Humanitarian and Compassionate Application - Important Considerations: 

Humanitarian and compassionate applications are detailed, evidence-based, and often legally complex. Each case is assessed on its own merits, with careful consideration given to the applicant’s personal history, establishment in Canada, family ties, the best interests of any children affected, and the hardship the applicant would face if required to leave Canada. A strong application must be thoroughly prepared and supported by persuasive documentation.

Applications from Within Canada
In many cases, individuals seeking relief on humanitarian and compassionate grounds apply from inside Canada, particularly where returning to their home country would result in unusual, undeserved, or disproportionate hardship. These applications require a careful legal presentation of the applicant’s circumstances and supporting evidence.

Not a Substitute for Refugee Protection
Humanitarian and compassionate applications are not intended to replace refugee claims. They are generally not the appropriate remedy where the primary issue involves risk of persecution, danger to life, or risk of cruel and unusual treatment or punishment. In such situations, a refugee or protection-based application may be more appropriate.

Not Available for Temporary Residence
Humanitarian and compassionate grounds apply to permanent residence matters only and cannot be used as a basis for temporary resident applications.

Legal Guidance Matters

Because these applications involve significant discretion and require a compelling legal and factual presentation, professional legal guidance is often essential. Proper preparation includes identifying the strongest humanitarian factors, gathering supporting evidence, and presenting the case in a clear, persuasive, and legally grounded manner.

A carefully prepared humanitarian and compassionate application can provide a vital pathway to permanent residence for individuals facing exceptional circumstances in Canada. With the right legal strategy and attention to detail, applicants can present their case with the depth, sensitivity, and care it deserves.

Humanitarian and Compassionate Grounds Applications in Canada

A Humanitarian and Compassionate (“H&C”) application may provide a pathway to permanent residence for certain foreign nationals who are already in Canada and who do not otherwise qualify under regular immigration programs. This type of application is intended for exceptional situations in which compelling humanitarian factors, personal hardship, and establishment in Canada justify special consideration.

Who May Be Eligible

Individuals who may be eligible to apply on Humanitarian and Compassionate grounds can include those who are facing unusual, undeserved, or disproportionate hardship if they are required to leave Canada. Depending on the circumstances, this may include persons who:

• have remained in Canada after the expiry of their authorized temporary status;
• are excluded from family sponsorship because they were not previously declared or examined; or
• previously made a refugee claim and may now be eligible to pursue H&C relief, subject to applicable legal restrictions.

Important Restrictions

Not every person in Canada is eligible to submit an H&C application. Certain limitations may apply, including in the following situations:

• persons with an active refugee claim generally cannot pursue an H&C application at the same time;
• persons who recently received a negative refugee or immigration-related decision may be subject to statutory bars;
• persons who withdrew a refugee claim may also face temporary restrictions; and
• designated foreign nationals or persons associated with irregular arrival designations may be prohibited from applying for a specified period.
  
  

There are limited exceptions to some of these restrictions, including cases involving:

• the best interests of a child directly affected by the decision; or
• serious medical circumstances where adequate treatment is unavailable in the applicant’s country of origin.
  

How H&C Applications Are Assessed

Humanitarian and Compassionate relief is discretionary and granted only in exceptional cases. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (“IRCC”) assesses each case individually, taking into account the full circumstances of the applicant, including hardship, family ties, establishment in Canada, medical issues, and the best interests of any child involved.

The success of an H&C application depends heavily on the quality, credibility, and persuasiveness of the evidence submitted. A well-prepared application should clearly explain the applicant’s circumstances and demonstrate why an exemption from the usual immigration requirements is justified.

Why Careful Preparation Matters

H&C applications are complex and highly evidence-driven. Strong legal submissions, detailed supporting documents, and a clear presentation of hardship can make a significant difference in the outcome of the case. For that reason, every application should be prepared with care, precision, and close attention to the applicant’s personal circumstances.

Maintaining Legal Status in Canada While Your H&C Application Is in Process

Submitting an application for permanent residence on humanitarian and compassionate (“H&C”) grounds does not automatically give you legal status in Canada, nor does it protect you from immigration enforcement if your temporary status expires. Unlike certain other immigration processes, an H&C application does not, by itself, prevent the issuance of a removal order. For this reason, it is extremely important to maintain valid temporary resident status in Canada for as long as possible while your H&C application is under review.

How to Extend Your Stay in Canada

To remain in Canada lawfully during the processing of an H&C application, you should take proactive steps to extend your status before it expires. This may include applying to extend your stay as a visitor, worker, or student, depending on your current immigration category.

