Citizenship and Residence

There are several programs that lead to Canadian permanent residency. One of the best known of these programs is the Express Entry program (Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class and Federal Skilled Trades Program). However, several other economic programs give access to residency, such as Caregiver programs, Quebec Skilled Worker, Quebec Experience Class and Provincial Nominee Program Worker Stream. Most of these programs work under a point system and have various work, education and language requirements.

Another way to obtain permanent residency is through sponsorship. Federal and provincial programs permit Canadian Citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouse or partner, children, parents, grandparents and in some cases other relatives. Also, Canada does not discriminate, and permanent residents or citizens can sponsor their spouse, common-law partners or conjugal partners of the same sex or the opposite sex.