Securing permanent residency (PR) in Canada through a provincial nominee program (PNP) can be a straightforward process for candidates who strategically choose the right province. If you have no existing connections to Canada, some provinces offer more accessible pathways. Here are the top five provinces where it might be easiest to obtain PR for such candidates:
#1 – Saskatchewan’s International Skilled Worker: Occupation In-Demand and Express Entry
#2 – Alberta’s Express Entry Stream
Alberta, located in western Canada, boasts thriving cities like Calgary and Edmonton. With its expanding job market and excellent education system, Alberta is an attractive option for prospective newcomers.
The Alberta Express Entry stream selects candidates from the federal Express Entry pool to apply for provincial nomination. A significant advantage of this stream is that it considers Express Entry candidates with Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores as low as 300, providing more candidates in the pool with a chance to receive a Notification of Interest from the province.
However, a CRS score above 300 does not guarantee an invitation from Alberta’s Express Entry stream. While the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) releases the CRS score of the lowest-ranking candidate from each round of invitations, it does not disclose the additional targeted criteria. Factors that may enhance a candidate’s chances include:
- Having a qualifying relative who is a permanent resident or citizen living in Alberta
- Possessing a job offer or work experience in Alberta
- Completing a credential from a Canadian post-secondary institution
The Alberta Express Entry stream operates through the federal Express Entry system. Receiving a provincial nomination from Alberta boosts an applicant’s CRS score by 600 points, virtually ensuring they will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency in the next Express Entry draw.
Because of Alberta’s low CRS requirement, it is often considered one of the most accessible provinces for obtaining permanent residency in Canada.
#3 – Ontario’s Human Capital Priorities Stream
Ontario is a top destination for immigrants to Canada, attracting many newcomers to its vibrant cities like Toronto and its burgeoning tech sector. The province has a substantial quota for immigration through Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams.
Ontario aims to increase its intake of newcomers. Ontario’s Labour Minister, Monte McNaughton, recently requested an increase in the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) quota from 9,000 to 18,000 to address the province’s labor shortage.
For those living outside Canada, Ontario’s Human Capital Priorities stream is an excellent option. This stream focuses on skilled workers who can fill employment positions in the province.
The Human Capital Priorities stream operates through the federal Express Entry system. Prospective candidates must have an active Express Entry profile with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 400 points or higher. Ontario reviews Express Entry profiles and invites certain candidates to apply to the PNP, typically targeting specific National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes and CRS ranges.
In 2021, Ontario nominated 3,513 candidates under the Human Capital Priorities stream. Approximately half of these nominees were selected through OINP’s targeted tech draw.
Ontario also offers a PNP stream for French-Speaking Skilled Workers with profiles in the Express Entry pool. If you have intermediate to advanced proficiency in French, this program could be a great fit.
Due to its high immigration quotas and frequent draws, Ontario is considered one of the most accessible provinces for obtaining permanent residency in Canada for qualified candidates.
#4 – Nova Scotia’s Labour Market Priorities Stream
Located on Canada’s east coast along the Atlantic Ocean, Nova Scotia offers a charming lifestyle with its ocean proximity, low cost of living, and relaxed atmosphere, making it an attractive destination for many newcomers.
Nova Scotia’s Labour Market Priorities stream selects candidates directly from the Express Entry pool. This stream frequently invites profiles without any prior connection to the province, making it one of the most accessible PNPs for overseas applicants seeking permanent residency.
The specific occupations or criteria targeted by Nova Scotia are not published ahead of their intake rounds, but the province regularly invites candidates with no connections to Nova Scotia. Prospective nominees need to have an active Express Entry profile and express their interest in Nova Scotia.
Candidates who receive an invitation from Nova Scotia can apply for a provincial nomination. Since this stream operates through the Express Entry system, successful nominees receive an additional 600 points toward their CRS score, which virtually guarantees an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in a federal Express Entry draw.
#5 – Prince Edward Island Express Entry
The Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) provides one of the most accessible pathways to Canadian permanent residency through the PEI Express Entry stream. This nomination can significantly boost the chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from the federal government.
To be eligible for PEI Express Entry, candidates must:
- Meet the criteria of one of the Federal Economic Immigration programs (Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, or Canadian Experience Class).
- Create a Federal Express Entry profile and be part of the candidate pool.
- Demonstrate nine months of full-time work experience with a supporting PEI employer and have at least four months remaining on their work permit if they hold a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) or a Spousal Open Work Permit.
PEI prioritizes invitations for those working and living in the province with an eligible PEI employer.
To apply, candidates should read the Workforce Application Guide and create a profile in the Prince Edward Island Expression of Interest (EOI) system, which remains active for six months. It is crucial to keep profile information accurate and up-to-date. An EOI indicates interest but is not an application. Certain eligibility criteria apply, such as being in Canada legally.
Creating an EOI profile is free, but if invited to apply, a non-refundable fee of $300 CAD is required when submitting the Workforce Application Form. Employers must complete the PEI Workforce Job Offer Form, and applicants must complete relevant provincial forms.
If nominated, candidates must accept the nomination through their MyCIC account and submit a permanent residency application with supporting documentation and fees. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is responsible for permanent residency decisions. It’s crucial to notify authorities of any changes in circumstances. Candidates must maintain employment with one employer until receiving permanent residency status and report changes promptly.
Applying through the PEI Express Entry pathway is particularly accessible for those with limited work experience and language proficiency. Unlike other programs such as Quebec’s Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP), which often requires up to two years of work experience and high proficiency in both English and French, the PEI PNP offers a more accommodating alternative for prospective immigrants.
Which PNP is Right for You?
With over 80 Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) available, choosing the best immigration program for your needs can be challenging. The easiest province to get permanent residency in Canada often depends on your unique profile, making it hard to determine where to begin. If you want to learn more about Canada’s PNPs or other immigration pathways, feel free to contact us for more information!
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