Provincial Nominee Programs
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Provincial Nominee Programs
Each province or territories in Canada have their own Immigration Stream through which they select candidates that meet a certain criteria. The criteria include candidates who have stayed in the province for purpose of:
- Studying
- Working
- Business
Click on each of the links below to find brief information on each of the provinces immigration program and the qualifying criteria. Please note all these programs are subject to change and to get updated information, contact us
Provincial Nominee Programs are the fastest-growing economic Canadian immigration pathway. Over recent years, the federal government has gradually increased provinces’ annual allocations for their respective PNPs, showing the increasing importance of these programs within the overall Canadian immigration landscape.
PROVINCIAL NOMINEE PROGRAM (PNP)- Express Entry:
Most provinces and territories have streams that are connected with the federal Express Entry selection system, through which nominees get 600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, effectively guaranteeing that the candidate receives an Invitation to Apply (ITA) at a subsequent draw from the pool.
The CRS is a score out of 1,200 assigned to Express Entry candidates, which decides who should get an ITA for permanent residency.
Individuals who wish to apply for a provincial nomination under an enhanced PNP stream must first create an Express Entry profile and enter the pool.
PROVINCIAL NOMINEE PROGRAM (PNP)- Non Express Entry:
To apply as a provincial nominee to a Canadian territory or province, it is important that you must:
- meet the minimum requirements of one of the territory or province’s non-Express Entry streams
- Submit the EOI (Expression of Interest) under the non-Express Entry stream on your chosen province’s portal
- Submit appropriate supporting documents and fill the immigration forms as per provinces requirements
- The application will be evaluated based on the points system of the specific province
After this, the candidates must submit an application for a Permanent Residency visa via the new PR online portal of IRCC
How to apply for a Provincial Nominee Program in Canada
Step-by-Step guide to applying to a Canadian PNP:
- Find the PNP that is right for you: Consult the list of provinces and territories at the top of this page to determine where you would like to immigrate. Make sure to check the requirements for each PNP to determine your eligibility.
- Apply to your chosen PNP: Submit an application directly to your chosen province or territory.
- Obtain a Provincial Nomination certificate: If your application is successful, the province or territory will nominate you to apply for Canadian permanent residence.
- Submit your application for permanent residence: Apply to the Canadian federal government for permanent residence. If your chosen PNP is aligned with Express Entry, you can do this online. If not, you must submit a paper-based application.
Provinces and Territories
Each of Canada’s provinces and territories, apart from Nunavut and Quebec, operates its own unique Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) designed to meet its economic and demographic needs. Program requirements and application procedures vary greatly between provinces
To check the eligibility criteria, here are the PNP websites for each province/territory:
- Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)
- British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP)
- Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
- New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)
- Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)
- Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)
- Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
- Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
- Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)
- Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
- Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)
- Nunavut is currently only accepting applications for entrepreneurs wanting to start their business in the territory.
Alberta
Alberta is one of Canada’s most popular destinations for new immigrants, offering PNP streams for Express Entry candidates and non-Express Entry candidates. The Alberta Provincial Nominee Program welcomes workers, graduates, and entrepreneurs to the province.
Located in western Canada, the province of Alberta is a hub of agricultural production for Canada. The province sits on top of vast oil reserves, resulting in a booming provincial oil industry.
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program or AAIP (formerly called the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program)
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program offers eight streams operating in two categories:
Workers:
Entrepreneurs:
- Rural Entrepreneur Stream
- Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
- Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
- Farm Stream.
British Columbia
Located on Canada’s west coast, British Columbia is recognized for the inimitable natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. British Columbia offers wide-ranging streams and categories for workers, graduates, and entrepreneurs in its Provincial Nominee Program
British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program
It is one of the most varied of all the PNPs, with two broad streams :
- British Columbia Skills Immigration
- British Columbia Entrepreneur Immigration
- BC Skills Immigration
British Columbia Skills Immigration targets foreign nationals who have the skills to become meaningful members of BC’s workforce. The pathways within BC Skills Immigration emphasize immigrants who have employment prospects in BC and who demonstrate the experience needed to secure and maintain employment as BC residents.
- British Columbia Skilled Worker
- British Columbia Healthcare Professional
- British Columbia International Graduate
- British Columbia International Post-Graduate
- British Columbia Entry Level and Semi-Skilled Worker (ELSS)
British Columbia Express Entry
Candidates are not required to be eligible for Express Entry to apply to the BC Skills Immigration streams. However, most of the programs contained within BC Skills Immigration offer an accelerated pathway to permanent residence for eligible candidates who have an active Express Entry profile. Refer to the application procedure of each stream to determine whether it offers an Express Entry pathway.
- BC Entrepreneur Immigration
British Columbia Entrepreneur Immigration targets foreign nationals and foreign companies who have demonstrated track records of success in business ownership, management, and investment. Individual entrepreneurs with significant personal net worth and international corporations with high annual revenues may immigrate to BC through the establishment of new enterprises in the province.
- British Columbia Entrepreneur
- British Columbia Entrepreneur Regional Pilot
- British Columbia Strategic Projects
BC PNP Tech
BC PNP Tech targets skilled foreign nationals working in one of BC’s in-demand tech occupations. The Tech program is aligned with BC Skills Immigration, so interested applicants should review the various streams contained within the Skills Immigration category. BC PNP Tech enables eligible foreign nationals to receive faster processing and additional resources through applications.
