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.
Key Requirements:
- •Permanent resident status
- •1,095 days physical presence in past 5 years
- •Income tax filing for 3+ years
- +3 more requirements
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.
Key Requirements:
- •Employed by foreign company (not Canadian)
- •Valid passport
- •eTA ($7) or TRV ($100) depending on nationality
- +3 more requirements
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.
Key Requirements:
- •Provincial stream: varies by province
- •Net worth: $300,000-$600,000+ depending on stream
- •Investment: $100,000-$200,000+ depending on stream
- +3 more requirements
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.
Key Requirements:
- •Meet minimum criteria for one of FSW, FST, or CEC
- •Language proficiency: minimum CLB 7 (FSW/CEC) or CLB 5 (FST)
- •Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign education
- +2 more requirements
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.
Key Requirements:
- •Sponsor: Canadian citizen or PR, 18+, residing in Canada
- •Genuine relationship (spouse/partner)
- •No income requirement for spouse/partner (exceptions apply)
- +2 more requirements
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.
Key Requirements:
- •Meet specific provincial stream requirements
- •Language proficiency (usually CLB 4-7 depending on stream)
- •Education credentials (may need ECA)
- +2 more requirements
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.
Key Requirements:
- •Acceptance letter from DLI
- •Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) unless exempt
- •Proof of funds: CAD $22,895 + tuition + travel
- +2 more requirements
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.
Key Requirements:
- •Parent or grandparent of Canadian citizen/PR
- •Child/grandchild meets minimum income requirement
- •Canadian medical insurance: $100,000+ coverage, 1 year minimum
- +2 more requirements
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.
Key Requirements:
- •Citizenship from IEC partner country
- •Meet age requirement (18-30 or 18-35)
- •Valid passport
- +3 more requirements
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.
Key Requirements:
- •Valid job offer from Canadian employer
- •Positive LMIA (or LMIA exemption)
- •Qualifications for the position
- +2 more requirements
Questions
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