In doing so, you should:

• apply before your current status expires in order to preserve your legal stay in Canada;
• continue to meet the conditions attached to your current status;
• comply with the requirements of your original admission category, whether as a visitor, worker, or student; and
• satisfy all eligibility requirements for the type of extension you are requesting.
  
  For example, a person holding a study permit must continue to respect the conditions of that permit, including any restrictions on employment. Similarly, a work permit holder must comply with the terms and conditions of authorized work in Canada.
  
  

Processing Times for Extension Applications

Applications submitted online are generally processed faster and may take several months, depending on the type of application and current IRCC processing volumes. Paper applications may take longer due to mailing and administrative delays.

Possible Outcomes

If your extension application is approved, you will receive a new immigration document confirming your updated status and the new expiry date. This allows you to continue residing in Canada legally while your H&C application remains under consideration.

If your extension application is refused, your right to remain in Canada may end on the expiry date of your current status document, unless other legal steps are available and taken in time. Remaining in Canada without valid status can lead to serious consequences, including loss of status and possible enforcement action.

Why Maintaining Status Matters

Maintaining legal status while your H&C application is pending is an important part of protecting your position in Canada. It helps reduce the risk of enforcement measures and supports greater stability while your case is being assessed. Because every case is different, timely legal guidance can be essential in determining the best strategy to preserve your status and protect your future in Canada.

Humanitarian and Compassionate Grounds for Permanent Residence in Canada

A Humanitarian and Compassionate (“H&C”) application may provide a pathway to permanent residence for individuals who do not qualify under the usual immigration programs, but who have compelling reasons why they should be allowed to remain in Canada.

These applications are intended for exceptional circumstances and require a strong, well-documented submission demonstrating that the applicant would face unusual, undeserved, or disproportionate hardship if required to leave Canada.

The H&C Application Process

1. Prepare and Complete the Required Forms

Applicants must complete the required immigration forms, including the permanent residence application forms and the specific request for an exemption based on Humanitarian and Compassionate considerations.

2. Gather Supporting Documentation

A strong H&C application must be supported by clear, persuasive, and credible evidence. This often includes:

• a detailed legal submission explaining the applicant’s personal circumstances and humanitarian factors;
• proof of establishment in Canada;
• medical records and professional reports, where applicable;
• school records and academic observations for children;
• financial and employment documents;
• letters of support from employers, family members, community members, or other relevant individuals; and

  • country-condition evidence showing the risks or hardship the applicant may face if returned to their country of origin.
    
    

3. Submit the Application and Processing Fees

Once the forms and supporting documents are complete, the full application package must be submitted together with the required government processing fees.

Factors Considered in an H&C Application

Each case is assessed individually. Immigration officers consider the full circumstances of the applicant, including but not limited to the following:

Hardship Upon Return

Officers assess the hardship the applicant may face if required to leave Canada. This may include family separation, lack of support, medical concerns, adverse country conditions, safety risks, or other serious personal circumstances.

Establishment in Canada

The degree to which the applicant has built a life in Canada is an important consideration. This may include:

• length of residence in Canada;
• employment history;
• education or training;
• community involvement;
• language ability; and
• overall financial and personal stability.
  
  

Best Interests of a Child

Where children are affected, their best interests must be carefully examined. This can include emotional, psychological, educational, medical, social, cultural, and developmental considerations.

Examples of Humanitarian and Compassionate Considerations

An H&C application may be appropriate in circumstances such as:

• significant establishment in Canada;
• children who would be negatively affected by the applicant’s removal;
• serious medical conditions or health-related concerns;
• inability to access adequate treatment or support in the home country;
• safety concerns or unstable conditions in the country of origin; and
• other compelling personal, family, or humanitarian circumstances.
  
  

If the Application Is Approved

If the application is successful and all admissibility and permanent residence requirements are met, the applicant may be granted permanent resident status in Canada.

If the Application Is Refused

If an H&C application is refused, it may be possible to challenge the decision through an Application for Leave and Judicial Review before the Federal Court of Canada. These matters are legally complex and should be reviewed carefully to determine whether there are grounds to challenge the refusal.

Processing Times

Processing times for H&C applications can be lengthy and may vary depending on the complexity of the case, the supporting evidence provided, and current immigration processing volumes.

Maintaining Status During Processing

Whenever possible, applicants should seek to maintain valid legal status in Canada while their application is being processed. Applicants should also remain available to respond to any requests for additional information, documents, or interviews.

Permanent Residence Through H&C Grounds

An approved H&C application can lead to permanent resident status in Canada, allowing the applicant to remain in the country lawfully and continue building a secure future here.

Strong Legal Preparation Matters

Humanitarian and Compassionate applications are highly discretionary and depend heavily on the quality of the evidence and legal arguments presented. A carefully prepared application can make a significant difference in demonstrating why relief should be granted.