British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program Overview
Express Entry BC |
|||
Category |
Job offer required? |
Aligned with SIRS? |
Basic criteria |
Skilled worker |
Yes |
Yes |
Job offer in a skilled position |
International Graduate |
Yes |
Yes |
Job offer in a skilled position; studied at post-secondary level in Canada |
International Post-Graduate |
No |
No |
Graduated Master’s/PhD program in BC in natural, applied or health sciences |
Health Authority |
Yes |
No |
Job offer from a BC health authority, or in a priority healthcare occupation |
Skills Immigration |
|||
Category |
Job offer required? |
Aligned with SIRS? |
Basic criteria |
Skilled worker |
Yes |
Yes |
Job offer in a skilled position |
International Graduate |
Yes |
Yes |
Job offer in a skilled position; studied at post-secondary level in Canada |
International Post-Graduate |
No |
No |
Graduated Master’s/PhD program in BC in natural, applied or health sciences |
Health Authority |
Yes |
No |
Job offer from a BC health authority, or in a priority healthcare occupation |
Entry Level and Semi-Skilled |
Yes |
Yes |
Job offer in tourism/hospitality, trucking, or food processing industry |
Entrepreneur Immigration |
|||
Job offer required? |
Aligned with SIRS? |
Basic criteria |
|
No, but must create at least one job |
No |
High net worth; business proposal |
Manitoba
Located in one of Canada’s western Prairie provinces, Manitoba is a province built upon generations of rich agricultural production.
The MPNP has been undergoing a slow transition over the past several years, called the MPNP Renewal, although the transition has experienced significant delays and still has yet to be complete.
The province operates several immigration streams divided among four categories:
- Skilled Workers in Manitoba (SWM)
- Skilled Workers Overseas (SWO)
- International Education Stream (IES)
- Business Investor Stream (BIS)
Skilled Workers in Manitoba
Skilled Workers in Manitoba (SWM) encompasses three immigration streams designed to target workers who have already gained employment experience or offers of employment in Manitoba. Candidates for this stream must be currently working and living in Manitoba at the time of their application, or, in certain cases, they may be invited to apply after attending a recruitment session with MPNP overseas.
- Skilled Workers in Manitoba (SWM)
- Manitoba Experience Pathway – Coming soon
- Employer Direct Recruitment Pathway – Coming soon
Skilled Workers Overseas
Skilled Workers Overseas (SWO) encompasses three immigration streams designed to target skilled workers who have the ability to join Manitoba’s work force and adapt easily to life in the province. All streams of this category prioritize workers who have experience in Manitoba’s In-Demand Occupations.
- Skilled Workers Overseas (SWO)
- Manitoba Express Entry Pathway
- Manitoba Human Capital Pathway – Coming soon
International Education Stream
The International Education Stream (IES) targets recent graduates from designated post-secondary institutions located in the province of Manitoba. Candidates for this category must have some amount of work experience or business management experience from the province, either completed after graduation or during their program of study as part of an internship or co-op. There are three pathways within this stream:
- Manitoba Career Employment Pathway
- Manitoba Graduate Internship Pathway
- Manitoba Student Entrepreneur Pathway
Business Investor Stream
Manitoba’s Business Investor Stream (BIS) is a collection of two immigration streams designed for individuals with business management experience who wish to launch a new business endeavor in Manitoba. The entrepreneurial stream is for general entrepreneurs with business proposals in a range of sectors, while the farm investor stream is designed specifically for entrepreneurs in the farming sector.
New Brunswick
The province of New Brunswick is located on Canada’s east coast on the Atlantic Ocean.
The province operates several immigration streams:
- New Brunswick Express Entry Stream
- New Brunswick Skilled Workers Stream
- New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot
- New Private Career College Graduate Pilot
- New Brunswick Strategic Initiative Stream for French Speaking immigrants
- New Brunswick Business Immigration Stream
New Brunswick Express Entry Stream
The Express Entry Stream works in two ways. First, candidates who meet the eligibility criteria listed below can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) at any time. Second, certain candidates in the Express Entry pool will be contacted directly by New Brunswick within their IRCC accounts and invited to submit an application for nomination.
To be eligible to apply to the New Brunswick Express Entry Stream, you must first meet one of the three connections below:
New Brunswick Skilled Workers Stream
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.
Eligibility criteria
As a Skilled Worker Applicant with employer support:
- You are between 19 and 55 years of age.
- You demonstrate, at a minimum, basic language ability. Applicants must provide valid results from a language test from a test taken within the last two years. Applicants in National Occupation Classification (NOC) Training, Education, Experience, Responsibilities (TEER) category 4 and 5 must achieve a minimum standard of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 across all four categories: listening, speaking, reading and writing.
- You have the education, qualifications and, or licenses needed to fulfill your job duties. You will provide evidence that you have, at a minimum, been awarded a high school diploma for education completed after junior/middle school and before college, university and other formal training.
- You will live and work in New Brunswick.
- Your offer of employment is genuine. The company must have been operating for at least one year at the time the application is received. You will demonstrate that you have been interviewed and hired by your employer.
- You are a permanent full-time employee of a New Brunswick company. You are expected to regularly work the standard number of hours fixed by the employer for
- employees in the Occupational Group in which you are employed. Your job will not have a pre-determined end date.
- Your job is represented in one of the following National Occupation Classification (NOC) TEER categories: TEER category 0, 1,2,3, and certain TEER category 4 and 5 occupations.
- You score a minimum of 60 points in the selection factors outlined below.
-
Employers should note the following:
- The employer must demonstrate that they have been unable to find a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada to perform the job duties.
- The job must provide a comparable industry rate of pay. Accommodations provided by the employer will not be considered as part of the compensation package.
- The job complies with New Brunswick employment standards.
New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot
The New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot is an employer-driven immigration program. Candidate applications to the pilot are made through the employer. The program does not allow for direct application from candidates without a job offer from a participating employer.
The six employers participating in the pilot were selected because of their track record of good immigrant recruitment practices.
The six employers who are participating in the pilot include:
- Cooke Aquaculture
- Groupe Savoie Inc.
- Groupe Westco
- Imperial Manufacturing
- J.D. Irving Ltd.
