So you’ve decided you’re ready for Canada. But is Canada ready for you? Not everyone who wants to migrate makes the grade, and it is important that you assess your own chances before sinking a few thousand dollars into an application.

There are essentially five categories under which you can apply: family class, business immigrant, independent, refugee/humanitarian class and as a student.

Read on to see which category fits you best:

To apply under this category, you must have a close relative living in Canada who is able and willing to extend financial assistance for a specified period (this can be up to 10 years). This relative must be at least 19 years old and be either a permanent resident or a citizen of Canada.

The definition of “close relative”, as provided by Citizenship and Immigration Canada, is fairly broad. You can be sponsored as a spouse; dependent child; fiance(e); parent; grandparent; or a brother/sister/nephew/niece/orphaned grandchild who is unmarried and under 19. In addition to these, Canadian residents can also sponsor children under 19 they plan to adopt.

If you don’t have a relative in Canada who fits into any of these categories, all is not lost! You can be sponsored by any other relative, so long as he or she can legally promise to provide financial help.

Applicants in this category are not assessed under the points system, but must still meet Canada’s health and character standards.

To apply in the Family Class, ask your sponsor to contact the Canada Immigration TélèCentre on 1-888-242-2100. This toll-free number is available only within Canada. You will be sent an application form by the Canadian diplomatic mission nearest you after your sponsor has completed the necessary paperwork.

Business Immigrants

Canada lays out the red carpet for investors and entrepreneurs who have the funds and experience to set up or invest in a business. Other qualified people with the money who intend being self-employed in Canada may also apply under this category, provided the business will contribute significantly to the national economy.

Under regulations at the time of writing, an applicant in this category should be willing to transfer a minimum of C$250,000 to Canada.

The points system is used to determine whether an application in this category is approved.