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Permanent residence

Economic class

Explore the permanent residence programs listed below.

Economic immigration includes several routes to permanent residence based on factors such as work experience, skills and a province’s needs. The right starting point depends on your background and the requirements of the particular program.

Express Entry manages applications for three federal programs, while other routes have their own processes. Creating a profile or meeting a program’s minimum requirements does not guarantee an invitation or approval. Program openings also change, so the current intake needs to be checked before preparing an application.

What this service covers

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

An Express Entry program for applicants with qualifying skilled work experience in Canada. Applicants must also meet the program’s other requirements.

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

An Express Entry program for skilled workers with qualifying foreign or Canadian work experience. Eligibility includes requirements relating to language, education and other selection factors.

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

An Express Entry program for people qualified in a skilled trade. The requirements include relevant trade experience and a qualifying job offer or Canadian certificate of qualification.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Participating provinces and territories nominate people who meet a stream’s requirements and intend to settle there. Some streams use Express Entry, while others follow a separate application process.

Atlantic Immigration Program

A permanent residence route for eligible skilled workers and qualifying Atlantic Canadian graduates with a job offer from a designated employer. It covers New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

Caregiver pathways

Caregiver immigration depends on the requirements and intake of the specific program. As of October 9, 2026, intake for the Home Care Worker Immigration pilots is paused until further notice.

Self-Employed Persons Program — paused

This program concerns qualifying experience in cultural activities or athletics and an intended contribution in Canada. IRCC currently lists the program as paused; it should not be treated as an open intake.

Start-up Visa Program — paused

This program has a separate process for qualifying entrepreneurs and support from a designated organization. IRCC currently lists it as paused, so check the rules affecting existing applications and any limited exceptions.

Pilot programs

Pilot programs are specific immigration routes with their own eligibility rules, limits and intake periods. Availability needs to be checked for the particular pilot rather than assumed from its name.

Family sponsorship is a separate immigration category. Read about family sponsorship.

General information checked against Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) guidance on October 9, 2026. Requirements and program availability can change.