Skilled workers and professionals: How to apply—Regular application process

Making an application to immigrate to Canada is straightforward. Follow the steps described below.

Most applicants can apply to immigrate to Canada using the simplified application process. However, some applicants must use the regular application process.

See the Related Links section at the bottom of this page for more details.

You must use the regular application process if:

• you have arranged employment in Canada or
• you have been lawfully admitted to Canada for a period of at least one year and you are submitting your application to the Canadian visa office in Buffalo or
• you have been lawfully admitted into the United States for a period of at least one year and you are submitting your application to the Canadian visa office in Buffalo
• you are a provincial nominee
• you have been selected by Quebec and intend to settle there.

If none of the three situations described above apply to you, you must use the simplified application process. See the Related Links section at the bottom of this page for more information.

Quebec has its own business immigration program. For information on immigrating to Quebec, check the Related Links section at the bottom of this page.

There are seven steps to apply to immigrate to Canada as a skilled worker:

1. Obtain and print the application kit.
2. Complete your application.
3. Determine where you must submit your application.
4. Obtain the instructions for the visa office where you will submit your application.
5. Calculate your fees.
6. Check your application.
7. Submit your application.

1. Obtain and print the correct application kit.

You can download and print the application kit from the Related Links section at the bottom of this page.

2. Complete your application.

• Fill out and sign the forms. Most forms can be completed on your computer. Print the forms after you complete them, because you cannot save them on your computer.
• If you do not want to complete the forms on your computer, you can complete them by hand. Print clearly, using black ink. You can also use a typewriter.
• Answer all questions carefully, completely and truthfully. Incomplete application packages will not be processed and will be returned to you.
• You must complete all of the forms:
  • Application for Permanent Residence in Canada
  • Schedule 1: Background/Declaration
  • Additional Family Information
  • Schedule 3: Economic Classes: Federal Skilled Workers
  • Use of a Representative. You must complete this form if you want to use a representative to help you apply. Using a representative is a personal choice. Find out more about using immigration representatives.
• If you apply using the regular application process, you must submit the police certificates with your application.

3. Determine where you must submit your application.

You must submit your application to the correct visa office. You must submit your application to the visa office that serves your country of nationality or the country where you have been legally admitted for at least one year.

You can find a list of countries and corresponding visa offices in the I Need To… section on the right-hand side of this page. Select your country of residence or citizenship and you will be directed to the visa office responsible for your application. You must check the website of the visa office where you will submit your application, since application procedures may vary slightly from one visa office to another.

4. Obtain the instructions for the visa office where you will submit your application.

You can find the visa office instructions you need in the Related Links section at the bottom of this page. Print the forms and instructions that are required for that specific visa office. The instructions include information on medical examinations and the criminal and security checks that you and your dependants will have to undergo. More information on both of these topics is available in the I Need To… section on the right-hand side of this page.

5. Calculate your fees.

You will have to pay the following fees:

• The processing fee for you and your dependants must be paid when you apply. It is not refundable, even if your application is not approved.
• Wait until your application is processed to pay the Right of Permanent Residence fee for you and your accompanying spouse or common-law partner, if applicable. It must be paid before Citizenship and Immigration Canada issues your permanent resident visa. This fee is refundable if you cancel your application, if your application is not approved, or if you do not use your visa.

You will also have to pay fees to third parties for:

• your medical examination
• a police certificate, if you require one as part of your criminal and security check and
• language testing, as required.

Information on how to pay your processing fee and your Right of Permanent Residence fee is included in the instructions for the visa office where you submit your application.

More information on fees is available in the I Need To… section on the right-hand side of this page.

6. Check your application.

Make sure your application is completed correctly, and that you include all the necessary supporting documentation. Use the checklist included in the guide (Appendix A) to make sure your have not forgotten anything.

The visa office cannot process your application if supporting documentation or processing fees are missing, or if your forms are not completed and signed. This will delay your application.

7. Submit your application.

Mail your application and your fees to the appropriate Canadian visa office.

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Related Links

• Skilled Worker Regular Application Kit
• Application for provincial nominees
• Application to work in Quebec as a skilled worker
• Arranged employment
• Visa office instructions