Based on the applicant’s profiles, Provincial Nominee Programs are the easiest way to get permanent residency. However, there is a complete list of the top provinces to get PR in Canada easily. 

Well, there are various nominee programs, each with its own unique eligibility requirements. PNPs let provinces respond to their own unique immigration needs. Usually, PNPs are designed to fill gaps in the labor markets, so they target applicants with experience in high-demand occupations. 

In order to know which are the top provinces to get PR in Canada, one must know how PNPs are connected to certain provinces – such as job offers, work experience, or educational credentials. 

This blog covers four provinces in which applicants can easily obtain PR. So, without further ado, let us begin!

Saskatchewan’s International Skilled Worker: Occupation In-Demand and Express Entry 

Located in Canada’s prairie region, the province of Saskatchewan has become a popular destination for immigrants because of its strong economic growth as well as job opportunities. 

The Occupations In-Demand and Express Entry stream of Saskatchewan’s International Skilled Worker PNP is designed to recruit workers with experience in Saskatchewan’s in-demand occupations. These International Skilled Worker streams hand-select applicants using an Expression of Interest (EOI) system. 

Moreover, to submit an EOI, candidates should have a minimum of one year of experience in a profession that is not listed on SINP’s Excluded Occupations List. Interested applicants must also have completed a post-secondary educational credential of a minimum of one year and speak French/ English. Any applicant that meets the province’s minimum eligibility criteria, including scoring at least 60 points on their Points Assessment Grid, might submit an EOI profile. 

Submitted profiles are in one of SINP’s EOI draws. Only applicants with the most competitive SINP score and in-demand professions are invited in SINP EOI draws. 

Applicants eligible for Express Entry can apply under the Saskatchewan Express Entry stream for faster processing of their PR application. However, the province’s Occupations In-Demand stream is also available to applicants that do not qualify to submit an Express Entry profile. 

Alberta’s Express Entry Stream 

Another one of the top provinces in Canada to get PR is Alberta. 

The western province of Canada is home to some of the most thriving Canadian cities, like Calgary and Edmonton. With a growing job market and excellent education system, the province is noteworthy for prospective newcomers. 

The Alberta Express Entry stream selects provincial nomination applicants from the federal Express Entry pool. One significant benefit of this stream is that they consider Express Entry applicants with CRS scores as low as 300. This means that more applicants in the pool will have a chance at obtaining a Notification of Interest from the province. 

Moreover, it is important to note that a CRS score above 300 doesn’t guarantee an invitation from Alberta’s Express Entry stream. The Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program releases the CRS score of the lowest-ranking applicant from each round of invitations but doesn’t release the additional targeted criteria. The following factors might increase an applicant’s chances:

  • A qualifying relative who is a permanent resident or citizen living in Alberta 
  • An employment offer or work experience in Alberta 
  • A completed credential from a post-secondary institution in Canada

Alberta’s Express Entry stream operates via the federal Express Entry system. This implies that obtaining a provincial nomination will increase a candidate’s CRS score by 600 points, virtually guaranteeing they will obtain an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residency (PR) in the next Express Entry draw. 

Because of Alberta’s low CRS requirement, it is often one of the top provinces to get PR in Canada.   

Ontario’s Human Capital Priorities Stream 

Ontario is the most popular destination for immigrants/ newcomers, with many of them drawn to the bustling city of Toronto and its growing tech jobs sector. As such, the province has a significant quota for helping newcomers immigrate through PNP streams. 

Despite having the highest quota among all provinces, Ontario aims to recruit even more newcomers. Also, Ontario’s Labor Minister, Monte McNaughton, recently requested to double the number of immigrants/ newcomers allowed under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program from 9,000 to 18,000 to help tackle the province’s labor shortage. 

For those living outside of Canada, the province’s Human Capital Priorities stream is an excellent option. This option prioritizes skilled workers who can fill skilled employment positions in the province. 

The Human Capital Priorities also operates via the Federal Express Entry system. Prospective applicants need to have an active Express Entry profile with a CRS score of 400 points or higher. 

The province scans through all Express Entry profiles and invites specific profiles to apply to the PNP, typically inviting applicants based on a group of NOC codes and a certain CRS range. 

In 2021, Ontario nominated over 3,513 applicants under their Human Capital Priorities stream. Of these nominees, around half were invited under OINP’s targeted tech draw. 

Ontario also provides a PNP stream for French-speaking skilled Workers with profiles in the Express Entry pool. If you have an intermediate to advanced proficiency in French, this program might be an excellent option for you!

Nova Scotia’s Labor Market Priorities Stream 

Nova Scotia is located on the east coast of Canada, on the Atlantic Ocean. The province’s proximity to the ocean, laid-back lifestyle, and low cost of living make it a dream destination for many prospective newcomers. 

The province’s Labor Market Priorities also selects applicants directly from the Express Entry pool. Since this stream invites profiles without a connection to the province, it is often one of the top provinces to get PR in Canada. 

Moreover, Nova Scotia does not publish the occupations or criteria that it will target ahead of its intake rounds but regularly invites applicants with no connections to the province. Prospective nominees should have an active Express Entry profile and show their interest in Nova Scotia.  

Also, applicants who get an invitation from the province might apply for the chance to secure a provincial nomination. As the steam also operates through the Express Entry system, successful nominees obtain an additional 600 points toward their CRS score. These extra points essentially guarantee an invitation to apply in a federal Express Entry draw. 

Conclusion 

Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) offer valuable pathways for individuals seeking permanent residency. Provinces like Saskatchewan, Alberta, Ontario, and Nova Scotia stand out for their flexibility in selecting candidates aligned with specific labor market needs. 

Each PNP has unique criteria, offering opportunities for applicants with diverse backgrounds, including those in high-demand occupations and with lower CRS scores. Therefore, understanding these province-specific options can greatly improve one’s chances of success in obtaining PR. So, for those exploring options, the PNP route is well worth considering to navigate a smoother, targeted immigration journey to Canada.

If you seek information on how to begin your Canada immigration application process, you can talk to our NavaImmigration experts at 1800-918-8490, or you can drop us an email at [email protected].