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The Toronto skyline and CN Tower at golden hour, seen across Lake Ontario
North America · Country guide

Canada

Diverse cities, a large international student community and well-documented economic immigration programmes.

Capital
Ottawa
Languages
English, French
Currency
Canadian dollar (CAD)
Pathways covered
5

Sample content — pending verification. This page shows the structure of a Visa & Beyond guide. General descriptions are for orientation only; specific rules, fees, costs and deadlines have deliberately not been filled in. Always use the official links on this page for current requirements.

Last reviewed . Immigration rules change often. This is general educational information, not legal or immigration advice, and Visa & Beyond is not affiliated with any government. Confirm everything on the official website before you apply. Disclaimer

Overview

Canada is one of the most researched destinations for people moving abroad. Its immigration system is run federally by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), while provinces and territories also run their own nomination programmes.

This guide gives an overview of the main pathway types to help you know what to look up next. It does not list eligibility points, fees or processing times, because these change regularly. Always read the official IRCC page for the programme you are considering.

Visa pathways

The main routes people research for Canada. Names are given for orientation; read eligibility, fees and processing information on the official page.

Visit & tourism

Visitor visa / eTA

Short visits for tourism, family or business. Depending on nationality, travellers need either a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorisation (eTA).

Official page
Study

Study permit

For international students accepted by a designated learning institution. Check current requirements, including any provincial attestation letters.

Official page
Work

Work permits

Employer-specific and open work permits exist for different situations. Most require a job offer or eligibility under a specific programme.

Official page
Permanent residence

Express Entry

The online system used to manage applications for several federal economic immigration programmes for skilled workers.

Official page
Permanent residence

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Provinces and territories can nominate people who meet their local labour-market needs.

Official page

Work opportunities

Canada's official job site, Job Bank, lists vacancies and labour-market information by region. Many employer-sponsored routes depend on the employer's own approvals, so be wary of anyone who offers a "guaranteed" job and visa for a fee.

Work abroad guides

Study opportunities

Universities and colleges must be designated to host international students. EduCanada, the Government of Canada's study portal, is a good starting point for comparing institutions and programmes.

Study abroad guides

Estimated living costs

Living costs vary widely by city, household size and lifestyle. We have not yet published verified figures for this guide. When we do, each estimate will show its source and date. Use this list to plan the categories you will need to budget for.

Rent (shared or one-bedroom)Figure pending verification
Utilities & internetFigure pending verification
GroceriesFigure pending verification
Local transportFigure pending verification
Health insurance / healthcareFigure pending verification
Mobile phone planFigure pending verification
Initial set-up costs (deposit, furniture)Figure pending verification

Important requirements

Commonly requested across many visa types. The official document list for your specific visa always takes priority.

  • A valid passport. Many countries require it to remain valid for a minimum period beyond your stay; check the exact rule for your visa.
  • A completed application submitted through the official government portal or an authorised visa application centre.
  • Evidence of the purpose of your stay, such as an offer letter, letter of admission, invitation or itinerary.
  • Proof that you can support yourself financially, usually through bank statements, sponsorship letters or scholarship letters.
  • Biometrics (fingerprints and photo), medical examinations or police certificates may be requested for some visa types.
  • Payment of the official government fee. Fees are published on the official website and can change.

Official government resources

Official sources for Canada

Life in Canada

Canada is large and regional differences are real: climate, cost of housing and job markets vary greatly between, for example, Toronto, Calgary and Halifax. Newcomers often mention winter preparation, building a local credit history and finding a family doctor as early priorities.

Life abroad guides

Keep reading

Essential guides

Other destinations