Canada’s PNP immigration Pathways

Almost all the provinces and territories (except Nunavut and Quebec) operate their own PNPs. And each has at least one immigration stream that is aligned with the Express Entry system.

How the PNPs work

If an Express Entry candidate meets the PNP’s eligibility criteria, the province may send them an invitation to apply for a provincial nomination. Please note that this nomination is not the same as an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. Once a candidate receives this invitation, the candidate responds to the invitation by applying to the province for a nomination.

Express Entry candidates who successfully receive a nomination from the PNP get 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points added to their base score. This will essentially guarantees the candidates will receive an ITA in a subsequent Express Entry round of invitations.

Different PNP Pathways

Below are the different PNP Pathways

Ontario PNP

Human Capital Priorities Stream

Express Entry candidates who are eligible for either the FSWP or the CEC may receive invitation under Ontario’s Human Capital Priorities Stream. The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) invites potentially eligible Express Entry candidates to apply for a nomination. These draws may target candidates with work experience in certain in-demand occupations. In 2019, Ontario introduced Tech Draws, where the province periodically invites candidates with work experience in six in-demand tech occupations.

Skilled Trades Stream

Ontario’s Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream is a pathway for skilled trades workers with work experience in an eligible trade. To be eligible, candidates need at least one year of full-time paid work experience in an occupation listed in Minor Group 633 or Major Group 72, 73, or 82 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system.

To be eligible for this stream, candidates also need to be living in Ontario with a valid work permit. In addition, candidates need to have a license or certification from the Ontario College of Trades.

French-Speaking Skilled Worker

If you are a FSWP and CEC candidates with strong skills in both French and English, you may be eligible for a nomination through the French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream. You don’t need to be in Ontario at the time of submitting your application for this stream. However, you have to demonstrate you intend to reside in the province.

Alberta PNP

The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), formerly the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program, is an economic immigration program that nominates people for permanent residence in Alberta. Nominees must have skills to fill job shortages or be planning to buy or start a business in Alberta. Also, they must be able to provide for their families.

The Alberta Express Entry Stream allows Alberta to nominate a limited number of qualified candidates from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s Express Entry system.

General Alberta Express Entry Stream

Candidates who have demonstrated strong ties to Alberta or who can help support the government’s economic development and diversification priorities may be asked to submit an application.

International graduates from Canadian post-secondary institutions may also be eligible to apply under this stream.

Accelerated Tech Pathway

Under the Alberta Express Entry Stream, candidates may be selected for expedited processing if they are currently working for, or have a job offer with, an Alberta-based tech industry employer in an eligible tech occupation. For more information, refer to the list of eligible Accelerated Tech Pathway occupations (PDF, 165 KB).

British Columbia PNP

The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Programs below fall under the province’s Express Entry stream.

Skilled Worker Stream

The Skilled Worker category is for people who have an eligible job offer in a skilled occupation and have several years of experience in their skilled occupation.

Healthcare Professional Stream

Under the Healthcare Professional Stream, Express Entry candidates may apply if they have experience and eligible job offers as physicians, nurses, psychiatric nurses or allied health professionals.

International Graduate Stream

This stream is for international students who have graduated from an eligible Canadian university or college within the last three years. You will need a valid offer from BC employer in order to be eligible under this sub-category.

International Post-Graduate Stream

This category is for graduates with Masters or Doctoral degrees from an eligible educational institution in British Columbia in the natural, applied, or health sciences programs of study. No job offer is required to apply under this sub-category.

Manitoba PNP

The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) seeks recent graduates, skilled workers, business people and their families with the intention and ability to successfully settle and economically establish in Manitoba as permanent residents. Manitoba makes it easy to immigrate and settle in our province.

