Do Chinese citizens need a visitor visa for Canada?

This depends on current IRCC rules and individual circumstances. Confirm using the official IRCC tool rather than assuming a visitor visa or eTA applies.

Where do I get a police certificate in China?

Local Public Security Bureau offices issue police certificates in China; the exact process is described on the IRCC country-specific instructions page for China.

Are Chinese university degrees accepted for Express Entry?

Yes, once assessed by an IRCC-designated Educational Credential Assessment organisation, which may also require verification through a Chinese academic credential verification service.

Do household registration documents need translation?

Yes, hukou booklets and other documents issued in Chinese require a certified translation into English or French, along with a copy of the original document.

Is study permit demand high from China?

China has long been one of the larger source countries for Canadian study permits, but this can change; complete documentation remains essential regardless of overall volume.

Canadian Immigration from China

Last updated August 3, 2026 · Reviewed by RCIC Reviewer · Review cadence 90 days

Quick answer

Applicants from mainland China pursue Permanent Residence through Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program streams and a substantial volume of study permit applications. Police certificates come from local Public Security Bureau offices, and academic credentials must be assessed by an IRCC-designated organisation before counting toward Comprehensive Ranking System points.

Key takeaways

Study permits, Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Program streams are all significant pathways for applicants from mainland China.
Police certificates in China are issued by local Public Security Bureau offices covering each place of residence.
Educational Credential Assessment through an IRCC-designated organisation is required for Chinese degrees to count in Express Entry.
Documents issued in Chinese require certified translation into English or French.
IELTS and CELPIP are widely available across major Chinese cities.
Country-specific document requirements can change, so applicants should verify current instructions on the official IRCC page for China.

Eligibility considerations for applicants in China

Mainland Chinese applicants most often consider Express Entry alongside a Provincial Nominee Program stream, particularly where a province has identified occupations matching the applicant's background. A large share of applicants from China also enter through a study permit, later transitioning to a post-graduation work permit and then to Permanent Residence via the Canadian Experience Class.

As with any source country, eligibility for a specific program depends on individually verified factors such as language test results, education, and work experience, and cannot be determined from general country information alone.

Documentation from China

Police certificates for applicants who have lived in mainland China are issued by the local Public Security Bureau (Gong An Ju) covering each place of residence since the applicant turned 18. Because certificate procedures can vary between cities, applicants should follow the exact steps published on the IRCC country-specific instructions page for China rather than relying on general expectations.

Civil documents such as household registration booklets (hukou), birth certificates and marriage certificates issued in China are accepted when properly certified, and any document issued in Chinese must be accompanied by a certified translation into English or French along with a copy of the original.

Credential assessment

Degrees and diplomas earned in China must be assessed by an IRCC-designated Educational Credential Assessment organisation, such as WES or ICAS, before they can be used to claim education points under the Comprehensive Ranking System. Assessment bodies typically require verification through the China Higher Education Student Information (CHESICC) or similar verification services in addition to standard transcripts.

Language testing

IELTS and CELPIP for English, and TEF Canada or TCF Canada for French, are the accepted tests for applicants from China, delivered at test centres in major cities including Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. Applicants should confirm current test centre availability directly with the test provider, since scheduling can be limited in some regions.

Common pathways

Study permits followed by a post-graduation work permit and Canadian Experience Class Permanent Residence.
Express Entry through the Federal Skilled Worker Program or Canadian Experience Class.
Provincial Nominee Program streams targeting specific occupations or regions.
Parent and grandparent or spousal sponsorship for those with Canadian family connections.

Frequently asked questions

Do Chinese citizens need a visitor visa for Canada?: This depends on current IRCC rules and individual circumstances. Confirm using the official IRCC tool rather than assuming a visitor visa or eTA applies.
Where do I get a police certificate in China?: Local Public Security Bureau offices issue police certificates in China; the exact process is described on the IRCC country-specific instructions page for China.
Are Chinese university degrees accepted for Express Entry?: Yes, once assessed by an IRCC-designated Educational Credential Assessment organisation, which may also require verification through a Chinese academic credential verification service.
Do household registration documents need translation?: Yes, hukou booklets and other documents issued in Chinese require a certified translation into English or French, along with a copy of the original document.
Is study permit demand high from China?: China has long been one of the larger source countries for Canadian study permits, but this can change; complete documentation remains essential regardless of overall volume.

Official sources

IRCC country-specific document requirements

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Government requirements change. Confirm details against the official sources above, and read our editorial standards.