Immigrate to Canada from Chile — 2026 Pathway Guide
Chile-Canada immigration is supported by eTA visitor access (since 2014), SDS study eligibility, IEC Working Holiday, and Express Entry FSW. Chilean professional pathways align well with Canadian sectors — mining (Calgary), engineering (Toronto, Vancouver), tech, healthcare. This page covers the pathways.
The pathway portfolio
Express Entry FSW
For Chilean professionals from abroad:
- CLB 7+ in English or French — Chileans often have good English exposure
- ECA for Chilean degrees (WES, ICAS, IQAS, ICES)
- 1+ year continuous skilled work experience
- 67/100 selection-factor score
- Proof of funds
SDS study permit
Chile is on the SDS list. Expedited processing (under 20 calendar days) for qualifying applicants.
IEC Canada-Chile
- Working Holiday — open WP, 12-24 months, age 18-35
- Young Professionals — closed WP with career-track job
- International Co-op — closed WP for required internships
Quota opens annually; fills relatively quickly.
Work permits
- ICT (C12) — for Chilean executives at multinationals (BHP, Codelco, Anglo American with Canadian operations)
- GTS — for tech roles at GTS-eligible Canadian employers
- LMIA — standard closed work permit pathway
Provincial Nominee Programs
- Alberta AAIP — mining + oil/gas + energy (strong Chilean fit)
- BC PNP Tech + Mining — Vancouver tech + BC mining sector
- Ontario OINP HCP — Toronto finance + tech
Visitor entry: eTA
Chilean citizens with biometric passport are eTA-eligible. CAD $7, valid 5 years.
Visa office: Santiago
Canadian Embassy in Santiago handles Chilean applications. Biometrics at VFS Canada VAC in Santiago.
Chile-specific documents
- Chilean PCC (Certificado de Antecedentes) — Servicio de Registro Civil; online or in-person; ~1 week
- Apostilled documents — Chilean apostille via Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores
- ECA from WES, ICAS, IQAS, ICES
- Spanish → English certified translations
- IELTS Academic, General, or CELPIP
Chilean-Canadian diaspora
- Calgary + Edmonton — strong Chilean mining/oil professional community
- GTA (Toronto, Mississauga) — large Chilean-Canadian community (post-1973 refugees + modern professionals)
- Vancouver — tech + mining professionals
- Montreal — Spanish + French-speaking Chileans
FAQ
Do Chilean citizens need a visa for Canada?
Chilean citizens are eTA-eligible (since 2014). Apply for eTA online (CAD $7, valid 5 years). Allows visits up to 6 months. For long-term work or study, the relevant permit is required.
Is Chile on the SDS list?
Yes — Chile was added to the SDS list. Expedited study permit processing if you meet: paid first-year tuition, GIC ~$20,635, IELTS Academic 6.0+ overall (6.0 each band) OR TEF B2+, PAL.
What's the Canada-Chile IEC?
Canada-Chile IEC has Working Holiday + Young Professionals + International Co-op. Working Holiday quota ~750 annually. Age 18-35.
What about CUSMA equivalent for Chile?
No — CUSMA is specific to US + Mexico. Chile-Canada Free Trade Agreement exists but doesn't provide a CUSMA-equivalent professional work permit pathway. Chilean professionals use standard Express Entry, LMIA, ICT (for multinationals), or IEC.
Typical Chilean profile in Canada?
Chilean professionals in mining (Chilean copper expertise), engineering, IT, healthcare, finance. Strong communities in Calgary (mining), Toronto (finance/IT), Vancouver.
Chile → Canada — pathway clarity
Halani Immigration Services Inc. (RCIC-IRB R711322) handles Chilean Express Entry, SDS study, IEC, and work permits. Free 15-min review.
Free Chile → Canada Review →Related: From Argentina · From Brazil · From Mexico