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Provincial Immigration
Provincial Immigration
Under a shared jurisdiction between Ottawa and the provinces, Canada operates a two-tiered immigration system, offering programs for skilled workers at both federal and provincial levels.
Through a network of Nominee Programs (PNP), nearly all of Canada’s ten provinces and three territories can nominate skilled worker candidates who possess the specific skills needed by their local economies. Successful candidates who receive a provincial or territorial nomination can then apply for Canadian permanent residence through federal immigration authorities. This nomination is a key aspect of all provincial programs.
Many provinces also have their own categories under the Canada Express Entry System, which increases their role in selecting economic immigrants.
In some cases, candidates who do not meet the requirements for federal programs might still qualify for admission through a PNP. Additionally, some candidates might qualify for a temporary work permit in the interim, allowing them and their dependents to enter Canada earlier.
Processing delays are a challenge for many large provincial programs, as the demand for Canadian immigration far exceeds the processing capacity. The Canada Express Entry system has effectively addressed these delays, while many provinces now manage their popular streams by periodically opening and closing them to prevent large backlogs.
The importance of sponsoring employers
Under certain provincial programs, candidates are nominated by a prospective employer and, once the nomination is approved by the province, they benefit from an expedited process. Initially, applicants may receive temporary, renewable work permits to enter Canada while their permanent residence application is being processed.
For most skilled worker-based provincial programs, except in Quebec, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, an employer sponsorship is generally required. Without government-approved employer sponsorship, applications are either not approved or are less likely to be selected compared to those with sponsorship.
Employers sponsoring candidates under most provincial programs must show that they have made significant efforts to hire local Canadians and offer competitive employment terms relevant to the occupation. Employment terms can vary between provinces.
To qualify as a sponsored employee, the position typically needs to align with a National Occupation Classification (NOC) TEER category 0, 1, 2, or 3, or meet the criteria of specific pilot projects aimed at addressing critical skill shortages identified by the province.
Pilot programs within the provinces are designed for low-skilled workers and have a limited scope, with many provinces offering variations of these projects for low-skilled occupations.
Alberta
Alberta is one of Canada’s three Prairie provinces, situated in Western Canada. It is among the fastest-growing provinces in the country and is home to two major urban centers, Calgary and Edmonton.
Alberta’s diverse landscape ranges from towering mountains and glacial lakes to expansive boreal forests, fertile prairies, and desert badlands. The province’s natural resource portfolio includes natural gas, oil, coal, minerals, and the renowned Alberta oil sands, establishing Alberta as Canada’s energy province.
Alberta Advantage Immigration Program
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) targets individuals with the skills and abilities needed to address labour shortages in Alberta.
The AAIP accepts skilled worker applications through the Alberta Opportunity Stream, the Express Entry system (which includes the Accelerated Tech Pathway), and the Rural Renewal Stream. It also manages four business programs: the Farm Stream, the Graduate Entrepreneur Stream, the Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream, and the Rural Entrepreneur Stream.
Administered by the Alberta government in partnership with the federal immigration department, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the program requires candidates to follow a two-stage process: first applying for a provincial nomination, and then applying for permanent residence to the federal government if nominated. The IRCC allocates a limited number of nominations to the AAIP each year.
AAIP Streams
- Alberta Opportunity Stream
This stream aims to simplify the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program application process, reduce waiting times, and ensure fairness for candidates and employers.
- Express Entry Stream
This stream enables Alberta to nominate a limited number of qualified candidates from the federal Express Entry pool through periodic draws.
- Rural Renewal Stream
The Rural Renewal Stream permits qualified candidates with a job offer from an Alberta employer to work in a designated rural Alberta community and apply for Alberta immigration.
- Farm Stream
Managed in collaboration with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, this stream targets applicants with farm management skills and sufficient financial resources to invest in a farming business in Alberta.
- Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
This stream is aimed at qualified foreign-educated graduates from outside Canada who wish to obtain permanent residence by launching start-up businesses in Alberta.
- Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
This stream targets international graduates from Alberta post-secondary institutions who want to establish or operate a business in the province.
- Rural Entrepreneur Stream
This stream focuses on entrepreneurs who want to start a new business or purchase an existing business in a rural Alberta community.
Targeted occupations
Unlike some other provinces, the AAIP does not reward candidates based on a specific list of occupations. Instead, it publishes a list of ineligible occupations.
AAIP Draws
The AAIP issues periodic Notifications of Interest, inviting candidates to apply for nomination under the AAIP Express Entry stream. Details of each draw are typically published about one month after the draw date.
British Columbia
British Columbia is Canada’s westernmost province, characterized by its Pacific coastline and mountain ranges, and is home to Canada’s third-largest city, Vancouver. The province boasts a diverse economy with a strong emphasis on natural resources, particularly forestry and mining.
