Moving to Canada has become an attractive choice for many individuals seeking a fresh start in a country known for its high quality of life, excellent education system, strong economy, and diverse society.
In 2025, Canada continues to welcome a large number of immigrants, with plans to admit 485,000 new permanent residents this year and 500,000 in both 2026 and 2027. This guide explores some of the most accessible and popular immigration pathways for those looking to move to Canada and establish permanent residency.
Why Move to Canada in 2025?
There are many excellent reasons to consider immigrating to Canada if you are looking to permanently settle in a new country. Here are some of the key benefits:
1. High Quality of Life
Canada is known for its high quality of life and ranks among the top countries in the world for education, economic freedom, and quality of life. Some key factors that contribute to this include:
- Free healthcare
- World-class education
- Economic freedom
- Safety and diversity
2. Strong Job Market and Economy
Canada has a resilient economy and some of the strongest job growth among G7 countries. Here are some key economic factors:
- Canada’s GDP is expected to grow by 4.5% in 2024. Its economic growth has consistently outpaced other G7 countries over the past decade.
- Unemployment rate is just 5%, much lower than most other Western economies. There are over 1 million job vacancies currently.
- Canada’s diverse economy and wealth of natural resources provide stability. There are growing opportunities in fields like technology, healthcare, construction and natural resources.
- Canadian employers actively recruit skilled foreign workers to fill labor shortages.
3. Immigration-Friendly Policies
Canada recognizes the economic benefits of immigration and actively encourages it through immigration-friendly policies:
- High immigration targets
- Multiple immigration pathways
- Settlement support
- Pathways to citizenship
4. Vibrant & Multicultural Society
Canada is admired globally for its openness and multiculturalism. It prioritizes attracting immigrants from diverse backgrounds. Key facts:
- Over 20% of Canada’s population is made up of foreign-born immigrants. By 2030, immigrants will account for up to 30% of the population.
- Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal are considered some of the most multicultural cities in the world. Half of Vancouver’s population is foreign-born.
- Canada is officially bilingual in English and French. But over 200 languages are spoken across the country.
- Race, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation are protected under Canada’s Human Rights Act. Discrimination is illegal.
Requirements Needed to Move to Canada
While each immigration program has its own specific eligibility criteria, there are some general requirements you must meet to qualify as an immigrant to Canada:
- Age: At least 18 years old. There’s no upper age limit.
- Education: A high school diploma equivalent to the Canadian standard is commonly required as a minimum. University degrees or skilled work experience can give you more eligibility points.
- Work experience: Having skilled work experience in your field or profession of at least one year full-time (1560 hours) can increase your eligibility.
- Language skills: Proficiency in English or French is mandatory, proven by language tests like IELTS, CELPIP, TEF Canada. CLB 7 or higher is ideal. More points are awarded for higher language levels.
- Finances: Evidence you can support yourself financially after you arrive in Canada, through savings, income offers, etc. The amount required ranges from $12,960 to $16,135 or more per person.
- Intent to settle: Show that you plan to live in Canada permanently, not just temporarily. Having family ties or previous study/work experience in Canada can help demonstrate your connections.
- Medical exam: Complete an immigration medical exam by an authorized doctor to show you are in good health.
- Police certificate: Provide a criminal record check from all countries you’ve lived for six months or more in the past 10 years.
- Not prohibited: You must not be prohibited from entering Canada due to security, criminal or medical grounds determined by immigration officials.
Meeting these baseline eligibility requirements is essential. The more qualification points you can accumulate, the better your chances of being selected under the various Canadian immigration programs.
Top Immigration Programs & Pathways
Canada offers many different immigration programs and streams tailored to different candidate profiles. Here are 5 of the most popular and straightforward pathways to move to Canada in 2025:
1. Express Entry System
The Express Entry system is Canada’s main program for economic immigration. It is a points-based system that manages and processes applications for three economic immigration programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
- Canadian Experience Class
Under Express Entry, candidates complete a profile where they are scored on factors like education, skilled work experience, language ability, age, connections to Canada, etc.
The highest-ranked candidates in the Express Entry pool are issued an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in regular draws. If invited, you must submit a complete application within 90 days.
2. Provincial Nominee Programs
The Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) allow Canadian provinces and territories to nominate immigrants who wish to settle in that province and meet specific local labor market needs.
Each province has one or more PNP immigration streams, categorized into:
- Express Entry linked streams: For candidates already in the Express Entry pool. A nomination boosts your score for an ITA.
- Base streams: For candidates who apply directly to the province/territory and get a nomination certificate to apply for PR if selected.
PNPs are an excellent option for applicants who have connections to a specific province, skills/experience in an in-demand occupation, or a job offer from an employer in the province.
3. Family Sponsorship
Canadian citizens and permanent residents may sponsor certain family members to immigrate to Canada such as:
- Spouse or common-law partner
- Dependent children
- Parents and grandparents
- Other eligible relatives like siblings, nephews/nieces etc.
To sponsor a relative, the sponsor must meet minimum income requirements and commit to provide financial support for the sponsored relative for 3-20 years.
Family sponsorship is a popular option for applicants with close family already settled in Canada. Processing takes 12 months or more.
4. Study Permit
International students can obtain a study permit to pursue an academic program at a designated college, university or other educational institution in Canada.
After graduation, students can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allowing them to gain Canadian skilled work experience.
Gaining Canadian education and work experience boosts eligibility for permanent residence through Express Entry, PNPs or other programs.
5. Start-Up Visa Program
The Start-Up Visa Program targets immigrant entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas. To qualify, you must secure support from a designated Canadian incubator, angel investor, or venture capital fund to establish and grow your startup in Canada.
