CA Points-ranked pool

Immigrate to Canada

Canada's main economic route is Express Entry — a pool where IRCC ranks every candidate on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) and invites the top scores. There is no fixed pass mark; your odds depend on your CRS score relative to each draw's cutoff. Our calculator scores your profile on the full official grid so you can see your number and which factors move it most.

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How immigration to Canada works

Canada runs a points-and-quota system administered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), split into three big buckets: economic (the largest, ~62-64% of the ~380,000 PR target for 2026), family reunification, and refugee/humanitarian, with study and work as the main temporary routes that feed into PR. Most skilled economic PR flows through Express Entry, an online pool ranked by the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) where IRCC issues invitations either in all-program draws or in category-based draws targeting priority groups (healthcare, trades, French speakers, education, STEM, transport, plus new 2026 categories for physicians, researchers/senior managers and Canadian Armed Forces recruits). Provinces nominate their own candidates through the Provincial Nominee Program (which adds 600 CRS points), while Quebec runs an entirely separate system (PSTQ/PEQ, Arrima, CSQ) outside Express Entry. The 2026-2028 Levels Plan holds permanent admissions flat at 380,000/year, sharply cuts temporary residents, and tilts further toward economic and Francophone immigration, so quotas, caps and program pauses change frequently — always confirm the current rule on canada.ca before applying.

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Express Entry CRS Calculator

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18 immigration routes

Every way to immigrate to Canada

From skilled-worker and investor visas to family, study and humanitarian routes — each with its real eligibility requirements, key facts and a link to the official page.

Skilled & work 10 Business & investor 1 Family 3 Study → work 2 Temporary & working holiday 1 Humanitarian 1

Skilled & work

Points-tested, employer-sponsored and skilled-worker routes.

Program brief

Federal Skilled Worker Program (Express Entry)

Permanent

Classic points route to PR for skilled professionals with foreign work experience.

Who it's for

Foreign-trained skilled workers (NOC TEER 0/1/2/3) with no required Canadian work history, applying through the Express Entry pool.

Key requirements

Pass the 67-out-of-100 FSW grid (language, education, experience, age, arranged employment, adaptability), then score high enough on the CRS (out of 1,200) to be invited in a draw
Language CLB/NCLC 7 in all four abilities (roughly IELTS 6.0 in each band)
At least 1 year (1,560 hours) of continuous full-time skilled work (TEER 0/1/2/3) in the last 10 years; an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is needed for foreign education
Settlement funds: CAD $15,263 single (current 2026 figure), $19,001 (2), $23,360 (3), $28,362 (4), rising per person; exempt if you already work in Canada on a valid permit with an offer

+ 1 more requirement

Processing: ~6 months after an Invitation to Apply
Federal fees (from 30 Apr 2026): CAD $990 processing + $600 RPRF per adult (RPRF waived for dependent children)
Job offer needed?: No (and since 25 Mar 2025 a job offer adds no CRS points)
Leads to PR?: Yes - it is a direct PR program

Independent editorial summary. Confirm current rules on the official source before relying on eligibility details.

Full details & requirements Editorial standards Official source

Program brief

Canadian Experience Class (Express Entry)

Permanent

The fastest in-Canada route - turns skilled Canadian experience into PR.

Who it's for

Workers and graduates already in Canada (often on a PGWP) with a year of recent skilled Canadian experience.

Key requirements

12 months of full-time skilled Canadian work (or an equivalent 1,560 part-time hours) in the past 3 years, gained with valid authorization
Experience must be in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 occupations
Language CLB/NCLC 7 for TEER 0/1 jobs; CLB/NCLC 5 for TEER 2/3 jobs
No proof of settlement funds required (exempt); self-employment and work done while a full-time student do not count

+ 1 more requirement

Processing: ~6 months after an Invitation to Apply
Proof of funds: Not required (exempt)
Federal fees (from 30 Apr 2026): CAD $990 + $600 RPRF per adult
Job offer needed?: No (but you need prior Canadian work experience)

Independent editorial summary. Confirm current rules on the official source before relying on eligibility details.

Full details & requirements Editorial standards Official source

Program brief

Federal Skilled Trades Program (Express Entry)

Permanent

PR for experienced tradespeople - no education or selection-grid pass mark needed.

