principal applicant + $173 CAD (~$126 USD) spouse
• Federal fees: $850 CAD processing + $515 CAD RPRF (~$1,365 CAD/$1,000 USD)

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Family Sponsorship: Spouse, Partner, or Dependent Children

Who it's for: Canadian citizens or permanent residents sponsoring a spouse, common-law/conjugal partner, or dependent children for PR.

Key Eligibility Requirements:

• Sponsor must be 18+, Canadian citizen/PR, and meet income/undertaking requirements (no minimum income for spouse/partner sponsorship, but sponsor cannot be receiving social assistance except disability)
• Genuine relationship (marriage certificate, proof of cohabitation, etc.)
• Sponsor signs undertaking (3 years for spouse/partner)

Processing Time: ~12 months (varies by application volume and country of processing)

Cost:

• Sponsorship fee: $75 CAD (~$55 USD)
• Processing fee: $490 CAD (~$357 USD)
• RPRF: $515 CAD (~$375 USD)
• Total: $1,080 CAD (~$785 USD)

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Family Sponsorship: Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)

Who it's for: Canadian citizens/PRs sponsoring parents or grandparents for permanent residence.

Key Eligibility Requirements:

• Sponsor must meet Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for 3 consecutive tax years (varies by family size; e.g., ~$32,899–$61,000+ CAD depending on household size)
• Sponsor submits Interest to Sponsor form during limited annual intake period (lottery-style selection in recent years)
• 20-year undertaking of financial support

Processing Time: ~20–24 months after selection (intake typically opens once yearly with limited spots, e.g., 15,000–24,000 invitations)

Cost:

• Sponsorship fee: $75 CAD (~$55 USD)
• Processing fee: $585 CAD (~$425 USD)
• RPRF: $515 CAD (~$375 USD)
• Total: $1,175 CAD (~$855 USD)

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Super Visa (Parents and Grandparents - Temporary, Long-Stay)

Who it's for: Parents/grandparents of Canadian citizens/PRs who want long-term temporary stays (not PR) while awaiting or instead of PGP sponsorship.

Key Eligibility Requirements:

• Letter of invitation from child/grandchild in Canada
• Proof of relationship
• Private medical insurance (minimum $100,000 CAD coverage) valid for at least 1 year
• Sponsor meets Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) financial requirement
• Medical exam required

Processing Time: ~4–8 weeks (varies by visa office)

Cost:

• Visa fee: $100 CAD (~$73 USD)
• Biometrics: $85 CAD (~$62 USD)
• Medical insurance: varies (typically $1,000–$2,000+ CAD/year, not an IRCC fee)

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Start-up Visa Program

Who it's for: Entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas who secure support from a designated Canadian investor group (venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator).

Key Eligibility Requirements:

• Letter of support from a designated organization
• Qualifying business (each applicant holds ≤50% of voting rights, together with designated organization <50% owned by non-qualifying investors)
• Language: CLB 5 in English or French
• Sufficient settlement funds
• Investment thresholds: min. $200,000 CAD from venture capital fund OR $75,000 CAD from angel investor group; incubators require no minimum investment but acceptance into program

Processing Time: ~37 months (historically long; IRCC has been working to reduce processing times, but this remains one of the longer PR pathways)

Cost:

• Processing fee: $2,000 CAD (~$1,460 USD) per principal applicant
• $1,050 CAD (~$765 USD) per accompanying spouse/partner
• $230 CAD (~$170 USD) per dependent child
• RPRF: $515 CAD (~$375 USD) per adult
• Total (single applicant): ~$2,515 CAD (~$1,835 USD)

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Self-Employed Persons Program

Who it's for: Individuals with relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics who intend to be self-employed in Canada.

Key Eligibility Requirements:

• Relevant experience (minimum 2 years within the last 5 years) in cultural activities, athletics, or farm management at a world-class or self-employed level
• Intention and ability to be self-employed in Canada
• Points-based assessment (experience, education, age, language, adaptability) — minimum 35 points required
• Sufficient settlement funds

Processing Time: ~24–30 months (varies significantly)

Cost:

• Processing fee: $2,000 CAD (~$1,460 USD) per principal applicant
• $1,050 CAD (~$765 USD) per accompanying spouse/partner
• $230 CAD (~$170 USD) per dependent child
• RPRF: $515 CAD (~$375 USD) per adult
• Total (single applicant): ~$2,515 CAD (~$1,835 USD)

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Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

Who it's for: Skilled workers and international graduates who wish to work and settle in one of Canada's four Atlantic provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI, Newfoundland and Labrador).

