Pick the situation closest to yours to see which program to read first, what to check, and what to do next.
Start with the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). It is for skilled workers with Canadian work experience and is managed through Express Entry.
This round was before the new CRS rules took effect on November 3, so its score uses the old rules.
IRCC says it is recalculating points in existing profiles from November 3, which could take up to 2 weeks, and invitation rounds are paused during that time. Source
Watch out These do not count: work while studying full-time (including co-op), self-employment (some physicians are an exception), volunteering or unpaid internships, and work without legal authorization. Source
Checked against official pages on 3 Nov 2026. Requirements can change, so rely on the official sites.
You can aim for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), but first work out which experience counts. With a job offer from an Ontario employer, the Ontario stream is worth a look too.
This round was before the new CRS rules took effect on November 3, so its score uses the old rules.
IRCC says it is recalculating points in existing profiles from November 3, which could take up to 2 weeks, and invitation rounds are paused during that time. Source
Watch out Programs treat work during studies differently: CEC does not count it, while the Federal Skilled Worker Program may count it if the conditions are met. Source
Checked against official pages on 3 Nov 2026. Requirements can change, so rely on the official sites.
With a positive LMIA, your next step is an employer-specific work permit. Once your work in Canada meets the requirements, you can aim for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
This round was before the new CRS rules took effect on November 3, so its score uses the old rules.
IRCC says it is recalculating points in existing profiles from November 3, which could take up to 2 weeks, and invitation rounds are paused during that time. Source
Watch out An LMIA does not make the job count toward CEC: TEER 4 and 5 positions do not count. Source
Checked against official pages on 3 Nov 2026. Requirements can change, so rely on the official sites.
Each province sets its own nominee streams and requirements; Quebec and Nunavut have no such program. We have written up Ontario and B.C. so far. For other provinces, start with the invitation records and official sites.
Watch out A nomination is not permanent residence: you then apply to IRCC, which makes the final decision. Source
Checked against official pages on 3 Nov 2026. Requirements can change, so rely on the official sites.
Start with the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW), or the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST) if you work in a trade. Both are managed through Express Entry: you must qualify for a program before you can enter the pool.
No invitations for 45 months
IRCC says it is recalculating points in existing profiles from November 3, which could take up to 2 weeks, and invitation rounds are paused during that time. Source
FSW candidates who meet a category’s requirements can also be invited in category-based rounds.
Watch out FSW’s 67 points and the Express Entry CRS score are separate: the first decides whether you qualify, the second ranks you in the pool. Source
Checked against official pages on 3 Nov 2026. Requirements can change, so rely on the official sites.
Look at category-based selection. It is not a separate immigration program, but a way of inviting people in the pool based on criteria such as language or occupation.
This round was before the new CRS rules took effect on November 3, so its score uses the old rules.
IRCC says it is recalculating points in existing profiles from November 3, which could take up to 2 weeks, and invitation rounds are paused during that time. Source
Watch out A low cut-off in these rounds does not mean a low bar: only people in the pool who meet that category’s requirements compete in them.
Checked against official pages on 3 Nov 2026. Requirements can change, so rely on the official sites.
We have not written up these routes yet, so here are the official IRCC pages. If you are unsure, try the official questionnaire: answer a few questions and it lists programs to explore.
Checked against official pages on 3 Nov 2026. Requirements can change, so rely on the official sites.
This only points you in a direction. It does not decide whether you qualify. You enter no personal details and your choice is not recorded.
This collection currently covers selected programs and guides, with more to be added. Visit federal and provincial government websites for the full range of programs.
No invitation records for this program on this site yet.
See closed programs and streams →
This page is our summary of official pages and is for reference only. The official pages govern, and rules can change at any time; every point here links to its source, so please verify before you decide, or consult a licensed consultant (RCIC).