Who it's for

Skilled tradespeople (electricians, welders, machinists, chefs, heavy-equipment operators, etc.) in eligible NOC trade groups, applying through Express Entry.

Key requirements

2 years of full-time work experience (or the part-time equivalent) in a skilled trade within the 5 years before applying
Either a valid full-time job offer of at least 1 year (from up to two Canadian employers) OR a certificate of qualification in your trade from a Canadian province/territory
Language CLB/NCLC 5 for speaking and listening, and CLB/NCLC 4 for reading and writing
Meet the job requirements for that trade as set out in the NOC (except needing a certificate of qualification)

+ 1 more requirement

Processing: ~6 months after an Invitation to Apply
Federal fees (from 30 Apr 2026): CAD $990 + $600 RPRF per adult
Job offer or certificate?: One of the two is mandatory
Education needed?: No

Independent editorial summary. Confirm current rules on the official source before relying on eligibility details.

Full details & requirements Editorial standards Official source

Program brief

Express Entry Category-Based Draws

Permanent

Targeted invitations that let lower-CRS candidates get picked for in-demand work.

Who it's for

Express Entry candidates whose occupation or French ability falls into an IRCC priority category for the year - often invited at a lower CRS than general draws.

Key requirements

Already have a valid Express Entry profile under FSW, FST or CEC (this is a draw type, not a separate program)
Fall into a 2026 priority category: French-language proficiency (NCLC 7+), healthcare and social services, trades, education, STEM, transport, agriculture/agri-food, OR a new 2026 category (physicians, researchers and senior managers with Canadian experience, Canadian Armed Forces recruits)
For occupation categories: at least 1 year of eligible work experience in a qualifying NOC code, gained in Canada or abroad in the last 3 years (raised from 6 months for 2026)
For the French category: NCLC 7 or higher in all four French abilities

+ 1 more requirement

CRS advantage: French and trades draws have gone as low as ~379-433; healthcare/STEM higher
Set by: IRCC, announced annually with priority occupation lists
Job offer needed?: No

Independent editorial summary. Confirm current rules on the official source before relying on eligibility details.

Full details & requirements Editorial standards Official source

Program brief

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Permanent

Provinces nominate the workers they need - an aligned nomination adds 600 CRS points.

Who it's for

Skilled workers, graduates, semi-skilled workers and some entrepreneurs willing to settle in a specific province or territory (every province except Quebec, which runs its own system).

Key requirements

Be nominated by a province/territory under one of its streams (each sets its own occupation lists, score grids and rules)
Enhanced (Express Entry-aligned) streams require a valid Express Entry profile; the nomination then adds 600 CRS points, making an invitation near-certain
Base (non-Express Entry) streams: apply to the province first, then to IRCC - typically slower processing
Many streams require a job offer, relevant work experience, language (often CLB 4-7 depending on stream) and a genuine connection to the province

+ 1 more requirement

2026 allocation: 91,500 nominations (up ~66% from 55,000 in 2025), including 10,000 federal spaces for physicians and French speakers
CRS boost: +600 points (enhanced/Express Entry streams)
Processing: Enhanced ~6 months after ITA; base often 11-19+ months
Federal fees (from 30 Apr 2026): CAD $990 + $600 RPRF per adult

Independent editorial summary. Confirm current rules on the official source before relying on eligibility details.

Full details & requirements Editorial standards Official source

Program brief

Quebec Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ / Arrima)

Permanent

Quebec's own French-first points system - get a CSQ, then apply to Ottawa for PR.

Who it's for

Skilled workers who want to settle in Quebec, which selects its own economic immigrants outside Express Entry. French ability is the single most decisive factor.

Key requirements

Create an Expression of Interest (EOI) in the Arrima portal; Quebec invites candidates on an ongoing basis by labour-market need (a May 2026 draw invited 1,200 candidates at 580+ points)
Be ranked on Quebec's 1,400-point grid: French (up to 200 pts, highest-weighted), age (up to 120), education (up to 130), work experience (up to 70)
Apply under one of four streams: highly qualified/specialized (TEER 0/1/2), intermediate/manual skills, regulated professions, or exceptional talent
Stream 1 needs French level 7 oral and 5 written (Quebec scale) plus 1+ year of relevant experience in the last 5 years and a Quebec-equivalent diploma

+ 1 more requirement

Selection certificate: CSQ from Quebec, then a separate federal PR application
Full timeline: ~18-24 months from EOI to landing
Quebec fee (2026): ~CAD $920 principal applicant + ~$200 per family member (province) plus federal fees
French required?: Effectively yes - it dominates the score

Independent editorial summary. Confirm current rules on the official source before relying on eligibility details.

