Thinking about living and working in Canada?
Understand the system before you decide
Clear explanations, real pathways, and practical guidance before you commit time, money, or effort.
Get the free “Live & Work in Canada” Reference Guide
Sign up to receive free access to our foundational guide explaining how Canada’s immigration system works, plus updates when rules or programs change. Free access does not include application walkthroughs, job search coaching, or consultation services. Free tier content is currently provided in PDF format and is expected to be sent around the beginning of February, prior to the future launch of video materials.
Many people want to live and work in Canada — but most misunderstand how the immigration system actually works.
Work permits, permanent residence, job offers, and eligibility rules are often confused or oversimplified. Making decisions without understanding the system can lead to wasted time, missed opportunities, or applications that were never realistic in the first place.
This guide is designed to help you understand how Canada’s immigration system works, what options exist, and how people commonly move forward, before you take your next step.
20+ Years’ Expertise Behind Udemy’s #1 Express Entry Course*
Created by the team behind Udemy’s #1* Express Entry course, this guide applies the same professional expertise to understanding how living and working in Canada actually works. Designed by an authorized Canadian immigration representative, it provides clear, structured insight into immigration pathways, work permits, and practical decision-making for those planning their future in Canada.
Practical pathway guidance and live group Q&A
(*) Live online Q&A sessions are not included in the Work & Pathways Guidance paid tier and require a separate purchase.
Choose the level of support you need
Immigration System Overview & Updates
Free!
Understand your options before you decide
A structured overview of Canada’s immigration system
Clear explanations of temporary vs permanent status
How work permits, study permits, and permanent residence differ
Federal vs provincial immigration pathways
Common myths and misunderstandings
Email updates on major immigration changes
Early access notifications for advanced guidance
Work & Pathways Guidance
Practical guidance for planning your path to live and work in Canada
Anything in Reference & Updates plus,
Who can get a work permit in Canada
Eligibility criteria for major work permit programs
Employer-specific vs open work permits
LMIA-based vs LMIA-exempt pathways
How people typically find jobs in Canada
What employers usually expect from foreign applicants
Practical preparation and documentation guidance
Curriculum
This curriculum is carefully structured to clarify how living and working in Canada actually works, moving beyond surface-level information into practical, real-world understanding. By breaking down complex concepts such as temporary versus permanent status, work permit eligibility, and the realities of employer-driven pathways, we help you see how the system functions as a whole. You will not simply learn definitions or program names; you will gain the strategic insight needed to evaluate realistic options, avoid common misunderstandings, and make informed decisions about your next steps with confidence.
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Welcome to the course
How to use this guide
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How Canada’s immigration system is structured
Federal vs Provincial immigration programs
Temporary Resident vs Permanent Resident
What eachstatus allows you to do
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Visitor status
Study permits
Work permits — overview
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What permanent residence means
How people transition from temporary to permanent status
Common assumptions vs reality
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“Work & Pathways Guidance” tier exclusive contents
Who can get a work permit
Employer-specific vs open work permits
LMIA basics
LMIA-exempt categories
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“Work & Pathways Guidance” tier exclusive contents
Major work permit pathways explained
Eligibility criteria and limitations
Common eligibility scenarios
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“Work & Pathways Guidance” tier exclusive contents
How people typically find jobs in Canada
Employer expectations
Documents employers may request
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“Work & Pathways Guidance” tier exclusive contents
How work experience may connect to long-term options
Risks, limitations, and timelines
When a pathway may not be realistic
Make informed decisions before you move or apply
This guide is not about promises or shortcuts.
It’s about understanding how the system really works, so you can plan realistically and avoid costly mistakes.
Sign up to receive free access to our foundational guide explaining how Canada’s immigration system works, plus updates when rules or programs change. Free access does not include application walkthroughs, job search coaching, or consultation services. Free tier content is currently provided in PDF format and is expected to be sent around the beginning of February, prior to the future launch of video materials.
From Clients to Alex
Who Are CICS?
Immigration Consulting Company Based in Vancouver
We are Authorized and Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCIC). The College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), designed by the government of Canada, licenses and regulates Canadian immigration and citizenship consultants in the public interest.
Led by Dr. Mo H. Khadempour and Alex Khadempour, CICS Immigration Consulting Inc., is a trusted and experienced Canadian Immigration Consulting firm located in Vancouver, B.C., Canada, serving the world in over 65 immigration programs.
(*) Most Enrolled Course among those whose main topic is Express Entry, found on Udemy in the "Lifestyle > Travel > Canada Immigration" category. (Researched by CICS Immigration on January 02, 2026)
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