Discovering the most accessible provinces for obtaining Canadian Permanent Residency (PR) opens up a world of possibilities.
Certain regions in Canada’s 10 provinces stand out for their immigration pathways. Each province offers Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) that help expedite the PR process.
Depending on your profile, provincial nomination processes may be the simplest way to obtain PR in Canada.
So, which provinces make it the easiest for candidates with no ties to Canada to gain permanent residency? Here are our top five picks.
Easiest Provinces to Get Permanent Resident Permit in Canada
1. Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan’s strong economic development and employment opportunities have made it a popular destination for foreigners.
The International Skilled Worker PNP and the Express Entry streams are the most important parts of the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP).
They are meant to attract individuals with experience in the province’s high-demand vocations.
These International Skilled Worker streams manually screen applications using a Canadian Expression of Interest (EOI) method.
Candidates who qualify for Express Entry can apply through the Saskatchewan Express Entry stream to have their application for Canadian permanent residency completed more rapidly.
People who are unable to submit an Express Entry profile may apply through the Saskatchewan Occupations In-Demand stream.
What to expect from Saskatchewan’s Occupations In-Demand and Express Entry streams
To file an EOI, candidates must have at least one year of experience in a field that is not on the SINP’s Excluded Occupations List.
It is necessary to be fluent in English or French and to have completed at least one year of postsecondary education.
Applicants who meet Saskatchewan’s minimal qualifying requirements, such as obtaining at least 60 points on their Points Assessment Grid, are eligible to submit an EOI profile.
SINP conducts an EOI draw based on the submitted profiles. Only applicants with the highest competitive SINP scores and in-demand occupations are invited to SINP EOI draws.
While other provinces only consider immediate relatives (parents, siblings, and children), Saskatchewan considers cousins and extended relatives as having family in the province and so proving ties to the province.
2. Ontario
Ontario is one of the easiest provinces in Canada to obtain PR.
Because of its thriving economy, immigrants from all over the world routinely settle in Ontario.
Ontario, which includes the well-known city of Toronto, has various business structures and a bustling way of life. Ontario prioritizes talented individuals who meet the roles that are available for employment in the province.
About Ontario’s PNP
Ontario, Canada’s province, has constantly shown an interest in technically qualified people. Candidates who have been recommended work in emerging fields such as data science, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.
Their human capital initiatives align with the government’s Express Entry program.
Despite having one of the largest immigrant quotas in the province, Ontario wants to bring in even more. The province’s PNP is the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program.
For those living outside of Canada, the Ontario Human Capital Priorities stream is an excellent option.
This stream gives preference to competent candidates who can fill skilled job openings in the province.
Because Ontario has significant immigration quotas and draws regularly, it is one of the easiest provinces in Canada for qualified applicants to get Canadian permanent status.
3. Alberta
Alberta, located in Western Canada, is home to some of the country’s most popular natural attractions.
Alberta is well-known for its vast natural gas and oil deposits, cattle ranching, the Rocky Mountains, and Dinosaur Provincial Park.
Calgary and Edmonton are the fourth and fifth most popular cities in Canada among immigrants, respectively.
Calgary is the most populous city in Alberta. Because it is located in the foothills of the beautiful Rocky Mountains, Calgary is an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts.
Calgary also hosts the legendary Calgary Stampede & Exhibition, one of the world’s largest outdoor rodeos.
About Alberta’s PNP
Because of its strong labor market and good educational system, Alberta is an important jurisdiction for potential immigrants.
The Alberta Express Entry stream selects applicants from the federal Express Entry pool to submit applications for provincial nomination.
Because this stream allows Express Entry candidates with CRS scores as low as 300, more applicants will have a chance to hear from the province and get a Notification of Interest.
Alberta’s Express Entry program is based on the federal Express Entry program. Due to obtaining a provincial nomination, a candidate’s CRS score will increase by 600 points, ensuring that they will be awarded a PR Invitation to Apply (ITA) in the future Express Entry lottery.
Because of its low CRS requirement, Alberta is usually regarded as one of the easiest places in Canada to receive PR.
Furthermore, there is no comprehensive list of jobs or occupations in Alberta. It is particularly useful for fresh college graduates or those with little professional experience.
4. Nova Scotia
The Express Entry pool also selects individuals based on the Labour Market Priorities of Nova Scotia. This is one of the easier PNPs for international candidates to obtain PR because it typically attracts profiles with no ties to the province.
Nova Scotia does not announce the industry or selection criteria it would employ before its admission rounds, even though it routinely invites applicants with no ties to the province. To apply for Nova Scotia’s PNP, candidates must indicate interest in the province and have an active Entry profile.
5. Prince Edward Island
Candidates in the Federal Express Entry pool must submit a Canadian Expression of Interest to get an Interest Letter from PEI. Candidates can apply for provincial nominations after getting a Letter of Interest.
Candidates must submit a Canadian statement of interest even if they do not have a job offer from a PEI firm.
Candidates who meet the province’s existing labor demands in terms of skills and knowledge, on the other hand, will be considered for the Express Entry PNP.
