May 30, 2025

Immigration Requirements of Moving to Canada

Posted by Hannah Cho - Bellissimo Law Group PC

For individuals and families considering relocating to Canada, understanding the country’s immigration system is essential. Canada offers a broad range of immigration pathways, each with specific requirements, procedures, and timelines. Whether one is seeking temporary work, pursuing educational opportunities, or aiming for permanent residency, careful navigation of the process using accurate and current information is critical.

Canada’s immigration system is divided into several main categories:

  • Economic Class – Includes programs such as Express Entry, the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and other streams for skilled workers, tradespeople, and investors. These programs typically evaluate candidates based on:

    • Education

    • Language proficiency

    • Work experience

    • Adaptability

  • Family Class – Allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor eligible relatives, including:

    • Spouses and partners

    • Dependent children

    • Parents and grandparents

  • Refugee and Humanitarian programs – For individuals seeking protection.

  • Temporary Resident programs – For those entering Canada to work, study, or visit; some may later apply for permanent status.

Work permits are a key component of Canada’s temporary immigration system. In order to work in Canada, foreign nationals will require either:

  • An employer-specific work permit, which is tied to a particular job and often requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), or

  • An open work permit, which permits the holder to work for most employers in Canada without a specific job offer.

It is important to understand the eligibility requirements and conditions associated with each permit type to ensure compliance with Canadian regulations.

Individuals intending to study in Canada must obtain a study permit. To qualify, applicants must:

  • Provide an acceptance letter from a designated learning institution (DLI)

  • Demonstrate sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses

  • Establish an intent to leave Canada upon completion of studies (though some may later transition to permanent residency)

Securing permanent residency in Canada represents a significant milestone for many immigrants, granting the ability to live and work in the country on a long-term basis and offering access to healthcare, social programs, and other benefits.

Among the available pathways:

  • Express Entry – Uses a comprehensive ranking system to evaluate candidates based on a combination of professional experience, education, language ability, and other personal factors.

  • Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) – Allow provinces and territories to select individuals whose skills align with regional economic needs.

  • Quebec’s system – Maintains distinct selection criteria tailored to the province’s unique priorities.

  • Family sponsorship – Enables Canadian citizens and permanent residents to bring eligible relatives.

Note: Permanent residents must meet ongoing obligations, such as maintaining a minimum physical presence in Canada and complying with legal requirements to retain their status.

Applicants should also be mindful of additional requirements, including:

  • Mandatory medical examinations

  • Police clearance certificates

  • Language proficiency tests (English or French)

  • Proof of funds to demonstrate the ability to support themselves and their family upon arrival

Navigating the Canadian immigration process is complex and subject to continuous change. Careful preparation and a clear understanding of the applicable requirements can greatly influence the success of an application. Engaging the services of a qualified immigration representative can provide valuable assistance, ensuring that applications are complete, accurate, and aligned with current regulations.

Hannah Cho

Hannah graduated from the J.D. program at Western Law in 2023.  While in law school, Hannah was the Vice-President of the Western Law Charter Society, where she organized and moderated panel discussions on pressing legal issues concerning the Canadian Constitution and Charter rights.  She also volunteered as a Student Clinician at the Law Student Legal Advice Program in British Columbia, where she gained experience handling a wide range of legal matters, including residential tenancy, employment and human rights law Before law school, Hannah received her B.A. (Hons.) with distinction from the University of Toronto, St. George, in Criminology and Book and Media Studies.

Prior to joining Bellissimo Law Group PC, Hannah worked as a student-at-law at a private immigration law firm, where she gained experience in Canadian immigration law by working on a range of matters including temporary residency applications, work permit applications, applications for permanent residence based on humanitarian and compassionate grounds, and she has also co-written several articles on immigration law for platforms such as Law360 and International Law News.

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