Last Updated:September 24, 2026
Supervised by Yuki Shiraishi (Immigration Consultant)
Canada: Where LGBTQ+ People from Around the World Are Choosing to Settle
Canada is known as a leading country in protecting the human rights of LGBTQ+ people. It was one of the earliest countries in the world to reform its laws, and not only is same-sex marriage recognized, but LGBTQ+ people are also widely accepted in society.
Visa JP Canada has provided support for many years to LGBTQ+ people starting a new life in Canada. As of September 2020, we had supported more than 50 LGBTQ+ clients and couples with their visa and permanent residence applications.
Visa JP Canada’s Track Record Supporting LGBTQ+ Clients
G., who obtained permanent residence
This is of course true for opposite-sex couples too, but when I searched, I found very few cases of LGBTQ+ people getting married and obtaining permanent residence in Canada, so I was very anxious at first. However, Ms. Sakurai and the staff’s heartfelt support blew all my worries away, and I am very grateful.
H., who obtained permanent residence
The Visa JP Canada team supported our wishes with everything they had. Thanks to their expertise and warm support, we were able to make permanent residence in Canada a reality.
T., who obtained permanent residence
I wanted to start a new life in Canada with my partner, but there was a lot I didn’t understand about the permanent residence application process as an LGBTQ+ couple, and I felt anxious. When I consulted Visa JP Canada, they carefully guided me through it step by step.
A., who obtained permanent residence
I was always worried about whether I could live in an environment that understood and supported my identity. When I consulted Visa JP Canada about obtaining permanent residence in Canada, they listened seriously to my story and gave me the best advice for my situation.
Why Is Canada a Good Place to Live for LGBTQ+ People?
The country protects LGBTQ+ rights by law.
The law clearly states that gay and LGBTQ+ people must not be discriminated against and that LGBTQ+ people should have equal rights, and various legal reforms have followed over roughly the past 20 years.
- Canada has recognized same-sex marriage since 2005.
- Canada’s immigration law was amended in 2002, even before same-sex marriage was legally recognized. With this amendment, same-sex common-law partners were included in the Family Class, a permanent residence application category.
- The sex/gender field on passports and visa application forms includes not only male and female but also “X,” for those who do not identify as either or who choose not to specify a gender.
LGBTQ+ people are socially accepted.
The presence of LGBTQ people has become widely accepted in society, and society has evolved so that LGBTQ+ people can live more freely and be themselves.
- Large-scale Pride parades held across the country every summer are events that local residents look forward to, and national leaders, including the Prime Minister of Canada, actively participate and show their support.
- This acceptance has also spread to schools. A growing number of schools are expressing support for LGBTQ+ people by installing gender-neutral bathrooms and painting crosswalks near schools in rainbow colours.
LGBTQ+ people are moving to Canada from all over the world.
Against this social background, many LGBTQ+ people have moved to Canada in recent years and started their lives in a more livable environment.
LGBTQ+ Communities in Canada
Canada has many LGBTQ+-friendly cities with large LGBTQ+ communities, such as Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal. These cities are known as LGBTQ+-friendly places in Canada, and a culture of community support and acceptance has flourished there.
Toronto
Toronto has Canada’s largest gay community, and the Church-Wellesley Village in particular is lively and popular as an LGBTQ+ neighbourhood. Toronto Pride, held every year, is a large-scale festival celebrating the unity and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community.
Vancouver
Vancouver’s LGBTQ+ community is concentrated around Davie Street and Commercial Drive. There is a community centre called Qmunity, which offers programs for youth and seniors, a trans ID clinic, employment support, counselling programs and more.
Montreal
Montreal’s gay community is very active, with events such as Montreal Pride. The area known as the “Gay Village” has a concentration of bars and clubs for gay people. An LGBTQ+ film festival, held since 1988, serves as a venue for education and awareness.
Initiatives by the Government of Canada and Immigration Authorities
Canada has many LGBTQ+-friendly cities with large LGBTQ+ communities, such as Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal. These cities are known as LGBTQ+-friendly places in Canada, and a culture of community support and acceptance has flourished there.
Various Immigration Policies Recognizing LGBTQ+ Rights
Factors behind Canada’s continued recognition as a leader on LGBTQ+ issues include workplace protections for LGBTQ+ people, recognition of joint adoption and second-parent adoption, and laws on the legal identity of transgender people. Most notably, Canada as a nation is working toward a society in which everyone can participate, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. As a result, there is a constant stream of people moving to Canada from countries where LGBTQ+ rights are not protected, in search of a safe and welcoming environment.
Same-Sex Partners Can Also Apply for Visas and Permanent Residence
Under Canadian immigration law, same-sex marriages and relationships are eligible for Family Class sponsorship, allowing you to apply for permanent residence. Same-sex partners can also be included in Economic Class permanent residence applications. Partners of work permit and study permit holders can obtain a spousal visa. In addition, same-sex spouses or partners of Canadian citizens or permanent residents can obtain an open work permit while their Family Class permanent residence application is in process.
A History of Welcoming Vulnerable People and Refugees
Canada has a history of providing protection and resettlement support to some of the most socially vulnerable groups in the world, including members of the LGBTQ+ community. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada may also accept as refugees people who face violence or persecution because of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
Providing Funding and Resources to Private Organizations
One of the ways Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada supports the LGBTQ+ community is by funding the Rainbow Refugee Society, which works with sponsorship agreement holders to help LGBTQ+ refugees come to Canada.
How Can I Immigrate to Canada?
The approach to obtaining a Canadian visa or permanent residence is exactly the same whether or not you are LGBTQ+. LGBTQ people have an equal chance of immigrating to Canada.
The basic idea is to become someone Canada needs (a skilled worker) and apply for permanent residence along with documents proving your skills and background. However, the best way to choose the most suitable visa category and the most efficient way to build your background to earn permanent residence points differ depending on each person’s situation, such as their career history and English ability.
If You Have a Partner
If you have official documents proving that your partner is your spouse or common-law partner, you can apply for a visa or permanent residence as a couple. If your partner is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, your partner can become your sponsor and you can apply for permanent residence under the “Family Class” category.
Immigration Consultant
Yuki Shiraishi
Born in Japan. After earning a Bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan, she worked for six years in New York as a marketing consultant at a major travel agency, while also studying in an MBA program at the City University of New York. After returning to Japan, she managed the visa center of the same travel company, handling various international visa applications for foreign clients.
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