Population
41 million
Capital
Ottawa
Languages
English, French
💰Cost & Practicalities
🏥Living Conditions
🛂Immigration
Visas & Immigration
View all🍁Citizenship
Canadian citizenship requires permanent resident status with 3 years (1,095 days) physical presence in Canada within 5 years preceding application. Time as temporary resident or protected person counts as half-days (max 365 days credit). Must file income taxes for at least 3 of 5 years if required. Adults 18-54 must pass citizenship test (based on Discover Canada guide) and demonstrate CLB 4 English or French proficiency. No renunciation of previous citizenship required - Canada allows dual/multiple citizenship. Processing time approximately 12-24 months. Recent Bill C-3 changes (Dec 2025) removed first-generation limit on citizenship by descent.
💻Digital Nomad/Remote Work
Canada does not have a dedicated digital nomad visa, but allows remote workers to stay up to 6 months on visitor status (eTA or TRV) while working for foreign employers. Under the Tech Talent Strategy (2023), digital nomads working remotely for non-Canadian companies can live in Canada without a work permit. Visitor record extension allows stays beyond 6 months. Federal Digital Nomad Visa planned for mid-2026 launch with 1-2 year validity and potential PR pathway. Tax residency triggered at 183+ days, potentially requiring Canadian tax on worldwide income. Private health insurance required.
🚀Entrepreneur Immigration
Start-up Visa Program closed to new applications January 1, 2026. Applicants with valid 2025 commitment certificates can still apply until June 30, 2026. New Entrepreneur Pilot Program for 2026 has stricter requirements, higher capital thresholds, and only 500 spots annually (50% cut from previous). Provincial entrepreneur streams now primary option for business immigrants: BC ($200,000 investment, $600,000 net worth), Alberta Rural ($100,000 investment, $300,000 net worth), and others. Each province has different requirements for business experience, investment amounts, job creation, and active management involvement.
⚡Express Entry
Canada's flagship points-based immigration system managing three federal economic programs: Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), Federal Skilled Trades (FST), and Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Candidates create online profiles scored by the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) based on age, education, language, work experience, and adaptability factors. Category-based draws in 2026 target specific occupations including healthcare, STEM, trades, and French speakers. New categories for physicians (1 year Canadian experience required) and leadership/research roles announced for 2026. Processing time approximately 6 months. No job offer required for most candidates, though valid offers add 50-200 CRS points.
👨👩👧👦Family Sponsorship
Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor close family members for permanent residence. Spouse/partner sponsorship has no income requirement (with limited exceptions) and offers inland vs outland processing options. Inland applicants may apply for Open Work Permit while awaiting decision. 2026 targets: 84,000 spouse/partner admissions. Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) suspended for 2026 - no new applications accepted; Super Visa remains available for extended visits. Dependent children can be sponsored until age 22 (if no spouse/partner). Processing times: outland spouse ~5-6 months, inland ~12-28 months. Quebec has separate cap that reached maximum until June 2026.
🍁Provincial Nominee Program
Over 80 immigration streams operated by Canadian provinces and territories to address regional labor market needs. Each province (except Quebec and Nunavut) runs multiple streams targeting skilled workers, international graduates, entrepreneurs, and semi-skilled workers. Two pathways: Express Entry-aligned (adds 600 CRS points, virtually guaranteeing ITA) or base/paper-based (processed directly through IRCC). Most streams use Expression of Interest (EOI) systems with periodic draws. Requirements vary significantly by province and stream - some require job offers, others don't. PNP accounts for over 64% of economic class immigration targets in 2026.
🎓Study Permit
Permit for international students at Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs). 2026 cap: 408,000 study permits (7% decrease from 2025). Master's and doctoral students at public institutions exempt from cap and Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) requirement. Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows 1-3 years work after graduation, but eligibility tightened in 2024-2025: language requirement (CLB 7 for degrees, CLB 5 for college), field-of-study requirement for college programs (must be in shortage occupations). Can work 20 hours/week off-campus during studies, full-time during scheduled breaks. Proof of funds increased to CAD $22,895 plus tuition.
👴Super Visa
Long-term visitor visa for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Allows stays of up to 5 years per entry (applications after June 22, 2023) without need to renew status. Multiple entries valid for up to 10 years. Alternative to Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) which is suspended for 2026. Requires proof of relationship, medical insurance from Canadian insurer (minimum $100,000 coverage), and sponsor meeting minimum income threshold (Low Income Cut-Off + 30%). Super Visa holders cannot work or study but can enjoy extended family visits.
