Economic immigration
Permanent residence for people with relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics who can be self-employed in Canada.
Paused since April 30, 2024, until further notice. Applications received before the pause continue.
This pathway is not taking new applications. The rules below describe how it worked, for reference and for anyone whose application is still being processed.
Provinces and territories nominate people who fit their own labour needs. A nomination through an Express Entry-linked stream adds 600 CRS points.
Open. Each province runs its own streams and intake rounds, and several changed or paused streams in 2026, so check your province.
Quebec’s own investor and entrepreneur programs, with a federal permanent residence step after Quebec selects you.
Quebec says you can apply at any time. Federal processing for this class is very long, so plan well ahead.
The main federal route to permanent residence for skilled workers, through the Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class and Federal Skilled Trades programs. You create a profile and IRCC invites the highest-ranked candidates.
Open. IRCC is recalculating every profile under the new CRS rules from November 3, 2026, and rounds resume once that is done.
Statuses change, sometimes with little notice. Always confirm on the official page before you apply. This is general information, not legal advice.
