Canada requires different permits and application processes, depending on each applicant’s profile and objectives
By Pedro Augusto
Canada is among the most sought-after destinations for Brazilians looking to study, work or build a professional career abroad. With two official languages — English and French — the country offers a universal public healthcare system for eligible residents, a high Human Development Index and a diverse labor market. However, these advantages come alongside a high cost of living, particularly in major cities, and a harsh climate, factors that weigh on the decision of those considering moving there.
For those planning to leave Brazil, however, there is no single visa for living in Canada. The available options depend on the purpose of the trip and the applicant’s profile and include pathways such as a Study Permit, temporary work authorization, Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs and family sponsorship.
According to William Bertaiolli, coordinator of the Education Committee of the Chamber of Commerce Brazil-Canada (CCBC), the current scenario is also favorable for Brazilians planning to study in the country. He notes that student visa processing for applicants from Brazil is extremely fast. “Approval rates for Brazilian students going to Canada are high, above 80%,” he said. “So, if you have an authorized agent supporting you through this process, I’m sure everything will go very smoothly.”
Studying can be a gateway to Canada
One option for Brazilians is the Study Permit. For Rafael Carvalho, co-founder and CFO of SOS Canada & Mundo dos Vistos, this is one of the entry points for those who see the country as part of a broader life plan. “Many people choose Canada because of its safety, quality of life and education, but also because of the possibility of building a life plan through education and professional experience.” To apply, candidates must have a letter of acceptance from an educational institution designated by the Canadian government, known as a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), as well as demonstrate sufficient financial resources to cover tuition, living expenses and transportation.
Since September 2025, the Canadian government has required a student traveling alone to any province or territory outside Québec to demonstrate, in addition to other costs, at least CAD 22,895 (approximately R$85,000) to cover living expenses during the first year. The amount is updated annually and does not include tuition or transportation costs.
This permit may also authorize eligible students to work while studying, subject to conditions established by the government. Currently, the limit for off-campus work is up to 24 hours per week during academic sessions.
After completing their studies, some students may qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), a work permit issued after graduation that allows them to work in Canada. For master’s programs lasting at least eight months, for example, applicants may be eligible for a PGWP valid for up to three years, provided all other requirements are met.
Express Entry is one of the main pathways to permanent immigration
For skilled professionals, one of the main alternatives is Express Entry, the system used by the Canadian government to manage applications for permanent residence under three federal programs: the Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program and Federal Skilled Trades Program.
The system operates through a ranking process. Candidates create a profile and enter a pool of applicants, who are ranked under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The score takes into account factors such as age, education, proficiency in the official languages and professional experience, among others. During invitation rounds, the highest-ranked candidates may be invited to apply for permanent residence.
Proficiency in English or French can have a significant impact on the score. Accepted tests include the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) for English, as well as the Test d’évaluation de français (TEF) and the Test de connaissance du français (TCF) for French. Academic credentials obtained outside Canada may also need to undergo an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), an evaluation that determines the equivalency of foreign qualifications within the Canadian system.
Another important point is that Express Entry rules have changed in recent years. Since March 2025, for example, job offers no longer generate additional CRS points, although a job offer remains an eligibility requirement for certain programs and specific streams.
Provincial nomination can increase the score
Another possibility is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), through which provinces and territories select candidates based on their specific labor market needs. Each jurisdiction has its own criteria and streams.
When a nomination is obtained through Express Entry, the candidate receives an additional 600 CRS points, which can significantly increase their chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residence.
A nomination, however, does not automatically constitute authorization to work in Canada. Those who need to work while awaiting the permanent residence process should determine whether they also need to apply for a work permit.
Work permits and family sponsorship
Canada also offers temporary work permits for foreign nationals seeking to work in the country. According to Carvalho, from SOS Canada & Mundo dos Vistos, interest comes from a variety of profiles and goes beyond temporary professional experience. “The audience is quite diverse, ranging from young people who want to study in Canada to professionals and families looking for new opportunities to build a future in the country.”
In certain cases, hiring a foreign worker requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), an assessment used to determine whether hiring a foreign worker is necessary given the availability of professionals in the Canadian labor market.
For those who already have professional experience in Canada, work legally performed in the country may also contribute to a future application for permanent residence through programs such as the Canadian Experience Class.
Another alternative is Family Sponsorship, a program that allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor certain family members, such as spouses and dependent children and, in specific circumstances, parents and grandparents. The sponsor assumes financial obligations and must meet the requirements established for the category.
Documentation requires planning
Although the required documents vary depending on the pathway, immigration processes typically involve a valid passport, Canadian government forms, proof of financial resources and documents related to education and professional experience.
The choice of pathway must take into account the objectives and characteristics of each applicant. “Canadian rules have become more selective, and there is no pathway that works for everyone; studying, working and immigrating are different projects and require planning,” Carvalho explains. Depending on the category, applicants may also be required to provide language test results, credential assessments, police certificates, medical examinations, letters of acceptance from educational institutions, job offers or provincial nominations. In the case of Express Entry, for example, applicants may need to provide valid language test results, an ECA, documents proving professional experience and proof of funds, where applicable. For students, the documentation includes the letter of acceptance, proof of financial resources and, where the rules apply, a PAL/TAL.
Therefore, before beginning the process, applicants should identify their objective in Canada and review the specific requirements of their chosen category. Canadian immigration rules are frequently updated, and amounts, criteria and programs may change over time.
