Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Building a stronger Canada through immigration programs, citizenship services, refugee protection, and issuing Canadian travel documents.

Visit

  • Apply for a visitor visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA) to enter Canada temporarily as a visitor
  • Meet eligibility criteria such as having sufficient funds, not intending to work or study during the visit, and no inadmissibility issues
  • Provide required documents like a valid passport, proof of ties to home country, etc.
  • Extend an existing visitor status if eligible

Immigrate

  • Apply through one of the federal or provincial/territorial immigration programs for permanent residence
  • Programs for skilled workers, business immigration, family sponsorship, refugees, etc.
  • Meet program criteria like education, work experience, language ability, funds to settle
  • Provide supporting documents to demonstrate eligibility

Work

  • Apply for a work permit if intending to work in Canada temporarily
  • Apply through streams like International Mobility Program, Labour Market Impact Assessment, etc.
  • Meet job requirements, have a valid job offer or be eligible under a program
  • Extend an existing work permit if still meeting requirements

Study

  • Apply for a study permit to attend a designated learning institution in Canada
  • Prove acceptance into a qualifying program and have sufficient funds
  • Potentially provide a medical exam and police certificates
  • Extend a study permit if still a full-time student

Citizenship

  • For eligible permanent residents, apply to obtain Canadian citizenship
  • Meet residency, tax filing, language, and knowledge requirements
  • Prepare for and take the citizenship test
  • Provide required documents like PR card, language test results, etc.
  • Resume or renounce existing Canadian citizenship if applicable

New Immigrants

  • For new permanent residents – apply for a permanent resident card
  • Access settlement services and immigrant integration programs
  • After meeting requirements, apply for Canadian citizenship
  • File tax returns for the first tax year in Canada

Refugees and Asylum

  • Make a refugee claim in Canada or from abroad
  • Seek protection and asylum if facing persecution
  • Access refugee services and integration support in Canada
  • Appeal a refused refugee claim decision
  • Sponsor refugees from abroad to come to Canada