You can immigrate to Canada permanently through several pathways, including Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), Family Sponsorship, Business Immigration, and Refugee or Humanitarian Programs.

The most popular route is Express Entry, which is a points-based system used to manage applications for skilled workers.

You’ll be assessed based on age, education, work experience, language skills, and adaptability.
To get started, you should determine your eligibility and create an Express Entry profile online.

Express Entry is Canada’s online immigration application system for skilled workers. It manages three programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Applicants are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The highest-ranking candidates are invited to apply for permanent residency during regular draws. You can increase your score through education, work experience, a job offer, or French language skills.

A good CRS score in 2025 is typically 470 or higher, but this can vary by draw type.

• General draws often require a score between 470–500+

• Category-based draws (e.g., French speakers, healthcare workers) may invite candidates with scores as low as 350–450

To improve your score, you can retake language tests, gain more work experience, or get a provincial nomination.

No, you do not need a job offer to apply for Express Entry. Many candidates receive Invitations to Apply (ITAs) without job offers by having strong profiles in terms of education, language ability, and experience.

To apply for a Canadian study permit, you must:

• Have a Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)

• Prove you have enough funds for tuition, living expenses, and return travel

• Be a law-abiding citizen with no criminal record

• Undergo a medical exam if required

• Prove that you’ll leave Canada when your permit expires

To sponsor your spouse, you must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, at least 18 years old, and able to prove you can support your partner financially.

You can apply under the Inland (if your spouse is in Canada) or Outland (if they’re outside Canada) stream.

Processing typically takes 12 months, and your spouse may be eligible for an open work permit while the application is processed.

• Express Entry: 6–8 months after ITA

• PNP: 12–18 months

• Spousal Sponsorship: approximately 12 months

• Study Permit: 4–12 weeks

• Work Permit: 1–6 months

Delays may occur due to missing documents, background checks, or high application volumes.

Yes, international students with a valid study permit can work up to 24 hours per week during the academic session and full-time during scheduled breaks.

Specific conditions, such as studying full-time in a DLI and meeting eligibility.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) allow provinces and territories to nominate individuals for permanent residency based on local labor needs.

There are two streams:

• Express Entry-linked PNPs

• Non-Express Entry PNPs

Each province has its own criteria. A nomination adds 600 CRS points, almost guaranteeing an ITA.

Yes, a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) is licensed to help you prepare, submit, and manage your immigration application.
They can assess your eligibility, avoid costly errors, handle complex paperwork, and improve your chances of success.
Always verify their license with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC).