Canada's immigration and citizenship policies are handled by the federal Department of Citizenship and Immigration Canada, CIC, which is responsible for managing all areas of immigration and citizenship policy.

In the area of immigration, this includes developing policies, setting annual immigration levels, and overseeing the administration of immigration, including bringing individuals into Canada, helping them resettle, and removing individuals who have lost their immigration status.

The Department is also responsible for granting citizenship to new Canadians, providing them with physical proof of citizenship (such as a Citizenship Certificate), and promoting the importance and benefits of becoming a Canadian citizen through events such as National Citizenship Week.

Classes of immigrants

Unless you are a refugee there are essentially four ways to get into Canada. You can apply under one of three permanent residence classes: Skilled Worker, Family or Business. The fourth option is to apply for a temporary residence visa.