- McCain Foods
As part of the pilot, these employers are required to fulfill the following requirements:
- Have robust settlement plans for housing and transportation to support the establishment of candidates into their new jobs and communities, with commitments to long-term retention
- Have comprehensive human resources planning in place for recruiting and hiring international talent, and for on-the-job skills enhancement
- Provide up to 200 hours of language training, as required
- Offer guidance and support to candidates who may wish to pursue their Canadian secondary education equivalency
The New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot is a pilot program, meaning it will be available for five years. Afterwards, it will either become a permanent program or be discontinued.
New Private Career College Graduate Pilot
The New Brunswick Private Career College Graduate Pilot is for international graduates with the skills, education and work experience to contribute to New Brunswick’s economy, and who are ready to live and work in New Brunswick permanently
New Brunswick Strategic Initiative Stream for French Speaking immigrants
The New Brunswick Strategic Initiative Stream is for French-speaking workers with the skills, education and work experience to contribute to New Brunswick’s economy, and who are ready to live and work in New Brunswick permanently.
New Brunswick Business Immigration Stream
If you want to immigrate to New Brunswick, Canada and are ready to establish and manage a business in the province, the New Brunswick Business Immigration stream might be the right Canadian immigration option for you.
The NB Business Immigration Stream is open to entrepreneurs or senior managers, living in Canada or abroad, who are ready to establish, operate and actively manage a business while living and settling in New Brunswick permanently. To apply to the stream, you must make sure that you meet all eligibility requirements. If all eligibility requirements have been met, you will be assessed according to the following selection: age, language, education, personal net worth, business ownership and/or senior management experience, business concept and adaptability. A minimum of 65 of 100 points is required to be successful
PROCESS
The following section outlines the application process steps :
Newfoundland and Labrador
The Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) provides prospective immigrants with in-demand skills and experience the opportunity to become a part of this eastern province’s growing workforce through the following streams:
Skilled workers of NOC TEER 0, 1, 2 and 3 occupations with a guaranteed employment offer. The job offer should be for at least two years with the possibility of extension, who are in the federal Express Entry pool may be eligible to apply for the Express Entry Skilled Worker stream of NLPNP. The applicant must score a minimum of 67 points out of 100 on the PNP point assessment grid
If you hold a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP), you may be eligible for the Express Entry Skilled Worker Category, if you are accepted into the Express Entry pool.
The Skilled Worker stream of NLNP welcomes experienced workers of all NOC Skill Levels with a guaranteed job offer valid for at least two years from a Newfoundland and Labrador employer to apply for provincial nomination. The applicant must have a specialized skill set that meets the needs of the employer from which they receive a full-time job offer.
International Graduate
Graduates from eligible post-secondary institutions who choose to remain in Canada on a Post-Graduate Work Permit may be eligible to apply for the NLNP International Graduate program. Graduates must either be currently employed or have received a job offer from a Newfoundland and Labrador employer that relates to their field of study.
The Newfoundland International Graduate immigration stream is for recent graduates who have a post-graduation work permit and a job or job offer from a Newfoundland and Labrador employer. The job offer must be in a NOC 0, A or B occupation, or a NOC C occupation, provided the occupation is in an In-Demand Occupation. Applicants to the Newfoundland International Graduate stream should hold either:
- a full-time, indeterminate position related to their field of study, or
- a position that is commensurate with their skills, experience and/or training.
The Priority Skills NL process is intended for individuals who have work experience in occupations in demand in Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as have a high level of education and language ability, and who wish to express their interest in either staying in, or coming to the province and becoming a permanent resident of Canada.
Eligibility Criteria
All candidates must:
- have taken an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) language test within the last twelve months and scored equivalent to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 5 or higher;
- be at least 21 years of age; and
- intend to live permanently in Newfoundland and Labrador
In-demand Academic candidates:
- must have completed PhD or Master’s degrees from Memorial University within the past three years in the following specialties: Technology, Health Care, Aquaculture, and Agriculture.
In-demand Work candidates:
- must have worked in a specialized, highly skilled, in-demand occupation for at least one full year in the last 10 years. A list of in-demand occupations can be found here.
International Entrepreneur Category
This category is designed for foreign nationals with experience owning and managing businesses who wish to invest in purchasing and managing a business in Newfoundland & Labrador. Applicants must have business management experience and a significant personal net worth. Approved applicants must start a new business or buy an existing business in Newfoundland and must actively participate in the day-to-day management of the business. After operating the business for at least one continuous year, the entrepreneur may be nominated for permanent resident status.
International Graduate Entrepreneur Category
If you attended Memorial University in Newfoundland or College of the North Atlantic as an international student, and you have already started or bought a local business and maintained day-to-day operations for at least one continuous year, the Newfoundland International Graduate Entrepreneur immigration category could be your route to Canadian permanent residence. There are two streams within the International Graduate Entrepreneur category: Starting a New Business and Purchasing an Existing Business. Each stream has unique criteria
Northwest Territories Program
Being the most populous northern territory in Canada, the Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) targets workers in skilled, semi-skilled, and low-skilled occupations through employer-driven immigration streams. Its business-driven counterpart, on the other hand, seeks entrepreneurs and business owners from all sectors.
The province operates several immigration streams divided among three categories:
- Northwest Territories Employer Driven Stream
- Northwest Territories Business Driven
The Employer-Driven Stream is for employers who want to hire and nominate critically needed and skilled workers foreign nationals when there are no Canadians or Canadian Permanent Residents available. For this stream to work, you first need a job offer from an NWT employer.
This stream helps employers hire, and helps workers achieve Canadian Permanent Residency through three program categories.
This stream gives skilled workers in the federal Express Entry pool the opportunity to partake in an accelerated permanent residence application. Candidates must have a job offer from an eligible Northwest Territories employer.
