7 most common Canada permanent residency pathways in 2025

Canada remains a top destination for immigrants, with plans to welcome 395,000 new permanent residents in 2025, a reduction from the previous target of 500,000.

The focus this year is on transitioning temporary residents within Canada to permanent status, alongside welcoming new immigrants from abroad. Here are seven prominent pathways to Canadian permanent residency in 2025:

1. Express Entry: The Accelerated Route to Permanent Residency

Express Entry is Canada's primary system for managing applications from skilled workers aiming to contribute to the national economy. Key aspects include:

• Eligibility: Candidates must qualify under one of the following programs:

  • Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) for professionals with specific education and work experience.

  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC) for individuals with Canadian work experience.

• Application Process: Eligible individuals create an online profile and receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. High-ranking candidates are invited to apply for permanent residency, with processing times often within six months.

• Targets: In 2025, Express Entry aims to admit 124,680 immigrants, with a significant portion already residing in Canada on temporary status.

• Costs: The process involves official fees of $1,525 CAD for individuals and $3,050 CAD for couples, plus proof of funds ($14,690 for singles, $18,288 for couples).

• Challenges: The CRS cut-off can be competitive, but candidates not initially selected may receive provincial nominations, enhancing their chances.

2. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Customized to Regional Needs

PNPs allow provinces and territories to nominate individuals for permanent residency based on specific local economic needs. Notable programs include:

• Alberta Advantage Immigrant Program (AAIP)

• British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP)

• Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)

• Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)

• New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NB PNP)

• Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NS PNP)

• Newfoundland and Labrador PNP

• Northwest Territories PNP

• Prince Edward Island PNP

• Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)

• Yukon PNP

Eligibility often requires a connection to the province or a job offer, though some streams focus solely on addressing labor market gaps. It's important to note that PNP quotas have been reduced by nearly 50% for all provinces this year, making this pathway more competitive.

3. Business Immigration: Opportunities for Entrepreneurs and Investors

Canada offers various programs for individuals with business acumen and investment capital:

• Start-Up Visa Program: Grants permanent residence to qualified entrepreneurs aiming to establish innovative businesses in Canada. Applicants must secure support from designated organizations such as venture capital funds, angel investor groups, or business incubators.

• Self-Employed Persons Program: Designed for individuals with relevant experience in cultural or athletic activities, intending to make significant contributions to these fields in Canada.

4. Family Sponsorship: Bringing Loved Ones Together

Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor certain family members for permanent residency:

• Spouse or Common-Law Partner Sponsorship: Allows Canadians to sponsor their spouse or partner, with both inland and outland application options.

• Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship: Enables sponsorship of parents and grandparents, though this program operates on a lottery system due to high demand.

• Dependent Child Sponsorship: Allows for the sponsorship of dependent children, including adopted children, to join their parents in Canada.

5. Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): Addressing Regional Labor Needs

The AIP is a regional initiative aimed at attracting skilled workers to Canada's Atlantic provinces:

• Participating Provinces: Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick.

• Eligibility: Requires a valid job offer from an employer in one of the Atlantic provinces and a personalized settlement plan.

• Benefits: Streamlined processing and employer support in the settlement process.

6. Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot (HCWP): Supporting Essential Care Services

Canada has introduced the HCWP to address the growing need for home care workers:

• Admissions Target: Plans to grant permanent residence to 2,750 home care workers under this pilot.

• Eligibility: Applicants must have a job offer in Canada as a home care worker and meet language, education, and work experience requirements.

7. Rural and Northern Immigration Pilots: Encouraging Settlement in Smaller Communities

These pilots aim to attract immigrants to smaller communities facing labor shortages:

• Participating Communities: Various communities across Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia.

• Eligibility: Requires a job offer from an employer in a participating community and meeting specific community requirements.

Navigating Canada's immigration pathways requires careful consideration of eligibility criteria, application processes, and regional opportunities. Prospective immigrants are encouraged to consult official resources and consider seeking professional guidance to enhance their chances of success.