Immigration & Citizenship

Moving to a new country can be exciting and challenging. Find information about what to expect when you arrive, residency and immigration status, and your rights and responsibilities in Canada.

Immigrating to Ontario

How can I apply to immigrate to Ontario?
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) establishes immigration policy and makes decisions on who can enter Canada.
What are pre-arrival services?
Pre-arrival services are free online or in-person programs for people who have been approved to immigrate to Canada.
Completing IRCC Applications - Video
This video explains how to properly fill out applications for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It explains common mistakes and how to avoid them.
Should I get help with my immigration application from an immigration consultant or lawyer?
You can have someone represent you or help you with your immigration application. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) does not require you to use an immigration consultant or lawyer.
Why is immigration important?
Immigrants are selected for their economic contribution, their humanitarian needs and to reunite families.
Information for Ukraine Nationals Coming to Canada
This page has current information for Ukrainians and those who want to support them in Ontario.
How can I come to Canada as a skilled worker?
The Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program is for people who are selected to immigrate to Canada because of their work experience and skills.
What is the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa?
It is a long-term, multiple-entry visa for parents and grandparents of permanent residents or Canadian citizens.
How do I come to Canada as a temporary foreign worker?
To come to Canada as a temporary foreign worker, you must get a work permit. There are different kinds of work permits.

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Citizenship

How do I apply for Canadian Citizenship?
To apply for citizenship, you must meet certain eligibility criteria and complete an application. IRCC will return your application if it is incomplete and missing certain documents.
How can I prepare for the citizenship test?
The test is made up of multiple-choice questions about Canada, including Canada's history, geography, political system, national symbols, identity and values, and of the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.
What are the language requirements for Canadian citizenship?
When you are applying for Canadian citizenship, you must prove that you know enough of either French or English so that you can understand other people and they can understand you.
What if my Canadian citizenship certificate is lost or stolen?
Report your lost or stolen citizenship certificate to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). You can apply for a new citizenship certificate.
How can I get my Canadian passport from outside Canada?
The application form varies depending on where you are applying from.
Guide: Indigenous Peoples in Toronto - An Introduction for Newcomers
This guide offers an introduction to the rich history, culture and lifestyle of the Indigenous peoples of Toronto.
What were residential schools in Canada?
A look at Canada's shameful history and how these schools played a role in trying to eliminate Indigenous culture and people.
What should I know about the Canadian Census?
The census is how the government counts the population and gathers information that helps different levels of government make plans and decisions. The next census will be in May 2026.
What are my rights and responsibilities as a Canadian citizen?
Becoming a Canadian citizen means that you acquire certain rights and responsibilities.

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Permanent Residence

What are the residency requirements for permanent residents (PRs)?
You must you must be physically present in Canada a minimum number of days to maintain your status as a permanent resident.
Do I need to apply for my Permanent Resident Card?
All newly arriving immigrants will receive the PR Card as part of the immigration process.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Permanent Resident Card
Here are some general answers to frequently asked questions about the Permanent Resident Card. If you are a new permanent resident, IRCC will mail you the PR card once you arrive in Canada.

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Landing and Leaving

How do I bring money into Canada (proof of funds)?
You can bring money into Canada in different forms. When you arrive, you must tell a border official if you are carrying more than C$10,000.
What documents should I bring with me when landing in Canada as a new immigrant?
When you come to Canada, you must show your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and Canadian immigrant visa to a Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) officer at the Port of Entry.
I am immigrating to Canada. How do I bring my belongings with me?
If you are moving permanently to Canada, you can bring your belongings with you when you arrive or you may send them later.
Do I really need a PR card to travel back to Canada?
If you are a permanent resident, you need to prove that you have valid permanent resident status when you return to Canada. Your Permanent Resident (PR) card, is the best proof of this status.
I need to leave Canada but do not have my PR card yet. What should I do?
Ideally you should wait until you have your Permanent Resident (PR) card. If you must leave Canada, you should apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document from a Canadian visa office abroad as soon as you reach your destination.
What do I need to know about travelling to the United States?
You should check with United States (US) authorities before you try to enter the US. Only American officials can provide authoritative information on visa requirements to travel to the US

