Immigration programs
Canadian immigration pathways
Plain-language guides to Canada's main immigration programs — what each is for, who's eligible at a high level, how it works, and the IRCC forms it uses.
Economic & permanent residence
Express EntryExpress Entry manages permanent-residence applications for three federal economic programs. How profiles, the CRS ranking and invitations work — and how Lexova keeps the file organized.Federal Skilled Worker ProgramThe Federal Skilled Worker Program selects skilled workers for Canadian permanent residence based on points for education, experience, language and age, through Express Entry.Canadian Experience ClassThe Canadian Experience Class is for people with skilled work experience gained in Canada — a common path to PR for former international students and temporary workers, via Express Entry.Federal Skilled Trades ProgramThe Federal Skilled Trades Program is for qualified tradespeople seeking Canadian PR, usually with a qualifying job offer or a certificate of qualification, through Express Entry.Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)The Provincial Nominee Program lets provinces and territories nominate candidates who meet local labour-market needs for Canadian permanent residence. Enhanced (Express Entry) and base streams.Start-up Visa ProgramCanada's Start-up Visa offers permanent residence to entrepreneurs with a qualifying business, support from a designated organization, language ability and settlement funds.Atlantic Immigration ProgramThe Atlantic Immigration Program is an employer-driven path to permanent residence in Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.Caregiver pathwaysCanada's caregiver pathways let home child-care and home-support workers come to work and pursue permanent residence. Eligibility evolves — see how the current programs work.
Family sponsorship
Spouse & partner sponsorshipSponsor a spouse, common-law or conjugal partner for Canadian permanent residence. How inland and outland sponsorship work, and the IRCC forms involved.Parents & grandparents sponsorshipSponsor your parents or grandparents for Canadian permanent residence through the PGP, which involves an interest-to-sponsor intake and income requirements. The Super Visa is an alternative.Dependent child sponsorshipSponsor a dependent child for Canadian permanent residence, including adopted children. How dependency is defined and the IRCC forms involved.
Temporary residence
Study permitA study permit authorizes international students to study at a Canadian designated learning institution. Acceptance letter, proof of funds, and (where required) a provincial attestation letter.Work permitA work permit lets a foreign national work in Canada. Employer-specific permits often need an LMIA; open permits are LMIA-exempt. How each works and the forms involved.Visitor visa (TRV)A visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa) lets eligible foreign nationals visit Canada for tourism, family or business. Requirements, proof of ties and the IRCC form involved.
Citizenship
This page is general information about Canadian immigration programs and is not legal or immigration advice. Rules, thresholds and timelines change often; always verify the current requirements on Canada.ca (IRCC / ESDC) or with a licensed professional (RCIC or lawyer). Lexova is not affiliated with the Government of Canada.