by ImmiLaw Global

Top 5 Provinces for Easy PR in Canada

Are you planning to migrate to Canada and confused about which type of immigration program to choose? From around 80 PNPs, it is not an easy task to choose the easiest and fastest immigration program for you.

To begin with, you may consider these essential factors:

  • Your personal profile.
  • The specific province that you are interested
  • The demand for your job in that province

All these factors influence your chances of obtaining a PR in Canada.

In the article, we will discuss the top 5 popular PNPs for attaining PR status in Canada.

  1. Alberta's Express Entry Stream
  2. Ontario's Human Capital Priorities Stream
  3. Nova Scotia's Labour Market Priorities Stream
  4. Saskatchewan's International Skilled Worker: Occupation In-Demand and Express Entry
  5. Prince Edward Island Express Entry

Let us explore these PNPs in detail

1. Express Entry Stream- Alberta

Alberta is a province in western Canada where quality of life is consistently ranked high. The province offers a high average income, low unemployment rates, and access to education, among other benefits. These factors attract newcomers from around the globe, making Alberta's Express Entry Stream a popular choice.

Alberta Express Entry Stream is a pathway for skilled professionals who wish to relocate to Alberta through the federal Express Entry system. To begin with, you must create an express entry profile and submit it online. Alberta periodically reviews the express entry pool and sends invitations to candidates who meet its criteria. This invitations are termed as Notifications of Interest (NOI).

Candidates receiving an NOI can apply to the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) for a provincial nomination. If nominated, the candidate will receive an additional 600 CRS points toward their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. With the boost in the CRS score, the candidate increases their chance of getting an Invitation to Apply in the very next Express entry draw.

After receiving a provincial nomination and submitting an application for PR to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), candidates attain PR status. They can bring their family members to enjoy the maple land.

Other Factors to Boost Your PR Chances

Qualifying Relative in Alberta

A candidate's chances can be enhanced if they have a close family member who is a PR holder or citizen of Canada residing in Alberta.

Job Offer or Work Experience in Alberta

Candidates with a valid job offer from an Alberta employer or significant work experience in the province may be more likely to receive an NOI.

Completed Credential from a Canadian Post-Secondary Institution: 

Holding a degree, diploma, or certificate from a Canadian post-secondary institution can increase a candidate's chances. Provincial immigration programs highly value education obtained in Canada, as it indicates familiarity with Canadian academic standards, language proficiency, and potential integration into the Canadian workforce.

Alberta is one of the easiest provinces in Canada to obtain PR. The low CRS requirement and factors boosting candidates' chances make it a good choice. Alberta offers a promising opportunity for skilled workers seeking Canadian permanent residency.

2. Human Capital Priorities Stream- Ontario

Ontario is the most populous province in Canada, with stunning landscapes and a rich cultural heritage. It is located in east-central Canada. It is the economic hub of Canada and is renowned for its high education system. No wonder visitors around the globe love to visit the province. Newcomers are attracted to cities like Toronto and Ottawa because of their growing tech jobs sector.

Human Capital Priorities (HCP) Stream

It is an immigration stream for skilled workers who seek to work and settle in Ontario. The stream comes under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) and is an ideal option for those residing outside Canada.

The provincial Immigration Minister, Monte McNaughton, had expressed his concerns over labour shortages in the province. He announced double the immigration intake from 9,000 in 2021 to over 18,000 by 2025. By doubling the intake of skilled immigrants, Ontario plans to attract skilled workers to contribute to its economy.

The Human Capital Priorities stream operates through the Express Entry system. The aspiring candidates must have an active Express Entry profile with a CRS score of 400 or higher. Ontario selects candidates based on specific job codes and CRS scores, inviting them to apply for provincial nomination. This ensures that nominees possess the skills to contribute to Ontario's workforce and communities.

Ontario PNP also includes a stream for skilled French-speaking workers already in the Express entry pool. If you have French proficiency from intermediate to advanced level, this is the ideal option for you. By attaining the language criteria, this stream offers an excellent pathway to settle in Ontario.

With the increased immigrant quota and regular draws, Ontario remains the popular destination for skilled workers to build a career and life in Canada.

3. Labour Market Priorities Stream -Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia is part of the Atlantic and maritime provinces on Canada's east coast. The cost of living is relatively low compared to other provinces, attracting immigrants to settle here.