The Entry Level/Semi-Skilled Occupations helps employers fill shortages for entry-level jobs. This category is for occupations that fall under National Occupation Classification (NOC) TEER 4 or 5.
To be eligible, foreign nationals must have worked fulltime in the same position with the employer for six months and be in good standing with the requirements of their temporary foreign work permit. There is a minimum language requirement
The Skilled Worker category helps employers attract qualified workers for jobs in the NWT that require formal education, specialized training, or both. This category is for occupations that fall under National Occupation Classification (NOC) TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3. The skilled worker must have one year of full-time experience in the relevant occupation. There is a minimum language requirement
Northwest Territories Business Stream
The Northwest Territories Business streams provide opportunities for business owners and entrepreneurs wishing to create a new business in the Northwest Territories. While the program accepts applications from all economic sectors, businesses that offer a significant benefit to the Northwest Territories economy, or who introduce a new product altogether, will be given priority when applying for provincial nomination.
The Francophone Stream allows qualified foreign nationals, who speak both French and English and have a valid job offer from an NWT Employer. This stream is designed to increase the labour pool for bilingual workers within all National Occupational Classification skill levels (NOC skill level O, A, B, C & D).
Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP).
The province of Nova Scotia is located on Canada’s east coast on the Atlantic Ocean. The province plays host to a number of unique Provincial Nomination Programs (PNPs) designed to attract and retain newcomers who will be able to fill gaps in the workforce and contribute meaningfully to local economies and communities.
The province operates several immigration streams:
· Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities
· Labour Market Priorities for Physicians
· International Graduates In Demand
· Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry
· International Graduate Entrepreneur
Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities
The Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities stream is a PNP stream for Express Entry candidates. This stream is designed to target workers with experience in extremely high-demand occupations or those with proficiency in the province’s language priorities. Sometimes this means that certain occupations are prioritized, sometimes it means that French-speakers are prioritized. The rules are determined for each invitation round and not announced in advance.
Labour Market Priorities for Physicians
The stream targets foreign physicians who have an Express Entry profile and an approved offer from one of Nova Scotia's health institutions. General practitioners and family physicians (NOC 31102) and specialist physicians (NOC 31100 and NOC 31101) will receive a Letter of Interest once the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration is notified of the candidate’s Express Entry profile number and a signed approved opportunity with either the Nova Scotia Health Authority or the IWK Health Centre.
The Nova Scotia Physicians stream enables internationally trained doctors to immigrate permanently to the province of Nova Scotia. Eligible physicians may apply with the assistance of either the Nova Scotia Health Authority or the IWK Health Centre. Internationally-trained doctors can have the first-stage of their applications to live and work in Nova Scotia processed within a few days under the Nova Scotia Physicians stream. he only difference between these two streams is that the Labour Market Priorities stream is aligned with Express Entry, thus giving applicants access to much faster processing times.
International Graduates In Demand
The Nova Scotia International Graduates In Demand stream is for individuals who have studied in Nova Scotia and have a job offer from a Nova Scotian employer in an in-demand occupation.
Eligibility requirements
In order to be eligible for the NSNP’s International Graduates In Demand stream, candidates must meet the following requirements:
Job offer in an in-demand occupation
The International Graduates In Demand stream currently includes two in-demand occupations (these could change in the future):
- NOC 33102: nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates
- NOC 42202: early childhood educators and assistants
To be eligible for the program, the candidates must have a full-time permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer in one of these in-demand occupations and this job offer must correspond with the candidate’s recent field of study. The candidate also must have certifications for the job issued by a Nova Scotia regulatory body.
Nova Scotia education related to in-demand occupation
To be eligible, candidates must have met the requirements to complete a course of study corresponding to their in-demand occupation. This requirement must have been completed within three years of applying, the program must be at least 30 weeks in length, and at least 50 percent of the program must have been completed within Nova Scotia. The required length of the program depends on the in-demand occupation:
- NOC 33102: the educational program must grant a certificate, diploma, or degree
- NOC 42202: the educational program must grant a diploma or degree
Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry
This stream is designed to target newcomers with work experience in Nova Scotia who will be able integrate into Nova Scotia’s workforce long term. Aligned with the federal Express Entry system, successful applicants to the Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry stream receive a 600 point boost to their Express Entry profiles, virtually guaranteeing them an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residence.
The Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Stream offers a route to permanent resident status while supporting entrepreneurial candidates and their families in the establishment and operation of a business in Nova Scotia. Successful applicants must start a new business or buy an existing business in which they participate in the day-to-day management duties. After operating the business for one year, the entrepreneur may be nominated for permanent resident status.
International Graduate Entrepreneur
If you have studied in Nova Scotia and want to set up a business after obtaining permanent residence, the Nova Scotia International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream could be the Canadian immigration route you’re looking for. This stream is designed to target recent graduates of a Nova Scotia university or Nova Scotia Community College. Applicants must have already started or bought a Nova Scotia business and operated it for at least one year. This is a selective stream, usually only issuing one or two invitations in each invitation round.
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP).
Located in central Canada, the province of Ontario is the most popular destination for new immigrants to Canada. The province hosts the city of Toronto, Canada’s economic hub, as well as the nation’s capital city, Ottawa.
The province operates several immigration streams divided among four categories:
- If you have a job offer in Ontario
- Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream
- Employer Job Offer: International Student stream
- Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills stream
- If you have a Masters or PhD degree from an Ontario university
- Masters Graduate stream
- PhD Graduate stream
- If you have the skills and experience -Express Entry Based
- Human Capital Priorities stream -Express Entry
- Skilled Trades stream – Express Entry
- French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream – Express Entry
- Entrepreneur stream
Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream
This stream is for individuals who have a qualifying job offer from an employer in Ontario. Please note: this stream uses a points-based ranking system to invite candidates to apply for nomination.