Full details & requirements Editorial standards Official source

Program brief

Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)

Permanent

In-Quebec fast track to a CSQ for graduates and workers already established there.

Who it's for

International graduates of Quebec institutions and temporary foreign workers in Quebec who already have French and local experience.

Key requirements

Graduate stream: a qualifying Quebec diploma plus advanced-intermediate French (level 7 oral); Worker stream: skilled work experience in Quebec
Demonstrate French proficiency at the required level on the Quebec scale (a recognized test or qualifying Quebec studies)
Hold legal temporary status in Quebec (study permit / work permit) during qualifying experience
Obtain a CSQ, then apply to IRCC for permanent residence

+ 1 more requirement

Status: Reopening 2 Jul 2026 (temporary, to mid-2028); first window restricted to previously-eligible applicants
Selection certificate: CSQ from Quebec, then federal PR
French required?: Yes

Independent editorial summary. Confirm current rules on the official source before relying on eligibility details.

Full details & requirements Editorial standards Official source

Program brief

Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

Permanent

Employer-driven PR for the four Atlantic provinces - an offer plus endorsement leads to PR.

Who it's for

Skilled workers and recent graduates with a job offer from a designated employer in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, or Prince Edward Island.

Key requirements

A full-time, non-seasonal job offer from a designated Atlantic employer (1 year+ for TEER 0/1/2/3; permanent for TEER 4)
Provincial endorsement (employer-initiated) plus an approved settlement plan
Language CLB/NCLC 5 for TEER 0/1/2/3 jobs; CLB/NCLC 4 for TEER 4 jobs
Education: a Canadian secondary credential or a foreign equivalent confirmed by an ECA

+ 1 more requirement

Provinces: NS, NB, NL, PEI
Federal fees (from 30 Apr 2026): CAD $990 + $600 RPRF per adult
Job offer needed?: Yes - from a designated employer

Independent editorial summary. Confirm current rules on the official source before relying on eligibility details.

Full details & requirements Editorial standards Official source

Program brief

Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP)

Pathway

Employer-driven PR for designated rural and northern communities short on workers.

Who it's for

Skilled workers with a job offer from a designated employer in one of the participating rural communities (the successor to the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot).

Key requirements

A genuine job offer from a designated employer in a participating community - full-time (30+ hours/week), permanent (no set end date) and non-seasonal
At least 1 year (1,560 hours) of relevant work experience in the last 3 years (or a qualifying credential from a local institution for graduates)
A community recommendation: the designated employer/community endorses you, then you apply to IRCC for PR
Meet federal language, education and proof-of-funds thresholds plus any extra requirements the specific community sets (priority sectors and NOCs differ by community and changed for 2026)

+ 1 more requirement

Type: 5-year economic pilot launched 2025 (replaces RNIP)
Communities: 14 designated rural communities
Job offer needed?: Yes - from a designated employer in a participating community
Leads to PR?: Yes - direct to permanent residence

Independent editorial summary. Confirm current rules on the official source before relying on eligibility details.

Full details & requirements Editorial standards Official source

Program brief

Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots

Pathway

PR on arrival for caregivers - the replacement for the old caregiver pilots.

Who it's for

Home child-care providers and home-support workers, in two pilots (Child Care and Home Support), each with a 'Workers in Canada' and an 'Applicants not working in Canada' stream.

Key requirements

Language CLB/NCLC 4 or higher in English or French
Education equal to a Canadian high-school diploma (or higher), confirmed by an ECA for foreign credentials
At least 6 months of recent, relevant work experience OR a related caregiver training credential
A full-time job offer in home care (no LMIA required from the employer), in the eligible occupation

+ 1 more requirement

Status: Opened 31 Mar 2025; new intake currently PAUSED (demand exceeded spaces) - check before applying
PR timing: Permanent residence granted on arrival
LMIA needed?: No
Intake cap (2025-26): 2,610 per class

Independent editorial summary. Confirm current rules on the official source before relying on eligibility details.