Labour Market Priorities Stream is an immigration pathway for immigrants in the Express entry pool who wish to settle. The candidates must meet the provincial market needs and IRCC requirements to get nominated.

They must also receive a Letter of Interest from the Nova Scotia Immigration Office.

Usually, the province won't declare the targeted jobs and criteria before the intake rounds. They will grant invitations to candidates without any connection to the province. That means they welcome any skilled worker without prior connection to the province and can contribute to their economy.

After receiving an invitation, candidates receive an additional CRS score of 600, which increases their chances of getting an ITA from the IRCC. So, if you plan to build a career and settle in the province, this stream will be a perfect choice.

4. International Skilled Worker: Occupation In-Demand and Express Entry- Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan is one of the most popular destinations for newcomers in Canada renowned for its vibrant cities, affordable cost of living, amazing landscapes and for being the less crowded province.

It is a rapidly growing economy with lower unemployment rates and abundant job opportunities.

Saskatchewan International Skilled Worker program comprises various immigration streams under the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP), a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) managed by the province of Saskatchewan.

SINP aims to streamline immigration for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, farmers, and students who wish to live and contribute to Saskatchewan's economy.

The Saskatchewan International Skilled Worker Program, operating under SINP offers two main pathways: the Occupations In-Demand and Express Entry streams. These streams recruit skilled workers with experience in Saskatchewan's in-demand jobs. Using an Expression of Interest (EOI) system, the program selects eligible candidates wishing to immigrate to the province.

How to apply?

Candidates must possess at least one year of experience in an occupation not on SINP's Excluded Occupations List, a one-year post-secondary credential, and proficiency in English or French to proceed with the application.

Meeting the minimum eligibility criteria, including scoring 60 points on the Points Assessment Grid, allows candidates to submit an EOI profile. SINP's draws evaluate these profiles, with invitations granted to candidates with the highest scores and in-demand jobs.

Express Entry eligible candidates can apply through the Saskatchewan Express Entry stream, streamlining their permanent residence application process.

Those ineligible for the Express entry program can opt for the Saskatchewan Occupations In-Demand stream.

Regina and Saskatoon, both economic powerhouses in Saskatchewan, feature thriving economies with low unemployment rates. Regina, ranked 7th in Canada for GDP, invests in manufacturing, transportation, and natural resources like oil, gas, and potash.

Saskatoon is known as the "Hub City," with a diverse economy closely tied to global demands. It holds almost two-thirds of the world's potash reserves, reinforcing its agricultural dominance.

5. Express Entry- Prince Edward Island 

Despite being the smallest province, Prince Edward Island offers ample job opportunities. Thanks to its thriving agriculture, active tourism, flourishing fisheries, and evolving technology sectors.

Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)

PEI PNP is the easiest immigration option for skilled workers to attain PR in Canada. Once you get the nomination, your chances of receiving an Invitation to apply for PR from the federal government increase significantly.

How to apply?

To qualify for PEI Express Entry, candidates need to meet the criteria of one of the Federal Economic Immigration programs and have an active Express Entry Profile. They must show nine months of full-time work experience with a supporting PEI employer, ensuring at least four months remaining on their work permit, especially for those with a PGWP permit or a Spousal Open Work Permit. PEI prioritizes invitations for individuals working and living in the province with an eligible PEI employer.

Applicants should first read the Workforce Application Guide and then create a profile in the Prince Edward Island Expression of Interest system, which remains active for six months. You must keep the profile information accurate and updated. While an Expression of Interest (EOI) indicates interest, it's not considered an application. Certain eligibility criteria must be met, including being legally present in Canada.

Creating an EOI profile is free, but if invited to apply, a CAD 300 non-refundable fee is required with the Workforce Application Form. Employers must complete the PEI Workforce Job Offer Form, and applicants must fill out relevant provincial forms.

If nominated, candidates must accept it via MyCIC and submit a PR application with documentation and fees. IRCC makes the final decisions. You must maintain employment with one employer until receiving PR status.

Now that we have delved into the details of different PNP programs, you may be wondering which suits you the best. Firstly, you must check out the province where you wish to settle and the in-demand jobs in that province, gather experience, and meet all other requirements, then start to apply and wait for the invitations from the federal government.

For any concerns regarding the apt migratory option, please contact us for individual guidance and support. At ImmiLaw Global, comprising proficient immigration lawyers and overseas study experts, we will help you throughout the immigration process.

Feel free to contact us for your queries.

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