Applicant Eligibility:
Job Offer
In order to qualify, a foreign national must have a valid job offer in NOC O,A or B positions from an Eligible Ontario employer. The job offer must be for a full-time position, paid at or above the median wage level for that occupation in Ontario.
This stream has certain requirements which must be met by both the foreign national applicant and the Ontario employer.
Employer Job Offer: International Student stream
Ontario's Employer Job Offer: International Student stream is for individuals who recently graduates from an eligible study program in Canada. The International Student stream requires candidates to have a job offer from an Ontario employer for a skilled position.
Applicant Requirements
Job Offer
In order to qualify, a foreign national must have a valid job offer from an Ontario employer. The job offer must be for a full-time position, paid at or above the low wage level for that occupation in Ontario. The position must be at National Occupational Classification (NOC) Skill Level 0, A, or B.
Level of Education
Any person applying to this stream must have completed a Canadian educational credential within the previous two years and which meets one of the two following conditions:
- A degree or diploma that takes at least two years of full-time study to complete, or;
- A degree or diploma that takes one year to complete but which requires a previously completed degree as a prerequisite for admission.
Please note that certain educational institutions are not eligible for this stream of immigration.
Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills stream
Please note: this stream uses a points-based ranking system to invite candidates to apply for nomination. In order to be eligible for the OINP Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills stream, candidates must meet the following requirements:
Applicant Requirements
Job offer from an Ontario employer
To qualify the foreign national must have a valid job offer from an Eligible Ontario employer. The job offer must be for a full-time position, paid at or above the median wage level for that occupation in Ontario. The position must be in one of the OINP In-Demand Occupations.
Eligible occupations for jobs based anywhere in Ontario (GTA included)
- NOC 3413 – nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates
- NOC 4412 – home support workers and related occupations, excluding housekeepers
- NOC 7441 – residential and commercial installers and servicers
- NOC 7511 – transport truck drivers
- NOC 7521 – heavy equipment operators (except crane)
- NOC 7611 – construction trades helpers and labourers
- NOC 8431 – general farm workers
- NOC 8432 – nursery and greenhouse workers
- NOC 8611 – harvesting labourers
- NOC 9462 – industrial butchers and meat cutters, poultry preparers and related workers
Eligible occupations for jobs outside the GTA
- NOC 9411 – machine operators, mineral and metal processing
- NOC 9416 – metalworking and forging machine operators
- NOC 9417 – machining tool operators
- NOC 9418 – other metal products machine operators
- NOC 9421 – chemical plant machine operators
- NOC 9422 – plastics processing machine operators
- NOC 9437 – woodworking machine operators
- NOC 9446 – industrial sewing machine operators
- NOC 9461 – process control and machine operators, food, beverage and associated products processing
- NOC 9523 – electronics assemblers, fabricators, inspectors and testers
- NOC 9526 – mechanical assemblers and inspectors
- NOC 9536 – industrial painters, coaters and metal finishing process operators
- NOC 9537 – other products assemblers, finishers and inspectors
Language proficiency
The In-Demand Skills stream requires a minimum language proficiency score, in either English or French, consistent with the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4.
Level of Education
All applicants to this stream must have completed an educational credential equivalent to a Canadian high school diploma or higher.
Work Experience
Any person applying to OINP In-Demand Skills must have a cumulative amount of at least 1 year of full-time work experience obtained within the previous 3 years. This work experience must have been obtained in Ontario and be in the same in-demand NOC code as the occupation listed on their Ontario job offer.
Ontario’s Masters Graduate stream is for individuals who have a master’s degree from an Ontario university and want to immigrate to Ontario as permanent residents.
Candidates must have a master’s degree from an eligible Ontario university. To qualify for the OINP Masters Graduate stream, the degree must have been granted after at least one academic year of full-time study (or an equivalent amount in part-time study). The master’s degree must be from one of the Ontario universities on this list:
To qualify for the OINP Masters Graduate stream, your master’s degree must be from one of the universities listed below:
- Algoma University
- Brescia University College (Affiliated with the University of Western Ontario)
- Brock University
- Carleton University
- Dominican University College
- Huron University College (Affiliated with the University of Western Ontario)
- King’s University College at the University of Western Ontario
- Lakehead University
- Laurentian University
- McMaster University
- Nipissing University
- Ontario College of Art & Design University
- Queen’s University
- Royal Military College of Canada
- Ryerson University
- Saint Paul University (Federated with the University of Ottawa)
- St. Jerome’s University (Federated with the University of Waterloo)
- Trent University
- University of Guelph
- University of Ontario Institute of Technology
- University of Ottawa
- University of St. Michael’s College (Federated with the University of Toronto)
- University of Toronto
- University of Trinity College (Federated with the University of Toronto)
- University of Waterloo
- University of Windsor
- Victoria University (Federated with the University of Toronto)
- Western University
- Wilfrid Laurier University
- York University
Language proficiency test
You must take an approved language test demonstrating proficiency in either English or French consistent with (or above) the Canadian Language Benchmark of Level 7 (CLB 7)
Candidates must have completed the requirements to obtain a PhD degree from an eligible Ontario university. To qualify for the OINP PhD Graduate stream, at least two years of the PhD studies must have been completed while legally living and studying in Ontario. The PhD must have been completed at one of the eligible Ontario universities listed here:
- Brock University
- Carleton University
- Dominican University College
- Lakehead University
- Laurentian University
- McMaster University
- Nipissing University
- Queen’s University
- Royal Military College of Canada
- Ryerson University
- Saint Paul University (Federated with the University of Ottawa)
- St. Jerome’s University (Federated with the University of Waterloo)
- Trent University
- University of Guelph
- University of Ontario Institute of Technology
- University of Ottawa
- University of St. Michael’s College (Federated with the University of Toronto)
- University of Toronto
- University of Trinity College (Federated with the University of Toronto)
- University of Waterloo
- University of Windsor
- Victoria University (Federated with the University of Toronto)
- Western University
- Wilfrid Laurier University
- York University
Language proficiency test
You must take an approved language test demonstrating proficiency in either English or French consistent with (or above) the Canadian Language Benchmark of Level 7 (CLB 7).
