The Canadian Provincial Skilled Worker Programs are processed mainly under the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Every Canadian province or territory except for Quebec and Nunavut has a PNP program made to suit the specific needs of the labor market. Below are highlights of the key Provincial Nominee Programs and the streams applicable to skilled workers:
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Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) Eligibility Criteria
Human Capital Priorities Stream: An applicant must possess a valid registration within the Express Entry pool and have received a score per the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) that is equal to or above the minimum that Ontario has determined. The applicant must also possess work experience in any of the professions listed as eligible, including those aimed at IT professionals.
Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream: A job offer that is valid and permanent is required from an Ontario employer. The offered position should be at NOC TEER categories 0, 1, 2, and 3
Skilled Trades Stream: This is for those who have work experience in one of the eligible skilled trades within Ontario. He or she must not have a job offer to be eligible under this stream.
French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream: This requires an existing Express Entry profile, where the candidate must have an intermediate level of French (CLB 7) and English (CLB 6).
Process: Ontario picks directly from the pool. The invitations are sent to eligible candidates, who can apply for provincial nomination afterward. After the candidate has received that nomination, they apply for permanent residence to IRCC through a separate process.
British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
Requirements:
Skilled Worker Category: Needs to have a valid job offer from a BC employer in a skilled occupation. Candidates should be able to display at least two years of work experience relevant to the job.
Tech Pilot: Targets tech professionals. Candidates require an offer of employment in any of the 29 occupations that are eligible for tech, such as software engineers or web developers. The job offer must be for at least one year.
International Graduate: Open to recent graduates from Canadian institutions with a job offer from a BC employer in a skilled occupation.
Entry Level and Semi-Skilled Worker: This stream is open to candidates in lower-skilled positions within certain industries after working in BC for a minimum of nine months.
Process: BC has a point-based system through the Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS). Candidates need to register an Expression of Interest (EOI) with the province, and those with the top scores get an invitation from the province to apply for provincial nomination.
Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)
Eligibility Criteria:
Alberta Express Entry Stream: A candidate requires having an active Express Entry profile with a CRS score of 300. Alberta shows preference for candidates with strong ties to the province and those working in occupations that support Alberta’s economic development and diversification.
Alberta Opportunity Stream: Available to candidates who have a job offer and are already working in Alberta with a valid work permit in that occupation. Candidates need to fulfill language and education requirements.
Process: Alberta issues direct invitations to candidates from the Express Entry pool. For streams outside of Express Entry, applications can be made directly to AINP.
Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
Eligibility Requirements:
Skilled Workers in Manitoba: For foreign nationals currently employed in Manitoba with a full-time permanent job offer from their employer.
Skilled Workers Overseas: Applicants must have a strong connection to Manitoba through family, education, or work experience. Alternatively, they must receive a direct invitation from MPNP.
International Education Stream: For international graduates from Manitoba post-secondary institutions. No job offer is required if candidates complete certain programs.
Process: Manitoba uses a point-based system to rank applicants based on factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and connections to the province.
Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
Program Eligibility:
International Skilled Worker – Express Entry: Candidates must have an Express Entry profile and meet Saskatchewan’s eligibility criteria for education and work experience in an in-demand occupation.
International Skilled Worker – Occupation In-Demand: Similar to the Express Entry stream but without the requirement for a job offer. Candidates need experience in an occupation in demand in Saskatchewan.
Saskatchewan Experience Category: For individuals already living and working in Saskatchewan with a valid job offer. Specific subcategories also exist for healthcare workers and hospitality sector employees.
Process: Saskatchewan operates an Expression of Interest (EOI) system where candidates submit their profiles. The highest-ranked candidates are invited to apply for provincial nomination.
Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
Program Eligibility:
Nova Scotia Demand – Express Entry: Experience in one of Nova Scotia’s high-demand occupations is required. Candidates must also be in the Express Entry pool and meet the minimum CRS score for the draw.
Nova Scotia Experience – Express Entry: This stream requires one year of skilled work experience within Nova Scotia.
Labour Market Priorities: The province focuses on sectors with labor shortages and gives priority to candidates in those areas.
New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)
Eligibility Requirements:
Skilled Workers with Employer Support: Requires a job offer from a New Brunswick employer in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation.
Express Entry Labour Market Stream: Candidates must have an active Express Entry profile and meet New Brunswick’s requirements for in-demand occupations. Priority is given to those who have visited the province or have close family ties. Post-Graduate
Entrepreneurial Stream: For international graduates of New Brunswick post-secondary institutions who have started a business in the province.
Process: Applicants usually need a job offer or strong ties to New Brunswick. The NBPNP may also select applicants through information sessions.
Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)
Eligibility Requirements:
PEI Express Entry: Requires an active Express Entry profile. Preference is given to candidates with ties to PEI, such as a job offer or close family connections.
Skilled Worker Stream: Requires a full-time job offer from a PEI employer in a NOC TEER 0, 1, or 2 occupation.
Critical Worker Category: Open to candidates in semi-skilled positions such as truck drivers, customer service representatives, or laborers.
Process: PEI uses an Expression of Interest (EOI) system, where candidates with the highest scores are invited to apply for provincial nomination.
Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)
Eligibility Requirements:
Skilled Worker Category: Candidates must have a job offer from a Newfoundland and Labrador employer. Applicants must meet minimum work experience and language requirements.
Express Entry Skilled Worker: Requires a job offer from a Newfoundland and Labrador employer and an active Express Entry profile.
Priority Skills Newfoundland and Labrador: Designed for individuals with experience in high-demand sectors, including IT, engineering, healthcare, or aquaculture.
Process: Candidates are selected based on specific skills that align with Newfoundland and Labrador’s labor market needs.
Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)
Eligibility Requirements:
Skilled Worker Program: For individuals with a full-time job offer in Yukon. The job must be classified as NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3.
Critical Impact Worker Program: For semi-skilled or low-skilled workers with at least six months of experience in Yukon.
Yukon Express Entry: For candidates in the federal Express Entry pool with a job offer in Yukon.
Process: Yukon operates a small yet flexible program focused on skilled workers with valid job offers.
Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)
Eligibility Requirements:
Skilled Worker Program: Requires a job offer from an employer in the Northwest Territories. Candidates must meet language, education, and work experience requirements.
Critical Impact Worker Stream: Focuses on semi-skilled and low-skilled workers with job offers in the region.
Process: The NTNP prioritizes candidates who have a job offer and can contribute to the local economy.
Quebec uses a points-based system to select candidates, considering factors such as education, work experience, age, language skills (with an emphasis on French), and family ties to Quebec.
Process: Applicants must apply directly to Quebec’s Ministry of Immigration (MIFI) to obtain a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ). Once they receive the CSQ, they can apply for permanent residence through IRCC.
