Determining your eligibility

What immigration programs can I apply for?

We have an online tool called Come to Canada. It helps foreign nationals find out if they may be eligible to apply as immigrants, visitors, workers or students in Canada.

This tool guides you through some questions about your personal and work history. Based on your responses and your situation, it then gives you

• a list of options, and
• step-by-step instructions on how to apply

The Come to Canada tool is for reference only. No immigration decision will be made based on your answers. If you choose to apply, an immigration officer will consider your complete application based on Canada’s immigration law. Your results from the tool will have no bearing on their decision.

If you may be eligible as a visitor, worker, or student you can apply online. The tool will direct you to your account, where you can create an account and fill out the online application. You may also have the option to complete a paper application.

If you may be eligible to immigrate permanently under Express Entry, you must apply online (unless you cannot because of a disability). The tool will direct you to your account, where you will create an account and can fill out the online application.

If you may be eligible to immigrate permanently under any other program, you must submit a paper application.

How can I come to Canada as a visitor, worker or student?

We have created an online tool called Come to Canada. It will help you figure out whether you can come to Canada as an immigrant, visitor, worker or student.

This tool guides you through some questions and based on your responses and your situation, it then gives you:

• a list of options and
• step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

This tool will help you understand the requirements for immigrating to, visiting, studying in or working in Canada. If you are eligible as a visitor, worker or student you can apply online through this tool. You will also have the option to complete a paper application.

How can I determine whether I can apply for permanent residence?

To find out if you can apply for permanent residency try the Come to Canada tool. It will help you figure out which immigration program will work best for you.

This tool guides you through some questions. Based on your responses and your situation, it will give you

• a list of options, and
• step-by-step instructions on how to apply

This tool will help you understand the requirements to immigrate to, visit, study in or work in Canada. However, to actually come to Canada, you must still submit the right application forms.

How long must I stay in Canada to keep my permanent resident status?

To keep your permanent resident status, you must have been in Canada for at least 730 days during the last five years. These 730 days don’t need to be continuous. Some of your time abroad may count towards the 730 days. See can my time abroad count towards my permanent resident status?

To help you track your time in Canada, use a travel journal.