🇨🇦Visa options for Canada

Canada offers 105 visa types across 3 categories — from skilled-worker and study visas to family, investment, digital-nomad, and permanent-residency pathways. 104 lead to PR; 50 don't require a job offer. Here's every Canada visa tracked by VisaMatch.

105visa types

3categories

104PR pathways

50no job needed

Check which Canada visas you qualify for →

Visa categories in Canada

Permanent Residence80 Residence Permit22 Humanitarian & Protection3

All Canada visa types

Permanent Residence (80)

AAIP Alberta Express Entry Stream Permanent
Find out if you meet the requirements for being asked by the province of Alberta to apply to this immigration stream.
AAIP Alberta Opportunity Stream Permanent
Learn about the language, education and work experience requirements for eligible applicants.
AAIP Dedicated Health Care Pathway Permanent
Qualified individuals with job offers in eligible health care professions can apply to be nominated for permanent residence in Alberta.
AAIP Farm Stream Permanent
Find out eligibility requirements for the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) Farm Stream.
AAIP Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream Permanent
Find out if you meet the criteria to apply to the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream.
AAIP Graduate Entrepreneur Stream Permanent
Find out if you meet the criteria to apply to the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program –Graduate Entrepreneur Stream.
AAIP Rural Entrepreneur Stream Permanent
Find out if you meet the criteria to apply to the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program’s Rural Entrepreneur Stream.
AAIP Rural Renewal Stream Permanent
Find out if you meet the criteria to apply to the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program - Rural Renewal Stream.
AAIP Tourism and Hospitality Stream Permanent
Requirements for approved employer and occupation, employment, language and education requirements for eligible applicants.
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) Permanent
Employer-driven immigration program for the four Atlantic provinces (NB, NS, PEI, NL).
BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration: Base Stream Permanent
Last updated: September 10, 2025
BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration: Regional Stream Permanent
Last updated: September 10, 2025
BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration: Strategic Projects Permanent
Last updated: September 10, 2025
BC PNP Skills Immigration: Entry Level & Semi-Skilled Permanent
Last updated: January 22, 2026
BC PNP Skills Immigration: Health Authority Permanent
Last updated: January 22, 2026
BC PNP Skills Immigration: Skilled Worker Permanent
Last updated: January 22, 2026
Canadian Experience Class Permanent
For skilled workers with Canadian work experience.
Express Entry Permanent
Canada's main application management system for three economic immigration programs: Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, and Canadian Experience Class.
Federal Skilled Trades Program Permanent
For skilled tradespeople who want to become permanent residents.
Federal Skilled Worker Program Permanent
For skilled workers with foreign work experience who want to immigrate to Canada permanently.
Home Child Care Provider Pilot Permanent
Permanent residence pathway for experienced home child care providers who have worked in Canada.
Home Support Worker Pilot Permanent
Permanent residence pathway for experienced home support workers who have worked in Canada.
Hong Kong Residents Permanent Residence Permanent
Special pathway for Hong Kong residents with Canadian education or work experience to obtain permanent residence through dedicated streams.
Medical Doctors Permanent Residence Permanent
Dedicated pathway for licensed medical doctors to obtain permanent residence in Canada, supporting healthcare system staffing needs.
MPNP Business Investor: Entrepreneur Pathway Permanent
For experienced business owners or senior managers who want to establish or purchase a business in Manitoba.
MPNP Business Investor: Farm Investor Pathway Permanent
For experienced farmers who want to establish and operate a farm in rural Manitoba.
MPNP Career Employment Pathway Permanent
For international graduates of Manitoba post-secondary institutions who have an employment contract with a Manitoba employer in a job related to their field of study.
MPNP International Student Employment Pathway Permanent
For international graduates of Manitoba or other Canadian post-secondary institutions who have full-time employment with a Manitoba employer.
MPNP Skilled Worker in Manitoba Permanent
For skilled workers who are currently working in Manitoba and have a long-term, full-time job offer from their Manitoba employer.
MPNP Skilled Worker Overseas Permanent
For skilled workers living outside Canada with a connection to Manitoba through family, previous education, previous work experience, or an Invitation to Apply.
NBPNP Business Immigration Stream Permanent
For experienced entrepreneurs who want to invest in and actively manage a business in New Brunswick.
NBPNP Critical Worker Pilot Permanent
Pilot program for workers in lower-skilled occupations (TEER 4/5) who have been working in New Brunswick with a valid work permit and have a job offer.
NBPNP Express Entry Stream Permanent
For skilled workers in the federal Express Entry pool who have a connection to New Brunswick and meet provincial criteria.
NBPNP Skilled Worker Stream Permanent
For skilled workers with a job offer from a New Brunswick employer.
NBPNP Strategic Initiative Stream Permanent
For skilled workers with French language ability or who are selected by the province through strategic recruitment efforts.
NL PNP International Entrepreneur Permanent
Jobs, Growth and Rural Development
NL PNP International Graduate Entrepreneur Permanent
Jobs, Growth and Rural Development
NL PNP Skilled Worker Category Permanent
Jobs, Growth and Rural Development
NL Priority Skills Newfoundland and Labrador Permanent
Jobs, Growth and Rural Development
NSNP Entrepreneur Stream Permanent
For experienced business owners who want to start or buy a business in Nova Scotia.
NSNP Nova Scotia Express Entry Stream Permanent