Canadian Experience Class Eligibility for Permanent Residence in Canada

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is a popular pathway to permanent residence for individuals who have gained qualifying skilled work experience in Canada and wish to build their future here permanently. As part of Canada’s Express Entry system, the CEC is designed for applicants who have already demonstrated their ability to integrate into the Canadian labour market and society.

Because it is aligned with Express Entry, the Canadian Experience Class may offer a relatively efficient route to permanent residence for eligible candidates.

What Is the Canadian Experience Class?

The Canadian Experience Class is one of the federal economic immigration programs managed through the Express Entry system. Candidates who qualify may create an Express Entry profile and are then assessed under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which ranks applicants based on factors such as age, education, language proficiency, Canadian and foreign work experience, and other relevant criteria.

Applicants with competitive CRS scores may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

Who May Qualify Under the Canadian Experience Class?

To qualify for the Canadian Experience Class, an applicant must generally have obtained at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada within the three years preceding the date of application. This work experience must be:

• full-time, or the equivalent amount in part-time work;
• gained through authorized employment in Canada;
• paid; and
• acquired in an occupation classified under eligible TEER categories.

The CEC is intended for individuals with recent Canadian skilled work experience and is not generally available to applicants who have not worked in Canada in a qualifying position.

Canadian Experience Class Requirements

To be eligible under the Canadian Experience Class, the Canadian work experience must meet the following general requirements:

Qualifying Canadian Work Experience

The applicant must have accumulated at least 12 months of qualifying skilled work experience in Canada during the 36 months before submitting the application for permanent residence.

Eligible Occupation Category

The work experience must have been gained in an occupation falling within TEER 0, TEER 1, TEER 2, or TEER 3 of Canada’s National Occupation Classification system.

Authorized and Paid Employment

The work experience must have been obtained legally in Canada and must have been paid employment. Unauthorized work does not count toward eligibility.

Exclusion of Certain Student Work Experience

In general, work experience gained while studying full-time in Canada does not count toward eligibility under the Canadian Experience Class.

Language Requirements

Applicants must also meet the required language threshold in English or French through an approved language test. The required language level depends on the TEER category of the qualifying work experience:

• CLB 7 for occupations in TEER 0 or TEER 1; and
• CLB 5 for occupations in TEER 2 or TEER 3.

Strong language results may also improve an applicant’s CRS score within the Express Entry system.

Residence Outside Quebec

Applicants under the Canadian Experience Class must intend to reside outside the province of Quebec, as Quebec administers its own immigration selection programs.

Admissibility Requirements

Meeting the program criteria does not automatically guarantee approval. Applicants must also be admissible to Canada. Issues such as certain criminal convictions, medical inadmissibility, misrepresentation, or other immigration concerns may affect eligibility for permanent residence.

A Strong Express Entry Strategy Matters

Eligible applicants under the Canadian Experience Class may benefit significantly from careful profile preparation, accurate documentation, and strategic planning within the Express Entry system. A well-prepared application can improve both eligibility and competitiveness for permanent residence in Canada.

Federal Skilled Worker Program for Permanent Residence in Canada

The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is one of the principal immigration pathways managed through Canada’s Express Entry system. It is designed for skilled foreign nationals who have qualifying work experience, meet the required eligibility criteria, and wish to become permanent residents of Canada.

Unlike some other immigration pathways, the Federal Skilled Worker Program does not require prior Canadian work experience. It may be suitable for applicants who have acquired skilled employment experience outside Canada and who can demonstrate the education, language ability, and other qualifications necessary to succeed economically in Canada.

What Is the Federal Skilled Worker Program?

The Federal Skilled Worker Program is part of the Express Entry system, which manages applications for several of Canada’s economic immigration programs. Eligible candidates submit an online profile and are assessed based on a points-based system known as the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).

Candidates under this program are evaluated based on factors such as:

• age;
• education;
• language proficiency in English and/or French;
• skilled work experience;
• adaptability; and
• other relevant eligibility factors.

Applicants who meet the minimum program requirements and obtain a competitive CRS score may be invited to apply for permanent residence.

Who May Be Eligible Under the Federal Skilled Worker Program?

To qualify under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, an applicant must generally meet minimum requirements relating to work experience, language ability, education, and admissibility.

Work Experience

Applicants must typically have at least one year of continuous full-time skilled work experience, or the equivalent in part-time work, obtained within the relevant qualifying period. The work experience must fall within an eligible skilled occupation under Canada’s occupational classification system.

Language Proficiency

Applicants must demonstrate the required level of proficiency in English or French through an approved language test.