Human Capital Priorities stream -Express Entry
Since being introduced in 2015, the Ontario Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream has been an undeniable success. In many ways, it has become the centerpiece of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), through which Ontario welcomes newcomers from around the world.
The Ontario Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream requires candidates to have an active Express Entry profile in order to be considered. A job offer is not required in order to qualify under this stream, though candidates with a job offer have been prioritized for invitation in the past.
Ontario searches the Express Entry pool for candidates who meet the criteria, who may then receive a Notification of Interest (NOI, effectively an invitation) from the OINP. This makes the program passive, because not only can candidates not apply directly, they also can’t make an ‘Expression of Interest’ in eventually applying. This offers hope to eligible candidates that Ontario may issue them a NOI. However, the province has also on occasion tweaked its own eligibility criteria in order to select certain candidates like the recent Tech draws or sector specific draws
Skilled Trades stream – Express Entry
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) aims to include a stream for skilled trades workers with work experience in an eligible trade occupation with active Express Entry profiles who are already living in Ontario and have Ontario work experience in a skilled trade. In order to be eligible for the Skilled Trades stream, candidate must meet specific work experience requirements. The candidate must have at least 12-months of
cumulative full-time work experience completed in Ontario within the past 2 years. This work experience must have been obtained in a skilled trade:
The Ontario Skilled Trades stream operates on an invitation only basis. To apply to the stream, candidates who meet the minimum eligibility requirements must create an Express Entry profile. They must then wait to be issued a Notification of Interest (NOI) from the province of Ontario.
French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream – Express Entry
Ontario is looking to welcome more francophone immigrants to complement an already-existing population of around half a million Franco-Ontarians. One particular advantage of this OINP stream is that a job offer is not required. Ontario assesses potential applicants based on their human capital credentials, with particular emphasis on language ability in both English and French and who demonstrate the ability to contribute to the province’s workforce as skilled workers.
The Ontario French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream operates on an invitation only basis. To apply to the stream, candidates who meet the minimum eligibility requirements must create an Express Entry profile. They must then wait to be issued a Notification of Interest (NOI) from the province of Ontario.
Under the OINP Entrepreneur Stream, the immigration authorities of Canada’s most populated province invite registered eligible candidates to apply for a temporary work permit, allowing them to establish the business in Ontario. If the terms of a Performance Agreement are met, successful applicants may then apply for provincial nomination, which is the next step on the way to becoming a permanent resident of Canada.
The OINP Entrepreneur Stream thus leads to permanent residence, but only after certain conditions are met. Moreover, eligible candidates must first be invited to apply before they may make an application. Invitations are issued on the basis of a unique points system.
Individuals wishing to apply to the OINP Entrepreneur Stream may do so alone, or with a business partner. In order to be eligible, candidates must meet the minimum requirements for all of the factors. In cases where candidates intend to apply with a business partner, both persons must meet all the criteria for each factor.
Factor |
Criteria |
Experience |
At least 24 months of full-time business experience in the last 60 months as a business owner or as a senior manager. |
Net worth |
If the proposed business is located in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA): C$800,000. |
Personal investment |
If the proposed business is located in the GTA: C$600,000 + minimum equity ownership of 33.3%. |
Job creation |
If the proposed business is located in the GTA: At least two permanent, full-time jobs for Canadian citizens / permanent residents. |
Exploratory visit |
Individuals who plan on purchasing an existing business must make at least one business-related visit to Ontario in the last 12 months prior to the date the application was submitted. |
Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP).
The PEI PNP offers immigration streams for candidates in the government of Canada’s Express Entry pool, as well as skilled workers (currently working in PEI or outside Canada), graduates of local higher education institutions, and for business immigrants who want to operate a business in PEI.
The province operates several immigration streams divided among three categories:
- PEI Express Entry
- Skilled Workers in PEI
- Skilled Workers Outside Canada
- Critical Worker
- International Graduate
- Occupations in Demand
- Business Work Permit Stream
The PEI Express Entry stream is a key part of the PEI PNP, notably because nearly any candidate in the Express Entry pool can submit an Expression of Interest. As with all Express Entry-linked PNPs, successful applicants obtain 600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, resulting in an invitation to apply (ITA) at a subsequent Express Entry draw.
Applicants are not required to have a job offer from a PEI employer. However, applicants who are currently living and working in PEI will be given top priority. Note that while applicants must have an active Express Entry profile to be eligible, the PEI PNP Express Entry profile, pool, and ranking system are all separate from the Express Entry profile, pool, and ranking system.
To be eligible for the Skilled Worker in PEI stream, candidates have to be living and working in PEI on a valid work permit. Candidates must have a full-time, permanent job offer from an employer in PEI. The position must be classified as National Occupational Classification (NOC) Skill Level 0, A, or B. They must have at least two years of full-time work experience in the past five years. The age should be between 21 and 59
If you have a job offer in the Canadian province of Prince Edward Island (PEI), you may be able to immigrate to Canada through the PEI PNP Skilled Worker Outside Canada stream, part of the Labour Impact category. To be eligible, candidates must have a full-time, permanent job offer from an employer in PEI. The position must be classified as National Occupational Classification (NOC) Skill Level 0, A, or B. Through this stream your employer must first make contact with PEI PNP officials and the job offer must be approved by our office prior to submitting an expression of interest profile. Candidates must have at least two years of full-time work experience in the past five years.