For skilled workers in the federal Express Entry pool who have experience in an occupation in demand in Nova Scotia.
NSNP Nova Scotia Graduate Stream Permanent
For recent graduates of a Nova Scotia post-secondary institution who have a job offer from a Nova Scotia employer related to their field of study.
NSNP Skilled Worker Stream Permanent
For skilled workers with a full-time permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer in an eligible skilled occupation.
OINP Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream Permanent
For foreign workers with a job offer in a skilled occupation from an Ontario employer.
OINP Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream Permanent
For workers with a job offer in specific in-demand occupations (agriculture, construction) from an Ontario employer.
OINP Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream Permanent
For international graduates with a job offer in a skilled occupation from an Ontario employer.
OINP French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream Permanent
For French-speaking skilled workers in the federal Express Entry pool who have strong French and English language abilities.
OINP Human Capital Priorities Stream Permanent
For skilled workers in the federal Express Entry pool with work experience in eligible occupations.
OINP Masters Graduate Stream Permanent
For graduates with a master's degree from an eligible Ontario university.
OINP PhD Graduate Stream Permanent
For graduates with a PhD from an eligible Ontario university.
OINP Regional Economic Development (REDI) Pilot Permanent
Pilot program targeting economic development in smaller communities across Ontario.
OINP Skilled Trades Stream Permanent
For workers in eligible skilled trades with Ontario work experience and a valid job offer from an Ontario employer.
PEI PNP Critical Worker Stream Permanent
For workers in lower-skilled occupations (TEER 4/5) who have been working in PEI with a valid work permit and have a full-time job offer.
PEI PNP Express Entry Stream Permanent
For skilled workers in the federal Express Entry pool who have a connection to PEI through a job offer or PEI work/study experience.
PEI PNP International Graduate Stream Permanent
For recent graduates of a PEI or Canadian post-secondary institution who have a job offer from a PEI employer in their field of study.
PEI PNP Skilled Worker Stream Permanent
For skilled workers with a full-time job offer from a PEI employer in an eligible occupation.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Permanent
Umbrella program allowing provinces and territories to nominate individuals for permanent residence based on local labour market needs.
Quebec Entrepreneur Program Permanent
For experienced entrepreneurs who want to create or acquire a business in Quebec.
Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) Permanent
Fast-track pathway for temporary workers or graduates in Quebec who have advanced intermediate French language skills.
Quebec Graduate Nurse Pilot Program Permanent
Pilot program for internationally trained nurses studying or working in Quebec, providing an accelerated path to permanent residence.
Quebec Investors and Entrepreneurs Permanent
Quebec-specific business immigration programs for investors and entrepreneurs.
Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP) Permanent
For skilled workers selected by Quebec based on factors including education, work experience, age, language abilities, and ties to Quebec.
Quebec Selected Skilled Workers Permanent
For skilled workers selected by Quebec through its own immigration system.
Quebec Self-Employed Worker Program Permanent
For self-employed workers who wish to settle in Quebec and can demonstrate they have the resources and ability to be self-employed.
Rural & Francophone Community Immigration Permanent
For skilled workers who want to live and work in smaller, rural or francophone communities outside Quebec.
Self-Employed Persons Program Permanent
For individuals with relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics who can make a significant contribution to Canadian cultural or athletic life.
SINP Entrepreneur Category Permanent
For experienced business owners or managers who want to establish, acquire, or partner in a business in Saskatchewan.
SINP Farm Owner/Operator Category Permanent
For experienced farm owners and operators who plan to purchase and operate a farm in Saskatchewan.
SINP International Skilled Worker: Express Entry Permanent
For skilled workers in the federal Express Entry pool with experience in an occupation on the Saskatchewan In-Demand Occupations List.
SINP International Skilled Worker: Occupations In-Demand Permanent
For skilled workers with experience in an occupation on Saskatchewan's In-Demand Occupations List.
SINP Saskatchewan Experience: Employment Offer Permanent
For workers with a valid job offer from a Saskatchewan employer.
SINP Saskatchewan Experience: Students Permanent
For international graduates of Saskatchewan post-secondary institutions who have a job offer or have been working in Saskatchewan.
Sponsor Adopted Child Permanent
Allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor a child they have adopted or plan to adopt from another country for permanent residence.
Sponsor Other Relatives Permanent
Allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor eligible relatives including orphaned siblings, nieces, nephews, or grandchildren.
Sponsor Parents or Grandparents Permanent
Allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residence in Canada.
Sponsor Spouse, Partner or Children Permanent
Allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, or dependent children for permanent residence.
Start-Up Visa Permanent
For entrepreneurs with an innovative business idea endorsed by a designated organization (venture capital fund, angel investor, or business incubator).
Yukon Nominee Program: Critical Impact Worker Stream Permanent
For workers in lower-skilled occupations filling labour market gaps in Yukon.
Yukon Nominee Program: Express Entry Stream Permanent
For skilled workers in the federal Express Entry pool who have a job offer from a Yukon employer.
Yukon Nominee Program: Skilled Worker Stream Permanent
For skilled workers with a full-time, permanent job offer from a Yukon employer in a skilled occupation.

