Canada
Immigration is Canada’s fundamental policy, offering a variety of efficient immigration programs. This document details three mainstream routes: Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and Start-Up Visa (SUV).
Why
Canada is one of the world’s most politically stable countries, ranking high in the UN’s "Most Livable Countries".
Free public education: Children enjoy 12 years of compulsory education, parents of students can also accompany them under certain visas
Free healthcare: Most medical services covered by government, with some variation by province
Canada admits over 400,000 new immigrants a year, one of the world’s biggest recipients.
Main Immigration Pathways
1. Express Entry
Canada’s Express Entry system is a leading immigration pathway for families and skilled professionals seeking to enjoy the country’s robust social benefits and high standard of living. It manages applications under three main federal programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Canadian Experience Class. Candidates are assessed using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which awards points based on criteria such as age, education, language ability, and work experience. Those with the highest scores receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency. The process involves submitting an online Express Entry profile, waiting for an ITA based on ranking, and then providing a complete application with supporting documents.
2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) offers a tailored route for individuals interested in contributing to the economic growth of specific Canadian provinces or territories, particularly outside major cities. Each participating province—such as Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Prince Edward Island—has its own set of criteria aligned with local labor market needs, often favoring candidates with in-demand occupations and strong language skills. Applicants must first submit a provincial application demonstrating their qualifications and, upon receiving a provincial nomination, gain additional points in the Express Entry system. This increases their chances of receiving a federal invitation to apply for permanent residency.
3. Federal Start-Up Visa (SUV)
Canada’s Federal Start-Up Visa (SUV) is designed for entrepreneurs and recent graduates with innovative business concepts, regardless of prior business experience or education. The program stands out for its flexibility, allowing applicants to process their immigration entirely from overseas and enabling team applications, thus sharing risk and investment. To qualify, applicants must be at least 18 years old, have English proficiency at CLB 5 (IELTS minimums: Listening 5.0, Speaking 5.0, Reading 4.0, Writing 5.0), and secure support from a designated Canadian venture capital fund, angel investor, or business incubator. Successful applicants and their families are granted permanent residency, with children able to benefit from Canada’s public education system.