A job offer US and UK citizens only
Canada Express Entry
Express Entry: Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades Program
Skilled workers with language test results who rank high enough in Express Entry draws; Federal Skilled Worker applicants without a job offer need CAD 15,263 in savings for one person. Permanent residence on arrival.
- What you need
- Proof of funds (updated 7 July 2025): CAD 15,263 for 1 person; 19,001 for 2; 23,360 for 3; 28,362 for 4. Not needed for the Canadian Experience Class, or if you are authorised to work in Canada and have a valid job offer. (CAD 15,263)
- Approved English or French test results.
- Skilled work experience; foreign education needs an Educational Credential Assessment to claim points (Federal Skilled Worker).
- Profiles are ranked by the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS); only invited candidates can apply. Cut-off scores vary by draw.
- Not for
- People without skilled work experience or a language test
- Low-ranking profiles in general draws
- Where you apply
- Online. Create an Express Entry profile online; apply for permanent residence after an invitation.
- How long it takes
- Not checked in this pass.
- First permit
- Permanent residence.
- Renewal
- PR card renewed every 5 years; residency obligation applies.
- Longer term
- 0Citizenship after about 3 years.
- Family
- Spouse or partner and dependent children can be included.
Study US and UK citizens only
Canada student visa
Study permit
Students accepted by a Canadian designated learning institution who can show CAD 23,448 a year for living costs (applications from 1 Sept 2026, outside Quebec) plus tuition and travel.
- What you need
- Living expenses outside Quebec for applications on or after 1 September 2026: CAD 23,448 a year for one person, excluding tuition and travel; more for family members. (CAD 23,448 a year)
- Letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution; most applicants also need a provincial or territorial attestation letter under the study permit cap (check IRCC for exemptions).
- Not for
- Quebec (different funds rules)
- Where you apply
- Online. Online with IRCC. US citizens can also apply at a port of entry (IRCC; not re-checked in this pass).
- How long it takes
- Not checked in this pass.
- First permit
- Length of the programme plus a short period.
- Renewal
- Extendable for continued study.
- Family
- Additional family members raise the funds requirement.
Treaties and special cases US citizens only
Canada CUSMA (NAFTA) work permit
CUSMA Professional work permit (also CUSMA traders and investors)
US citizens with a pre-arranged job in one of the 63 CUSMA professions (engineers, accountants, scientists and others); no labour market test.
- What you need
- US (or Mexican) citizenship; US green card holders who are not citizens are not eligible (secondary).
- Pre-arranged professional job with a Canadian employer in one of the 63 occupations in CUSMA Appendix 2.
- The education or credentials the profession requires; CUSMA does not exempt you from licensing or certification rules.
- Investor option (T35): you have committed or are committing a substantial amount of capital in Canada and will work in a supervisory, executive or essential-skills role. No minimum is set.
- Not for
- UK citizens
- Occupations outside the CUSMA list
- Where you apply
- From home or inside the country. US citizens, being visa-exempt, usually apply at a Canadian port of entry (secondary sources); online applications are also possible.
- How long it takes
- Often decided at the port of entry (secondary).
- First permit
- Up to 3 years (secondary sources).
- Renewal
- Renewable, but IRCC notes that multiple renewals are not approved routinely.
- Family
- Spouses may qualify for open work permits under separate rules (not checked in this pass).
- Your passport
- US citizens only (not UK citizens).
Treaties and special cases US and UK citizens only
Canada working holiday visa (IEC)
International Experience Canada (IEC): Working Holiday, Young Professionals, International Co-op
UK citizens aged 18 to 35 can get an open work permit for up to 24 months (and a second 12-month stint); US citizens aged 18 to 35 can take part only through a recognized organization.
- What you need
- UK: 18 to 35 inclusive.
- At least CAD 2,500 to cover initial expenses. (CAD 2,500)
- Health insurance for the whole stay; you may need to show it on arrival.
- Round-trip ticket or funds for a departure ticket; not accompanied by dependants; profile in the IEC pool and an invitation to apply.
- US citizens: Canada has no youth mobility agreement with the US; Americans need the support of an IEC recognized organization (secondary sources: ages 18-35, up to 12 months).
- Not for
- People over 35
- Anyone bringing dependants
- Where you apply
- Online. Submit an IEC profile online and wait for an invitation; the work permit is issued at the port of entry.
- How long it takes
- Not checked in this pass.
- First permit
- UK: first participation up to 24 months; second up to 12 months. US (via recognized organization): up to 12 months (secondary).
- Renewal
- UK citizens may participate twice in total.
- Family
- Dependants cannot accompany you under IEC.
- Your passport
- UK citizens apply directly (18-35, up to 24 months). US citizens need a recognized organization (secondary: 18-35, up to 12 months).