12 ways to immigrate to Canada in 2025
1. Express Entry
In 2024, Express Entry remains the primary pathway for immigration to Canada. This key selection system manages applications for major federal programs, including the Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades. Canada aims to welcome over 110,000 high-skilled immigrants this year, increasing to 117,500 in both 2025 and 2026. The system has become more adaptable, introducing occupation-specific draws and those aimed at French speakers alongside existing all-program and program-specific draws.
2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
The Provincial Nominee Programs will also admit over 110,000 newcomers in 2024, matching the Express Entry numbers. In total, these programs across nine provinces and two territories plan to increase their intake to 120,000 in the coming years. From British Columbia to the Atlantic provinces, there are numerous opportunities for immigration. Some PNP streams are integrated with Express Entry, allowing provinces to select immigrants based on their economic needs. Candidates should consult provincial occupation lists since priorities can vary.
3. Quebec
Quebec operates independently regarding its economic immigration, focusing on welcoming francophone immigrants. The provincial government aims to maintain cultural integrity, setting a cap of around 50,000 new immigrants, with 33,000 through economic programs. While fluency in French is a priority, it is less critical for candidates with a job offer. Recently, Quebec paused applications for the low-wage stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
4. Employer-Driven Pilot Programs
Canada offers several employer-driven pilot programs aimed at addressing labor shortages in specific regions. The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), now permanent, provides 6,500 spaces for skilled workers and international graduates in the Atlantic provinces. Additionally, 8,500 newcomers will be welcomed through other streams, including the Agri-Food Pilot and the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot. These programs require employers to identify needs and sponsor immigrants accordingly.
5. Start-Up Visa
The Start-Up Visa is a significant route for entrepreneurs looking to immigrate to Canada. Candidates need a viable business idea and support from designated investors. They can start their venture under a work permit before applying for permanent residency, provided they actively manage the business in Canada. The plan is to welcome 5,000 newcomers through business programs in 2024, with numbers expected to rise in subsequent years.
6. Provincial Business Programs
Provinces have their own entrepreneur programs, part of their Provincial Nominee Programs, each with unique criteria based on local needs.
7. Self-Employed Programs
Both the federal government and Quebec run self-employed programs. The federal Self-Employed Class targets individuals with relevant self-employment experience who can contribute culturally or artistically. Quebec distinguishes self-employed candidates primarily by their ability to create their own jobs.
8. Spouses, Partners, and Children
Canada's Immigration Levels Plan includes provisions for 82,000 spouses, partners, and children in 2024, constituting a significant portion of the Family Class. The spouse and partner stream permits applications from both within and outside Canada, allowing for work permits while waiting for processing. Children under 22 are typically included unless they are financially independent due to disability.
9. Parents and Grandparents
The Parents and Grandparents Program operates through a lottery system, planning to welcome 32,000 newcomers in 2024. The system has faced challenges due to oversubscription, with the PGP pool remaining closed for new sponsors since 2020.
In 2024, Canada's temporary residence system faced scrutiny for contributing to rising housing prices and labor market pressures.
10. Study Permit and Post-Graduation Work Permit
Changes to the study permit system, including caps on international students, have sparked debate. While pathways to permanent residency remain, competition is fierce, with only a small percentage of students likely to succeed.
11. Temporary Workers
New limits on the low-wage stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program have been introduced. This program requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to confirm the need for foreign workers, while the International Mobility Program allows certain employers to bypass this requirement.
12. Refugee Immigration
Canada continues to prioritize refugee resettlement, including those from Gaza, Ukraine, Syria, and Afghanistan. The Economic Mobility Pathways Project aims to bring skilled refugees to Canada, with plans to welcome over 76,000 newcomers in the Refugee Class.
