Immigration to Canada
The best ways for Iranians to immigrate to Canada
In recent years, the best methods for Iranians to immigrate have been through student visas, skilled worker programs, investment visas, job offers, and tourist visas. There are around 100 immigration pathways to Canada that can lead to permanent residency. Which method is the best depends on your personal circumstances. Just because your friend chose a particular path and immigrated through it, doesn’t mean that method is ideal for you. The best method is determined based on each individual’s situation.
Are you looking for permanent residency in Canada?
Canada, due to its need for skilled labor and scientific development, has designed various programs to attract immigrants, most of which lead to permanent residency. Few countries offer permanent residency to immigrants as easily as Canada does. The good news is that permanent residency in Canada can be converted to citizenship and obtaining a Canadian passport after a few years. As a Canadian citizen, you will enjoy all the benefits and rights of this country. Below, we introduce the immigration methods to Canada that Iranians can utilize. Some of these methods lead directly to permanent residency while others do so indirectly.
Immigrating to Canada through studies
Obtaining a student visa for Canada is one of the relatively straightforward methods for immigrating to this country. In recent years, many applicants have traveled to Canada this way. Given the relatively lenient laws regarding obtaining permanent residency in Canada after studying, the student immigration method has attracted a lot of attention. After studying in Canada, there are various ways to obtain Canadian residency. If you have the opportunity to get accepted into colleges and universities in Canada, you can receive a student visa for Canada.
Requirements for obtaining a Canadian student visa
Have an acceptance letter from a reputable educational institution in Canada with a DLI number; Have sufficient financial means to cover one year of tuition and living expenses in Canada; No criminal background; Be in good physical health; Prove to the officer that you will return to your home country after completing your studies.
Immigrating to Canada through children's education
For your children between 6 to 18 years old, you can get them accepted into Canadian schools and then obtain a Canadian study visa for them through the Canadian immigration office. Immigrating to Canada through your child's education allows you, as their guardian, to get a tourist visa as well, and once you enter Canada, you can, under certain conditions, change your tourist visa to a study or work visa.
Immigrating to Canada with a work visa
Is a reputable company in Canada waiting for you? If the answer to this question is yes, then immigrating to Canada with a job offer through obtaining a Canadian work visa will be your best choice, and after entering Canada, you can obtain permanent residence through the job offer. After getting the job offer and work visa and making a temporary move to Canada, you will be able to obtain Canadian permanent residence through the provinces or one of the federal programs (Canadian Experience Class or Pilot programs) based on your work.
Immigrating to Canada through Express Entry
With a master’s or doctoral degree and a very strong English language score, you can apply through one of the subcategories of Canada’s Express Entry system and immigrate to Canada after obtaining permanent residence.
Immigrating to Canada through the Federal Skilled Worker program
The Federal Skilled Worker program in Canada, or Federal Skilled Trades program, is one of the three main Express Entry programs, aimed at attracting skilled and specialized foreign individuals who meet the following minimum criteria: At least one year of work experience (1,560 hours) accumulated within 12 months. Work experience in a job classified within Canada's National Occupational Classification (NOC) system as TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3. A minimum IELTS general score of 6 in each of the four language skills or equivalent. A minimum of a high school diploma.
Immigrating to Canada through Canadian Experience Class
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is one of the three main programs within the Express Entry system. If you have work experience in Canada, you can obtain permanent residence through the Canadian Experience Class: You must have at least 12 months of work experience in Canada, equivalent to 1,560 hours. This amount of work experience should have been obtained within 12 months; Your job must be at skill levels TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 according to the NOC list; Your language level must be suitable for your job.
Immigrating to Canada with a Technical Certificate
If you have skills and work experience in in-demand technical and professional jobs in Canada, you can apply for immigration through the Skilled Trade program: You should have worked full-time or part-time (totaling 3,120 hours) in in-demand technical and professional jobs in Canada for at least 2 years out of the past 5 years. You need to have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer for at least one year, or receive a qualification certificate from the relevant authorities in a province or the federal government of Canada. You must have an English or French language score of CLB 5 in speaking and listening skills, and CLB 4 in writing and reading skills.
Immigrating to Canada through Skilled Worker in Provinces
Canadian provinces facilitate the attraction of foreign immigrants through their immigration programs known as PNP. If you have a valid job offer in one of the provinces, you can participate in that province's skilled immigration category and enter Canada as a permanent resident.
Immigrating to Canada through Investment
If you have the financial capability to buy or start a business in Canada, you can immigrate to Canada through investment.
Some immigration paths fall under the federal category, while others fall under provincial categories. The common thread is that you will be starting a business in Canada.
