Following are the top 5 provincial immigration streams to gain permanent residency:
1. British Columbia PNP:
British Columbia is 1 of the largest provinces and a major contributor to the Canadian economy.
It also has wide-ranging job opportunities and educational facilities.
The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) is one of the top choices among skilled and semi-skilled immigrant workers.
Most immigration streams under the BC PNP only require 2 years of work experience to get an invitation to apply for permanent residence.
The BC PNP Tech Pilot targets 29 specific in-demand tech occupations. Applicants in the designated occupation may be eligible for permanent residency.
The BC PNP Skills Immigration category for skilled workers and international graduates is another in-demand stream.
Applicants are also able to qualify for British Columbia Express Entry.
2. Ontario PNP:
Ontario is the information and technology hub of Canada. Foreign workers in occupations related to artificial intelligence, machine learning, or modern-day technology have the potential to gain employment in the province.
Ontario actively prioritizes applicants working in the Information Technology sector.
If you are currently applying from abroad, you can qualify for the Human Capital Priorities Stream under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP).
The Human Capital Priorities Stream is aligned with the Federal Express Entry system. The minimum CRS score required by the applicants to qualify is 400 points.
Since the launch of this stream, the OINP conducted 3 tech-specific PNP draws to nominate a total of 4,350 applicants for permanent residence.
Ontario also prioritizes French-speaking applicants from the Express Entry pool. If you are fluent in the French language, you can opt for this option.
Overall, the OINP is a favorable PNP for tech workers and other highly skilled foreign workers.
3. Alberta PNP:
Applicants interested in Alberta, have the option of exploring streams through the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP). Alberta is a natural resource rich province and offers a strong education system. The province hosts 2 of Canada’s most thriving cities, Calgary and Edmonton.
The AINP offers the Alberta Express Entry for highly skilled workers in the Federal Express Entry pool.
A desirable element of this Alberta stream is that applicants require a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 300 to qualify for permanent residency.
Also, Alberta does not have a specific list of in-demand occupations. Skilled workers and international graduates from different backgrounds can qualify for the AINP.
4. Saskatchewan PNP:
Saskatchewan is an agricultural and industrial hub with growing job opportunities for both skilled and semi-skilled foreign workers.
The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) offers immigration categories such as the International Skilled Worker Category and the Saskatchewan Experience Category.
The SINP also offers the International Skilled Worker stream, which is aligned with the Express Entry system. Meaning, you can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the immigration streams under the International Skilled Worker through your Express Entry profile.
Saskatchewan’s immigration streams are easily accessible and have a simple eligibility process.
Applicants only require a year of work experience to be eligible for most streams.
5 Nova Scotia PNP:
Nova Scotia is a beautiful Atlantic province in Canada with thriving job opportunities for immigrants.
It is a desirable province due to its affordable housing, one of the best education systems and an ideal community to raise families.
Nova Scotia also has several financial organizations and agencies to help international entrepreneurs who wish to establish their business in the province.
The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) offers immigration streams for highly skilled foreign workers, physicians, international graduates and entrepreneurs.
The NSNP has the International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream for international graduates who have established their business in the province.
The NSNP is accessible to foreign nationals from varied backgrounds. This makes it a top option for foreign nationals looking to immigrate to Canada.