Permanent residence
Other routes to permanent residence
If Express Entry or a provincial program does not fit, there are other routes. Some are only open at certain times.
An overview
Canada has special permanent residence routes for different groups: economic programs such as regional and entrepreneur programs, Quebec's own selection, and humanitarian routes.
Special programs can open, close or have caps, and their rules change. Before acting, check the current status of each program with IRCC or the program's authority.
Permanent residenceKey points
Special economic programs
Regional, entrepreneur and business routes with set rules and caps.
Quebec
Quebec selects its own immigrants and has separate rules.
Humanitarian routes
For specific cases, such as humanitarian and compassionate grounds.
Rules change
Openings and caps are updated all the time.
The steps in short
- 1
Identify a suitable route
Based on your situation, background and goal.
- 2
Check current requirements
From the program's official source.
- 3
Prepare documents
As that program's list says.
- 4
Apply
While the program is open.
- 5
Follow up to the result
Answer requests for more information.
Common documents
- A valid passport
- Identity documents
- Education and work records
- Financial documents, where required
- A business plan or business records, for entrepreneur routes
- Documents specific to the program
Good to know
- First check whether the program is open right now.
- Do not trust promises of "guaranteed residence"; the government decides.
- Each program's rules differ from the others.
- Advice before you start avoids mistakes and extra cost.
Frequently asked questions
Which route is best for me?
It depends on your job, education, language, capital and goal. An initial consultation helps you compare the options.
Are all these programs always open?
No. Some programs have caps or set periods and can close or change.
Does Quebec follow these routes?
Quebec has its own immigration system and rules, and applications go through that province.