Education

Applicants must have completed at least a secondary school education or its foreign equivalent. Foreign educational credentials usually must be supported by an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).

Settlement Funds

In many cases, applicants must show that they have sufficient funds to establish themselves and their family in Canada, unless an exemption applies.

Intention to Reside Outside Quebec

The Federal Skilled Worker Program applies to applicants intending to live outside the province of Quebec, which operates its own immigration selection system.

Selection Factors

In addition to meeting the basic eligibility requirements, applicants must generally score at least 67 points out of 100 under the Federal Skilled Worker selection grid, which considers education, language skills, work history, age, arranged employment, and adaptability.

All applicants must also meet Canada’s general admissibility requirements, including those related to medical, criminal, and security screening.

How the Application Process Works

The process generally begins with the creation of an Express Entry profile. Submitting a profile does not guarantee permanent residence, but it allows eligible candidates to enter the Express Entry pool and be ranked against other applicants.

If selected, the candidate may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. Once an invitation is issued, the applicant must submit a complete electronic application within the required deadline, together with all supporting documents.

Common Documents Required

Federal Skilled Worker applicants may be required to provide documents such as:

• language test results from an approved testing agency;
• an Educational Credential Assessment for foreign education, where applicable;
• passports and civil identity documents;
• proof of skilled work experience;
• police certificates;
• medical examination results;
• proof of settlement funds, where required; and
• additional supporting documents requested by the immigration authorities.
  
  

Processing Times

Applications submitted through Express Entry are often processed more quickly than many other immigration streams. However, actual processing times may vary depending on the complexity of the case, the completeness of the application, background checks, document verification, and current government processing volumes.

Do You Need Settlement Funds?

Many Federal Skilled Worker applicants must demonstrate that they have enough financial resources to support themselves and their family after arriving in Canada. The required amount depends on family size and is updated by the government from time to time. In some situations, an applicant may be exempt from showing settlement funds.

Do You Need a Job Offer?

A valid Canadian job offer is not required to qualify under the Federal Skilled Worker Program. However, in some cases, a qualifying offer of employment may improve an applicant’s overall profile and increase competitiveness within the Express Entry system.

Language Test Requirements

Applicants under the Federal Skilled Worker Program must provide valid results from an approved English or French language test. Meeting the minimum language threshold is essential for eligibility, and stronger language results may also improve the applicant’s overall ranking score.

Strategic Preparation Matters

The Federal Skilled Worker Program can be an effective pathway to permanent residence for qualified applicants with foreign work experience. However, success often depends on careful eligibility assessment, accurate documentation, and a well-prepared Express Entry strategy. Proper legal guidance can help applicants identify weaknesses, maximize their score, and present the strongest possible case.

Federal Skilled Trades Program for Permanent Residence in Canada

The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is one of the federal economic immigration pathways managed through Canada’s Express Entry system. It is designed for qualified tradespersons who have the skills, work experience, and ability to contribute to the Canadian labour market and who wish to obtain permanent residence in Canada.

As part of the Express Entry system, eligible candidates under the Federal Skilled Trades Program are assessed and ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Candidates with stronger profiles may be invited to apply for permanent residence through regular Express Entry draws.

Eligibility Requirements for the Federal Skilled Trades Program

To qualify under the Federal Skilled Trades Program, an applicant must generally meet the following requirements:

Skilled Work Experience

Applicants must have at least two years of full-time work experience, or an equivalent amount of part-time work experience, in a qualifying skilled trade within the five years preceding the application. The work experience must relate to the trade for which the applicant is applying.

Eligible Skilled Trades

Qualifying trades generally fall within the categories set out in Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC), including:

• industrial, electrical, and construction trades;
• maintenance and equipment operation trades;
• supervisors and technical occupations in natural resources, agriculture, and related production;
• supervisors and central control operators in processing, manufacturing, and utilities;
• chefs and cooks; and
• butchers and bakers.
  
  

Job Offer or Certificate of Qualification

Applicants must also meet one of the following conditions:

• hold a valid full-time job offer for at least one year from a Canadian employer; or
• possess a certificate of qualification in the skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial, or other authorized authority.
  
  

Language Requirements

Applicants must meet the minimum required language levels in English or French through an approved language test.

Intention to Reside Outside Quebec

The Federal Skilled Trades Program applies to applicants who intend to live outside the province of Quebec, as Quebec operates its own immigration selection system.

Admissibility

As with all immigration programs, applicants must also satisfy Canada’s admissibility requirements. Issues relating to criminality, medical inadmissibility, or misrepresentation may affect eligibility.

Application Process

Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria may create an Express Entry profile and submit it to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Once the profile is submitted, the candidate receives a CRS score and enters the Express Entry pool.