The investment amount varies, with a minimum ranging from CAD 100,000 to CAD 500,000.
Through the investment programs mentioned later, you can first obtain a work visa and after entering Canada and gaining at least one year of work experience, you can apply for permanent residency in Canada through investment.
Immigrating to Canada by purchasing a business
By buying an existing business in Canada, you can obtain a work visa and after entering Canada and developing the desired business, you will eventually be eligible for permanent residency. Buying a business in Canada could mean purchasing a company or acquiring a business like a restaurant or shop.
Immigrating to Canada through ICT
If you're working in an international company in your country that has a parent company or branches in Canada and you're serving as an executive or senior manager there, you can immigrate to Canada through the intra-company transfer program, also known as the ICT visa, and continue your work at the parent company or its branches in Canada.
Immigrating to Canada through purchasing a franchise
By purchasing a franchise in Canada, you can take advantage of well-known brands and establish your own independent business by setting up a branch of that business. With this method, you can apply for a Canadian work visa and immigrate to the country.
Immigrating to Canada through registering a company
If you own a business in your country and manage it, you can move your business to Canada by registering a company there and obtain a work visa, allowing you to immigrate to this country permanently.
Immigrating to Canada through provincial entrepreneurship programs
Each province in Canada has its own entrepreneurship pathway. However, the common requirement across all of them is having a background in business ownership or senior management experience. Other necessary conditions for the provincial entrepreneurship programs in Canada include having a net worth and investing a certain amount in the desired business, with the minimum amount set at CAD 100,000. Provincial entrepreneurship programs in Canada usually have two main steps: first, you have to obtain a temporary work visa and enter Canada, then you can establish your business in the province of your choice, get a provincial nomination, and ultimately apply for permanent residency in Canada.
Immigrating to Canada through startup
If you meet the necessary conditions and have an innovative business idea, you can apply through the startup pathway and obtain a Canadian startup visa. You might not have an innovative idea but could partner in an innovative idea by paying a fee, using that route to immigrate to Canada. The capital required to launch a business under the Canadian startup visa program is provided by supporting organizations. However, this doesn’t mean that every organization will easily accept your proposal and be willing to invest in it.
Immigrating to Canada through a tourist visa
Getting a tourist visa for Canada is one way to immigrate to this country and obtain permanent residency in Canada.
However, this type of visa does not automatically grant you permanent residency in Canada; after entering Canadian territory, you either need to apply for a study visa or receive a job offer from a Canadian employer and obtain a work visa, and then go through the necessary steps to apply for permanent residency in Canada. According to the new open work permit law for Iranians, you can convert your tourist visa to a work visa without needing a job offer.
Keep in mind that to go through this process, you should assess your situation and review your desired immigration pathways before entering Canada to avoid wasting time and money.
The Canadian tourist visa is issued for purposes like visiting relatives and friends, tourism, or exploring business opportunities, and it can be a single-entry visa or a multiple-entry visa (valid for 5 years). With a Canadian tourist visa, you can also bring along your school-age child who holds a Canadian student visa.
To apply for a Canadian tourist visa, the following conditions are important:
An invitation letter or travel history to Schengen countries or other European, Asian, or Australian countries
Sufficient financial means for the duration of your stay in Canada
Work, family, and financial ties to your home country
If you have a child or grandchild in Canada who is a permanent resident or citizen of Canada, you can apply for a super visa for Canada upon receiving an invitation letter from them. With a super visa, you can stay in this country for up to 5 years during each entry. This visa is different from the Canadian tourist visa.
Immigrating to Canada through sponsorship
If your spouse, child, or grandchild is a citizen or permanent resident of Canada and is over 18 years old, they can apply for your permanent residency through Canada’s sponsorship visa, paving the way for your immigration to this country.
The sponsor, who can be your spouse, child, or grandchild, must sign a contract promising to cover your food, clothing, and housing expenses as the sponsored individual for a specified period.
Another relatively easy way to immigrate to Canada is by marrying a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. After marriage, your spouse will take on your sponsorship through a Canadian marriage visa and apply for your permanent residency, facilitating your immigration to this country.
Other methods of immigration to Canada include:
- Immigration to Canada through the Atlantic program
The Atlantic Immigration Program is one way to immigrate to Canada and obtain permanent residency. The Atlantic region of Canada comprises four provinces: Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador. This immigration program has two subcategories:
– International students who have graduated from educational institutions in the Atlantic provinces of Canada
– Skilled and semi-skilled workers
In the Atlantic Immigration Program, language skills, high education, and extensive work experience are not heavily emphasized, and age does not matter since this program is not based on a points system. If your job falls under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system of Canada and is classified as levels TEER 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4, and you have a job offer in these occupations, you can apply for this program.