The PEI PNP Critical Worker stream is a potential Canadian immigration option for workers with a full-time long-term (i.e. permanent or minimum of two years) job offer in PEI in an occupation categorized into TEER 4 or 5. The Critical Worker Stream may be utilized for talent recruitment outside Canada for approved Prince Edward Island trucking-sector employers. With approval, a work permit support letter would be provided for the applicant. To be eligible, candidates must have worked in PEI for a minimum of six months for the PEI employer making the job offer. The candidate must have a valid work permit authorizing them to work for the PEI employer.
If you graduated from a designated university or college in Prince Edward Island (PEI) and you are currently working in the province, you may be able to apply for Canadian permanent residence through the PEI PNP International Graduate stream, part of the Labour Impact category. To be eligible for the PEI International Graduate stream, candidates must have graduated from a minimum two-year program at a publicly-funded post-secondary institution in PEI. Candidates must also have been working in PEI for at least six months in a position that is directly related to their PEI post-secondary education. Candidates must have a full-time, permanent job offer from their current PEI employer. The job offer must be for a position classified as National Occupational Classification (NOC) Skill Level 0, A, or B. While there is no minimum
language proficiency to meet the eligibility requirements for this stream, candidates must have sufficient ability to communicate in English or French.
In order to be eligible for the PEI Occupations In Demand PNP stream, a candidate must meet the following criteria.
Candidates must have a full-time, non-seasonal permanent job offer from a PEI employer in one of the in-demand occupations:
- NOC 33102 (Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates)
- NOC 73300 (Transport truck drivers),
- NOC 75110 (Construction trades helpers and labourers), or
- NOC 65310 (Light duty cleaners)
- NOC 95109 (Other labourers in processing, manufacturing and utilities)
- NOC 75101 (Material handlers)
- NOC 94140 (Process control and machine operators food and beverage processing)
- NOC 94141 (Industrial butchers and meat cutters, poultry preparers and related workers)
Applicants must have at least one year of work experience directly related to their PEI job offer. All applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 59. Applicants must have successfully completed a minimum educational credential equal to (or above) a Canadian high school diploma (secondary school).
The Business Work Permit stream of the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) is for foreign nationals with business ownership or extensive management experience who would like to move to PEI to start their business.
Successful applicants first move to PEI on a work permit, before eventually transitioning to permanent residence if certain business-related targets are satisfied.
Program Requirements
Requirement |
|
Express Entry Profile |
No |
Connection to Province |
No |
Job Offer |
No |
Language Proficiency |
CLB 4 |
Level of Education |
High school |
Work Experience |
Business ownership and management |
Investment Requirement |
Investment: $150,000 CAD |
Quebec Immigration Program
Quebec operates a number of different immigration programs. The federal government has granted the province of Quebec significantly more autonomy in immigration policies and procedures, which is why Quebec’s immigration programs are often treated separately from other provinces’.
- Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP)
- Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)
- Pilot Program for workers in food processing
- Pilot Program for orderlies
- Pilot Program for workers in the artificial intelligence, information technologies and visual effects sectors
- Quebec Investor Program (currently closed)
- Quebec Entrepreneur Program
- Quebec Self-Employed
Quebec is the only province in Canada whose only official language is French. For this reason, some of Quebec’s immigration programs require proficiency or offer preference to individuals proficient in French. However, there are also pathways available for non-French speakers who wish to immigrate to the province.
Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ)
Quebec immigration applications are approved through two separate processes: selection and admission. Selection occurs at the provincial level, while admission occurs at the federal level. To immigrate to Quebec, an applicant must meet the requirements for both selection and admission. In the selection step of the process, a foreign national must obtain approval from the province of Quebec itself.
Selection is demonstrated through a certificat de sélection du Québec (Quebec Selection Certificate – CSQ), which is a document issued by the provincial immigration authorities following a successful application through one of Quebec’s immigration programs.
Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP)
The Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP) is one of Quebec’s immigration pathways to permanent residence. As a skilled worker program, all applicants are required to demonstrate a minimum amount of skilled work experience. QSW is a points-based immigration program, meaning applicants must meet a minimum score on a points assessment grid in order to be eligible.
This program does not require that an applicant be proficient in French to apply, but French proficiency may lead to an increased score on the points assessment grid.
Eligible candidates must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the online Arrima portal to be considered for this program.
Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)
The Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) is one of Quebec’s immigration pathways to permanent residence. The program requires that candidates have experience in the province of Quebec, either as a temporary foreign worker or an international student. PEQ applicants must demonstrate advanced intermediate knowledge of oral French. There are additional eligibility requirements for this program, including that the applicant be legally residing in Quebec at the time the application is submitted and processed.
Pilot Program for workers in food processing
This pilot program allows you to settle in Québec permanently if you are a temporary foreign worker in Québec’s food processing sector.
This pilot program has come into effect on March 24, 2021, and will close on January 1, 2026.
If you meet the program’s conditions, you can submit an application for permanent selection and obtain a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ). Among other requirements, you must:
- be proficient in spoken French
- have work experience in Québec in an eligible job and sector
- hold an eligible job in an eligible sector in Québec at the time of submission of your application
his pilot program allows you to settle in Québec permanently if you are a temporary foreign worker who is working in Québec as an orderly.
This pilot program has come into effect on March 31, 2021, and will close on January 1, 2026.
If you meet the program’s conditions, you can submit an application for permanent selection and obtain a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ). Among other requirements, you must:
- be proficient in spoken French
- have work experience as an orderly in Québec
- hold a job as an orderly in Québec when submitting your application
This pilot program allows you to settle in Québec permanently if you are:
- a foreign worker or a Québec graduate in artificial intelligence
or - a foreign worker in information technologies and visual effects
This pilot program has come into effect on April 22, 2021, and will close on January 1, 2026.
