Canada
Canada · Capital: Ottawa
Canada runs the most predictable skilled-migration system among major destinations. Express Entry ranks candidates on a transparent points score, and Provincial Nominee Programs let regions target their own shortages. Permanent residence, not temporary status, is the default goal.
Migration statistics
Who is arriving
Top source countries and the make-up of recent arrivals into Canada.
Policy overview
5 visa routes into Canada
Eligibility, fees, processing times and whether each route leads to permanent residence.
FSW
Points-ranked permanent-residence stream for skilled workers, scored on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
Eligibility
- 1+ year skilled work experience
- Language test (IELTS/CELPIP)
- Educational Credential Assessment
- Settlement funds of CAD 15,263 for a single applicant (from 7 July 2025)
- CRS score above the round cut-off (job offers earn no CRS points since 25 March 2025)
- Fee CAD 1,590 (CAD 990 processing plus CAD 600 right of PR fee, from 30 April 2026)
Document checklist (12 items)
Core
Professional
Background
Provincial Nominee Program
SkilledPNP
Provinces nominate candidates who meet local labour needs, adding 600 CRS points and near-guaranteeing an invitation. The 2026 federal target for provincial nominees is 91,500, up from 55,000 in 2025.
Eligibility
- Meet a specific provincial stream
- Connection or demand in that province
- Often a job offer or in-demand occupation
- Federal fee CAD 1,590 (from 30 April 2026) plus any provincial fee
Document checklist (9 items)
Core
Professional
Background
Canadian Experience Class
SkilledCEC
Express Entry stream for those with skilled Canadian work experience, popular with graduates on a post-study permit.
Eligibility
- 1+ year skilled Canadian work experience
- Language benchmark by skill level
- Intend to live outside Quebec
- Fee CAD 1,590 (from 30 April 2026)
Document checklist (9 items)
Core
Professional
Financial
Background
Study Permit
StudentStudy
Study at a Designated Learning Institution, with a Post-Graduation Work Permit pathway to PR. Study permits are capped (408,000 for 2026); master's and PhD students at public institutions no longer need a provincial attestation letter from 1 January 2026.
Eligibility
- Acceptance from a DLI
- Living-cost funds of CAD 23,448 for a single applicant (from 1 September 2026) plus tuition
- Provincial attestation letter (except master's and PhD at public DLIs)
- Fee CAD 150 plus CAD 85 biometrics
Document checklist (11 items)
Core
Professional
Financial
Background
FC
Join a spouse, partner or close family member who is a citizen or resident.
Eligibility
- Genuine relationship to a citizen/resident
- Sponsor meets income/housing rules
- Relationship evidence
Document checklist (9 items)
Core
Professional
Financial
Background
Economic context
The numbers behind the move
Pay reflects the local market in Canada, what you'd typically earn there, not your current salary.
Skill shortages
Sectors actively recruiting from abroad
Where Canada needs foreign talent most, and what those roles pay.
Healthcare
Health-occupation category draws prioritise nurses and care staff nationwide.
Technology
BC and Ontario tech streams fast-track developers and data talent.
Skilled trades
Trades category draws and provincial streams target construction shortages.
Transport
Driver shortages added to category-based selection.
Education & childcare
Early-childhood educators are in demand across most provinces.
Engineering
Resource projects and infrastructure sustain engineering demand.
Recent changes
What's changed lately
Recent policy changes that affect migrants, newest first.
No policy changes recorded in the last 90 days. The intelligence agent is monitoring.
Quality of life
What living there feels like
Toronto, ON
Deepest job marketCanada's economic engine and most diverse city; housing is the main trade-off.
- Cost index
- 82
- 1-bed rent
- $2,100
- Quality
- 80
Vancouver, BC
Mountains & oceanStunning, mild and outdoorsy, but among North America's least affordable housing markets.
- Cost index
- 86
- 1-bed rent
- $2,300
- Quality
- 82
Montreal, QC
Affordable & creativeThe cheapest big Canadian city, creative, bilingual and packed with universities.
- Cost index
- 68
- 1-bed rent
- $1,350
- Quality
- 82
Calgary, AB
Energy & no provincial taxHigh incomes, low taxes and quick access to the Rockies for active families.
- Cost index
- 72
- 1-bed rent
- $1,500
- Quality
- 81
Ottawa, ON
Government & techStable federal and tech jobs in a safe, green, family-friendly capital.
- Cost index
- 73
- 1-bed rent
- $1,550
- Quality
- 83
Waterloo, ON
Tech & top universityA startup and engineering hub anchored by a world-class university.
- Cost index
- 70
- 1-bed rent
- $1,400
- Quality
- 80
Halifax, NS
Atlantic coast valueCoastal charm, a calmer pace and far more affordable than Toronto or Vancouver.
- Cost index
- 67
- 1-bed rent
- $1,300
- Quality
- 82
Edmonton, AB
Affordable & no provincial taxAmong the most affordable major cities, with strong wages in energy and trades.
- Cost index
- 68
- 1-bed rent
- $1,250
- Quality
- 78
Living essentials
The practical day-to-day of settling in Canada.
Universal public healthcare; new arrivals may face a short provincial waiting period (private gap cover advised).
Free, high-quality public schools and globally ranked, more affordable universities.
Housing is the main expense in Toronto/Vancouver; the Prairies and Atlantic are cheaper.
Fast and reliable in cities; pricier than the EU.
Cold, snowy winters; warm summers, milder on the west coast.
Safety & climate
The reception you can expect
How welcoming the public and political mood is, how safe it is, and how geopolitically stable the country is right now.
Anti-migrant sentiment
trendHistorically very welcoming, though debate over record intake levels has grown.
Higher = more hostile public/political climate.
Geopolitical stability
A composite of governance, security and regional-risk signals. Higher means a more predictable environment for settling long term.
Higher = more stable.
Safety
Generally safe; property crime higher in a few western cities.
Higher = safer (crime index 27/100).
Where to live
Which Canada city fits you?
Cities matched to who you are, career, family, retirement, study or remote work. We flag the ones to consider and the ones to approach with care.
Montreal, QC
Bilingual and vibrant
The cheapest big Canadian city, creative, bilingual and packed with universities.
Toronto, ON
Multicultural engine
Canada's economic engine and most diverse city; housing is the main trade-off.
Calgary, AB
Big-sky prosperity
High incomes, low taxes and quick access to the Rockies for active families.
Ottawa, ON
Calm capital
Stable federal and tech jobs in a safe, green, family-friendly capital.
Halifax, NS
Relaxed maritime
Coastal charm, a calmer pace and far more affordable than Toronto or Vancouver.
Waterloo, ON
Canada's tech triangle
A startup and engineering hub anchored by a world-class university.
Vancouver, BC
West-coast beauty
Stunning, mild and outdoorsy, but among North America's least affordable housing markets.
Edmonton, AB
Prairie value
Among the most affordable major cities, with strong wages in energy and trades.
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