Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan targets 485,000 new immigrants in 2024. After setting new annual permanent resident records in 2021, 2022 and 2023 it plans to break those records again.
This means it has never been a better time to consider starting the process of immigrating to Canada.
Outlined below is a comprehensive list of how to immigrate to Canada in 2024.
PERMANENT RESIDENCE
Economic Programs
1. Express Entry
Express Entry remains the top way for how to immigrate to Canada in 2024.
The flagship selection system is used to control applications for the main federal programs: Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class and Federal Skilled Trades.
Canada plans to welcome more than 110,000 Federal High Skilled immigrants in 2024, according to the latest Immigration Levels Plan, rising to 117,500 in both 2025 and 2026.
Express Entry has become much more flexible in 2024, with occupation-specific draws and draw aimed at French-speakers joining the existing all-program and program-specific draws.
2. Provincial Nominee Program
The combined force of Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs will welcome the same number of immigrants as Express Entry to Canada in 2024, making it another important entry on the how to immigrate to Canada list.
Canada plans to welcome more than 110,000 newcomers through the nine provincial (and two territorial) immigration programs, rising to 120,000 in the next two years.
From British Columbia in the west, through the prairie provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, to Ontario and the Atlantic Canadian provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador and Prince Edward Island, there are thousands of spots for Canada immigration in 2024.
Parts of the PNP also feed into Express Entry, meaning each of the provincial programs mentioned above have specific streams for the federally-operated selection system.
The provinces are geared up to select immigrants specific to their economic needs. Candidates should consult target occupation lists and streams because provincial and federal priorities differ.
3. Quebec
Quebec is in a category of its own as it has full control over its economic immigration intake, meaning it is another way for how to immigrate to Canada.
Much has been made of the powerful Quebec provincial government’s push to ensure all immigrants welcomed to the province are francophone.
Francois Legault, leader of the Coalition Avenir Quebec, believes the French language is central to preserving Quebec’s culture and is focused on limiting newcomers to the province to around 50,000 in total, 33,000 of them through economic programs.
The francophone requirement becomes less of a priority for candidates with a qualified job offer in hand.
However, Quebec recently agreed with the federal government to pause applications for the low-wage stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
4. Employer-Driven Pilot Programs
Canada also operates a number of employer-driven pilot programs targeting specific areas of the economy or regions with chronic labour shortages.
At the forefront of these is the Atlantic Immigration Program, which started life as a pilot but has since been made permanent.
Covering the four Atlantic provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador and Prince Edward Island, the AIP has an allocation of 6,500 spaces for skilled worker and international graduate immigrants in 2024.
A further 8,500 newcomers are to be welcomed through three other streams: the Agri-Food Pilot, the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot and the Economic Mobility Pathways Project. The RNIP closed to new applicants in summer 2024, but is expected to be replaced by new pilots.
All of these programs are employer-driven, meaning they cannot be applied to directly. An employer identifies a need, finds an immigrant to fulfil that need and uses the program to bring that candidate to Canada. But they are still a good way for how to immigrate to Canada.
Business Programs
5. Start-Up Visa
Canada’s Start-Up Visa has become an important route to Canada immigration for business-minded individuals and a key way for how to immigrate to Canada.
To qualify, candidates with a qualifying business or business idea must secure the support of a designated angel investor group, venture capital fund or business incubator, plus have the required settlement funds and language ability.
Candidates can move to Canada on a work permit while they establish their business, before qualifying for permanent residence. To qualify, applicants must be actively involved in the management of the business within Canada.
Canada plans to welcome 5,000 newcomers through business programs in 2024, rising to 6,000 in 2025 and 2026. Most of these will come through the Start-Up Visa.
6. Provincial Business Programs
Many of Canada’s provinces operate their own entrepreneur programs, which fall under their respective Provincial Nominee Programs.
Each of these programs has specific requirements related to the province or territory they serve.
7. Self-Employed Programs
Both the federal government and Quebec operate self-employed programs.
The federal Self-Employed Class is geared towards applicants who have relevant self-employment experience as well as the intention and the ability to create their own employment and make a significant contribution to the cultural, artistic or athletic life of Canada.
In Quebec, self-employed applicants are primarily differentiated from skilled workers in that they create their own job by practicing a profession or engaging in a commercial activity.
Family Class
8. Spouses, Partners and Children
Canada combines spouses, partners and children in its Immigration Levels Plan, with an aim to welcome 82,000 such newcomers in 2024, making up the majority of the 114,000-strong Family Class. If you have a family member here, there are good options for how to immigrate to Canada.
The spouse and partner stream allows for applications from outside or within Canada (via the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class). Spouses and partners can be of any sex provided they meet requirements.
Spouses and partners can qualify for a work permit while they are waiting for their applications t be processed.
Children being sponsored are generally under 22 and do not have a spouse or partner of their own. To qualify over the age of 22, they must be unable to financially support themselves because of a mental or physical condition or have depended on their parents for financial support since before the age of 22.
Canada operates a separate stream for adoption from overseas.
