Every route to Canada
- all in one place.
13 application types. 40+ countries. Whether you're coming to study, work, visit, or stay permanently - this is the complete guide to every Canadian immigration pathway available in 2026.
What brings you to Canada?
Select your goal to jump straight to the right pathway - or browse all pathways below.
Every Canadian immigration pathway - 2026.
All pathways supported by GetNorthPath at the same $299 CAD flat fee. Government IRCC fees are separate and vary by type.
Canada's primary pathway to Permanent Residency for skilled workers. A points-based system using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) - higher scores get invited first. Three federal programs: Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades.
Authorises international students to study full-time at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). After graduation, a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) provides Canadian work experience - a powerful PR pathway through Express Entry or OINP.
A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is required for visitors from non-visa-exempt countries. The Super Visa offers extended stays of up to 5 years per entry for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and PRs.
Two types: employer-specific (tied to one employer, usually needs LMIA or exemption) and Open Work Permits (work for any eligible employer - available for PGWP holders, spouses of skilled workers, and bridging PR applicants).
Each province nominates skilled workers for PR based on local labour needs. A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points to your Express Entry profile - virtually guaranteeing an ITA. OINP alone has 9 active streams including Masters Graduate (no job offer needed).
Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents can sponsor eligible family members for PR. Includes sponsoring a spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, dependent children, parents, and grandparents (through the Parents and Grandparents Program - PGP).
A combined application where one partner sponsors the other for PR under the family class while also applying through Express Entry as a skilled worker. This "two-envelope" strategy can be processed simultaneously and is one of the fastest combined pathways to PR.
Available to international graduates from eligible Canadian institutions. The PGWP allows you to work in Canada for up to 3 years - gaining Canadian work experience that dramatically boosts your Express Entry CRS score and qualifies you for CEC and OINP.
Eligible Permanent Residents can apply for Canadian citizenship after 1,095 days (3 years) of physical presence in Canada in the past 5 years. Canadian citizenship grants a powerful passport, voting rights, and the ability to sponsor family with fewer restrictions.
If your Canadian status (study permit, work permit, or visitor record) has expired, you may be able to restore it from inside Canada within 90 days of expiry. After 90 days, restoration is no longer possible and you may need to apply from outside Canada.
For individuals who don't qualify for standard immigration pathways but have compelling personal circumstances - strong establishment in Canada, significant family ties, best interests of children, or hardship in returning to their home country.
Two permanent residence pilot programs for qualified caregivers: the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot. Both offer a direct pathway to PR for workers with qualifying caregiver experience and a valid job offer.
Which pathways fit your situation?
Immigration pathways aren't one-size-fits-all. Here's how different situations map to different routes - with the key criteria for each.
How long does each pathway take?
Government processing times vary by application type, country of citizenship, and application completeness. GetNorthPath front-loads preparation so you're never the reason for a delay.
What pathway typically fits your profile?
A rough guide. Your specific situation may qualify you for more options - or fewer. Always verify with a free consultation.
The CRS score - what it is and why it matters.
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is the points-based system IRCC uses to rank Express Entry candidates. Your score determines when you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR.
CRS scores are not permanent. Strategic actions - retaking a language test, gaining Canadian work experience, securing a provincial nomination, or optimising your profile - can significantly improve your score. GetNorthPath's consultants identify every available CRS point in your profile during the free consultation.
Points shown are maximums. Actual points vary by score, years of experience, and program. Language score typically has the highest ROI for improvement.
1,200+ approvals across every pathway.
"I didn't know which pathway was right for me. GetNorthPath's eligibility checker pointed me to OINP Human Capital Priorities - a stream I'd never heard of. My consultant confirmed I was a strong match. Nominated in 4 months, PR approved 10 months later."
OINP Human Capital Priorities"I was studying at University of Toronto and had no idea about the OINP Masters Graduate stream. No job offer needed, just my degree. My GetNorthPath consultant identified it within minutes of our consultation. Applied and nominated in under 5 months."
OINP Masters Graduate"I'm a nurse from Manila and was applying through the Work Permit pathway to Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto. The GetNorthPath AI caught a language score issue that would have caused a refusal. Now working in Toronto and already applying for CEC PR."
Work Permit PR pathwayNot sure which pathway is yours?
Every pathway requires a different strategy. Book a free consultation and our case manager will assess your profile against every available pathway - and tell you honestly which route gives you the best and fastest chance.
Free. No credit card. All 13+ pathways assessed. $299 CAD when you're ready.