Newcomers can access free, web-based tools to help with every stage of the Canadian immigration process.
The following article will break down some of these key tools throughout the three stages of the immigration process:
- Considering Canada;
- Applying to Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC); and
- Receiving a decision / Succeeding in Canada.
Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration
Each tool has a specific function within the stages of the immigration journey:
| Tool name | Stage of the immigration journey | What it can be used for |
|---|---|---|
| Assessment form | Considering Canada | Determine your eligibility for Express Entry programs, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and family sponsorship pathways. |
| Eligibility tracker | Considering Canada | Determine your eligibility to apply under Permanent Residence (PR) and/or Temporary Residence (TR) (work, study, and visitor) pathways. |
| PNP Finder | Considering Canada | Learn about the different PNP streams, what provincial draws recently occurred, and which streams are currently active and accepting applications. |
| International Experience Canada (IEC) Rounds of Invitation tool | Considering Canada | Get an accurate understanding of your chances of receiving a Canadian work permit under the IEC program. |
| Visiting Canada tool | Considering Canada | Determine whether you will need a visa or electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to visit Canada. |
| Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) calculator | Applying to IRCC | Calculate your CRS score. The higher your score, the greater your chance of receiving an ITA to apply for PR under one of Canada’s Express Entry-managed programs. |
| Application status calculator | Applying to IRCC | Gain a deeper understanding of where your application currently is in the processing stage. |
| Check processing times tool | Applying to IRCC | Gain a better understanding of how long you can expect to wait while your application is in process. |
| IRCC webform | Applying to IRCC | Update your current application with important information, inform IRCC of any changes that may have occurred, or raise technical issues around applying online to the department. |
| Language score converter | Applying to IRCC | Understand how your language test scores stack up on the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) scale, and (through this) your eligibility for different immigration programs. |
| Job bank | Receive a decision / Succeeding in Canada | Find jobs that are currently hiring in Canada, with further information on salaries, Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) eligibility, and more. |
| Pre-arrival kit | Receive an immigration decision / Succeeding in Canada | Get a comprehensive understanding of key aspects of life in Canada—from finding banking, internet, and phone services, to grocery shopping guides, advice on finding a home, searching for employment, education, healthcare, and more. |
| Settlement services tool | Receive an immigration decision / Succeeding in Canada | Find free settlement services for new permanent and temporary residents to Canada, including employment help, language training, and more. |
Considering Canada
Assessment form
The CanadaVisa Assessment form can determine your eligibility for economic immigration programs that lead to permanent residence (PR), including:
- The Canadian Experience Class (CEC);
- The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP);
- The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP); and
- Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
This form also links to another assessment which can determine your eligibility for family-class sponsorship for PR.
Eligibility tracker
IRCC’s eligibility tracker will assess your eligibility for various kinds of Canadian immigration streams, including those for work, study, visit, and PR purposes.
Questions may include (but are not limited to) your:
- Nationality;
- Age;
- Language ability in French or English;
- Education;
- Work experience; and
- Current employment.
Note: This tool can also be used to understand further options for those wishing to extend their status in Canada.
IRCC advises that this tool is for reference and does not claim to make an immigration decision based on answers submitted. All applications submitted to IRCC will be assessed in accordance with Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).
PNP Finder
CanadaVisa’s PNP finder is updated weekly with the latest draw information, providing you an overview of Canada’s PNPs, as well as which PNP streams have been holding recent draws.
You can also filter results by province/territory, category/stream, and by which programs require a job offer, and are Express Entry-linked.
Users should also note that the PNP Finder does not assess eligibility for PNP pathways, nor provide advice on how to become eligible; the tool works solely for information purposes.
IEC Rounds of Invitation tool
You can use the International Experience Canada (IEC) tool to look up your chances of receiving a work permit through the program. You have direct access to a precise answer regarding your chances of success for IEC, unlike many other Canadian immigration pathways.
The IEC is a seasonal program. You can expect to receive different responses regarding your chances of receiving a work permit, based on the time of the year during which you apply, along with the quota for your country.
The IEC is a program for youth—you must be at least 18 years of age, and under the age of 35, or 30 in some cases, depending on your country of nationality.
Visiting Canada tool
You can use the Visiting Canada tool to determine if you will need a visa or an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter the country.