It is important to understand that meeting the requirements for the Federal Skilled Trades Program does not automatically result in permanent residence. Candidates must still receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through an Express Entry draw before they can proceed with a permanent residence application.

Documents Commonly Required

A Federal Skilled Trades applicant may need to provide information and documentation such as:

• language test results from an approved testing agency;
• valid passport and identification documents;
• details of skilled work experience;
• evidence of a valid job offer, if applicable;
• certificate of qualification, if applicable; and
• educational credential information, where the applicant wishes to claim additional CRS points for education.

Although education is not always mandatory for eligibility under the Federal Skilled Trades Program, educational credentials may still improve a candidate’s Express Entry profile and CRS score. Where education was completed outside Canada, an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) may be required to claim those points.

Importance of Strategic Preparation

Because the Federal Skilled Trades Program operates within the competitive Express Entry system, eligibility alone may not be enough. The strength of the candidate’s overall profile, including language scores, work history, job offer details, and other CRS factors, can have a significant impact on whether an invitation is issued.

Careful review of eligibility, trade classification, supporting documents, and Express Entry strategy is essential to maximize the chances of success.

Invitation to Apply (ITA) and the Electronic Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR)

Receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) is a major step in the Express Entry process. Once invited, the applicant may submit an electronic Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR) through their IRCC online account. The eAPR is the formal permanent residence application and must be supported by documents proving the information declared in the Express Entry profile. IRCC currently gives invited candidates 60 days to submit the complete application.

How an ITA Is Issued

To be considered for an ITA, a candidate must first create and submit an Express Entry profile. Eligible candidates are placed in the Express Entry pool and ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which awards points based on factors such as age, education, language proficiency, work experience, and other selection criteria. Candidates with competitive scores may be invited in a general draw, category-based draw, or through an enhanced provincial nomination stream. 

What Happens After Receiving an ITA

After an ITA is issued, the applicant must complete and submit the eAPR within the 60-day deadline. The application is filed online and must include all required supporting documents, translations where necessary, and payment of the applicable government fees. IRCC states that it processes most complete Express Entry applications within 6 months or less, although actual timelines may vary depending on the file and program. 

Documents Commonly Required for the eAPR

The eAPR must establish both eligibility and admissibility. Depending on the case, required documents commonly include:

• passports and civil status documents;
• birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce documents, or adoption records, where applicable;
• language test results;
• proof of work experience, including reference letters and supporting employment records;
• educational documents and Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), when required;
• proof of settlement funds, where applicable;
• provincial nomination certificate, if claimed;
• proof of family relationship in Canada, if claimed;
• valid job offer documentation, if claimed;
• police certificates; and
• digital photographs. 

For Express Entry applications, IRCC now requires an upfront medical examination before submission of the permanent residence application. Documents that are not in English or French must be accompanied by a proper translation. 

Police Certificates and Supporting Evidence

Police certificates are generally required for the principal applicant and accompanying family members aged 18 or older for countries where they have lived for 6 months or more. IRCC requires scanned colour copies of the original police certificates. Because some documents can take time to obtain, it is important to begin gathering them as early as possible after receiving an ITA. 

Current Government Fees for 2026

For most Express Entry permanent residence applications, the current federal fees are:

• Principal applicant: CAD $1,525
  (processing fee $950 + right of permanent residence fee $575)
• Accompanying spouse or partner: CAD $1,525
  (processing fee $950 + right of permanent residence fee $575)
• Dependent child: CAD $260 per child
• Biometrics: CAD $85 per person, or CAD $170 maximum per family applying at the same time. 

Additional costs may also arise for medical examinations, police certificates, translations, and document procurement, depending on the applicant’s circumstances.

Including Family Members

In many cases, an applicant may include an accompanying spouse or common-law partner and eligible dependent children in the eAPR. All accompanying family members must also meet applicable admissibility requirements, including medical, criminal, and background checks. 

Accuracy and Complete Disclosure Are Essential

All information submitted in the Express Entry profile and eAPR must be accurate and fully supported by evidence. IRCC may refuse an application, find the applicant inadmissible, and impose a 5-year ban for misrepresentation where false information or omissions are identified.

Processing After Submission

Once the eAPR is submitted, IRCC reviews the application for completeness, requests biometrics where required, and assesses eligibility and admissibility. If the application is approved, the applicant and accompanying family members may proceed toward becoming permanent residents of Canada.

Proof of Funds

Proof of funds is the requirement to show that you have enough available money to settle in Canada. This requirement is meant to ensure that new permanent residents can cover basic living expenses, including housing, food, transportation, and other essential costs, without relying on social assistance upon arrival. Under Express Entry, proof of funds is required for applicants under the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. It is not required for applicants invited under the Canadian Experience Class, and it is also not required where the applicant is authorized to work in Canada and has a valid job offer, even if applying under the Federal Skilled Worker Program or Federal Skilled Trades Program.