- Immigration for French speakers to Canada
Giving extra points to French speakers in the Express Entry system and simplifying the language requirements in the work visa process for French speakers are among the actions that have made it easier to immigrate to Canada through the French language.
Canada’s efforts to attract French speakers have been more visible since 2016, with a variety of programs aimed at immigration through the French language. The goal is to increase the number of French speakers outside of Quebec to create a better balance with the English-speaking population, so that Canada remains a bilingual country.
If you speak French or if French is not your mother tongue but you have a good level of proficiency in it, you can immigrate to Canada through various means:
Work visa through a job offer
Quebec skilled worker
Federal Express Entry
Provincial programs
- Immigration to Canada through the Rural and Northern Immigration Program
This program is designed to meet labor needs and increase population in sparsely populated and rural areas. The main focus of this plan is to attract individuals with in-demand skills who are interested in living and working in rural communities outside of Quebec.
The cost of immigrating to Canada
The cost of immigrating to Canada depends on various factors such as the method of immigration (study, work, investment, etc.), the city and province you choose, and many other factors. However, in general, the costs of immigrating to Canada can be divided into two main categories:
Visa application and financial requirement fees
The cost of applying for a Canadian visa and proving financial requirements depends on the method of immigration and the type of visa each applicant is interested in. A general overview of the application fees for Canadian visas is as follows: Study visa application + biometrics: CAD 235 Work visa application + biometrics: CAD 240 Tourist visa application + biometrics: CAD 185 Immigration application through Express Entry + biometrics: CAD 1,450 In addition to the main visa application fees, you should also consider additional immigration-related costs, such as language test fees, educational credential assessments, document translation at translation services, university tuition, and many other items.
Living expenses in Canada
Another part of the cost of immigrating to Canada relates to living expenses in the country. These costs usually include housing, food, transportation, entertainment, and some other factors. According to statistics from the reliable site Numbeo, the average cost of living in Canada in 2024 is as follows: The average monthly living cost for a single person in Canada, excluding rent, is CAD 1,445.7. The average monthly living cost for a family of four in Canada, excluding rent, is CAD 5,194.2. Overall, the cost of living in Canada is significantly higher compared to Iran; however, keep in mind that the average income in Canada is also over 1000% higher than in Iran. Additionally, the local purchasing power of people in Canada is 349.8% greater than that in Iran.
Immigration conditions from Iran to Canada in 2025
Have you made up your mind to immigrate to Canada? We have good news for you! Canada plans to accept about 1,100,000 immigrants from 2025 to 2027. This statistic must be quite tempting for you!
Canada’s immigration levels plan for 2025-2027 to attract new immigrants is as follows:
2025: 395,000 permanent residents
2026: 380,000 permanent residents
2027: 365,000 permanent residents
Canada is returning to the immigration trends it had before the COVID pandemic. Despite recent economic challenges in 2024 and a temporary decrease in immigration, the country still has a strong need for foreign labor. The shortage of young workers and the high rate of older generations leaving the workforce by 2030 have compelled Canada to keep its doors open for immigrants. Therefore, immigration opportunities continue to grow, and as the economic conditions improve, this path will become smoother. Now is the best time to enhance your skills and prepare for these opportunities.
The demand for immigration to Canada from Iran is increasing year by year. It seems that every year, the demand from Iranians to move to Canada is growing increasingly, and Iranians are among the successful groups in Canada. In the table below, we have listed the number of Iranians who have immigrated to Canada.
The number of Iranian immigrants who entered Canada with permanent residency (broken down by each immigration program) from 2021 to 2023
| Immigration Method | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Care Nurses | — | 0 | — |
| Agriculture and Food Industries | 0 | — | 5 |
| Canadian Experience | 1830 | 450 | 980 |
| Atlantic Pilot | 55 | 85 | 25 |
| Rural Pilot | 0 | 10 | 15 |
| Skilled Trades | — | 25 | 15 |
| Skilled Workers | 775 | 1720 | 845 |
| Total Work Programs | 2660 | 2300 | 1905 |
| Entrepreneurship | 20 | 15 | 0 |
| Investment | 505 | 445 | 405 |
| Self-Employment | 10 | 25 | 110 |
| Startup | 85 | 70 | 325 |
| Total Business Programs | 620 | 560 | 880 |
| Provincial Programs | 1165 | 1525 | 1790 |
| Temporary to Permanent Residency Pathway | 540 | 1000 | 935 |
| Total Economic Class | 4985 | 5385 | 5510 |
| Child Sponsorship | 25 | 45 | 30 |
| Family Sponsorship | 10 | 5 | 0 |
| Parent or Grandparent Sponsorship | 855 | 1290 | 1440 |
| Spousal Sponsorship | 940 | 1000 | 955 |
| Total Family Programs | 1830 | 2340 | 2425 |
| Refugees | 4365 | 3290 | 2660 |
| Other Methods | 125 | 95 | 80 |
| Total Iranian Immigrants | 11305 | 11110 | 10680 |
Note that these statistics reflect the number of permanent residency cards issued. Therefore, the total number of Iranian immigrants who have moved to Canada with temporary residency visas, such as student visas, is much higher.
