Canada
Canada is frequently voted one of the best countries in the world to live in. It is well known for its high standard of living, clean environment, low crime rate, and outstanding infrastructure.
Capital: Ottawa
Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Languages: English & French
Passport ranking: 8th in 2025 (top 10)
LMIA
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is an official document issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). It allows a Canadian employer to hire a foreign worker when they cannot find a qualified Canadian citizen or permanent resident for the role.
A positive LMIA shows that hiring a foreign worker will have a positive or neutral impact on the Canadian labour market.
With a positive LMIA, the foreign worker can then apply for a work permit and, in many cases, use that job offer to support their permanent residency (PR) application.
LMIA Requirements for Foreign Workers
Must have the skills, education, and work experience that match the job description.
Apply for a work permit after the LMIA approval (and include the LMIA number in the application).
Meet health, security, and admissibility requirements of IRCC (medical exam, police certificate, etc.).
In short: An LMIA is the employer’s permission to hire a foreign worker. Without it, most employer-driven work permits cannot be issued (except in LMIA-exempt cases like intra-company transfers or trade agreements).
Express Entry
Express Entry is Canada’s main system for selecting skilled immigrants for permanent residency. It manages applications for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Canadian Experience Class.
A positive selection (Invitation to Apply – ITA) from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) shows that the candidate meets the eligibility and ranking criteria.
With an ITA, the applicant can submit a permanent residency application and include their spouse and dependent children.
Requirements for Applicants
Must have skilled work experience, education, and language ability (English or French).
Create an online Express Entry profile and receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
Meet health, security, and admissibility checks.
In short, Express Entry is Canada’s points-based pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers. Without an ITA, applicants cannot apply for PR under this system.
The Provincial Nominee Program allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate foreign workers who meet their specific labour market needs.
A nomination from a province confirms that the applicant’s skills and experience are in demand in that region.
With a provincial nomination, the applicant can apply for permanent residency with IRCC, often with an additional 600 CRS points in Express Entry if nominated through that stream.
Requirements for Applicants
Must have work experience, education, or a job offer that matches the province’s labour needs.
Apply directly to a province/territory or through Express Entry-linked PNP streams.
Meet health, security, and admissibility checks.
In short: PNP is Canada’s way for provinces to select the workers they need. Without a nomination, foreign workers cannot apply through this program.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
The Atlantic Immigration Program helps employers in the Atlantic provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island) hire foreign workers when they cannot find local candidates.
A job offer from a designated employer in one of these provinces, plus provincial endorsement, allows the worker to apply for permanent residency.
With approval, the worker and their family can live, work, and settle in Atlantic Canada with a direct pathway to PR.
Requirements for Applicants
Must have the education, skills, and experience that match the job role.
Valid job offer from a designated Atlantic employer.
Meet health, security, and admissibility checks.
In short: AIP is an employer-driven pathway to PR in Atlantic Canada. Without a designated job offer and endorsement, workers cannot apply through this program.
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