Some provincial immigration pathways may also require settlement funds, but this depends on the specific stream. For that reason, applicants pursuing a Provincial Nominee Program pathway should always review the requirements of the particular province and stream involved. 

Minimum Settlement Funds

The amount of money required depends on the total size of the family unit. IRCC’s current settlement-fund table, updated on July 7, 2025 and still reflected on the official Express Entry proof-of-funds page as of March 2026, is as follows: 1 family member: $15,263; 2 family members: $19,001; 3 family members: $23,360; 4 family members: $28,362; 5 family members: $32,168; 6 family members: $36,280; 7 family members: $40,392; and for each additional family member above 7, add $4,112.

When calculating family size, applicants must include themselves, their spouse or common-law partner, their dependent children, and their spouse or partner’s dependent children, even if some of those family members are Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or are not accompanying the principal applicant to Canada.

Requirements for Acceptable Funds

The funds must be readily available, legally accessible, and not borrowed. Applicants cannot use borrowed money as proof of settlement funds, and real estate equity cannot be counted for this purpose. If spouses are applying together, funds held jointly may be counted, and in some cases money held in the spouse’s account alone may also be used if the applicant can prove access to those funds. The funds must remain available both at the time of application and at the time a permanent resident visa is issued. 

Documents Required to Prove Financial Capacity

To prove financial readiness, applicants must obtain official letters from the banks or financial institutions where their funds are held. These letters must be printed on the institution’s letterhead and must include the institution’s contact information, the applicant’s name, all outstanding debts such as loans and credit card balances, and for each account, the account number, date opened, current balance, and average balance for the previous six months. Incomplete or non-compliant financial documentation may lead to delays or refusal of the application. 

Additional Fees

In addition to the permanent residence fees, some applicants may also need to pay a biometrics fee. As listed by IRCC, the biometrics fee is $85 per person or $170 for a family of two or more eligible persons applying at the same time.

Important Note on 2026 Fees

As of March 20, 2026, the current Express Entry permanent residence fee remains $1,525 for the principal applicant, based on the official IRCC fee list. IRCC’s 2026–27 fees report indicates that the Right of Permanent Residence Fee is scheduled to increase from $575 to $600 on April 30, 2026, which may affect the total fee after that date. 

Provincial Nominee Programs in Canada

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are important pathways to permanent residence for individuals who wish to settle in a specific province or territory in Canada. These programs allow provinces and territories to nominate applicants whose skills, work experience, education, or business background align with local economic and labour market needs. Depending on the stream, candidates may apply through an Express Entry–aligned pathway or through a base (non-Express Entry) provincial stream. In most cases, a provincial nomination can significantly strengthen an applicant’s immigration strategy, and an enhanced nomination through Express Entry adds 600 CRS points. Quebec and Nunavut do not operate PNPs.

Main Active PNP Programs by Province and Territory

Ontario – Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
Main streams include:

• Employer Job Offer streams
• Masters Graduate stream
• PhD Graduate stream
• Human Capital Priorities stream
• French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream
• Skilled Trades stream
• Entrepreneur stream 
  
  

British Columbia – British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
Main streams include:

• Skills Immigration streams for workers and graduates
• Entrepreneur Immigration streams 
  
  

Alberta – Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
Main streams include:

• Alberta Opportunity Stream
• Alberta Express Entry Stream
• Dedicated Health Care Pathway
• Rural Renewal Stream
• Tourism and Hospitality Stream
• Rural Entrepreneur Stream
• Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
• Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
• Farm Stream 
  
  

Saskatchewan – Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
Main streams include:

• International Skilled Worker
• Worker with Saskatchewan Work Experience
• Entrepreneur and Farm categories 
  
  

Manitoba – Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
Main streams include:

• Skilled Worker Stream
• International Education Stream
• Business Investor Stream 
  
  

Nova Scotia – Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
Nova Scotia updated its program in 2026 and now uses four consolidated streams under the NSNP.

New Brunswick – New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)
New Brunswick continues to operate active provincial nomination pathways for skilled workers and other economic immigration candidates under the NBPNP. 

Prince Edward Island – PEI Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)
Main streams include:

• PEI Express Entry
• Skilled Worker stream
• International Graduate stream
• Business/entrepreneur-focused pathways through PEI’s immigration system 
  
  

Newfoundland and Labrador – Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)
Main streams include:

• Express Entry Skilled Worker
• Skilled Worker Category
• International Graduate Category
• Entrepreneur pathways under provincial immigration programs 
  
  

Yukon – Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)
Yukon continues to operate the Yukon Nominee Program in 2026 as an employer-driven program with active intake periods.

