Canada’s immigration system
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How we select, screen and set up immigrants for success in Canada.
How are immigrants selected?
Canada selects immigrants for their potential to contribute to the economy based on their skills, language abilities and gaps that exist in Canada’s labour market. We also reunite families and help people in vulnerable situations find safety in Canada.
Canada’s immigration levels plan sets targets for the number of immigrants who will be accepted each year. As a part of this process, the public, including newcomers, Indigenous Peoples, provinces, territories, and businesses and organizations that work with immigrants, have an opportunity to tell us what they think about the targets before they are finalized.
The 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan includes targets for both permanent residents and temporary residents.
Learn about Canada’s immigration levels
How are immigrants screened?
To protect the health, safety and security of Canadians, all potential immigrants are carefully screened before they are allowed to enter Canada.
Screening makes sure anyone who immigrates to Canada
- hasn’t committed a serious crime
- doesn’t pose a risk to Canada’s security
- hasn’t violated human or international rights
- is in good health (determined by a medical exam)
- has a valid passport or travel document
Anyone applying to live permanently in Canada must also provide
- a police certificate or criminal record check
- their photo and fingerprints (biometrics) if they are over 14 or under 79 years of age
How are immigrants set up for success?
Success in Canada starts with the selection process.
Through the economic immigration category, Canada chooses skilled immigrants who can settle, fill identified gaps in the labour market and contribute to our economy.
Success is sustained through settlement services.
The Government of Canada funds services to help immigrants settle in their communities.
These services help newcomers
- learn about life in Canada and their community
- get language training
- find work
- make connections with established immigrants and Canadians
Under the Canada–Quebec Accord, Quebec is responsible for providing settlement services to its immigrants.