Full details & requirements Editorial standards Official source

Business & investor

Start-up, self-employed and investor pathways.

Program brief

Start-Up Visa Program

Permanent

Direct PR for entrepreneurs backed by a Canadian designated organization - now closed to new files.

Who it's for

Founders with a scalable business idea backed by a Canadian designated venture-capital fund, angel group or incubator. No new commitment certificates are being issued.

Key requirements

CLOSED to new commitment certificates after 31 December 2025; holders of a valid 2025 certificate must submit their PR application by 30 June 2026
Founders must hold 10%+ of the voting rights, and the founders plus the designated organization must together hold more than 50%
A Commitment Certificate from a designated organization (minimum investment: VC $200,000+, angel group $75,000+, business incubator no minimum but acceptance required)
Language CLB/NCLC 5+ in English or French in all four abilities

+ 1 more requirement

Status: Closed to new certificates after 31 Dec 2025; 2025 holders must apply by 30 Jun 2026
Replacement: IRCC has signalled a new entrepreneur pilot but it is not yet launched
Federal fees (from 30 Apr 2026): CAD ~$2,535 processing + $600 RPRF per adult

Independent editorial summary. Confirm current rules on the official source before relying on eligibility details.

Full details & requirements Editorial standards Official source

Family

Partner, spouse, parent and dependent routes.

Program brief

Spouse, Common-Law or Conjugal Partner Sponsorship (Family Class)

Permanent

A citizen or PR sponsors their spouse or partner for PR - with no income requirement.

Who it's for

Canadian citizens, registered Indians or permanent residents (18+) bringing a married spouse, a common-law partner (12+ months cohabiting), or a conjugal partner.

Key requirements

Sponsor must be a citizen, registered Indian or PR, 18 or older; PRs must sponsor from within Canada (citizens may sponsor from abroad if they will return)
NO minimum income / LICO requirement to sponsor a spouse, partner or dependent child
Prove a genuine relationship: legal marriage, common-law (12+ continuous months of cohabitation), or conjugal partner (12+ months in a marriage-like relationship where you could not cohabit)
Sponsor signs a 3-year undertaking to support the sponsored person; sponsored person passes medical, security and criminality checks

+ 1 more requirement

Processing: ~12 months (both inland and outland)
Government fees (from 30 Apr 2026): ~CAD $1,255 ($85 sponsorship + $570 processing + $600 RPRF) + $85 biometrics
Sponsor income needed: None (no LICO for spouse/partner/dependent child)
Open work permit?: Inland applicants can apply for an open work permit while waiting

Independent editorial summary. Confirm current rules on the official source before relying on eligibility details.

Full details & requirements Editorial standards Official source

Program brief

Dependent Child Sponsorship (Family Class)

Permanent

Bring your dependent children to Canada for PR - no income requirement.

Who it's for

Citizens, registered Indians or PRs (18+) sponsoring their own or their spouse's dependent children, including adopted children.

Key requirements

The child must be under 22 and not married or in a common-law relationship (age 'locks in' on the date IRCC receives the application)
Children 22 or older qualify only if they have depended on a parent for financial support since before age 22 because of a physical or mental condition
NO minimum income / LICO requirement for a dependent child (unless the child has dependent children of their own)
Sponsor signs an undertaking: 10 years or until the child turns 25 (whichever is first) for children under 22; 3 years for dependent children 22+

+ 1 more requirement

Income required: None (no LICO for a dependent child)
Age cap: Under 22 and unmarried (with a medical-dependency exception above 22)
Government fees (from 30 Apr 2026): $85 sponsorship + $230 processing per child (RPRF not charged for children)

Independent editorial summary. Confirm current rules on the official source before relying on eligibility details.

Full details & requirements Editorial standards Official source

Program brief

Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)

Permanent

Sponsor your parents or grandparents for PR - invitation-only, with no new intake for 2026.

Who it's for

Citizens/PRs (18+) with sufficient income who want to sponsor parents or grandparents. Intake is capped and invitation-only.