Northwest Territories – Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)
Main active streams in 2026 include:

• Employer-Driven Stream
• Francophone Stream 

Sponsorship in Canada

Canada’s family sponsorship programs allow eligible Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and certain registered persons under the Indian Act to sponsor close family members for permanent residence. The most important active sponsorship pathways include sponsorship of a spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner, dependent children, parents and grandparents, and in certain cases adopted children or other eligible relatives. Each pathway has its own eligibility rules, financial obligations, and documentary requirements, making careful preparation essential. 

Spousal, Common-Law, and Conjugal Partner Sponsorship

This is one of the most important family sponsorship pathways in Canada. Eligible sponsors may sponsor a spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner for permanent residence, provided the relationship is genuine and meets the legal requirements under Canadian immigration law. This pathway is often used by couples seeking to build their lives together in Canada and remains a central part of the family reunification system.

Dependent Child Sponsorship

Canadian citizens and permanent residents may also sponsor their dependent children for permanent residence, provided the child meets the applicable immigration definition of a dependent child and all eligibility requirements are satisfied. This pathway is especially important for families seeking to reunite with children living abroad and to secure long-term stability in Canada.

Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship

The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) remains one of the most significant sponsorship pathways for family reunification in Canada. Through this program, eligible sponsors may apply to sponsor their parents or grandparents, subject to program intake rules and strict financial requirements. Sponsors must usually demonstrate that they meet the required income threshold for the relevant taxation years, and in some cases a spouse or common-law partner may co-sign to help meet the income requirement.

Adopted Child Sponsorship

Canada also provides a sponsorship pathway for adopted children and children to be adopted, subject to immigration and adoption-related legal requirements. These applications require careful attention to both provincial or territorial adoption laws and federal immigration rules, and they can involve additional evidentiary requirements depending on the circumstances of the adoption.

Other Eligible Relatives

In limited cases, a person may sponsor certain other relatives, including an orphaned brother, sister, nephew, niece, or grandchild who is under 18, unmarried, and related by blood or adoption. In very rare circumstances, a sponsor may also qualify to sponsor one other relative of any age if the sponsor has no closer eligible family members they can sponsor in Canada or abroad. These categories are narrower and more technical, but they remain active pathways under Canadian immigration law.

Public Policy for Certain Undeclared Family Members

There is also an active public policy that may allow sponsorship in certain cases involving undeclared family members who were not previously examined when the sponsor immigrated to Canada. This is a highly specialized area and only applies in limited situations, but it remains an important pathway for some families. The current public policy applies to eligible applications received until September 10, 2026.

Strategic Legal Guidance Matters

Family sponsorship applications can appear straightforward, but they often involve detailed legal and evidentiary issues, including proof of relationship, admissibility concerns, financial undertakings, and procedural compliance. A properly prepared application can help reduce delays and present the strongest possible case for family reunification in Canada. 

Atlantic Immigration Program

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is an active pathway to permanent residence for foreign nationals who wish to live and work in one of Canada’s four Atlantic provinces: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. The program is designed to help designated employers in the Atlantic region hire qualified candidates for positions they have been unable to fill locally, while also creating a permanent residence pathway for eligible workers and certain graduates.

 

Skilled Foreign Workers

One of the main pathways under the Atlantic Immigration Program is for skilled foreign workers. Eligible applicants may qualify if they have relevant work experience, meet the required education and language standards, obtain a qualifying full-time, non-seasonal job offer from a designated employer, and intend to live in an Atlantic province. The job offer must generally match the program’s occupational and skill-level requirements. 

International Graduates in Atlantic Canada

The program also includes a pathway for international graduates who have completed an eligible program at a recognized post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada. In many cases, these applicants are exempt from the work experience requirement, provided they meet the specific graduation, residency, education, language, and job offer criteria under the program. This makes the AIP an especially important permanent residence option for graduates who have already studied and established ties in the Atlantic region.

 

Designated Employer Requirement

A central feature of the Atlantic Immigration Program is that the applicant must have a job offer from a designated employer in one of the Atlantic provinces. Employers cannot participate in the program unless they have first been designated by the relevant provincial government. This employer-driven structure is one of the most important elements of the AIP and distinguishes it from many other immigration pathways.

 

Provincial Endorsement

Before an applicant can submit a permanent residence application under the AIP, the job offer must usually receive provincial endorsement. This means the province reviews the employment offer and confirms that the application meets the requirements of the program. Endorsement is an essential step in the process and must be obtained before the permanent residence application is filed. 