🎒Working Holiday (IEC)
International Experience Canada (IEC) program for youth from 35+ partner countries. Three categories: Working Holiday (open work permit), Young Professionals (employer-specific), and International Co-op (student placements). Working Holiday is most popular, allowing work for any employer anywhere in Canada for 12-24 months depending on nationality. Pool-based lottery system with invitations throughout the year. 2026 season opened December 19, 2025. Age limits: 18-30 or 18-35 depending on country agreement. UK citizens now eligible until 35 and can participate twice. Australia spots reduced from unlimited to ~6,000 in 2026.
💼Work Permit (LMIA)
Employer-specific work permit requiring Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) proving no Canadian worker available. Major 2026 change: sector-based work permits replace employer-specific closed permits starting January 1, 2026, allowing job switches within the same sector. High-wage vs low-wage streams determined by provincial median wage. LMIA process involves employer advertising, recruitment efforts, and application to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). Global Talent Stream offers 2-week LMIA processing for tech occupations. LMIA-exempt work permits available for intra-company transfers, CUSMA professionals, and other categories.
Expat Life
View allCost of Living
Canada is expensive, especially Vancouver and Toronto. Expect CAD $2,500-5,000/month for a single person depending on location. Housing dominates budgets at 30-50% of income in major cities. Mid-sized cities offer significant savings.
Healthcare
Canada has universal public healthcare (Medicare) covering most doctor visits, hospital care, and surgeries. Coverage is provincial - expect a 0-3 month waiting period when you arrive. Prescriptions, dental, and vision are NOT covered.
Banking
Opening a bank account is straightforward and should be done immediately after getting your SIN. Major banks have excellent newcomer programs with no-fee accounts and credit cards without Canadian credit history.
Housing
Housing is extremely competitive in major cities with low vacancy rates. Expect to pay first and last month's rent upfront. No credit history is challenging but manageable with extra documentation. Start your search before arriving.
Working Remotely
Canada allows remote work for foreign employers on visitor status (up to 6 months). No dedicated digital nomad visa yet, but one is planned for 2026. Tax residency triggers at 183+ days. Good internet in urban areas.
Taxes
Canada taxes residents on worldwide income. Combined federal/provincial rates range from 20-54%. Tax filing deadline is April 30. GST/HST applies to most purchases. Newcomers may have treaty benefits.
Transportation
Public transit is good in major cities but most of Canada is car-dependent. Getting a driver's license varies by province and your country of origin. Car insurance is expensive, especially for new drivers.
Language
Canada is officially bilingual (English/French). English dominates outside Quebec. French is essential in Quebec and valuable elsewhere. Language proficiency is required for immigration and citizenship.
Safety
Canada is one of the world's safest countries with low violent crime rates. Property crime is more common. Safety varies by neighborhood but most areas are safe for daily life. Winter weather is a bigger daily concern than crime.
Expat Community
Canada has large, established immigrant communities from virtually every country. Major cities have ethnic enclaves, cultural organizations, and active newcomer support services. Settlement agencies provide free help.
Culture & Lifestyle
Canadian culture emphasizes multiculturalism, politeness, and inclusivity. Work-life balance is better than the US. Four distinct seasons shape lifestyle. Outdoor activities are central to Canadian identity.
Climate & Weather
Canada has cold, harsh winters in most regions. Only Vancouver and Victoria have mild winters. Summers are warm and pleasant. Seasonal adjustment is a major factor in expat satisfaction.
Food & Dining
Canada has diverse, multicultural food scenes in major cities. Groceries are expensive compared to the US. Tipping 15-20% is expected at restaurants. Tim Hortons and poutine are cultural institutions.
Education
Canada has excellent public education (free K-12) and world-renowned universities. International students pay higher fees. School quality is generally consistent across neighborhoods, unlike the US.
Family Life
Canada offers strong family support including up to 18 months parental leave and subsidized childcare (rolling out). Childcare waitlists are long. Family-friendly policies make raising children easier than in the US.
Cities
Montreal
North America's creative, bilingual hub for digital nomads
8 places listed
Toronto
North America's most diverse city for ambitious nomads
9 places listed
Vancouver
Canada's Pacific gateway where mountains meet ocean for inspired remote work
7 places listed
Questions
View allNo questions about Canada yet.