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Points-based immigration system (Comprehensive Ranking System) for skilled workers. Open to all nationalities; applicants need a score of at least 67 points based on age, education, language, and work experience. Highly competitive; invitation rounds are held regularly.
Employer-specific work permit requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) showing no Canadians were available for the role. Open to all nationalities; tied to the sponsoring employer and job position.
Available to spouses of skilled workers or students, and to Canadian post-secondary graduates (Post-Graduate Work Permit). Not employer-specific; allows the holder to work for any Canadian employer.
Direct permanent residency for entrepreneurs whose business is supported by a designated Canadian venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator. Language proficiency (CLB 5) and sufficient settlement funds required.
Canada is one of the world's top immigration destinations, offering permanent residency pathways through Express Entry (skilled workers), Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and family sponsorship. The Temporary Foreign Worker Program and International Mobility Program provide work authorization. Canada is transparent, rules-based, and has one of the highest acceptance rates of immigrants globally.
Canada offers Open Work Permits (not tied to a specific employer, e.g., for spouses of skilled workers or post-graduate students) and Employer-Specific Work Permits. The LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) is required for most employer-specific permits unless exempt under trade agreements (CUSMA/USMCA, CETA). Intra-company transfers are a common pathway.
Skilled workers and PR holders can sponsor spouses and dependent children through family class sponsorship. Spouses of foreign workers on open or closed permits may qualify for an open work permit. The family reunification system is well-developed and one of the most generous in the world.
Canada taxes residents on worldwide income at federal rates from 15% to 33%, plus provincial taxes (combined effective top rates of 47-54%). Non-residents are taxed only on Canadian-sourced income. Canada has an extensive tax treaty network with over 90 countries. Capital gains are 50% included in income (increasing to 66.7% for gains over CAD 250,000 from 2024).
Canada has a universal public healthcare system (Medicare), but it is provincially administered. New immigrants typically wait 3 months for provincial coverage; interim private insurance is recommended. Dental and vision care are generally not covered by public plans. Most employed expats receive supplemental private benefits.
Major banks include the Big Five: RBC, TD, Scotiabank, BMO, and CIBC. New arrivals can open accounts with a passport and proof of address; many banks have New to Canada programs with reduced documentation requirements. Banking is modern, digital, and very accessible.
Canada's federal Immigrant Investor Program was suspended in 2012. Current investment pathways exist through PNPs in provinces like Quebec (QIIP requires CAD 900,000 investment), BC, and Ontario. The Start-Up Visa Program supports immigrant entrepreneurs with backing from designated Canadian organizations.
| Program | Min. Investment | Residency | Citizenship |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP) | $660k+ | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |