About us
Since 1869, Canada’s immigration programmes have helped build a community of citizens respected around the world.
Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC):
- Selects immigrants, foreign students, visitors and temporary workers who help Canada’s social and economic development
- Resettles, protects and provides a safe haven for refugees
- Helps newcomers adapt to Canadian society and become Canadian citizens and with partner agencies, manages access to Canada to protect the security and health of Canadians and the integrity of Canadian laws.
Every day, CIC employees work with people from diverse cultures. They strive to serve them fairly, efficiently and with integrity. Our applicants can expect impartial, unbiased and professional treatment, as well as clear and accountable decision making.
Visa options
The Canadian High Commission in London is a Regional Program Centre which processes all categories of application for temporary or permanent residence in Canada.
We have a range of programs for people who wish to live and work in Canada, namely:
- Skilled Workers have education, work experience, knowledge of English or French, and other abilities that will help them to establish themselves successfully as permanent residents in Canada.
- The Business Immigration Program seeks to attract experienced business people (investors, entrepreneurs and self-employed) to Canada who will support the development of a strong and prosperous Canadian economy.
- Provincial Nominees have the skills, education and work experience needed to make an immediate economic contribution to the province or territory that nominates them. They are ready to establish themselves successfully as permanent residents in Canada.
- Under the Canada-Quebec Accord on Immigration, Quebec establishes its own immigration requirements and selects its own skilled worker immigrants who will adapt well to living in Quebec.
- Temporary foreign workers (over 90,000 each year) enter Canada to work temporarily in jobs that help Canadian employers address skill shortages, or as live-in caregivers. A work permit is needed for most temporary jobs in Canada, though for some positions and business people it is not necessary.
- Working Holiday and Youth Mobility Programs allow university students and other young people up to age 30 to take short-term employment in Canada while exploring the country for up to 12 months.