Immigration to Canada From India
Canada remains one of the most sought-after destinations for Indian citizens seeking permanent residency. With its world-class quality of life, robust healthcare, and promising career opportunities, the country has set ambitious targets to welcome 500,000 new permanent residents annually by 2025. Indians represent one of the largest groups of immigrants to Canada, with over 120,000 individuals obtaining permanent residency each year.
The process of immigration can vary in duration, typically taking 6 months to over a year, depending on the program and the completeness of your application. Indian applicants are particularly competitive due to high levels of English proficiency, strong educational qualifications, and relevant work experience. Between 2013 and 2022, the popularity of Canada immigration from India surged, leading applicants gaining permanent residency in Canada, from 32,828 to 118,095, marking a growth of over 260 percent.
Requirements for Canada Immigration
To immigrate to Canada from India, applicants have various immigration programs, but it largely happens through economic streams like Express Entry, which follows a points-based system. Applicants must score a minimum of 67 points out of 100 across six key factors to be considered eligible.
Work Experience Requirements by Stream
Eligibility Criteria for Canada PR from India
While each immigration program has its unique eligibility requirements, most Canadian permanent residency applications from India are evaluated based on the following common factors:
Educational qualifications verified through ECA
Professional work experience in a relevant occupation
Language proficiency via IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF
French language skills, particularly for applicants planning to move to Quebec
Legal and reference documentation
Employment verification, if applying with a job offer
Documents Required for Canada Immigration
Careful organization of documents is crucial for a smooth application. Key requirements include:
Valid passport and travel documents
Completed application forms
Language test results (IELTS/CELPIP/TEF)
Educational credentials (with ECA report)
Job offer letter (if applicable)
Proof of work experience
Proof of funds
Police clearance certificates
Biometrics and medical examination results
Annual Salaries in Canada
The average salaries in Canada for jobs range between CAD 50,000 and CAD 120,000 per year, depending on the profession, location, and experience level. Skilled professionals in sectors like IT, finance, healthcare, and engineering earn on the higher end of the scale, while entry-level roles in services and hospitality start around CAD 35,000 annually.
Canada Immigration Pathways
Canada offers several pathways to permanent residency, each catering to different applicant profiles.
Express Entry
Express Entry remains the most popular and fastest immigration program. Applications are typically processed in 6–8 months. Express Entry includes three streams:
Express Entry Streams
Candidates submit an online profile, which is evaluated through the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The highest-ranked candidates are invited to apply for permanent residency.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs allow provinces to select individuals to meet local labor market needs. For Immigration to Canada from India, applicants can apply through these PNPs, each having its own eligibility criteria. Some PNPs are linked with Express Entry, adding 600 points to your CRS score, virtually guaranteeing an ITA.
Business Immigration
Entrepreneurs and investors can apply through federal or provincial business immigration programs, provided they meet the minimum investment and net worth criteria. These programs allow candidates to establish or manage a business in Canada while obtaining PR.
Atlantic Immigration Pilot
The Atlantic Immigration Pilot helps employers in Atlantic provinces recruit foreign talent without requiring a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). It facilitates permanent residency and supports integration into the local community. Atlantic provinces include New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.
Family Sponsorship
Canada supports family reunification, allowing citizens and permanent residents to sponsor:
Spouses and common-law partners
Dependent children
Parents and grandparents
How to Immigrate to Canada from India: Step-by-Step
Assess Your Eligibility
Complete the six-factor assessment to confirm eligibility for Express Entry or other programs.Collect Necessary Documents
Gather all documents early, especially educational credentials, language test results, and proof of funds.Create Express Entry Profile
Fill out your online profile with accurate details.Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA)
If your CRS score meets the draw threshold, you will receive an ITA from IRCC.Biometrics, Medical Examination, and Police Clearance
Complete these steps as instructed to finalize your application.Submit PR Application
Submit your application, along with all supporting documents, within the stipulated timeline.Await Confirmation of Permanent Residence
Once approved, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR), which allows you to enter Canada as a permanent resident.
Canada PR Visa Fee
Canada PR Visa Processing Time
Canada immigration from India through Express Entry is typically processed in 6–8 months on average, while some PNP applications may take up to 14 months, depending on the province and program.
Canada’s Job Market Outlook
Canada’s labor market remains strong in 2025:
Unemployment has declined to 6.6%, while average hourly wages increased by 3.5% year-on-year.
Canada Immigration Policy 2025–2027
Canada continues to strengthen its global reputation as one of the most welcoming countries for immigrants. Under its latest Canada Immigration Levels Plan (2025–2027, Canada is set to welcome 1.1 million new permanent residents by 2027. To support this massive inflow, the government has allocated $1.6 billion toward settlement, integration, and community development initiatives.
The Economic Class, which includes Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and other skilled worker streams, continues to dominate the plan, making up nearly 60% of total immigration.
Meanwhile, Family Sponsorship remains a key pillar, reaffirming Canada’s belief that strong family ties are central to successful integration.
Refugee and humanitarian programs will also continue, demonstrating Canada’s leadership in global humanitarian resettlement.
By gradually stabilizing total admissions, from 395,000 in 2025 to 365,000 in 2027, the government aims to balance population growth with housing and infrastructure readiness, ensuring a sustainable future for newcomers and citizens alike.
Canada Immigration Points
Different factors determine your Canada Immigration Points. An applicant must score at least 67 points through the Canada PR points calculator to qualify.
Canada offers numerous advantages for permanent residents:
Access to employment opportunities nationwide
Option to extend or renew PR status after five years
High-quality education for children at minimal cost
Ability to sponsor family members
Free healthcare for the entire family
Safe, secure living environment
Freedom of movement within Canada
Opportunities to establish businesses
Pathway to Canadian citizenship
Latest Canada Draws (Express Entry & PNP) in 2025
Canada’s immigration system remains dynamic in 2025, with both federal and provincial programs actively issuing invitations to skilled professionals. These draws reflect Canada’s regional workforce demands and its long-term strategy to attract globally competitive talent.