Why is the immigration fever to Canada high?
Canada welcomes immigrants from diverse cultures
The quality of life in Canada is very high
Canada is one of the safest countries in the world
The Canadian economy is always progressing
Canada is one of the best countries in the world for education
The labor market in Canada is expanding
There are abundant beautiful and breathtaking landscapes in Canada
Canadian citizens are covered by universal health care
How to immigrate to Canada
To immigrate to Canada and find out how to obtain permanent residency, you need to follow these steps:
1. Choose the best immigration method based on your circumstances.
2. Prepare and translate the necessary documents for that immigration program.
3. Go to the Canadian immigration website, select your desired immigration program, and create an online account.
4. Answer the application questions and upload the required forms and documents.
5. Pay the application fee.
6. If you haven’t done your fingerprinting in the last ten years, make an appointment at one of Canada’s VAC centers in neighboring countries of Iran and get your Canada fingerprinting done.
7. Check your portal regularly and if the Canadian immigration office needs more documents, upload them to your account.
8. Congratulations, you’ve received a request for your passport! At this stage, send your passport to the Canadian embassy for your visa label to be added and arrange your Canada visa pickup.
9. After entering Canada, based on your chosen immigration program, meet the requirements for obtaining permanent residency in Canada and then apply for residency through one of the provincial or federal pathways.
What is the role of an immigration lawyer for Canada?
Skilled lawyers and consultants, with a thorough understanding of immigration laws and how cases align with these laws, apply for visas. The deeper the lawyer’s and consultant’s understanding of immigration laws, the stronger the case they can present, which helps achieve the desired outcome. In fact, a good immigration lawyer can increase your chances of getting a visa.
Lawyers and legal consultants with the Canadian immigration office can legally prepare a letter and present it to the Canadian immigration office in defense of their client. This letter explains the applicant’s conditions and the reasons and goals for choosing their type of visa based on the legal provisions of the Canadian immigration office.
The more experienced and knowledgeable an immigration lawyer is, the better they can utilize the legal provisions of the immigration office to support their client.
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest way to immigrate to Canada?
The duration of a master’s program in Canada is one to two years. Some programs are one year, 18 months, or two years long.
Is free immigration to Canada possible?
The easiest method for immigrating to Canada depends on your individual circumstances. Each immigration method has its steps and can take time. However, four methods are among the most popular and easiest ways to immigrate to Canada:
Express Entry
Student Immigration
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
Sponsorship
What language proficiency is required for immigration to Canada?
No, there are various costs involved in immigrating to Canada, such as document translation costs, application review fees for different immigration programs, lawyer fees if you want legal representation, credential evaluation fees if necessary, and travel costs to other countries to complete the fingerprinting process for Canada.
What is temporary residency in Canada?
Canada accepts both English and French language proficiency for its immigration programs. For English, the acceptable tests are the General IELTS and CELPIP General, while for French, the TEF (Test d’évaluation de français) and TCF (Test de connaissance du français) are accepted.
The required language score varies depending on the immigration program you apply for in Canada, usually ranging from CLB level 4 to CLB level 7.
Is it possible to obtain permanent residency in Canada through the birth of a child?
A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is a type of visa issued to applicants who intend to stay in the country temporarily, which is the opposite of a permanent resident visa in Canada. Study permits, work permits, and tourist visas in Canada fall under this temporary residency category. To apply for this type of visa, you must convince a Canadian immigration officer that you will leave Canada after your temporary stay is over.
What documents are needed for immigration to Canada?
Initially, you cannot obtain permanent residency in Canada just by having a child born there. However, your newborn is considered a Canadian citizen under Canadian law. Once your child turns 18, they can apply for a parent sponsorship visa on your behalf, allowing you to receive permanent residency in Canada.
How long does the immigration process to Canada take?
Depending on the various immigration methods in Canada, different documents are required for each program.