Key Eligibility Requirements:

• Valid job offer from a designated Atlantic employer
• Meet work experience requirements (1 year in last 5 years for skilled worker stream; or Canadian/international graduate from recognized institution)
• Language: CLB 4 minimum
• Educational credential (with ECA for foreign credentials)
• Settlement funds proof
• Individualized settlement plan for applicant and family

Processing Time: ~6 months (as part of the Employer Designation process, endorsement typically takes weeks, then federal PR processing ~6 months)

Cost:

• Processing fee: $850 CAD (~$620 USD) principal applicant
• $850 CAD (~$620 USD) spouse
• $230 CAD (~$170 USD) per dependent child
• RPRF: $515 CAD (~$375 USD) per adult
• Total (single applicant): ~$1,365 CAD (~$1,000 USD)

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Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)

Who it's for: Skilled workers wanting to settle in one of the participating smaller communities across Canada (note: being phased into the new Rural Community Immigration Pilot).

Key Eligibility Requirements:

• Valid job offer from an employer in a participating community
• Meet or exceed work experience requirements (1 year in last 3 years, or Canadian educational credential)
• Language: CLB 4–6 depending on job NOC/TEER
• Community-specific recommendation
• Settlement funds and intent to reside in the community

Processing Time: ~12–20 months (varies by community and volume)

Cost:

• Same as standard federal PR fees: $850 CAD (~$620 USD) processing + $515 CAD (~$375 USD) RPRF
• Total (single applicant): ~$1,365 CAD (~$1,000 USD)

*Note: RNIP is being replaced by the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP), launching in 2025 — eligibility criteria may change.*

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Temporary Work Permits: Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)

Who it's for: Foreign workers with a job offer from a Canadian employer who has obtained a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

Key Eligibility Requirements:

• Valid job offer from Canadian employer
• Employer must obtain LMIA proving no Canadian worker is available for the role
• Worker must meet job requirements (education, experience, language as specified in job offer)
• Medical exam (depending on job/country)

Processing Time:

• LMIA processing: 2–4 months (varies by stream, e.g., high-wage vs. low-wage)
• Work permit processing: 2–27 weeks depending on country of application

Cost:

• LMIA fee (paid by employer): $1,000 CAD (~$730 USD) per position
• Work permit fee: $155 CAD (~$113 USD)
• Open work permit holder fee (if applicable): additional $100 CAD (~$73 USD)

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Temporary Work Permits: International Mobility Program (IMP)

Who it's for: Foreign workers eligible for LMIA-exempt work permits due to international agreements (e.g., CUSMA/NAFTA professionals), intra-company transfers, or reciprocal youth exchange programs (IEC).

Key Eligibility Requirements:

• LMIA exemption category must apply (e.g., CUSMA professional, intra-company transferee, International Experience Canada participant)
• Job offer (employer must submit offer via Employer Portal and pay compliance fee, if applicable)
• Meet specific requirements of the exemption category (e.g., professional occupation list for CUSMA, 1 year prior employment for intra-company transfer)

Processing Time: 2–12 weeks depending on category and country

Cost:

• Work permit fee: $155 CAD (~$113 USD)
• Employer compliance fee (if applicable): $230 CAD (~$170 USD)
• IEC participation fee (if applicable): $161 CAD (~$117 USD) + $100 CAD (~$73 USD) work permit holder fee

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Study Permits (Pathway to PR via Post-Graduation Work Permit)

Who it's for: International students planning to study in Canada, often as a stepping stone to work permits and PR (via CEC or PNP).

Key Eligibility Requirements:

• Letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
• Proof of sufficient funds for tuition and living expenses (~$20,635 CAD/~$15,000 USD per year outside Quebec, varies by province)
• Proof of intent to leave Canada at end of studies (though dual intent is now legally recognized)
• Clean criminal record and medical exam (if required)

Processing Time: 4–12 weeks (varies significantly by country of application)

Cost:

• Study permit fee: $150 CAD (~$110 USD)
• Biometrics fee: $85 CAD (~$62 USD)
• SDS (Student Direct Stream, where applicable): same fees, faster processing (~20 days)

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Caregivers Program (Home Child Care Provider / Home Support Worker Pilots)

Who it's for: Foreign workers seeking to work as caregivers in Canada with a pathway to permanent residence.

Key Eligibility Requirements:

• Valid job offer for full-time caregiving work in Canada
• Meet language requirement: CLB 4
• Educational requirement: Canadian equivalent of high school diploma (one-year post-secondary credential may be required depending on pilot version)
• Genuine job offer from a single employer (private household)

Processing Time: ~12–24 months (work permit typically faster, ~2–5 months; PR portion longer)

Cost:

• Work permit fee: $155 CAD (~$113 USD)
• PR processing fee (when eligible): $850 CAD (~$620 USD) + RPRF $515 CAD (~$375 USD)

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Important Notes:

• All fees are subject to change; verify current amounts on the official IRCC website (canada.ca/immigration) before applying.
• USD conversions are approximate and based on typical exchange rates (~1 CAD = 0.73 USD); actual conversion will fluctuate with exchange rates.
• Processing times vary significantly based on application volume, country of origin, completeness of application, and policy changes — always check IRCC's official processing time tool for current estimates.
• Express Entry programs are subject to CRS cut-off scores, which fluctuate by draw and can significantly affect actual wait times to receive an ITA.
• Some programs mentioned (e.g., RNIP) are being phased out or replaced — confirm current program status before applying.

More about immigrating to Canada