If you meet the program’s conditions, you can submit an application for permanent selection and obtain a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ). Among other requirements, you must:
- be proficient in spoken French, if you are submitting an application under the Francophone profile
- hold or have accepted a job in Québec’s artificial intelligence, information technologies or visual effects sectors
The Quebec Entrepreneur Program requires applicants to have the financial capacity along with the experience and intention to manage a business project in Quebec or to acquire a business in Quebec.
The Quebec Self-Employed Worker Program allows certain self-employed people to immigrate to Quebec and create their own job. In order to qualify for this program, an applicant needs to have net assets of at least $100,000 CAD and two years of experience as a self-employed worker in the field they plan to practice in Quebec.
Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ)
A number of Quebec’s temporary resident programs require a certificat d’acceptation du Québec (Quebec Acceptance Certificate – CAQ), to authorize temporary stay in Quebec. This includes the majority of study programs for international students. NOTE: A CAQ authorizes temporary stay in the Province of Quebec. Not to be confused with a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ), which authorizes permanent stay in the province.
Validated Job Offer
If a Quebec employer wishes to hire a foreign national, they may be eligible to extend the foreign national a job offer which has been officially validated by MIDI. A validated job offer is a strong advantage in the Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW) program as it gives
its holder either 8 points (if the job is located in the Montreal region) or 10 points (if the position is located outside the Montreal region).
As well, holders of validated job offer are exempt from the quota requirement for QSW applications, meaning they can apply for a CSQ at any time.
Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
The province operates several immigration streams divided among various categories:
- Saskatchewan International Skilled Worker
- Worker with Saskatchewan Work Experience
- Entrepreneur
- Farm Owner and Operator
Saskatchewan International Skilled Worker
Saskatchewan International Skilled Worker encompasses three immigration streams designed to target skilled workers who have the ability to join Saskatchewan’s work force and adapt easily to life in the province. Some streams prioritize workers who have experience in sectors experiencing labour shortages, while other streams target workers with employment offers from Saskatchewan employers.
- Saskatchewan Express Entry
- Saskatchewan Employment Offer
- Saskatchewan In-Demand Occupation
- Hard-to-Fill Skills Pilot
- Tech Talent Pathway
Worker with Saskatchewan Work Experience
Saskatchewan Experience encompasses five immigration streams designed to target workers who have already gained employment experience in Saskatchewan. As well, workers in these streams must have an offer of employment from a Saskatchewan employer to continue working in the province. Certain streams prioritize workers with experience in certain sectors which are experiencing labour shortages in the province.
- Saskatchewan Existing Work Permit
- Saskatchewan Health Professionals
- Saskatchewan Hospitality Sector Project
- Saskatchewan Students
- Tech Talent Pathway
- Hard-to-Fill Skills Pilot
- Semi-skilled Agriculture Worker with Existing Work Permit
Saskatchewan Entrepreneur and Farm Ownersis a collection of two immigration streams designed for individuals with business management experience who wish to launch a new business endeavor in Saskatchewan. The entrepreneurial stream is for general entrepreneurs with business proposals in a range of sectors, while the farm owner and operator stream are designed specifically for entrepreneurs in the farming sector.
Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)
The Yukon Nominee Program (YNP), a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), is a collection of immigration pathways enabling foreign nationals to become Canadian permanent residents.
The Yukon territory operates several immigration streams:
- Yukon Skilled Worker
- Yukon Express Entry
- Yukon Critical Impact Worker
- Yukon Community Pilot
- Yukon Business Nominee
The Yukon Skilled Worker stream gives foreign nationals with skilled work experience and a valid job offer from a Yukon employer an opportunity to receive a provincial nomination. Receiving a provincial nomination from this stream allows the candidate to apply directly for Canadian permanent residence from IRCC.
The Yukon Express Entry stream gives applicants with an active Express Entry profile and a valid job offer from a Yukon employer an opportunity to apply for a provincial nomination from Yukon. This program is aligned with the federal Express Entry immigration system, enabling successful applicants to receive expedited processing on their immigration applications.
The Yukon Critical Impact Worker stream gives qualified workers with semi-skilled work experience and a valid job offer from a Yukon employer an opportunity to receive a provincial nomination. Receiving a provincial nomination from this stream allows the candidate to apply directly for Canadian permanent residence from IRCC.
The Yukon Community Pilot (YCP) is a new stream of the Yukon Nominee Program. This pilot was created to address the specific economic and labour market needs of the Yukon. Qualified candidates will be granted a 2-year location-restricted open work permit.
The Yukon Business Nominee stream provides a pathway to permanent residence for individuals with business and entrepreneurial experience who are interested in owning and operating a business in the Yukon. Applicants must have a minimum personal net worth of $500,000 CAD, in addition to meeting other program requirements.
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
Atlantic Canada comprises the provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island (PEI), and Newfoundland and Labrador.
Applicants with a job offer from an approved employer are in a position to move to one of these provinces, as long as they fulfil other criteria. Applicants also require provincial endorsement before submitting an application to IRCC.
Applicants who receive a job offer from a designated employer and a referral letter, issued by one of the Atlantic provinces, may be eligible to apply for a one-year Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)-exempt employer-specific work permit
There is no points system under the Atlantic Immigration Program, and the program operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
To apply to the Atlantic Immigration Program, you need to be either:
- a skilled worker, or
- a graduate of an eligible post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada.
You may apply from within Canada or abroad, however, you must meet the requirements of the following broad categories:
- qualifying work experience, unless you graduated from an eligible Atlantic Canada post-secondary institution
- educational requirements
- language requirements
- settlement funds, unless you’re already living and working in Canada on a valid work permit.
Once you meet all these criteria, you may start looking for a job with a designated Atlantic Canada employer.