When you complete the questionnaire, you can review the results to better understand what documents you will have to provide to travel to Canada.
IRCC notes that this tool may not provide information on all travel documents needed by an individual when traveling to Canada.
Applying to IRCC
CRS Score calculator
You can use CanadaVisa’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score calculator to help assess your eligibility for Express Entry managed programs, based on your (and, if applicable, your spouse’s) human capital and adaptability factors.
You can fill out the dynamic web form to calculate your current CRS score. You can also experiment with different possible future scenarios, to get an idea of how your CRS score may change.
Scores presented on this tool are shown for information purposes only, and not as professional immigration advice.
Application status tracker
IRCC’s Application Status Tracker can provide the most up-to-date information on your application.
You must create a new profile with the tool the first time that you use it. Currently, the Application Status Tracker only covers these specific immigration pathways:
- Express Entry applications;
- Study permit applications;
- Work permit applications;
- Visitor visa applications; and
- Family-class sponsorship applications.
Processing times tool
IRCC’s processing times tool helps newcomers applying to IRCC better predict how long their application may take to complete processing.
These processing times are based on the amount of time that IRCC took to process complete applications in the past, and do not include the amount of time the applicant takes to submit biometrics.
Processing times begin the day that IRCC receives your complete application, and end when a decision is made on the application.
IRCC webform
IRCC’s webform is a fast and convenient way to contact the immigration department online. The tool can be used by candidates who:
- Have submitted an application to IRCC;
- Have an application that has taken longer than the standard wait times to process;
- Wish to report important changes to personal details that can impact an already submitted immigration application;
- Wish to add, change, or cancel the use of a representative;
- Require urgent processing of their PR card replacement/renewal; and/or
- Wish to report a technical issue with IRCC’s online services.
IRCC advises that by using the form, you open a channel of communication with the department, which will involve the transmission of your personal information.
Language score converter
You can use CanadaVisa’s language score converter to see how your standardized language test result will translate into Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels, the scoring method the Canadian government uses to assess language proficiency for immigration purposes.
You can also use the converter to convert language test scores into points awarded under the CRS and for the FSWP eligibility scoring grid.
Note that these scores are presented for information purposes only, and not to provide legal or immigration advice.
Receive a decision / Succeeding in Canada
Job Bank
Canada’s National Job Bank is a repository of available positions in the country.
You can use the job bank to find employment, as well as for a variety of other employment-related tasks, including (but not limited to)
- Choosing a career;
- Exploring the current labour market;
- Sourcing candidates; and
- Comparing wages in different positions and geographies across Canada.
The Job Bank also has a number of newcomer-friendly filters for the job search, including
- Roles for newcomers to Canada;
- Roles for foreign candidates from outside of Canada; and
- Roles for temporary foreign workers.
You can also search for jobs that are advertised to students, that are fully remote, and even ones that are Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)-approved.
Interested job seekers can read the Job Bank’s terms of use for job seekers.
For more information on finding work in Canada visit our dedicated web page.
Newcomer guide and mailing list
CIC News has developed a comprehensive newcomer’s guide to Canada, filled with essential information to give readers the best information to start their life, and succeed in the country.
The document is more than 150 pages of the most important-to-know information around:
- Arriving in Canada;
- Best tips for newcomers;
- Securing a phone and internet plan;
- Purchasing food and groceries;
- Finding a house;
- Finding employment;
- Enrolling in schools in Canada;
- Paying taxes; and
- Much more.
You can download this guide for free and be enrolled in CIC News’ pre-arrival newsletter to receive weekly updates on our most practical and actionable information to succeed in Canada.
Download our Newcomer’s Guide to Canada
Settlement services tool
You can use IRCC’s settlement services tool to access a list of available settlement services in your area. Settlement services are free services that are available to new permanent residents of Canada, and some temporary residents.
IRCC’s tool allows you to filter your search by service type, area, online vs. offline, and other custom parameters.
Note that eligibility for a settlement service is largely dependent on who is funding the service. IRCC’s tool provides the most complete list of settlement resources but only shows services that are funded by IRCC. IRCC-funded services are usually restricted solely to new permanent residents.
To find services relevant to you funded by the provincial and municipal government, you can visit their respective websites. A list of available websites can be found here.
Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration