There are three classes of immigrants to Canada: family class, humanitarian refugees, and 

independent immigrants.

In addition, within the independent class, Canada has a Business Immigration Program designed to attract experienced business people who will create jobs and contribute to economic development. There are three categories of business immigrants: entrepreneurs, investors and self-employed persons

Canadian citizens and permanent residents, aged 19 and older, have the right to sponsor the

applications of certain close relatives who wish to immigrate to Canada. This includes the sponsor’s:

• Wife/husband,

• Fiance(e),

• Dependent child,

• Parents, grandparents,

• Brothers, sisters, nephews, neices,

• grandchildren who are orphans, unmarried and under the age of 19,

• Children under 19 whom the sponsor plans to adopt.

• Any other relative, if the sponsor does not have any of the above or any family in Canada.  The relatives you wish to sponsor may include certain dependents on their application. All must meet health and security requirements.

If you are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you will most likely need an employment

authorization before you begin working in Canada. With some exceptions, the employment authorization must be obtained at the visa post abroad before you travel to Canada. Typically, employment authorization is issued by an immigration officer after a Human Resources Centre approves your potential employer’s job offer to you. This process is called job validation, and in most cases the first step in obtaining the employment authorization. It ensures that there is no Canadian or permanent resident available to do the job. Some jobs may be exempt from this approval process; your visa office can advise you on this. An employment authorization will not be issued to you to come to look for work in Canada. It is valid only for the specific job, the specific amount of time and the employer stated on the form.

You may telephone a citizenship and immigration call centre to obtain an application form.

ADULTS: a person who has attained the age of 18 years; is a permanent resident; has within the

four-year period prior to application, resided in Canada for at least three years; is not under deportation or prohibited from becoming a citizen for criminal or national security reasons.

1. Time spent in Canada on a student or work VISA, within the period prior to becoming a permanent resident, may be credited as half time.

2. To become a Canadian citizen, adults are required to have an adequate knowledge of Canada and of the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship; and of English or French.

MINORS: A person under the age 18 may become a citizen if they are a permanent resident and have a parent who is a Canadian citizen, or if the parent is also applying to become a Canadian citizen.