Apply on Your Own: Step-by-Step Immigration Guide

Application Steps

1. 1Create an Express Entry profile online
2. 2Take language tests (IELTS/CELPIP/TEF)
3. 3Get Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
4. 4Receive CRS score and enter the pool
5. 5Wait for Invitation to Apply (ITA)
6. 6Submit complete application within 60 days
7. 7Undergo medical examination
8. 8Provide police certificates
9. 9Pay government fees
10. 10Wait for final decision

Common Required Documents

• Valid passport
• Language test results (less than 2 years old)
• ECA report for foreign education
• Proof of work experience (reference letters)
• Proof of funds
• Police clearance certificates
• Medical examination results
• Birth certificate
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)

Application Steps

1. 1Research which province matches your profile
2. 2Check specific stream eligibility requirements
3. 3Apply to provincial program directly or through Express Entry
4. 4Submit provincial application with required documents
5. 5Receive provincial nomination (if approved)
6. 6Apply for permanent residence to IRCC
7. 7Complete medical and security checks
8. 8Wait for final PR decision

Common Required Documents

• All Express Entry documents (if applicable)
• Provincial-specific forms and documents
• Job offer letter (for some streams)
• Proof of intention to settle in province
• Educational transcripts and degrees
• Detailed employment records
• Language test results

Application Steps

1. 1Secure a job offer from Canadian employer
2. 2Employer applies for and receives LMIA approval
3. 3Receive copy of positive LMIA and job offer
4. 4Apply for work permit online or at visa office
5. 5Provide all supporting documents
6. 6Undergo medical exam (if required)
7. 7Provide biometrics
8. 8Wait for work permit decision
9. 9Enter Canada and start working

Common Required Documents

• Valid passport
• Job offer letter
• Copy of positive LMIA
• Proof of qualifications for the job
• Resume/CV
• Educational credentials
• Police certificates (if required)
• Medical examination (if required)
• Proof of intent to leave Canada after work permit expires

Application Steps

1. 1Apply and receive acceptance from DLI (Designated Learning Institution)
2. 2Gather financial proof documents
3. 3Apply for study permit online
4. 4Pay application fee
5. 5Provide biometrics
6. 6Submit all required documents
7. 7Wait for decision
8. 8Prepare for arrival in Canada

Common Required Documents

• Letter of acceptance from DLI
• Valid passport
• Proof of financial support (~$20,635/year + tuition)
• Letter of explanation/study plan
• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Language test results (if required)
• Police certificate (if required)
• Medical examination (from certain countries)
• Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) if studying in Quebec

Application Steps

1. 1Graduate from eligible DLI program (minimum 8 months)
2. 2Apply within 180 days of receiving final marks
3. 3Apply online for PGWP
4. 4Submit all required documents
5. 5Provide proof of full-time study
6. 6Wait for decision
7. 7Receive open work permit valid up to 3 years

Common Required Documents

• Passport
• Official letter from school confirming program completion
• Transcripts
• Proof of full-time study status
• Application form
• Digital photo

Application Steps

1. 1Determine if you need a visa or eTA
2. 2Gather all required documents
3. 3Apply online or through visa application center
4. 4Pay application fee
5. 5Provide biometrics
6. 6Submit passport and supporting documents
7. 7Wait for processing
8. 8Receive decision and visa (if approved)

Common Required Documents

• Valid passport (valid for duration of stay)
• Completed application form
• Two recent passport photos
• Proof of financial support
• Travel itinerary
• Proof of ties to home country
• Letter of invitation (if visiting family/friends)
• Employment letter
• Purpose of visit letter

Application Steps

1. 1Ensure you meet sponsor eligibility (citizen or PR)
2. 2Gather relationship proof
3. 3Complete sponsorship application
4. 4Sponsored person completes PR application
5. 5Submit both applications together
6. 6Pay all fees
7. 7Provide police certificates and medical exam
8. 8Attend interview if requested
9. 9Wait for decision

Common Required Documents

• Proof of sponsor's Canadian status
• Marriage certificate or proof of relationship
• Relationship evidence (photos, communications, joint accounts)
• Sponsor's proof of income (not required for spouse)
• Identity documents for both parties
• Police certificates for sponsored person
• Medical examination for sponsored person
• All previous marriage documents (if applicable)

Application Steps

1. 1Ensure you meet physical presence requirement (1,095 days in 5 years)
2. 2Gather all required documents
3. 3Complete citizenship application
4. 4Pay application fee
5. 5Submit application online or by mail
6. 6Take citizenship test (ages 18-54)
7. 7Attend citizenship interview (if required)
8. 8Attend citizenship ceremony
9. 9Take oath of citizenship

Common Required Documents

• Proof of permanent resident status
• Photocopies of all passport pages
• Two citizenship photos
• Language proof (if required)
• Proof of filing income taxes (if required)
• Document checklist
• Application form
• Presence calculator printout