The Skilled Workers Stream is locally driven and based on the needs of Manitoba employers. We select internationally trained and experienced workers who have the skills needed in the local labour market, and nominate them to receive Canadian permanent resident visas to settle and work in Manitoba. There are two pathways:

• Skilled Workers in Manitoba
• Skilled Workers Overseas

Saskatchewan PNP

The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) is a way to immigrate to Canada. Through the SINP, the Province of Saskatchewan:

• Invites residency applications from non-Canadians who want to make Saskatchewan their home
• Nominates successful applicants to the federal government for permanent residency in Canada

The SINP is only one of the steps toward becoming a permanent resident in Saskatchewan. All approved applicants must also apply for residency through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Canadian Immigration Commission.

Nova Scotia PNP

Through the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP), prospective immigrants who have the skills and experience targeted by Nova Scotia may be nominated to immigrate. Below are some of the programs you may be eligible for:

Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry

The Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry stream selects highly skilled individuals who wish to live in Nova Scotia permanently. Applicants must have at least one year of experience working in Nova Scotia in a high skilled occupation. A high school diploma or higher is required, and candidates must be between the ages of 21 and 55 years old, among other criteria.

International Graduates in Demand

The International Graduates in Demand stream is for recent international graduates whose skills and education match specific National Occupational Classification (NOC) job categories. This stream is currently open to workers in 2 NOC job categories:

• NOC 3413: nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates
• NOC 4214: early childhood educators and assistants

Eligible candidates must have completed a course of study that is at least 30 weeks long, within the last three years. At least half of the program must have been completed in Nova Scotia.

Labour Market Priorities

The Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities stream selects candidates in the federal Express Entry system who meet provincial labour market needs to apply for nomination. Only candidates who receive a Letter of Interest from the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration may apply. In order to be eligible for this stream, you need to meet the specific eligibility requirements in a Nova Scotia Nominee Program draw.

Labour Market Priorities for Physicians

The Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities stream for Physicians selects physicians to apply for nomination through the federal Express Entry system. Only candidates with an approved offer from the Nova Scotia Health Authority or the IWK Health Centre who receive a Letter of Interest from the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration may apply. Also, the candidates have to commit to stay in the province for at least two years, by sending a signed Return for Service Agreement to the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness.

Prince Edward Island PNP

This program is for anyone seeking permanent residency in Prince Edward Island. Through the PEI Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), individuals receive nomination based on their intention to live and work in PEI and their economic ability to establish in the province. The program gives priority to entrepreneurs and to individuals qualified to work in areas with identified skill shortages in the PEI labour market.

The Express Entry candidates must be eligible for the FSWP, CEC, or FSTP and have a valid Express Entry profile. Also, candidates need to have an active profile in PEI’s Expression of Interest system.

New Brunswick PNP

The New Brunswick Skilled Worker Stream is designed for Foreign Nationals who possess the skills, education and work experience needed to contribute to New Brunswick’s economy. Candidates must meet the program’s minimum eligibility requirements, have a genuine offer of employment from a New Brunswick Employer and have the full intent to live and work in the province on a permanent basis.

This program will also help New Brunswick employers, unable to fill job vacancies with a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, recruit foreign nationals and international graduates whose skills are needed in the province.

Note: According to a government of New Brunswick webpage, the New Brunswick Express Entry Stream was paused until further notice on May 20.

Newfoundland and Labrador PNP

The Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) allows the Province to nominate applicants who meet established criteria, for Permanent Resident Status. The NLPNP offers:

• immigration process for qualified skilled workers, international graduates and their families who wish to settle permanently in Newfoundland and Labrador; and
• Assistance from provincial Immigration Program Development Officers who are available to explain the program requirements, and guide applicants throughout the application process.

Northwest Territories PNP

To immigrate here through the Northwest Territories Nominee Program, you need to either:

• be ready to open, purchase or invest in a business in the NWT; or
• have a job offer from an employer in the NWT.

Yukon PNP

The Yukon Nominee Program accepts applications for nominee candidates both inside and outside of Canada. To qualify for the Yukon Nominee Program, you must:

• have a full-time and year-round job offer from an eligible Yukon employer; and
• meet the specific criteria of your application stream.

Conclusion

Provincial Nominee Programs give Express Entry candidates a chance to migrate to Canada. Also, they support the provincial population and economic growth strategies.

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