study, work and settle
Study and work in Canada: a plain guide
Many of our learners ask how study, work and permanent residence fit together in Canada. This page explains the main routes in simple words and points you to the official page for each one.
General information only, not immigration advice. Rules change often, so always check the official page before you act. Read on 28 October 2026.
step one
Study permits
Most international students need a study permit. Under the current limit on study permits, you usually also need a letter from the province or territory where you plan to study. It is called a provincial or territorial attestation letter, and your school provides it.
- You do not need this letter for preschool, primary or secondary school.
- You do not need it for a master's or doctoral degree at a public institution starting on or after 1 January 2026.
- Quebec uses its own acceptance certificate instead of the letter.
After you graduate, some graduates of eligible institutions can apply for a post-graduation work permit. If you do not qualify, other work permits may still be possible, and Canadian work experience can help later with permanent residence.
Official page: Provincial attestation letter. Page last changed 2 September 2026; we read it on 28 October 2026. For work after study see also Post-graduation work permit, last changed 9 March 2026.
federal route
Express Entry
Express Entry is the federal system that ranks skilled candidates by points. Canada has announced changes that start on 3 November 2026. Points for Canadian work experience and for a qualifying job offer now sit in one factor worth up to 150 points. You get points for one or the other, and the higher counts.
- Extra points go to work in high-wage jobs, grouped by pay compared with the average.
- A job offer no longer needs a labour market impact assessment to count, and having one earns no extra points.
- Officers check at the permanent residence stage that the offer is genuine.
- Points in existing profiles are recalculated, and invitation rounds pause while that happens.
You must show your language skills with an approved test taken at your own cost: CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training or PTE Core for English, and TEF Canada or TCF Canada for French. Results must be less than two years old when you apply.
Official page: 2026 changes to Express Entry points. Page last changed 16 October 2026; we read it on 28 October 2026.
regional route
Provincial nominees
Provinces and territories can nominate people whose skills and experience fit their economy. Each one sets its own rules and numbers. Quebec and Nunavut do not run this program.
There are two ways to apply. If you also qualify for a federal Express Entry program, a nomination adds 600 points to your profile. If you do not, the province tells you to use the other application process.
Official page: Immigrate as a provincial nominee. Page last changed 14 September 2026; we read it on 28 October 2026.
smaller communities
Regional routes
Atlantic Immigration Program
For skilled workers and graduates who want to live and work in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island or Newfoundland and Labrador. You need a job offer from an employer designated by the province.
Rural and Francophone community pilots
Permanent residence for skilled workers in selected smaller communities. The community approves employers who can hire for jobs they cannot fill locally.
Official pages: Atlantic Immigration Program (changed 1 September 2026) and Rural and Francophone pilots (changed 31 August 2026). We read both on 28 October 2026.
other routes
Other routes
Sponsoring family
You may be able to sponsor a spouse, partner, dependent child or certain relatives. Applications for parents and grandparents are paused.
Home care workers
The caregiver pilots for permanent residence are closed. Temporary work as a home care worker is still described on the official page.
Start-up Visa
Paused. Only people who already hold a valid 2025 commitment certificate and applied by 30 June 2026 could still apply.
Self-Employed Persons Program
For people with experience in cultural activities or athletics. It is not a general business-owner route.
Official pages: Family sponsorship, Home care workers, Start-up Visa and Self-Employed Persons Program. We read all four on 28 October 2026.
context
The bigger picture
Canada's 2026 to 2028 plan lowers the number of new temporary residents and keeps permanent admissions steady. About 63 per cent of permanent residents in 2026 come through economic routes. The stated priorities are emerging technology, health care and skilled trades, and clearer routes from temporary work or study to permanent residence.
Official page: Canada's immigration levels. Page last changed 14 October 2026; we read it on 28 October 2026.
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