Immigration tracker is a big reason why Canada is able to make up for its shrinking labor market, help its aging population, and give people in need a safe place to live. It’s the reason why Canada has a tradition of helping people who are running away from danger and welcoming people who have talents and skills that make life better here.

But to successfully immigrate, you need to know the steps and documents that are needed for each immigration program. To do well, you need to know where you fit in and what you need to do to get ready.

Which type of immigration best describes you?

Different categories of immigration have different requirements, and each category is unique. Are you a student, someone who works in business, a skilled or semi-skilled worker, a caregiver, or someone who works for themselves? Whether or not your application is accepted will depend on your status and the category under which you apply. Most importantly, a smooth transition needs a lot of careful planning.

Let’s look at some of the ways you can apply for immigration so you can decide which program is best for you.

  • Family Sponsorship: You can sponsor relatives or adopted children if you are a Canadian citizen, are registered as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act, or are a permanent resident. Depending on where the sponsored relative lives, there may be different documents that need to be shown. Spouses, partners, and children may be eligible, as well as parents or grandparents, adopted children, and other relatives. The fee for a child is $150, and the fee for a spouse is $1,050.
  • Caregivers: If you meet the requirements and have a job offer, you can apply for permanent residence through the Home Child Care Provider Pilot or the Home Support Worker Pilot. These programs let people temporarily work in Canada. They are based on occupation and don’t need an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment). The application fee is between $1,050 and $150 per child.
  • Provincial Nominees: This program is for people who have the skills, education, and work experience to help a province or territory’s economy. All applicants have to go through a medical exam and a check with the police. Depending on the province, the process can be done on paper or online. Fees range from $1,325 per application to $825 to add a spouse and $225 per child.
  • Start-Up Visa: This program is for innovative entrepreneurs who can create jobs for Canadians and compete on a global scale. To apply, you must take a language test, and your business must be backed by either venture capital funds, angel investor groups, or business incubators. Fees start at $2,075 and go up.
  • Refugees: People who want to stay in Canada as refugees must have a good reason to do so. Refugees can ask for help in Canada if they are running away from torture, a threat to their life, or the chance of being treated or punished in a cruel or unusual way. The Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) decides who can get in.
  • Self-Employed: This program lets people who work for themselves move to Canada for good. Those who want to apply must have relevant experience in cultural or athletic activities and be willing to make a big difference in Canada’s cultural or athletic life. The applicants are judged on their experience, education, age, language skills, and how well they can adapt. A medical exam and a certificate from the police are needed. Fees start at $2,075 and go up.