Canada Visa Guide

Trusted by fast-growing teams

Visa types we support

Best for: Founders with an innovative business idea who can secure backing from a designated Canadian VC, angel group, or incubator.
What it unlocks: Permanent residency for you and your family while you build your company in Canada.
Key advantage: Direct path to PR without needing a temporary work permit first, one of the few founder-friendly immigration programmes globally.
Note: The classic SUV closed to new applications on Dec 31, 2025. A redesigned Entrepreneur Pilot targeting AI, cleantech, and life sciences is expected later in 2026.

Best for: Software engineers, data scientists, AI researchers, and other highly skilled tech professionals with a Canadian job offer.
What it unlocks: An employer-specific work permit with 2-week processing for qualifying applications.
Key advantage: The fastest standard work permit route in Canada, designed specifically for in-demand tech talent.
Spouses receive an open work permit, and dependents can study without a separate study permit.

Best for: Skilled professionals with a job offer from a Canadian employer who is willing to go through the LMIA process.
What it unlocks: A closed work permit authorising you to work for the sponsoring employer in Canada.
Key advantage: Available across a wide range of occupations and industries, not limited to tech or specialised roles.
A positive LMIA adds 50–70 CRS points toward Express Entry, significantly boosting your chances of permanent residency.

Best for: Executives, senior managers, and specialised knowledge workers being transferred from a foreign office to a Canadian affiliate, subsidiary, or branch.
What it unlocks: An LMIA-exempt work permit to work at your company's Canadian operations.
Key advantage: No Labour Market Impact Assessment required, significantly faster and less paperwork than standard employer-sponsored permits.
Initial permits for established companies are up to 3 years; executives and managers can extend up to 7 years total.

Best for: Skilled professionals with work experience, strong language skills, and post-secondary education who want permanent residency in Canada.
What it unlocks: Permanent residency for you and your family, live and work anywhere in Canada with no employer restrictions.
Key advantage: No employer sponsorship required to enter the pool. The system is entirely merit-based and runs year-round.
Processing target is 6 months from Invitation to Apply, one of the fastest PR pathways in the world.

Best for: Skilled workers who have a connection to a specific Canadian province, through a job offer, work experience, education, or targeted occupation.
What it unlocks: A provincial nomination that either feeds into Express Entry (adding 600 CRS points) or provides a standalone path to permanent residency.
Key advantage: A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points in Express Entry, virtually guaranteeing an invitation to apply for PR in the next draw.
Each province runs its own streams targeting specific industries: BC and Ontario have dedicated tech streams with frequent draws.

Best for: International students who have completed a programme of 8+ months at an eligible Canadian designated learning institution.
What it unlocks: An open work permit, work for any employer, in any occupation, anywhere in Canada.
Key advantage: No job offer required. It's the most flexible work permit available and a direct stepping stone to permanent residency.
Canadian work experience gained on PGWP counts toward Express Entry CRS points and Canadian Experience Class eligibility.

What sets us apart

Personalized O-1 Case Strategy

Quickly determine if your accomplishments meet the O-1 threshold with a guided screening and free consultation with an immigration lawyer.

Tailored evidence strategy

We don’t just check boxes—we help you frame your career in a way that resonates with immigration officers.

Comprehensive documentation support

Our team assists in compiling all necessary documents, ensuring your application is not only complete but compelling.

Personalized consultation sessions

We offer one-on-one sessions to understand your unique situation and guide you through the complexities of the immigration process.

Begin your Visa journey with Concord