In all cases, obtaining Canada visas begins with submitting the application, which should be done through your own country. Along with the application you will need to submit documentation specific to the type of visa you seek. You will need evidence of your civil status, employment and education records and language ability. For the ‘family sponsorship’ visa, you’ll need to prove the family relationship between the parties concerned. For ‘business’ visas you’ll need to prove your assets, along with your business management history. All types of Canada visas require a ‘Police Clearance Certificate’, from your country of residence. Before submitting your visa application it is important to visit the Canada visa website in order to get a list of the latest regulations and procedures. The application process may take many months and varies; depending on the exact type of visa you are seeking.

Each area has a designated number of points that it is possible to score. The minimum total number of points necessary to obtain this type of visa is 67. When applying for a federal skilled worker visa it is important to have complete documentation for each of the areas required, so that you will receive the maximum number of points possible.
 
The first area is education, with a possible maximum of 25 points; language skills are awarded up to 24 points; work experience has a possible maximum of 21 points and age counts for up to 10 points. In addition, if you have already made arrangements for employment you may receive up to 10 further points and finally, adaptability counts for up to 10 points. The points are awarded based on a matrix used by Canadian Immigration officers.

Besides achieving the requisite score, you must also be able to show that you have funds to support yourself and your dependents once in the country. Regardless of the points total, the Canadian Immigration office may accept or deny each application, individually. Those who are immigrating to Quebec have to meet an additional set of requirements.