Who handles immigration & settlement?
Immigration & Settlement
Immigration is primarily federal jurisdiction. The federal government processes applications and sets policy, provinces run nominee programs, and municipalities provide front-line settlement support.
⚠️ Shared Jurisdiction: This area involves multiple levels of government. The information below shows the primary responsibility at each level, but overlap is common. When in doubt, start with the level most directly related to your issue.
Key Facts
- ● Canada welcomed over 460,000 new permanent residents in 2023, part of a multi-year immigration plan targeting 500,000 annually.
- ● The federal government manages immigration through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), operating under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
- ● Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) allow provinces to select immigrants who meet local labour market needs, accounting for roughly 30% of new permanent residents.
Federal
Parliament of Canada
- ● Citizenship and immigration processing (IRCC)
- ● Refugee processing and protection
- ● Express Entry and permanent residency
- ● Work permits and study permits
💡 Example: Contact IRCC about applications, or your MP about immigration policy.
Provincial
Provincial Legislature
- ● Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
- ● Settlement services funding
- ● Healthcare coverage for newcomers
- ● Foreign credential recognition
💡 Example: Apply through your Provincial Nominee Program, or contact your MPP/MLA about settlement services.
Municipal
City / Town Hall
- ● Local settlement agencies
- ● Municipal ID programs
- ● Community integration services
- ● Language training locations
💡 Example: Contact local settlement agencies, or your councillor about newcomer integration programs.
Quick Reference — Who to Contact
🏛️ Federal
Your Member of Parliament (MP)
🏢 Provincial
Your MPP, MLA, or MNA
🏘️ Municipal
Your City Councillor
How to Get Involved
You can make your voice heard on this issue by contacting your elected representatives at all levels of government.
- ● Contact your MP about federal policies and programs
- ● Reach out to your provincial MLA/MPP about provincial programs and regulations
- ● Attend municipal council meetings to discuss local initiatives
- ● Join advocacy organizations focused on this issue
- ● Contact your MP about immigration policy reforms and settlement support programs.
- ● Volunteer with local newcomer settlement agencies to help immigrants integrate into Canadian communities.
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Take Action →Frequently Asked Questions
Visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. There are multiple pathways including Express Entry (skilled workers), Provincial Nominee Programs, family sponsorship, and refugee claims.
Express Entry is an online system for managing applications from skilled workers who want to become permanent residents of Canada. It uses a points-based Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
Yes. Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor spouses, common-law partners, dependent children, parents, and grandparents for permanent residence.
Processing times vary by program. Express Entry applications can be processed in 6 months or less. Family sponsorship and other programs can take 12-24 months. Check current processing times on the IRCC website.
Permanent residents can live, work, and study anywhere in Canada, receive social benefits, and apply for Canadian citizenship. They cannot vote in federal elections or hold certain security-clearance jobs.