Canadian Immigration by Country of Residence
Every Permanent Residence, work permit and study permit application follows the same federal rules, but the supporting steps — how you obtain a police certificate, which body assesses your credentials, and what a certified translation looks like — vary by where you live. This section explains those country-specific mechanics without guessing at processing times or approval outcomes.
Countries guides
- BangladeshHow Permanent Residence, study permits and documentation steps work for applicants residing in Bangladesh.
- BrazilDocumentation, credential assessment and language testing considerations for applicants residing in Brazil.
- ChinaDocumentation, credential assessment and pathway overview for applicants residing in mainland China.
- MexicoHow applicants residing in Mexico approach Express Entry, study permits, work permits and required documentation.
- South AfricaDocumentation, credential assessment and pathway guidance for applicants residing in South Africa.
Covered in depth elsewhere on this site
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- IndiaApplicants from India pursue Permanent Residence mainly through Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program, alongside strong demand for study permits and post-graduation work permits. Police certificates are obtained from Indian passport authorities, and credentials must be assessed by an IRCC-designated body such as WES before Express Entry profiles can claim education points.
- NigeriaApplicants from Nigeria commonly pursue Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program streams and study permits. Police certificates are obtained from the Nigeria Police Force, and foreign credentials require assessment by an IRCC-designated organisation before they count toward Express Entry points.
- PakistanApplicants residing in Pakistan pursue Permanent Residence chiefly through Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Program streams. Police certificates come from the police authorities where the applicant has lived, and credentials need assessment by an IRCC-designated organisation before they count in the Comprehensive Ranking System.
- PhilippinesApplicants from the Philippines commonly use Express Entry, the Provincial Nominee Program and employer-supported work permit pathways. The National Bureau of Investigation issues Philippine police clearances, and credentials require assessment by an IRCC-designated organisation before counting toward Express Entry points.
- United Arab EmiratesApplicants residing in the United Arab Emirates, many holding third-country citizenship, use Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Program streams. UAE police clearance certificates are obtained through the Ministry of Interior, and foreign credentials must be assessed by an IRCC-designated organisation.