Passport Atlas

Entering Canada

Canada playbook updated 2026-09. Openness first, then how to apply and how to stay.

Openness rank

#161

Entry openness

Visa free

Visa required

143

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Country profile

Capital

Ottawa

Population

41.5 million

Area

9,984,670 km²

Currency

Canadian dollar CAD

Languages

English, French

Time zone

UTC-08:00–UTC-03:30

Foreign-born

8.8 million · 2024

Migrant share

22.2%

Ethnic groups · 2021

Canadian15.6%
English14.7%
Scottish12.1%
Irish12.1%
French11%
German8.1%
Other19.4%

Foreign-born counts are UN international migrant stock via the World Bank (mostly 2024). Ethnic groups follow each country's published categories — most do not census by skin colour. Indicative only.

Travel notes

Plug

Type A / Type B

Mains

120 V · 60 Hz

Driving

Right

Emergency

Police 911 · Ambulance 911

Dialing code

Airports

YYZ · YUL · YVR · YYC

Highlights

Niagara Falls
Banff
Old Quebec
Parliament Hill
Bay of Fundy

Canada Passport Guides · Canada Visa site Immigration site

How to get a visa

Visitor visa / eTA
Visit / tourism · Usually up to 6 months
- Visa-exempt flyers get an eTA; others apply for a TRV in an IRCC account.
Study permit + PGWP
Study · Programme length; PGWP up to 3 years
- Letter of acceptance and funds for a study permit. Eligible graduates apply for a PGWP.
Work permit (LMIA or exempt)
Work · Matches the job offer
- Most need an employer LMIA; CETA and intra-company transfers can be exempt.

Immigration routes

Express Entry (FSW / CEC / trades)
Points / invitation
CRS ranking with regular invitation rounds. A PNP adds 600 points.
Leads to PR：Canada’s main economic PR route.
Provincial Nominee Program
Points / invitation
Provinces nominate for labour need, then you file PR federally.
Leads to PR：Useful when CRS is short but you match a province.
Family sponsorship
Family
Citizens or PRs sponsor a spouse, child or eligible parent.
Leads to PR：Spouse sponsorship is usually the fastest family route.