If approved under this program, you get a temporary work permit to operate the business in Canada. You can later apply for permanent residence once your business meets certain milestones.
How to Apply for Canada Immigration & Move to Canada
If you’ve decided that immigrating to Canada is right for you in 2025, here is a step-by-step overview of the process:
Step 1: Pick the Right Program for You
- Research the available immigration programs and streams in detail. Compare their eligibility criteria, processes, costs etc.
- Consider your own situation – education, work experience, age, language ability, job prospects, business ideas, connections to Canada etc.
- Consult with an immigration lawyer or expert consultant for guidance on which programs you are best suited for and have the highest chances under.
Step 2: Check Your Eligibility
- Thoroughly review the eligibility requirements for your chosen program.
- Start gathering and documenting proof for key criteria like education credentials, language test results, work experience letters, finances, etc.
- Get your credentials evaluated if required. For some professions, get pre-approved by the licensing body.
- Address and rectify any gaps or deficiencies that could negatively affect your eligibility.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
- Prepare your complete application package with all forms, documents and fees required. Double check you have included everything needed.
- Submit your application through the official IRCC online portal or directly to the provincial/territorial program.
- Avoid using unauthorized representatives and beware of immigration scams.
Step 4: Await Processing & Decision
- Processing times vary by program, from a few months to over a year.
- You may need to complete further steps like medical exams, police clearances, interviews etc.
- If approved, you will receive a letter of introduction/confirmation of permanent residence or a provisional visa.
- If refused, you can reapply or submit an appeal if you have strong grounds. Consult your lawyer.
Step 5: Plan Your Move
- Start planning your move to Canada after getting PR approval! Determine where you will live, how you will ship belongings etc.
- Research the job market, get accredited for your profession if required, connect with networks etc.
- Arrange temporary accommodations and register for government benefits like healthcare.
- Attend free settlement services workshops on housing, banking, education etc.
Also Read: Canadian Government Jobs in British Columbia for 2025 – Applications & Salaries
Costs for Moving to Canada as an Immigrant
The costs for immigrating to Canada can range widely depending on the program, number of family members, use of legal counsel, etc. Here are some typical costs to account for:
Immigration Fees:
- Application fees range from $550 for study permits to $1,325 for economic immigration programs. Add $500 for each dependent.
- You may also pay $85-$500 for Right of Permanent Residence fees after getting PR approved.
- Expect to pay $490-$1,325 to renew PR cards once they expire every 5-10 years.
Immigration Lawyer Fees:
- Hiring an authorized immigration consultant can cost $1,500-$5,000+ depending on the complexity of your case.
- Lawyers typically cost $3,000-$7,000+ for assistance with the entire immigration application process.
Language Testing: Taking mandatory language tests like IELTS or CELPIP range from $180-$370 depending on the test location.
Credential Assessment: Assessing international education credentials and getting equivalencies can cost $130-$500+
Medical Examination: Immigration medical exams typically range from $300-$500 per person.
Travel Expenses: Airfares, temporary housing, transport of belongings etc. can amount to several thousands of dollars for your initial move. Budget accordingly.
You must also prove you have enough funds to support yourself and dependent family after your arrival in Canada. The amount required ranges from $13,000-$16,500 per person approximately.
Overall, expect to budget $5,000 to $20,000+ depending on your situation. The investment is well worth it for those who gain the opportunity to immigrate and establish a new life in Canada.
How Long It Take to Process Your Application
Application processing times vary greatly by the immigration pathway:
- Express Entry – 3-6 months once invited to apply
- PNPs – 6-9 months or more after submission
- Family sponsorship – 12 months or longer, due to high volumes
- Study permits – Under 8 weeks if submitted in advance
- Visitor visas – Usually processed within 60 days
- Work permits – 2-4 months
- Refugee claims – Up to 28 months or longer
The fastest options are Express Entry and PNPs linked to Express Entry, where most applicants get permanent residence within 6-12 months. Family sponsorship and programs for vulnerable groups like refugees tend to take much longer due to high volumes.
Submit applications well in advance of target travel dates, especially for temporary visas. Avoid making important commitments or final travel plans until your visa is issued.
Also Read: $80,000 to $100,000 Jobs for Educated and Non-Educated 2025 – Top Jobs to Apply in Canada
Frequently Asked Questions About Ways to Move to Canada 2025
Which is the fastest and easiest program for immigrating to Canada?
The Express Entry system is the fastest and most straightforward program for skilled worker immigration. Applicants who are issued an Invitation to Apply can obtain permanent residence within 6 months.
What are the top 5 most in-demand jobs in Canada?
The top 5 occupations with the highest job vacancy rates in Canada are:
- Specialist physicians
- Software engineers and designers
- Other medical specialists
- Information systems analysts and consultants
- Computer programmers and interactive media developers
Skilled trades like carpenters, industrial electricians, welders and construction managers are also in very high demand across Canada.
How much does it cost to immigrate to Canada?
The total cost can range from $5,000 to $20,000+ per person including immigration fees, language tests, credential assessment, lawyer fees, airfare and initial settlement costs. Having sufficient funds to support yourself and family is mandatory.
What is the cheapest province to live in Canada?
The most affordable provinces are Quebec, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Newfoundland and Labrador, and New Brunswick. Major cities like Toronto and Vancouver have very high costs of living.
Can I arrive in Canada before my PR visa is issued?
No, you cannot arrive as a permanent resident until after receiving your confirmation of permanent residence document or PR card issued abroad. You can only enter sooner if applying under a temporary resident visa like a visitor visa.