Trying to migrate to Canada from India in 2025? This blog has everything you need to know before making the move!
Everyone has their own reasons for Canada immigration, be it better job opportunities, quality of life, or a brighter future. Whatever your reason, we are here with your guide!
Table Of Content
1Is it Worth Moving to Canada from India in 20252What are the Pathways to Immigrate to Canada?3Immigration to Canada From India Requirements4How to Migrate to Canada from India5How much does it Cost to Immigrate to Canada from India?6Canada Immigration Processing Time7Conclusion9Frequently Asked Questions
Is it Worth Moving to Canada from India in 2025
Yes, moving to Canada from India in 2025 can be a worthwhile decision for many, thanks to Canada’s high quality of life, excellent healthcare and education systems, and welcoming multicultural environment.
The opportunities for personal and professional growth, long-term stability, and access to social benefits make Canada a top choice for Indian immigrants seeking a better future. If you’re wondering how to go to Canada from India or looking for the easiest way to immigrate to Canada, understanding the process and choosing the right pathway can make all the difference.
What are the Pathways to Immigrate to Canada?
To immigrate to Canada, there are several pathways you can choose from depending on how you wish to move. Starting with Express Entry, let’s take a look at the different immigration pathways available:
1. Express Entry
Express Entry is Canada’s online immigration system for skilled workers. It covers three programs and uses a point-based system (CRS) to rank candidates. It evaluates candidates based on factors like age, education, work experience, and language skills. Those with high scores in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) are invited to apply for Canada PR through regular draws.
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP):
For skilled professionals with foreign work experience who want to settle in Canada permanently.
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP):
For qualified tradespeople with experience in specific skilled trades.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC):
For individuals who have at least 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada.
2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is a Canadian immigration pathway that allows provinces and territories to nominate individuals who want to settle in a specific province and contribute to its economy. Each province has its own streams and in-demand occupations based on local labour market needs. PNP nomination gives them 600 bonus points
3. Family Sponsorship
Family Sponsorship is a Canadian immigration program that allows Canadian citizens or permanent residents to sponsor certain family members to come to Canada as permanent residents.
4. Atlantic Immigration Program
Atlantic Immigration Program is another pathway to migrate to Canada from India, designed to help employers in Canada’s Atlantic provinces, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick to hire skilled workers and international graduates to fill labour shortages.
5. Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)
A provincial immigration program for skilled workers who want to live and work in Quebec. Candidates are selected based on a points system that evaluates factors like education, work experience, language skills (French and English), and adaptability.
6. Start-up Visa Program
A federal program that allows immigrant entrepreneurs to start a business in Canada. Applicants must have a business idea supported by a designated organization and meet language and financial requirements.
7. Caregiver Programs
Programs that allow caregivers to come to Canada to work and eventually apply for permanent residency. This includes home child care providers and home support workers.
8. Work Permit
A Work Permit allows foreign nationals to work legally in Canada for a specific employer or under open conditions, depending on the type, which includes LMIA-based work permits, open work permits, or post-graduation work permits
9. Study Permit
A Study Permit lets international students study at Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) in Canada.
10. Visit Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)
A Visit Visa allows individuals to enter Canada temporarily for tourism, family visits, or business trips.
Immigration to Canada From India Requirements
To apply for permanent residency in Canada from India, you must meet certain eligibility criteria and provide key documents as proof.
Below is a detailed breakdown of what you need to qualify and apply successfully:
Eligibility for Canada Immigration
If you’re planning to migrate to Canada from India, eligibility generally depends on factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability.
Age: Applicants typically receive higher points if they are between 18 and 35 years old.
Education: Minimum of secondary education; higher education increases your points.
Work Experience: At least one year of full-time skilled work experience in the last 10 years.
Language Proficiency: Proof of English (IELTS, CELPIP) or French (TEF, TCF) proficiency.
Proof of Funds: Sufficient funds to support yourself and accompanying family members.
Adaptability: Points for factors like prior Canadian education, work experience, or relatives in Canada.
Health and Character: Medical examination and police clearance certificates required
Documents Required for Canada Immigration
Applying for Canada immigration from India requires careful preparation of documents to prove your identity, qualifications, and eligibility. The specific documents may vary depending on the immigration program and your personal circumstances.
- a passport or travel document
- language test results
- proof of Canadian education or an educational credential assessment report for immigration purposes if:
- You’re applying through the Federal Skilled Workers Program, or
- You want to get points for the education you got outside Canada
- written job offer from an employer in Canada (if you have one)
- proof of work experience (such as a reference or experience letter from an employer)
- certificate of qualification in a trade occupation issued by a Canadian province or territory (if you have one)
- proof of funds
- police certificates
- provincial nomination (if you applied for the Provincial Nominee Program)
How to Migrate to Canada from India
How you can immigrate to Canada from India involves a structured process that primarily depends on the immigration pathway you choose. The process includes eligibility assessment, document preparation, application submission, and follow-up steps leading to permanent residence.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to migrating to Canada from India:
1. Check Your Eligibility
Evaluate your qualifications based on factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency (English/French), and adaptability. Use tools like the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Calculator to estimate your score if applying through Express Entry.