Settlement Plan

Applicants under the Atlantic Immigration Program must also obtain a settlement plan from an approved settlement service provider. The settlement plan is intended to help the applicant and accompanying family members prepare for life in Atlantic Canada and access support services after arrival. This requirement reflects the program’s focus not only on immigration, but also on long-term retention and successful settlement in the region.

 

Job Offer Requirements

To qualify under the AIP, the job offer must generally be full-time and non-seasonal, and it must come from a designated employer in one of the Atlantic provinces. The specific occupational level and experience requirements depend on the applicant’s background and the category of employment involved. In some circumstances, international graduates and certain health-care workers benefit from more flexible matching rules.

 

Proof of Funds and General Eligibility

Applicants must also meet the program’s education, language, and, where applicable, work experience requirements. In addition, most applicants must show that they have enough funds to support themselves and their family after arrival in Canada, although applicants already living and working in Canada with a valid work permit are generally exempt from the proof-of-funds requirement.

 

Why the Atlantic Immigration Program Matters

The Atlantic Immigration Program remains one of the most important active regional pathways to permanent residence in Canada. It can be especially valuable for foreign workers and Atlantic graduates who have employer support and a genuine intention to establish themselves in the region. Because the program combines employer designation, provincial endorsement, and settlement planning, proper preparation is essential to building a strong application. 

Business Immigration Programs

Provincial Entrepreneur and Investor Pathways

Many provinces and territories offer business immigration streams for experienced entrepreneurs who are prepared to actively manage a business in the province. These programs generally require applicants to demonstrate business or senior management experience, personal net worth, a qualifying investment, and a genuine intention to reside in the province while operating the business. In most cases, the applicant first enters Canada on a temporary work permit, establishes the business, and may later be nominated for permanent residence after meeting the terms of a performance agreement. 

British Columbia Entrepreneur Immigration

British Columbia remains one of the most important destinations for business immigration through its Entrepreneur Immigration streams. These pathways are intended for foreign entrepreneurs who want to establish or purchase and actively manage a business in British Columbia. B.C. also continues to operate a regional entrepreneur option that supports smaller communities outside major urban centres.

Alberta Entrepreneur Streams

Alberta offers one of the broadest collections of business immigration options through the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP). The province currently lists four entrepreneur streams, including the Rural Entrepreneur Stream, Graduate Entrepreneur Stream, Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream, and Farm Stream. These pathways are designed for different business profiles, including rural business founders, Alberta graduates, foreign graduates with support from approved agencies, and individuals intending to establish or operate a farm business in Alberta.

Manitoba Business Investor Stream

Manitoba continues to offer the Business Investor Stream (BIS), which is one of the most established business immigration options in Canada. It includes the Entrepreneur Pathway for applicants who plan to start, purchase, or partner in a business in Manitoba, and the Farm Investor Pathway for those intending to establish and operate a farm business in rural Manitoba.

Prince Edward Island Work Permit Stream

Prince Edward Island offers a business immigration pathway through its Work Permit Stream. This program is aimed at foreign nationals with business ownership or extensive management experience who want to move to PEI, start a business, and eventually seek permanent residence after meeting the conditions of their performance agreement.

New Brunswick Business Immigration Stream

New Brunswick currently operates the New Brunswick Business Immigration Stream, which replaced the former Entrepreneurial Stream. This pathway is designed for individuals who want to live in New Brunswick and actively own and operate a business in the province, with a route toward provincial nomination and permanent residence once program conditions are satisfied. 

Northwest Territories Business Stream

The Northwest Territories offers a Business Stream for foreign nationals who want to start a business, purchase an existing business, or invest in and actively operate a business in the territory. This pathway remains an important option for applicants interested in entrepreneurship in northern Canada.

Federal Start-Up Visa Program

The federal Start-Up Visa Program has historically been one of Canada’s best-known business immigration pathways for innovative entrepreneurs, but it is currently paused. IRCC states that, as of January 1, 2026, the program is paused, designated organizations stopped submitting new commitment certificates after December 31, 2025, and only certain applicants holding a valid 2025 commitment certificate may still file by June 30, 2026. Because of this pause, it should not be presented as a generally active new pathway for most applicants in 2026.

Federal Self-Employed Persons Program

The federal Self-Employed Persons Program is also paused. As a result, it is not currently available as an active new business immigration pathway for most applicants seeking permanent residence in 2026. 

Why Business Immigration Requires Careful Planning

Business immigration applications are highly specialized and often involve detailed financial, corporate, operational, and immigration requirements. Choosing the right pathway depends on the applicant’s business background, investment capacity, management experience, preferred province, and long-term settlement plans. A properly structured strategy can be essential to building a successful path toward permanent residence in Canada.