9. Parents and Grandparents
Canada’s Parents and Grandparents Program operates on a lottery system, where sponsors declare their interest in a pool and are drawn at random and issued an invitation to apply.
Canada plans to welcome 32,000 newcomers through the stream in 2024.
The stream has drawn controversy over the years as it is regularly oversubscribed, with officials searching for the fairest way to select candidates to come to Canada.
Currently, the PGP pool has not been opened for new sponsors since 2020. Several batches of sponsors have been invited to apply since then.
Parents and grandparents who are not selected can consider the Super Visa.
TEMPORARY RESIDENCE
Canada’s temporary residence system has caused controversy in 2024, blamed for pushing up house prices and tightening the labour market, leading to increased unemployment.
In the new Immigration Levels Plan soon to be released, IRCC is expected to set levels for temporary residents for the first time.
10. Study Permit and Post-Graduation Work Permit
Canada’s international student and Post-Graduation Work Permit system has caused controversy in 2024, with Immigration Minister Marc Miller announcing caps on the program to control numbers. For 2024, numbers are expected to be 30 per cent down on 2023, with a further 10 per cent reduction expected in 2025.
Canada still has an established route to permanent residence for international students.
They can come in on a Study Permit, qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, which can give them the experience needed to qualify for immigration via Express Entry.
However, while that pathway exists, candidates must be aware that it is highly competitive. Only a fraction of the international students studying in Canada will become permanent residents.
Many immigration consultants and colleges and universities promote the fact that international students can come to Canada to study and transition to permanent residence. However, the reality is that very few will achieve this.
11. Temporary Workers
Canada’s Work Permit has also been the subject of controversy in 2024, with new limits introduced on the low-wage stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, for those who require a Labour Market Impact Assessment. Those who do not required an LMIA get their work permit through the International Mobility Program.
A positive LMIA confirms there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job at hand and that no Canadian worker is available to do the job.
The IMP allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers without the need for an LMIA. It includes intra-company transferees, those entering Canada as part of trade treaties, such as the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) or the Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) and those who qualify for an open work permit.
The TFWP is made up streams for high-skilled workers, low-skilled workers and the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program.
The Global Talent Stream also falls under the TFWP, through which employers can access two-week processing for a list of technology occupations.
A number of provincial programs also operate programs that target technology occupations, including the BC PNP Tech stream and Ontario Tech Draws through its Human Capital Priorities stream.
REFUGEES
12. Refugee Immigration
Canada continues to prioritize welcoming refugees as part of its humanitarian effort around the world.
Gazans, Ukrainians, Syrians and Afghans have all benefitted from Canada’s openness to refugees.
The federal government’s Economic Mobility Pathways Project aims to bring skilled refugees to Canada.
The 2023 Immigration Levels Plan has room for more than 76,000 newcomers to Canada in the Refugee Class.
FAQ: How To Immigrate To Canada
What Are the Requirements to Immigrate to Canada?
The requirements to immigrate to Canada vary depending on the immigration program you apply for, such as Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), or family sponsorship. Generally, you need a valid passport, language proficiency in English or French, educational credentials, and work experience. Proof of sufficient funds may also be required. Eligibility varies, so reviewing specific program criteria is essential for determining the best pathway to immigration.
Is There an Age Limit to Immigrate to Canada?
Canada does not have a specific age limit for immigration, but age can impact your eligibility under some programs. For example, under the Express Entry system, individuals between 20 and 29 receive the highest points. While older applicants may lose points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) for age, they can still qualify if they have other strong qualifications, such as language skills, education, or work experience.
What Is the Fastest Way I Can Migrate to Canada?
The fastest way to migrate to Canada is typically through the Express Entry system, which is designed for skilled workers. Applicants with high CRS scores can be invited to apply for permanent residence within just a few months. Another fast option is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), especially if a specific province is actively seeking your skills. Both processes are streamlined, but thorough preparation is essential to expedite your application.
What Is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)?
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals who meet their specific economic needs for immigration. Applicants are selected based on factors such as work experience, skills, and connection to a province. In 2024, over 110,000 immigrants are expected through the PNP. Some provincial streams also align with Express Entry, making it a key route to permanent residency for skilled workers targeting specific regions of Canada.
How to Immigrate to Canada Through a Business Program
Business immigration programs like the Start-Up Visa and provincial entrepreneur streams offer pathways for individuals with business ideas or investment capital. The Start-Up Visa requires support from a designated angel investor, venture capital fund, or business incubator. Provincial business programs vary in their requirements. Successful candidates must demonstrate business experience, secure sufficient funding, and commit to actively managing their business within Canada. In 2024, 5,000 newcomers are expected through these programs.
Can International Students Transition to Permanent Residence in Canada?
Yes, international students can transition to permanent residence, but it is highly competitive. Students first apply for a Study Permit and may be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, which allows them to gain work experience in Canada. This experience can help them qualify for immigration via programs like Express Entry. However, only a fraction of international students successfully become permanent residents, as the pathway is not guaranteed and depends on multiple factors such as work experience and education.
