There are three major classes of pathways to gain permanent resident status in Canada, namely:

1. Family Class – this is about encouraging family reunification and includes family and spousal sponsorship programs.
2. Economic class immigration – this includes programs that attract highly skilled and experienced persons to contribute to the economic growth of Canada by filling labour market needs. The Express Entry serves as an online system to manage applications to some programs under this class.
3. Refugee & Humanitarian Class – In line with its commitment to international conventions (like the Convention Relating To The Status Of Refugees, and the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment), Canada grants permanent residence to persons in need of protection or asylum.