2. Choose the Right Immigration Program
Select the pathway that suits your profile and goals. Popular options include Express Entry, PNP, AIP, QSWP, and all those which is listed above
3. Take Language Tests
Complete approved language proficiency tests such as IELTS or CELPIP for English, or TEF/TCF for French. These scores are mandatory for most economic immigration programs.
4. Get Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
If your education was completed outside Canada, get your credentials assessed by an approved agency to verify their equivalence to Canadian standards.
5. Create an Online Profile (Express Entry)
For Express Entry, create a profile on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. Your profile will be ranked based on CRS points.
6. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
If your CRS score is high enough, you will receive an ITA to apply for permanent residence. PNP nominations add 600 points, greatly increasing your chances.
7. Submit Application for Permanent Residence
After receiving ITA, submit your complete application with all required documents within the stipulated time (usually 60 days).
8. Undergo Medical and Security Checks
Complete medical examinations by IRCC-approved doctors and provide police clearance certificates to prove good health and character.
9. Wait for Application Processing
Processing times vary but typically take about 6 months after submission of the complete application.
10. Receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
Once approved, you will receive your COPR and can make arrangements to move to Canada.
11. Land in Canada and Settle
Upon arrival, complete the landing process and start your new life in Canada with rights to live, work, and study.
How much does it Cost to Immigrate to Canada from India?
The cost to immigrate to Canada from India varies depending on the immigration program you choose.
Below is a breakdown of the primary fees associated with different immigration pathways, based on the latest information from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC):
| Category | Applicant Type | Fee Breakdown (CAD) | Total Fee (CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economic Immigration (e.g., Express Entry, PNP, AIP) | Principal Applicant | Processing: $950 + RPRF: $575 | $1,525 |
| Spouse/Partner | Processing: $950 + RPRF: $575 | $1,525 | |
| Dependent Child | Processing only: $260 | $260 | |
| Business Immigration | Principal Applicant | Processing: $1,810 + RPRF: $575 | $2,385 |
| Spouse/Partner | Processing: $950 + RPRF: $575 | $1,525 | |
| Dependent Child | Processing only: $260 | $260 | |
| Caregiver Programs | Principal Applicant | Processing: $635 + RPRF: $575 | $1,210 |
| Spouse/Partner | Processing: $635 + RPRF: $575 | $1,210 | |
| Dependent Child | Processing only: $175 | $175 | |
| Family Sponsorship | Sponsorship Fee | One-time fee | $85 |
| Sponsored Spouse/Partner | Processing: $545 + RPRF: $575 | $1,120 | |
| Dependent Child | Processing only: $175 | $175 |
Other Mandatory Costs
| Item | Details | Estimated Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Biometrics | Per person | $85 |
| Family (together) | $170 | |
| Medical Examination | Per person (varies by provider) | $100 – $300 |
| Language Test (e.g., IELTS) | Required for most economic programs | $300 – $350 |
| Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) | Required for Express Entry & other programs | $200 – $300 |
Estimated Total Costs
| Applicant Type | Total Estimated Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Single Applicant (Economic Class) | ~$2,200 – $2,500 |
| Family of 3 (Principal + Spouse + 1 Child) | ~$4,500 – $5,000 |
Canada Immigration Processing Time
The processing time for Canadian immigration applications varies based on the program, application type, and individual circumstances. IRCC provides estimated processing times, which are updated regularly.
| Program | Estimated Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, Canadian Experience Class) | Approximately 5 months |
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | Varies by province and stream; typically between 5 to 20 months |
| Family Sponsorship (Spouse/Partner/Children) | Around 10 months, may extend up to 36 months in Quebec due to provincial quotas |
| Quebec Skilled Worker Program | 9 months |
| Start-up Visa Program | Varies; may even take 40 months |
| Caregiver Programs | Approximately 17 to 23 months |
| Study Permit | Varies, typically 10 weeks |
| Work Permit | Varies typically between 13 weeks |
| Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) | Varies typically 77 days |
For the most current and specific processing times related to your application, visit the IRCC Processing Times Tool.
Conclusion
If you’re focused on moving to Canada from India for a better lifestyle or aiming to get a job in Canada from India, understanding the latest Canada visa application requirements is crucial. Applicants should stay informed about processing times and evolving IRCC policies, as these factors can influence application outcomes.
With growing job opportunities in Canada, especially for skilled workers, it’s important to plan carefully and rely on accurate sources. Always refer to the official Government of Canada website at canada.ca for up-to-date information. With the right preparation and guidance, your dream of starting a new life in Canada can become a reality.
