Immigrate to Canada from Romania — 2026 Pathway Guide
Canada-Romania immigration has grown significantly since Romania achieved eTA-eligibility in 2017. Romanian tech sector (Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca) creates strong Express Entry STEM candidates. IEC Working Holiday + Young Professionals popular for younger Romanians. This page covers the pathways.
The pathway portfolio
IEC Canada-Romania (for under 35)
- Working Holiday — open work permit, 12-24 months, age 18-35
- Young Professionals — closed WP with career-track job offer
- International Co-op — for Romanian students completing required internships
Express Entry FSW
- CLB 7+ in English or French — many Romanians study English; some learn French
- ECA for Romanian degrees (WES, ICAS, IQAS, ICES)
- 1+ year skilled work experience
- 67/100 selection-factor
- Proof of funds
Federal STEM category-based draws
Romanian tech professionals (software developers, data scientists, engineers) often qualify for federal STEM category draws — slightly lower CRS thresholds than general draws.
Provincial Nominee Programs
- BC PNP Tech — Vancouver tech corridor (strong Romanian tech presence)
- Ontario OINP HCP — Toronto Romanian community
- Alberta AAIP — Calgary + Edmonton
- Quebec QSWP / PEQ — for Romanians with French proficiency (Romanian + French are both Romance languages; French acquisition often easier for Romanians)
Work permits
- ICT — for Romanian executives at multinationals (UiPath, Bitdefender, others with Canadian operations)
- GTS — for Romanian tech workers joining GTS-eligible Canadian employers
Visitor entry: eTA
Romanian citizens use eTA (CAD $7, valid 5 years) for visits up to 6 months.
Visa office: Bucharest
Romanian applications process through the Canadian Embassy in Bucharest. Biometrics at VFS Canada VACs in Bucharest + Cluj-Napoca.
Romania-specific documents
- Romanian PCC (Cazier judiciar) — Romanian Police; online or in-person; ~1 week
- Apostilled documents — Romanian apostille (Hague Convention)
- ECA from WES, ICAS, IQAS, ICES — Romanian universities well-evaluated
- Romanian → English certified translations
- IELTS, CELPIP, TEF/TCF Canada
Romanian-Canadian community
- GTA (Toronto, Mississauga) — largest Romanian community
- Montreal — Francophone-leaning Romanians
- Vancouver, Calgary — growing tech professional communities
FAQ
Do Romanian citizens need a visa for Canada?
Romanian citizens are eTA-eligible (since December 2017). 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 there an IEC Canada-Romania?
Yes — Canada-Romania has IEC bilateral with Working Holiday + Young Professionals + International Co-op. Age 18-35. Working Holiday quota varies annually.
What's the typical Romanian Express Entry profile?
Romanian professionals (IT, engineering, healthcare, finance) typically have strong CRS. Bucharest tech sector + Cluj-Napoca tech hub create strong Express Entry STEM category candidates. Some Romanian universities are well-evaluated by ECA providers.
Is Romania on the SDS list?
No — Romania is not on the SDS list. Standard study permit applies (4-12 weeks). Romanian students often achieve strong applications.
Visa office?
Canadian Embassy in Bucharest handles Romanian applications. Biometrics at VFS Canada VAC in Bucharest + Cluj-Napoca.
Romania → Canada — pathway clarity
Halani Immigration Services Inc. (RCIC-IRB R711322) handles Romanian Express Entry, IEC, ICT, GTS, PNP. Free 15-min review.
Free Romania → Canada Review →Related: IEC guide · From Poland · EE STEM 2026