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What would you like to do in Canada?
Choose the topic closest to your goal. Each guide explains where to begin, what to check and which resources can help next.
You can open more than one topic. This is general educational guidance, not an eligibility decision or a personalized application checklist.
Visit CanadaA holiday, family visit or temporary stay
Start with your reason for travelling and the document you need to enter Canada. If you are already here and want to stay longer, look at the rules for extending your stay instead.
Your first steps
- Check whether your travel requires a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA).
- Read the instructions for your type of visit and prepare evidence of your plans and finances.
- If you are already in Canada, check your current status and the instructions for a visitor record before planning an extension.
A useful distinction
A visitor visa and a visitor record serve different purposes. Do not use an extension checklist as your travel-document checklist.
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Study in CanadaChoose a program and understand your study-permit steps
Consider the school, program, cost and immigration requirements together. The instructions for starting your studies differ from those for extending a permit or working after graduation.
Your first steps
- Check the school and program details, and whether you need a study permit.
- Review the current application instructions, required supporting documents and financial evidence before making commitments.
- If working during or after your studies matters to your plans, check those requirements separately.
A useful distinction
School admission, permission to study and permission to work are separate checks. Do not assume one approval settles all three.
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Work in CanadaUnderstand permits, employer steps and job classifications
Begin with the authorization needed for the work you want to do. The right instructions depend on the permit category and whether you are applying, extending a permit or changing employers.
Your first steps
- Check whether you need a work permit or meet a specific work-permit exemption.
- Compare open and employer-specific permits, then read the eligibility and employer requirements for the relevant category.
- When a program asks for your occupation classification, compare your actual duties with the NOC description.
A useful distinction
Finding a job and having permission to do that work are different steps. A NOC code describes an occupation; it does not grant work authorization.
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Permanent residenceExplore programs before estimating scores or gathering documents
Permanent residence has several routes. Start by identifying programs worth investigating based on your background, family connections and intended province.
Your first steps
- Explore the program directory, including economic immigration, provincial programs and family sponsorship.
- Read the requirements for the particular program before using a score calculator or preparing a checklist.
- If Express Entry is relevant, learn how profiles, ranking and invitations fit into the application process.
A useful distinction
Express Entry is one part of the permanent-residence system. A CRS estimate is useful for that system, but does not assess every PR pathway or guarantee an invitation.
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Canadian citizenshipFind the right process for applying or proving citizenship
First decide whether you want to apply to become a citizen or need proof of citizenship you may already hold. These are different processes with different instructions.
Your first steps
- Use IRCC's citizenship directory to choose between applying for citizenship, obtaining proof and other citizenship services.
- For a citizenship application, review the eligibility requirements and the official physical-presence instructions that apply to you.
- Gather the records and documents required by that application, then follow its submission instructions.
A useful distinction
Citizenship applications and PR card renewals are different processes. Use the instructions for the task you actually need to complete.
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Not sure where you fit?
Start by writing down your goal, your current location and immigration status, and the question you need answered. The Eligibility Explorer can help you identify pathways to investigate. If your situation involves a refusal, lost status or a legal deadline, consider advice from an authorized professional.
Guide reviewed October 4, 2026. Check the linked IRCC pages for current requirements.