Residence Permit (22)

Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) Temporary
Allows workers already in Canada with a valid work permit to continue working while they wait for a decision on their permanent residence application.
Caregiver Work Permit (Temporary) Temporary
Temporary work permit for foreign caregivers coming to Canada to provide care for children, elderly, or persons with disabilities in a private household.
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) Temporary
This is the Government of Canada’s official web page to apply for an electronic travel authorization (eTA) to fly to, or transit through, a Canadian airport.
Francophone Mobility Work Permit Temporary
LMIA-exempt work permit for French-speaking foreign workers destined to work in a francophone community outside Quebec.
Free Trade Agreement Workers (CUSMA/CETA) Temporary
Simplified work permit process for professionals and traders from countries with free trade agreements with Canada (CUSMA, CETA, etc.).
Global Skills Strategy (2-week processing) Temporary
Fast-track work permit processing (2-week standard) for highly skilled workers in specialized occupations, typically in tech and STEM fields.
IEC - International Co-op (Internship) Temporary
For students enrolled in a post-secondary institution in a partner country who need an internship or work placement in Canada to complete their studies.
IEC - Working Holiday Temporary
Open work permit for young people (typically 18-35) from partner countries to travel and work anywhere in Canada for up to 1-2 years.
IEC - Young Professionals Temporary
Employer-specific work permit for young professionals (typically 18-35) from partner countries to gain professional work experience in Canada.
Innovation Stream (Global Hypergrowth) Temporary
For workers employed by companies accepted into the Global Hypergrowth Project, supporting high-growth innovative firms expanding in Canada.
International Experience Canada (IEC) Temporary
Umbrella program enabling young people from partner countries to travel and work in Canada.
OWP - Family Members of Foreign Workers Temporary
Open work permit for spouses and common-law partners of foreign workers in Canada on a valid work permit.
OWP - Spouses of International Students Temporary
Open work permit for spouses and common-law partners of international students studying full-time at an eligible Canadian institution.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Temporary
Allows international graduates of eligible Canadian institutions to gain open work experience in Canada for up to 3 years after graduation.
Remote Worker / Digital Nomad (Visitor Status) Temporary
Canada has no formal digital nomad visa but under the Tech Talent Strategy (2023), foreign nationals employed by non-Canadian companies may work remotely while in Canada under sta…
Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) Temporary
Allows Canadian employers to hire temporary foreign agricultural workers from participating countries for seasonal farm work.
Study Permit Temporary
Required for most foreign nationals who want to study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada for programs longer than 6 months.
Super Visa (Parents & Grandparents) Temporary
You can visit your children or grandchildren (if they’re a permanent resident, a Canadian citizen or a registered Indian) for 5 years at a time with a super visa.
Transit Visa Temporary
Required for nationals of certain countries who are transiting through a Canadian airport on their way to another country.
Visitor Record (Extend Stay) Temporary
For visitors already in Canada who want to extend their authorized stay beyond the original period.
Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) Temporary
Required for nationals of countries that are not visa-exempt to enter Canada as a temporary visitor for tourism, business, or family visits.
Work Permit (General) Temporary
General employer-specific work permit requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or LMIA exemption.

