CANADA IMMIGRATION

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

The Federal Skilled Worker Program is one of the most popular immigration streams within Canada’s Express Entry system. Designed for skilled professionals, it is a fast-track pathway to Permanent Residence (PR). Applicants are assessed on their ability to contribute to the Canadian workforce and economy. Those meeting the criteria are selected for permanent settlement.

Key Highlights

• Ideal for working professionals with in-demand skills.
• Part of the Express Entry system, which operates on a points-based CRS ranking.
• Eligibility criteria are comparatively relaxed compared to other developed nations.

Eligibility & Requirements

• Minimum 1 year of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in the relevant job field.
• Occupation must fall under one of the following TEER categories:
  • TEER 0: Managerial occupations
  • TEER 1: Professional occupations
  • TEER 2: Technical occupations and skilled trades

Processing Time

Currently, 90% of applications are processed within 6 months.

Government Processing Fees

Applicant Type	Application Fee (CAD)	Right of Permanent Resident Fee (CAD)
Principal Applicant	$850	$515
Spouse / Partner	$850	$515
Child (Under 22)	$230	None

Note: Fees and requirements are subject to change without prior notice. Always verify the latest details before applying.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows skilled individuals with the right education, work experience, and abilities to immigrate to Canada and make an immediate economic contribution to a specific province or territory. Successful applicants are granted the opportunity to establish themselves as permanent residents.

How It Works

• Applicants must be nominated by a Canadian province or territory.
• Each province and territory has its own eligibility criteria and nomination guidelines.
• Criteria may change without prior notice, so it is important to check the latest updates regularly.

Key Benefits

• Faster immigration pathway for skilled workers with specific provincial needs.
• Increases chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Permanent Residency.
• Tailored selection based on local labor market demands.

Tip: Research the province’s current in-demand occupation lists before applying to improve your chances of nomination.

New Brunswick Nominee Program (NBPNP)

Eligibility Requirements

• Age: 22–55 years old (assessed on the date your application is received and assigned an NBPNP number).
• Language Skills: Sufficient English or French to actively manage a business in NB. May require IELTS General Training or TEF test results.
• Education: Minimum of a high school diploma (post-junior/middle school).
• Residency & Business: Must live in NB and operate/manage a business on a daily basis.
• Experience: Relevant and proven private sector management experience in at least 3 of the last 5 years, with significant decision-making responsibility related to your proposed NB business.
• Business Knowledge: Must demonstrate understanding of NB's business environment, including a required business trip.
• Business Plan: Must be approved by the Government of NB and show economic benefit to the province.
• Net Worth: Minimum personal net worth of $300,000 CAD (assets minus liabilities).
• Settlement Funds: Sufficient funds to start the business and support your family for up to 2 years without external help.
• Documentation: Must submit all required forms and documents; incomplete or unverifiable documents may result in zero points for that factor.
• Deposit: Signed Deposit Agreement and a $75,000 CAD conditionally refundable deposit required before nomination.
• Points: Must score at least 50 points in the NBPNP selection factors.

Note: Immigration Program Officers may request additional information at any time during the process.

Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) – Entrepreneur & Corporate Streams

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program allows entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas and key staff of corporations to be nominated for permanent residence if their ventures bring significant economic benefits to Ontario.

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Corporate Stream – Key Requirements

• Minimum investment of $5 million CAD in a new or existing Ontario business.
• Create 5 full-time permanent jobs for Canadians or permanent residents per key staff.
• Key staff must:
  • Be essential to the success of the Ontario business.
  • Meet CLB 4 language requirement (or equivalent).
  • Be employed with the corporation at the time of application.

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Entrepreneur Stream – Process Steps

1. Register an Expression of Interest (EOI) online.
2. EOI is scored; top candidates are invited to apply.
3. If invited, submit a complete application with fees.
4. Upon approval, sign a Performance Agreement detailing investment & job commitments.
5. Receive a work permit support letter to apply for a temporary work permit via IRCC.
6. If commitments are met, receive nomination for permanent residence.
7. Apply to IRCC within 6 months of nomination.

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Experience Requirements

• At least 36 months full-time business experience in the last 60 months as either:
  • Business Owner
  • Senior Manager (Business Management)

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Net Worth Requirements

• Within GTA: $1,500,000 CAD minimum
• Outside GTA: $800,000 CAD minimum
• ICT/Digital Communications Sector: $800,000 CAD minimum

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Personal Investment Requirements

• Within GTA: $1,000,000 CAD minimum + 33.3% ownership
• Outside GTA: $500,000 CAD minimum + 33.3% ownership
• ICT/Digital Communications: $500,000 CAD minimum + 33.3% ownership

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Job Creation

• Create at least 2 permanent, full-time jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

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Exploratory Visit (if purchasing an existing business)

• At least one business-related visit to Ontario in the past 12 months before applying.

Note: Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an invitation to apply. Invitations are based on your EOI score and available program quotas.

Quebec Investor Program (QIP)

The Quebec Investor Program is designed for experienced business people who wish to settle in Quebec as permanent residents through a passive investment pathway.

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Eligibility Criteria

• Net Assets: Have at least $1,600,000 CAD in legally acquired net assets (alone or with spouse). This excludes amounts received by donation within six months prior to the application date.
• Management Experience:
  • At least 2 years of management experience in the last 5 years before applying.
  • Eligible experience can be in:
    • A legal farming, commercial, or industrial business.
    • A legal professional business with at least two full-time employees (excluding the investor).
    • An international agency, government, or one of its departments/agencies.
  • Experience must involve planning, managing, and controlling financial, human, or material resources under your authority.
  • Training, apprenticeship, or specialization experience is not eligible.
• Settlement Intent: Plan to settle in Quebec and actively integrate into its society.
• Investment Agreement: Sign an agreement to invest $800,000 CAD with a financial intermediary (broker or trust company) authorized to participate in the Investor Program.

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Additional Assessment Factors

• Age
• Nature and duration of professional training
• Language skills (French and/or English)

Note: The Quebec Investor Program is subject to intake limits and may only open during designated application periods.

Start-up Visa Program

The Start-up Visa Program is designed for immigrant entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to build businesses in Canada that are innovative, create jobs for Canadians, and can compete on a global scale.

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Eligibility Requirements

• Support from a Designated Organization:
  • You must secure a commitment from a designated organization approved to invest in or support start-ups in Canada.
  • The organization will issue a Letter of Support, which must be included in your application.
• Ownership Requirements:
  • Up to five people can apply as owners of a single business.
  • Each applicant must hold at least 10% of the voting rights in the business.
  • The designated organization and all applicants combined must hold more than 50% of the voting rights in the business.

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Key Notes

• Applications without a Letter of Support will be refused.
• All applicants must meet Canada’s admissibility requirements (security, medical, and financial checks).

Sponsoring Your Family

The Family Class sponsorship program allows eligible immigrants to bring their loved ones to Canada as permanent residents.

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Key Benefits

• Permanent residents can live, work, and study anywhere in Canada.
• Family reunification under the Family Class helps you sponsor close relatives for Canadian permanent residency.

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Your Responsibilities as a Sponsor

• Provide for your own essential needs and those of your sponsored family members.
• Support your sponsored relative financially upon arrival in Canada.
• Ensure your sponsored spouse or relative does not require financial assistance from the government.

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Application Process

As a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you may apply to be a sponsor. There are two main sponsorship streams:

1. Spousal/Partner and Dependent Children Sponsorship: For your spouse, conjugal or common-law partner, and/or dependent children.
2. Other Eligible Relatives Sponsorship: For parents, grandparents, or other relatives who qualify under the program’s rules.