Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
There are various Provincial Nominee Program (PNPs), each with its own set of qualifying criteria. These programs allow provinces to address their specific immigration needs, often focusing on filling labor market gaps and prioritizing applicants with experience in high-demand professions.
We often receive inquiries about whether the Canadian Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is the easiest pathway for foreign applicants. While many PNPs require a connection to the province, such as a job offer, work experience, or educational qualifications, there are certain programs that select candidates solely based on their ability to fulfill demographic or labor market gaps.The four provinces that are considered the most accessible for foreign candidates seeking permanent residence in Canada are:
1.) Saskatchewan’s International Skilled Worker
Saskatchewan, a prairie province in Canada, has become a preferred destination for immigrants due to its rapid economic growth and employment opportunities. The International Skilled Worker Program, available through Saskatchewan’s Occupations in Demand and Express Entry streams, aims to attract candidates with experience in high-demand professions within the province. These streams utilize an Expression of Interest (EOI) system to manually select applicants.
To submit an EOI, candidates must have at least one year of experience in a profession not listed on the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program‘s (SINP) Excluded Occupations List. Proficiency in English or French is required, along with the successful completion of at least one year of post-secondary education. Applicants who meet Saskatchewan’s minimum eligibility requirements, which include earning a minimum of 60 points on the Points Assessment Grid, are eligible to create an EOI profile. These profiles are then considered in an EOI draw conducted by the SINP, where only applicants with the most competitive scores and in-demand professions are invited.
Candidates who qualify for Express Entry can opt for the Saskatchewan Express Entry stream, which expedites the processing of their permanent residency application. However, individuals who are not eligible to create an Express Entry profile can still apply through the Saskatchewan Occupations in Demand stream.
2.) Alberta’s Express Entry Stream
Alberta, a western province in Canada, is home to some of the country’s most prosperous cities, such as Calgary and Edmonton. The province’s robust job market and excellent educational system make it an attractive destination for potential immigrants.
The Alberta Express Entry stream selects candidates from the federal Express Entry pool to apply for provincial nomination. One advantage of this stream is that it considers Express Entry candidates with Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores as low as 300, which increases the chances of receiving a Notification of Interest from the province.
It’s important to note that meeting the minimum CRS score of 300 does not guarantee an invitation from Alberta’s Express Entry stream. The Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program does not disclose the specific additional criteria used for selection, but it does reveal the CRS score of the lowest-ranked candidate from each invitation round. Alberta is often considered one of the easiest provinces in Canada to obtain permanent residency due to its relatively low CRS requirement.
3.) Ontario’s Human Capital Priorities Stream
Ontario, being the most sought-after immigration destination in Canada, attracts numerous newcomers enticed by the bustling city of Toronto and its thriving tech job market. Consequently, the province provides support to many immigrants through various Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) routes. One excellent option for individuals residing outside of Canada is the Ontario Human Capital Priorities stream, which prioritizes qualified candidates capable of filling skilled employment positions within the province.
The Human Capital Priorities stream also utilizes the federal Express Entry system. Prospective applicants must possess a current Express Entry profile with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 400 points or higher. Ontario reviews all Express Entry profiles and selects a subset of them to receive invitations to apply for the PNP. These invitations are often based on specific National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes and a designated CRS score range.
Additionally, Ontario offers a PNP route specifically for French-Speaking Skilled Workers who have profiles in the Express Entry pool. This program can be an excellent choice if you possess intermediate to advanced proficiency in French. Due to its substantial immigration quotas and frequent draws, Ontario is considered one of the most straightforward provinces in Canada for qualified applicants to obtain permanent residency.
4.)Nova Scotia’s Labour Market Priorities Stream
Located on the eastern coast of Canada along the Atlantic Ocean, Nova Scotia is a highly desired destination for many prospective immigrants. Its appeal stems from its proximity to the coastline, affordable cost of living, and relaxed way of life.
Nova Scotia utilizes the Express Entry pool to directly select candidates through its Labour Market Priorities stream. This particular stream is often considered one of the more accessible Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) for international candidates to obtain permanent residency, as it frequently targets individuals who have no specific connection to the province.
Before each admission round, Nova Scotia does not disclose the specific industries or selection criteria it will be focusing on, although it commonly extends invitations to applicants who lack ties to the province. Interested candidates must express their interest in settling in Nova Scotia and maintain an active Express Entry profile.
Once invited by Nova Scotia, candidates have the opportunity to apply for a provincial nomination, which grants an additional 600 points towards their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score through the Express Entry system. These extra points significantly enhance the likelihood of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in a federal Express Entry draw.
Which PNP is Right for You?
We understand that choosing the appropriate immigration program among the extensive selection of over 80 PNPs can be daunting. Determining the most suitable province in Canada for obtaining permanent residency depends on your specific individual profile. If you have any inquiries regarding the PNPs or other immigration possibilities, please feel free to contact us without hesitation.provincial nominee program