Key requirements

Submit an Interest-to-Sponsor form during an open window and be invited - IRCC only invites from past pools (most recently the 2020 pool)
Meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI = LICO + 30%) for EACH of the 3 most recent tax years, proven with CRA Notices of Assessment
2024 MNI (outside Quebec): ~CAD $35,576 (2 persons), $43,757 (3), $53,123 (4), $60,271 (5), rising per person
A spouse/partner may co-sign to meet the income; sponsor signs a 20-year undertaking (10 years in Quebec)

+ 1 more requirement

2026 intake: CLOSED - no new applications accepted from 1 Jan 2026; IRCC processes only up to 10,000 complete 2025 applications from 2020-pool invitees
Processing: ~24 months (plus the wait for an invitation)
Income required: MNI (LICO + 30%) for the last 3 tax years
Alternative: Super Visa (see separate entry)

Independent editorial summary. Confirm current rules on the official source before relying on eligibility details.

Full details & requirements Editorial standards Official source

Study → work

Student visas and post-study work that lead onward.

Program brief

Study Permit (with Provincial Attestation Letter)

Temporary

Authorization for international students at a Designated Learning Institution - the study-work-PR entry point.

Who it's for

Foreign nationals accepted into a program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) who plan to study temporarily, with a possible path to work and PR.

Key requirements

A letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
A Provincial/Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) - required for most applicants under the national cap
Proof of funds: CAD $22,895 in living costs (single, outside Quebec) plus first-year tuition and travel
Show intent to leave at the end of the authorized stay; provide biometrics; the application is subject to the annual national cap

+ 1 more requirement

Government fee: CAD $150 study permit + $85 biometrics
Proof of funds (single): CAD $22,895 + tuition (raised from $20,635 on 1 Sept 2025)
Off-campus work: Up to 24 hours/week during academic sessions
Leads to PR?: Indirectly - via a PGWP then CEC/PNP/category draws

Independent editorial summary. Confirm current rules on the official source before relying on eligibility details.

Full details & requirements Editorial standards Official source

Program brief

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

Temporary

An open work permit after graduation - the bridge from studying to Canadian experience and PR.

Who it's for

International students who have completed an eligible program at a qualifying DLI and want to work anywhere in Canada to build the experience that feeds CEC/PNP.

Key requirements

Completed a full-time program of at least 8 months at an eligible DLI and received final marks/completion confirmation
Apply within 180 days of receiving confirmation of program completion; held valid status as a student
Language: university bachelor's/master's/doctoral graduates need CLB/NCLC 7; college and other graduates need CLB/NCLC 5 (in English or French, all four abilities)
Field-of-study requirement: non-degree (e.g., most college) graduates must have studied in an eligible field tied to in-demand occupations; bachelor's, master's and doctoral graduates are exempt from the field-of-study restriction

+ 1 more requirement

Type: Open work permit (one per lifetime)
Max length: Up to 3 years
Government fee: CAD $255 ($155 work permit + $100 open work permit holder fee) + $85 biometrics
Job offer needed?: No (open permit)

Independent editorial summary. Confirm current rules on the official source before relying on eligibility details.

Full details & requirements Editorial standards Official source

Temporary & working holiday

Shorter work, mobility and working-holiday routes.

Program brief

Super Visa (Parents and Grandparents)

Temporary

A 10-year multiple-entry visa to visit family long-term when PGP is closed.

Who it's for

Parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or PRs who want to stay long-term as visitors - the main fallback while the PGP is closed.

Key requirements

The host (child or grandchild) must be a Canadian citizen or PR and meet the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) for their household size
As of 31 Mar 2026, the host must meet LICO for the two most recent tax years (not just one); the visiting parent's own verifiable Canadian income can now be counted toward it
2026 LICO host-income examples: ~$30,526 (1 person host) up to ~$80,784 (7+)
The visitor must buy Canadian (or IRCC-approved foreign) medical insurance with at least CAD $100,000 coverage valid for 1 year, covering hospitalization, repatriation and healthcare

+ 1 more requirement

Validity: Up to 10 years, multiple entry; stays up to 5 years per entry
Status: Visitor (temporary) - does NOT lead to PR by itself
Insurance: Min. CAD $100,000 coverage for 1 year (typ. $1,500-$3,000/yr in premiums)
Government fee: CAD $100 visa fee + $85 biometrics

Independent editorial summary. Confirm current rules on the official source before relying on eligibility details.

Full details & requirements Editorial standards Official source

Humanitarian

Refugee, protection and humanitarian routes.

Program brief

In-Canada Asylum / Refugee Protection Claim

Permanent

Protection for people already in Canada who fear persecution or risk if returned home.

