Canada offers 14 visa and residency pathways for foreign nationals. This page compares all available routes side by side with current requirements.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Visa Programme | Min. Income | Savings | Processing | Difficulty | Family |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Startup Visa Program (PAUSED Jan 2026) | N/A | €9,051 | 720-1260d | 6/10 | Yes |
| Express Entry - Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) | N/A | €2,594 | 180-210d | 5/10 | Yes |
| Express Entry - Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | N/A | N/A | 150-210d | 5/10 | Yes |
| Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) | N/A | N/A | 240-420d | 4/10 | Yes |
| Federal Skilled Trades Program | N/A | €10,379 | 120-210d | 5/10 | Yes |
| Federal Skilled Worker Program | N/A | €9,842 | 120-210d | 5/10 | Yes |
| International Experience Canada - Working Holiday | N/A | €3,060 | 30-60d | 2/10 | No |
| International Mobility Program (IMP) | N/A | N/A | 40-70d | 5/10 | Yes |
| Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) | N/A | N/A | 80-140d | 3/10 | Yes |
| Temporary Foreign Worker Program | N/A | €8,813 | 40-70d | 5/10 | Yes |
| Express Entry - Category-Based Selection | N/A | €10,200 | 180-270d | 6/10 | Yes |
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | N/A | €10,379 | 180-540d | 8.0/10 | Yes |
| Self-Employed Persons Program | N/A | €10,200 | 365-730d | 8.0/10 | Yes |
| Home Child Care Provider Pilot (Caregiver) | N/A | €8,813 | 180-365d | 6.0/10 | Yes |
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Get Deep Dive — €19Frequently Asked Questions
How many visa pathways does Canada offer?
Canada offers 14 distinct visa and residency pathways for foreign nationals, including skilled worker, family, investor, and other categories.
What is the easiest visa to get for Canada?
The easiest pathway depends on your profile. Working holiday visas (if available) have the lowest barriers. For professionals, employer-sponsored visas are the most common route.
How long does it take to get permanent residency in Canada?
The path to permanent residency in Canada typically takes 2-5 years depending on the visa category. Some skilled worker pathways offer faster PR routes.
Can I bring my family to Canada?
Most long-term visa categories in Canada allow family reunification for spouses and dependent children, though specific requirements vary by pathway.
Do I need a job offer to move to Canada?
Not all pathways require a job offer. Canada may offer self-employment, investment, digital nomad, or points-based pathways that don't require employer sponsorship.
Related: Canada Guide · Cost of Living · All Countries