Canada Visas

Visa options, requirements, and timelines for Canadian professionals moving to Canada.

Returning Canadian Citizen

Canadian citizens have an unconditional right of entry. No visa or permit is required regardless of how long you have been abroad.

Requirements

•Valid Canadian passport (or proof of citizenship at the border)
•No residency requirement to maintain citizenship
•May need to file a return of residency with CRA for tax purposes

Processing Time:Immediate entry

Permanent Resident Returning

If you left Canada as a PR, you must meet the residency obligation: 730 days of physical presence in Canada within any 5-year period. Failing this can result in loss of PR status.

Requirements

•Valid PR card or Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD)
•Must have been physically present in Canada for 730 days in the past 5 years
•If obligation not met, may appeal or apply for restoration

Processing Time:Immediate entry with valid PR card

Express Entry (for non-citizens)

Canada's flagship immigration system for skilled workers. Points-based selection through the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) across Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades programs.

Requirements

•Meet minimum CRS score (varies by draw)
•Language proficiency in English or French (CLB 7+)
•Education credential assessment (ECA) for foreign degrees
•Proof of settlement funds

Processing Time:6-8 months processing after ITA

Tax Overview

Tax implications for Canada

Income Tax Rate

Federal: 15%-33% + Provincial: 4%-25.75%

Canada uses a progressive federal-provincial tax system. Federal rates range from 15% to 33%. Provincial rates add 4% to 25% depending on the province. Alberta has the lowest provincial rates; Quebec and Nova Scotia the highest. Capital gains inclusion rate is 50% on the first $250,000 and 66.7% above that.

✓Combined top marginal rate ranges from ~44% (Alberta) to ~54% (Nova Scotia, Quebec)
✓TFSA contribution room: $7,000/year (2025), tax-free growth
✓RRSP contribution room: 18% of earned income, up to $31,560 (2025)
✓Capital gains inclusion: 50% on first $250,000, 66.7% above
✓No wealth tax or inheritance tax at the federal level
✓Departure tax applies when ceasing Canadian tax residency

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