Who it's for

People in Canada (or at a port of entry) who fear persecution, torture or risk to life or of cruel treatment, assessed by the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB).

Key requirements

Make a claim to a CBSA or IRCC officer; the officer decides eligibility to be referred to the IRB Refugee Protection Division (RPD)
Cannot be barred by the Safe Third Country Agreement (which now applies across the entire Canada-U.S. land border, including between ports of entry) unless an exception applies
Submit a Basis of Claim (BOC) form and attend an RPD hearing
Claimants referred to the RPD can apply for an open work permit and receive interim federal health coverage while waiting

+ 1 more requirement

Government fee: No fee to make a claim or for the RPD hearing
Work permit: Open work permit once referred to the RPD
Leads to PR?: Yes - accepted claimants can apply for PR

Independent editorial summary. Confirm current rules on the official source before relying on eligibility details.

Full details & requirements Editorial standards Official source

Canada immigration — FAQs

Do I need a job offer to immigrate to Canada?

Not for the main economic routes. Federal Skilled Worker and Canadian Experience Class do not require one, and since March 2025 a job offer adds no CRS points in Express Entry. A job offer (or a trade certificate) is required for the Federal Skilled Trades Program, the Atlantic Immigration Program, the Rural and Home Care pilots, and many PNP streams. A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points and makes an invitation almost certain.

How much money do I need to show?

For Express Entry (FSW and FST) a single applicant needs about CAD $15,263 in settlement funds as of 2026, more for families; the Canadian Experience Class is exempt, and you are exempt if you are already legally working in Canada with an offer. A study permit needs about CAD $22,895 in living costs for a single applicant (outside Quebec) plus tuition and travel. A Super Visa host must meet LICO for their household size.

How much does it cost and how long does it take?

Most economic PR applications are about CAD $990 processing + $600 RPRF per adult (fees rose on 30 April 2026), plus biometrics, ECA and language-test costs. Express Entry processing is about 6 months after an invitation. Spousal sponsorship is roughly CAD $1,255 + biometrics and about 12 months. Quebec routes take longer (~18-24 months) because of the two-step CSQ-then-federal process.

What's the easiest route if my CRS score is low?

A provincial nomination adds 600 points and nearly guarantees an invitation. Category-based Express Entry draws - especially the French-language category (which has drawn as low as the high 300s) and trades - invite candidates below the general cut-off. Gaining a year of skilled Canadian work for the Canadian Experience Class, or improving your language test, also raises your score the most. Quebec (PSTQ) is a separate option if you have strong French.

Can I bring my family with me?

Yes. On most economic PR applications you include your spouse/common-law partner and dependent children (under 22 and unmarried) as accompanying family members. After becoming a PR or citizen you can also sponsor a spouse, partner or dependent child with no income requirement. Sponsoring parents/grandparents is harder: the PGP has no 2026 intake, so the Super Visa is the usual alternative.

Which route leads to permanent residence the fastest?

If you are already in Canada with a year of skilled experience (for example on a PGWP), the Canadian Experience Class through Express Entry is typically the quickest direct-to-PR option (~6 months after an invitation). A typical newcomer path is: study permit, then a PGWP to gain Canadian experience, then CEC or a PNP/category draw for PR.

Do I need a job offer to immigrate to Quebec, and is it different from the rest of Canada?

Quebec runs a completely separate system outside Express Entry. You apply through the Arrima portal (PSTQ) or, if you already studied or worked there, the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ, reopening July 2026). French ability is the most heavily weighted factor and effectively decisive. A job offer helps your score but is not strictly mandatory for the main skilled-worker stream. You first get a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ), then apply to the federal government for PR.

What if the Parents and Grandparents Program is closed to me?

Apply for a Super Visa - a multiple-entry visa valid up to ten years that allows stays of up to five years per entry. The host must meet LICO (for the two most recent tax years as of 31 March 2026) and the visiting parent must buy at least CAD $100,000 of medical insurance for one year. It is a long-term visitor visa and does not by itself lead to PR. The PGP has no new intake for 2026.

Canada visa requirements on VisaGlance

Before the points test, check whether you need a visa just to enter Canada — and which one fits your passport — on our companion site VisaGlance.

Open VisaGlance

Official sources

Reviewed June 2026. Always confirm current rules with the official authority.

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