Canada is cutting student and temporary worker numbers. PR is still possible, mainly through Express Entry, but scores are high.
Why Nepalis go: Clear path to PR and citizenship, free public healthcare once you are a resident, and family can usually come with you.
The catch: Since 2024 Canada has capped study permits, made post-graduation work permits stricter and cut temporary residents. Many students now struggle to get PR.
Most common route: Study permit → Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) → PR through Express Entry (Canadian Experience Class) or a provincial nominee programme.
Study permit
You get accepted by a Canadian school, show you can pay, and get a permit to study. You can work part-time.
Who it's for: Students accepted by a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
Cost: Application CAD 150 + biometrics CAD 85 (≈ Rs 23,500). Tuition often CAD 18,000–40,000 a year (≈ Rs 18–40 lakh).
Time: Often 1–3 months.
Stay: Length of your programme.
Family: Spouses get an open work permit only in limited cases (mainly master's of 16+ months, PhD and some professional degrees).
Leads to permanent residence: Not directly. A PGWP after graduation can give Canadian work experience for PR.
Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker / Canadian Experience Class)
You make an online profile and get a score (CRS) based on age, education, English/French and experience. Canada regularly invites the highest scores to apply for PR.
Who it's for: Skilled workers with at least 1 year of skilled experience, strong English and ideally Canadian experience or French.
Cost: CAD 1,590 per adult (CAD 990 processing + CAD 600 right of PR fee, from 30 April 2026; ≈ Rs 1.6 lakh), plus tests, ECA and medicals.
Time: Invitation can take months or never come; after applying, about 6 months.
Stay: Permanent.
Family: Yes — spouse and children are included.
Leads to permanent residence: This is PR.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
Each province picks people it needs. A nomination gives a big boost or a separate path to PR.
Who it's for: Usually people already working or studying in that province, or in jobs the province is short of.
Cost: Provincial fee (varies, CAD 0–1,500) plus the federal PR fee.
Time: Several months to 2 years.
Stay: Permanent.
Family: Yes.
Leads to permanent residence: Yes.
Employer work permit (LMIA)
A Canadian employer proves no Canadian can do the job (an LMIA), then you get a work permit for that job.
Who it's for: People with a genuine job offer from a Canadian employer.
Cost: Work permit CAD 155 + biometrics CAD 85. The employer pays the LMIA fee — you should not.
Time: Months, depending on the LMIA.
Stay: Usually the job contract length (1–3 years).
Family: Sometimes; depends on the job's skill level.
Leads to permanent residence: Experience can count towards PR.
Spouse or partner sponsorship
A Canadian citizen or PR holder can sponsor their husband, wife or partner for PR.
Who it's for: Spouses, common-law and conjugal partners of Canadians/PRs.
Cost: About CAD 1,260 (sponsor CAD 90 + applicant CAD 570 + right of PR fee CAD 600, from 30 April 2026; ≈ Rs 1.3 lakh).
Time: About 12 months.
Stay: Permanent.
Family: Dependent children can be included.
Leads to permanent residence: Yes.
Scams to avoid
Fake 'LMIA job offers' sold through Facebook and TikTok are the most common Canada scam targeting Nepalis.
The Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker pilots are closed to new applicants — 'caregiver visa' offers are false.
IRCC never calls asking for payment by phone, gift cards or e-Sewa.