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Refugees

What assistance can refugees get in Canada?
The Canadian government has several programs to help refugees resettle in Canada.
How do I repay my travel loan if I am a refugee or protected person?
You will receive a letter outlining the minimum amount you need to pay back each month. You do not have to pay interest on these types of loans.
How does Canada's refugee system work?
A refugee is a person who has fled their own country because they are at risk of serious human rights violations and persecution there, are unable to return, and need protection.
Can I apply for refugee status as a lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer or questioning (LGBTQIA+) person?
You can seek refugee status in Canada on the basis of more than one category. You can apply for asylum if you have a well-founded fear of persecution in your home country.
How is a refugee claim decision made?
Refugee claims are heard in Immigrant and Refugee Board (IRB) tribunals. The IRB is an independent administrative tribunal that makes decisions on immigration and refugee matters.
What is the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA)?
The Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) is a treaty between Canada and the United States (US). It was established to manage the flow of refugee claimants at the shared land border and explains who is permitted to seek asylum.

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Sponsorship

How do I sponsor a spouse, common-law partner or dependent child from inside Canada?
You may be eligible to sponsor a spouse or a common-law or conjugal partner or dependent children living inside Canada if you and they meet certain conditions.
How do I sponsor a spouse, common-law or conjugal partner, or dependent child living outside of Canada?
You may be eligible to sponsor a spouse or a common-law or conjugal partner or dependent children living outside of Canada if you and they meet certain conditions.
How do I sponsor parents, grandparents, adopted children and other relatives?
You may be eligible to sponsor parents, grandparents, adopted children and other relatives living outside of Canada.

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Canadian Government

What is Canada's political system?
There are three levels of government- federal, provincial, municipal- each with different responsibilities.
Where can I get information on Canadian political parties?
There are many political parties in Canada. Some parties represent a particular region or interest group. Some parties represent many issues and all of Canada.
A Guide to Voting in the Canadian Federal Election
If you are a Canadian citizen you can choose who represents you in federal politics. During a federal election, you can elect your local Member of Parliament (MP) and your vote helps choose the Prime Minister.

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Immigration Laws

How does the government enforce Canadian immigration laws?
At ports of entry, border officers can refuse to allow inadmissible people into Canada. Inside Canada, enforcement activities include investigation and inquiries, arrest and detention, and removals.
Immigration Fraud Warning
This list has tips on how to avoid immigration scams and is available in many languages.
Criminal Charges in Canada and Your Immigration Status
If you are charged with a crime in Canada, and you are not a Canadian citizen, what the court decides may affect your immigration status. This fact sheet was produced by Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO).

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Immigration & Citizenship

Immigrating to Ontario

How can I apply to immigrate to Ontario?

What are pre-arrival services?

Completing IRCC Applications - Video

Should I get help with my immigration application from an immigration consultant or lawyer?

Why is immigration important?

Information for Ukraine Nationals Coming to Canada

How can I come to Canada as a skilled worker?

What is the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa?

How do I come to Canada as a temporary foreign worker?

Citizenship

How do I apply for Canadian Citizenship?

How can I prepare for the citizenship test?

What are the language requirements for Canadian citizenship?

What if my Canadian citizenship certificate is lost or stolen?

How can I get my Canadian passport from outside Canada?

Guide: Indigenous Peoples in Toronto - An Introduction for Newcomers

What were residential schools in Canada?

What should I know about the Canadian Census?

What are my rights and responsibilities as a Canadian citizen?

Permanent Residence

What are the residency requirements for permanent residents (PRs)?

Do I need to apply for my Permanent Resident Card?

Frequently Asked Questions about the Permanent Resident Card

Landing and Leaving

How do I bring money into Canada (proof of funds)?

What documents should I bring with me when landing in Canada as a new immigrant?

I am immigrating to Canada. How do I bring my belongings with me?

Do I really need a PR card to travel back to Canada?

I need to leave Canada but do not have my PR card yet. What should I do?

What do I need to know about travelling to the United States?

Refugees

What assistance can refugees get in Canada?

How do I repay my travel loan if I am a refugee or protected person?

How does Canada's refugee system work?

Can I apply for refugee status as a lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer or questioning (LGBTQIA+) person?

How is a refugee claim decision made?

What is the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA)?

Sponsorship

How do I sponsor a spouse, common-law partner or dependent child from inside Canada?

How do I sponsor a spouse, common-law or conjugal partner, or dependent child living outside of Canada?

How do I sponsor parents, grandparents, adopted children and other relatives?

Canadian Government

What is Canada's political system?

Where can I get information on Canadian political parties?

A Guide to Voting in the Canadian Federal Election

Immigration Laws

How does the government enforce Canadian immigration laws?

Immigration Fraud Warning

Criminal Charges in Canada and Your Immigration Status