Some documents are general and common, and must be submitted for any type of immigration method. These documents include:
Identification documents like translated birth certificates, passports, national ID cards, and military service completion cards (if applicable).
Translated marriage certificates (if applicable).
Translated educational qualifications and transcripts.
Employment letters.
Insurance records (if necessary).
A certificate of no criminal record.
Some documents are specific to each immigration method:
For instance, in short-term visas like student visas, your documents should include a university admission letter, potential job offers, and evidence of ties to your home country. Essentially, these documents need to show that you plan to return to your country after completing your studies in Canada. So, besides the general documents, your specific documents should help prove your intent to leave Canada after graduation.
However, in long-term visas, aside from the general documents, you need other documents where you don’t have to demonstrate your intention to leave Canada. For example, in Canada’s entrepreneur visa, startup visa, or self-employment visa, you will need a detailed business plan. This plan should outline what the business you intend to start is and what research you have conducted for it.
What is the best job for immigrating to Canada?
The length of the immigration process to Canada depends on the path you choose and your circumstances; however, there’s a legal timeframe from when you apply for a Canadian visa until the embassy responds to your application. You can check the processing times for your visa on the Canadian embassy’s website.
Immigration to Europe or immigration to Canada?
In 2024, 8 jobs that are in high demand in Canada include the following: You can find more information about job NOCs on the Canada job market page.
1. Accounting Manager
NOC Code: 11100
Wage: $63 per hour
2. Nursing Assistant
NOC Code: 33102
Wage: $26 per hour
3. Human Resources Manager
NOC Code: 10011
Wage: $80 per hour
4. Project Manager
NOC Code: 13100
Wage: $45 per hour
5. Administrative Assistant
NOC Code: 13110
Wage: $35 per hour
6. Developers
NOC Code: 21234
Wage: $66.49 per hour
Other sought-after jobs include pharmacy technician, customer service support, and data analyst.
Immigration to Canada or the UK?
The answer to this question really depends on your circumstances and priorities, but when comparing Europe and Canada, it can be said that Canada has more immigration pathways, and the process for obtaining permanent residency and citizenship is significantly easier than in European countries.
What are the refugee issues in Canada?
Both the UK and Canada have various strengths and weaknesses that you should weigh. However, in general, immigration and life in Canada have been easier for Iranians, and factors for advancement and stability are also higher in this country compared to the UK.
Is migrating to Canada easy?
The lengthy and complex application process
Challenges created in the individual’s home country
Prolonged uncertainty, stress, and mental pressure
Are there age requirements for immigrating to Canada?
Yes. Canada’s immigration programs are among the easiest and fastest systems in the world that lead to permanent residency for applicants.
Do you need a job offer to immigrate to Canada?
No, but age is one of the important factors that influence immigration point systems. For example, applicants over 47 years old do not receive points.
Which Canadian provinces are easier for immigration?
No, there is no requirement to have a job offer to immigrate to Canada. There are immigration programs that you can apply for without having a job offer.
Can you immigrate to Canada without a degree?
The provinces of British Columbia and Saskatchewan are among the easiest provinces in Canada for immigration.
Who is a PR in Canada?
Some Canadian immigration programs do not require educational qualifications; however, keep in mind that providing one increases your points and chances.
Can I work anywhere in Canada after immigrating?
A Permanent Resident, or PR, of Canada is someone who is a citizen of another country but has been granted permission to live permanently in Canada. With this status, you can live and work anywhere in the country. Permanent residents of Canada enjoy many benefits and can become Canadian citizens after a certain period of time.
Do applicants have to travel during their immigration process to Canada?
Once a person’s status changes to that of a permanent resident, they can live and work anywhere in Canada. Otherwise, the applicant must obtain the necessary permits to work. This permit is called a Work Permit.
Is an interview required for immigration to Canada?
No. However, having a travel history to Canada and knowledge of the country can positively impact your application.
Does having relatives in Canada help my immigration case?
In some immigration programs, such as investment, entrepreneurship, and self-employment, interviews are conducted to assess each applicant’s goals, business plans, and their compliance with the law.
Do you need to hire a lawyer or consultant to immigrate to Canada?
Yes. Having first- or second-degree relatives in Canada increases your points in immigration programs.
How does self-employment immigration to Canada work?
Applicants can apply on their own. You can also use the services of a lawyer or an official immigration consultant who is a member of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC).
It has often been seen that applicants who have applied on their own have been rejected due to deficiencies in their immigration cases. Hiring a lawyer or consultant can definitely be a significant advantage given the numerous immigration programs available.