What is a PNP?
Are you thinking about moving to Canada and looking into the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)?
The Provincial Nominee Scheme (PNP) is a provincial immigration scheme that allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate people for permanent residency based on their specific economic and demographic needs.
How Do I Apply for the Provincial Nominee Program in Canada?
Step 1: Submit an Express Entry Profile
To apply for the Provincial Nominee Program, you must first develop and submit an Express Entry profile.
To do so, go to the official Express Entry website and follow the procedures. The Express Entry system is an online application management system that is used to process applications for Canada’s economic immigration programs.
Step 2: Placement in Express Entry Streams
After submitting your Express Entry profile, you will be assigned to one of the Express Entry streams based on your age, education, job experience, and language skills.
A province or territory may nominate you for the Provincial Nominee Program if they believe your profile is appropriate for their specific labor market needs.
Step 3: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
If you are nominated by a province or territory through the PNP, you will be sent an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
This ITA will be delivered to your Express Entry account, where you can access it and continue with the process.
Step 4: Completing the Application for Permanent Residence
Log in to your Express Entry account after receiving the ITA and follow the procedures to complete your application for permanent residence.
This application will involve some forms and documents, so fill them out completely and truthfully.
Prepare to present documentation of your qualifications, work experience, language skills, and other pertinent information.
Step 5: Keep Track of Your Application Status
It’s critical to keep track of the status of your application for permanent residence once you’ve submitted it.
You can do so by logging into your Express Entry account, where you will receive updates on the status of your application.
What Makes a Province’ Easy to Get PR?’
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are used by provinces to locate qualified regional candidates.
The PNPs have enormous benefits for both provinces that need to fill labor gaps – individuals who seek to reside in a specific province must have an in-demand skill set that the province lacks.
“The provinces have constant discussions with the central government about the needs for human capital in their province, primarily to boost their economy, and according to that, they reach agreements with the central government on their PNP programs,” says Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) David Allon, who assists clients in making their move to Canada.
Furthermore, the distinction between ‘easy’ and ‘hard’ provinces may be subjective, depending on individual skills and provincial standards.
Nonetheless, there are a variety of reasons why these five provinces are regarded as ‘easier’ to obtain Canadian Permanent Residency (PR) status.
While many PNPs need a connection to the province, such as a job offer, employment experience, or educational qualification, certain programs welcome people based on their ability to meet demographic or labor requirements.
In general, this list includes programs with fewer prerequisites, greater perks that are easily accessible, or a huge quota for inviting individuals, which increases your chances.
However, knowing if you’re eligible from the start is usually beneficial.
Easiest Province to Get PNP in Canada
As previously said, the concept of an “easy” province for immigration varies depending on who you ask. When evaluating the lowest criteria, the Manitoba PNP is a noteworthy alternative.
Because of its many pathways and lower eligibility standards, the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) has been regarded as relatively accessible for certain individuals.
There are programs for skilled professionals, overseas graduates, and even semi-skilled individuals.
The MPNP’s Skilled Worker Overseas Stream and Skilled Worker in Manitoba Stream, for example, use point-based methods that allow candidates with lesser language competence and academic levels to qualify.
Furthermore, their list of In-Demand positions includes positions with lesser educational requirements or less work experience.
Which PNP is Right for You?
The PNP you apply for is determined by your qualifications, career, age, experience, and general eligibility.
Your contributions must be proportionate to the province’s requirements. To select which PNP to apply for, you’ll need to confirm your eligibility using a reputable source. The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) is a good alternative.
The Alberta Provincial Nominee Program is one of the most straightforward in Canada for acquiring a nomination for Canada PR and, eventually, the PR itself.
Candidates with CRS scores as low as 300 are invited to the AAIP’s Express Entry-aligned Stream.
FAQs
Which Province is Easy to Get PR in Canada for International Students?
Ontario and British Columbia were two Canadian jurisdictions noted for providing relatively easy avenues to permanent residency (PR) for international students.
The International Student Stream of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) and the International Graduate Stream of the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) allow graduate international students to stay in the province after their studies.
How Long Does My PNP Last?
If a province, such as Ontario, approves your application, OINP will notify you via email through your online account of your nomination. You have 30 days to accept Ontario’s nomination through the Express Entry mechanism.
You will receive 600 more CRS points for being nominated by Ontario, and you will be invited to apply for permanent residency by Refugees, Immigration, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). You will then have 60 days from the day IRCC extends an invitation to apply to file for permanent residency.
Am I Guaranteed PR Through a PNP?
If a province has nominated you to move to Canada and live in that province, you should acquire Permanent Residency status, barring difficulties.
While nothing is assured, obtaining a PNP can enhance your chances of obtaining PR status by 600 points, greatly raising your base Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score and chances of landing in Canada.
Conclusion
With over 80 PNPs to select from, we understand how difficult it may be to determine which immigration program is ideal for you.
It can be difficult to know where to begin because the simplest province to get PR in Canada will often rely on your unique profile.