Humanitarian & Protection (3)

Government-Assisted Refugee Resettlement Refugee
Canada's program to resettle refugees from abroad who are identified by UNHCR or a referral organization.
Private Sponsorship of Refugees Refugee
Allows Canadian organizations and groups of individuals to sponsor refugees from abroad.
Refugee Protection (Inland Asylum Claim) Refugee
For people in Canada who fear persecution or are at risk of torture or cruel treatment if they return to their home country.

Frequently Asked Questions about moving to Canada

How many visa types does Canada offer?

Canada offers 105 visa types across 3 categories — covering work, study, family, investment, and permanent-residency pathways.

Can I move to Canada without a job offer?

Yes — 50 of Canada's 105 visa types don't require a pre-arranged job offer. These include points-based skilled visas, investor and entrepreneur visas, digital-nomad and remote-worker visas, study visas, and family-sponsored pathways.

Does Canada offer a pathway to permanent residency?

Yes. 104 of Canada's visa types lead — directly or indirectly — to permanent residency. PR typically requires meeting time-in-country, income, language, and eligibility thresholds specific to each visa.

Which Canada visa is right for me?

It depends on your goal. Employment-based visas suit skilled workers with qualifications and experience; family visas fit those with a spouse or close relative in Canada; investor and golden visas target entrepreneurs with capital; study visas cover education; digital-nomad and retirement visas suit remote workers and retirees. VisaMatch checks your profile against every Canada visa in seconds.

How do I check my eligibility for Canada?

Use VisaMatch's free eligibility checker. Enter your nationality, age, occupation, income, and education, then select Canada. You'll see every Canada visa you qualify for, with links to the official government source for each.

Canada in depth

Air qualityGoodAQI 12

ClimateVaries — continental to subarcticCold, snowy winters across most of the country and warm summers; noticeably milder on the west coast (Vancouver).

Infrastructure8.0/10Extensive public transit in major metros, reliable utilities; healthcare is universal but wait times for non-urgent care vary by province.

Cost of living68Index, NYC = 100

SafetySafeLow violent crime overall; largest cities see somewhat more property crime.

Internet105 MbpsGood

Political stabilityStableStable federal parliamentary democracy with high policy predictability.

Inflation2.6%Purchasing power index 82

Immigrant friendliness4.5/5Express Entry and provincial nominee programs give clear, points-based pathways; long track record of welcoming immigrants.

Income tax55%Top combined federal (33%) + provincial marginal rate, reaching about 54.8% in Newfoundland and Labrador on taxable income above CAD $258,482; rates vary by province.

Median salaryCAD 63,000/yr

Healthcare accessUniversal (Medicare, provincially administered)Conditional — most provinces require a work permit valid roughly 6-12+ months to enroll in provincial health insurance, often with a 3-month waiting period; some provinces have recently narrowed eligibility for certain permit types, so private insurance is recommended to bridge any gap.

Best-performing job sectors

Technology — +6% YoY, concentrated in Toronto and Vancouver Healthcare — +8% YoY hiring, acute shortages nationwide Skilled Trades — +5% YoY, driven by housing construction push

Curated research pass, sourced per field (tax, salary, healthcare and legal figures cite an official or named source) — not live data. Refreshed periodically, not real-time.

See full Canada insights →

Compare with other countries

Move to Canada by profession

💻Software Engineer 🏥Nurse ⚕️Doctor ⚙️Engineer 📊Accountant 🎓Teacher 👨‍🍳Chef ⚡Electrician

Popular comparisons featuring Canada

Ready to check your Canada options?

Enter your profile once and see every Canada visa you qualify for — free, instant, personalised.

Check your eligibility →