British Columbia’s culture is a blend of European, Asian, and First Nations influences, and its eight regions offer a wide array of dynamic and diverse features.
British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP)
The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) is designed to expedite the process for individuals seeking Canadian permanent resident status who intend to settle permanently in British Columbia.
Managed by the British Columbia government in collaboration with the federal immigration department, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the program requires candidates to follow a two-stage process: first, apply for a provincial nomination, and then, if nominated, apply for permanent residence to the federal government. IRCC allocates a limited number of nominations to the BC PNP each year.
BC PNP Streams
The BCPNP accepts applications under three main categories: Skills Immigration, Express Entry BC, and Entrepreneur Immigration, each with its own streams.
SKILLS IMMIGRATION STREAMS
The Skills Immigration (SI) category targets skilled and semi-skilled workers in high-demand occupations in BC and is further divided into five components:
- Skilled Workers
- Health Authority
- International Graduates
- International Post-Graduates
- Entry-level and semi-skilled workers
EMPLOYER JOB OFFER CATEGORY
The Express Entry streams allow the province to nominate qualified candidates for admission to Canada under the federal Express Entry immigration system through periodic draws:
- Skilled Workers
- Health Authority
- International Graduates
- International Post-Graduates
ENTREPRENEUR IMMIGRATION
The Entrepreneur category is aimed at high-net-worth individuals who wish to invest in and operate a business in British Columbia and eventually settle in the province:
- Entrepreneur Stream
- Entrepreneur – Regional Pilot
- Strategic Projects
BC PNP Tech
The BC PNP Tech program facilitates the expedited processing of immigration candidates for in-demand technology occupations. Weekly draws issue invitations to candidates with work experience in one of 35 eligible technology occupations in BC. This stream prioritizes technology sector applications under existing BC immigration categories. Candidates must still meet the basic requirements of an applicable British Columbia immigration category or stream, including having a minimum one-year job offer from a BC employer.
Eligible categories include: Skilled Workers, Healthcare Professionals, International Graduates, International Post-Graduates, and Entry-Level and Semi-Skilled Workers.
Targeted occupations
The BC PNP publishes a list of high-demand occupations and features these in periodic targeted draws.
BC PNP Draws
The BC PNP issues periodic Invitations to Apply to candidates for nomination under one of BC PNP’s eligible streams:
- Skills Immigration: Skilled Worker, International Graduate, Entry Level, and Semi-Skilled
- Express Entry BC: Skilled Worker, International Graduate
- Entrepreneur Immigration
- Skilled Worker in Manitoba Stream
- Skilled Worker Overseas Stream
- International Education Stream
- Business Investor Stream
The program aims to be adaptable to Manitoba’s labor market and broader economic priorities, which are communicated to candidates through a regularly updated list of In-Demand Occupations. Manitoba also welcomes exploratory visits from francophone skilled worker candidates to help them integrate quickly upon permanent arrival in the province. Requirements for exploratory visits can be found separately.
Each Manitoba immigration stream is detailed below:
1. Skilled Worker in Manitoba Stream
The Skilled Worker in Manitoba Stream (SWM) addresses the specific needs of Manitoba employers by selecting foreign-trained workers with the necessary skills and nominating them for Canadian permanent residence. The stream focuses on candidates with a strong connection to Manitoba and offers two pathways:
- Manitoba Work Experience Pathway
- Employer Direct Recruitment Pathway
2. Skilled Worker Overseas Stream
The Skilled Worker Overseas Stream (SWO) includes both a Canada Express Entry Pathway and a direct provincial pathway. It targets international skilled workers with skills and training in Manitoba’s In-Demand Occupations. Priority is given to applicants and their spouses who have close family connections, along with the necessary language proficiency, training, and experience to secure employment quickly.
- Manitoba Express Entry Pathway
For international candidates eligible under another MPNP stream, who meet Express Entry criteria and have an active Express Entry profile. Candidates need skills, training, and experience in one of Manitoba’s In-Demand Occupations and a strong family connection to the province.
- Human Capital Pathway
For international skilled workers with skills, training, and experience in one of Manitoba’s In-Demand Occupations. Candidates must show potential to find employment soon after arriving in Manitoba.
3. International Education Stream
The International Education Stream (IES) focuses on international graduates from Manitoba colleges and universities. Under IES, candidates are no longer required to work for six months in their field before applying for an MPNP nomination. It has three pathways:
- Career Employment Pathway
This pathway expedites nominations for international graduates in STEM fields, with internships contributing to innovation. Graduates with job offers in In-Demand Occupations aligned with their qualifications no longer need to work for six months before applying.
- Graduate Internship Pathway
The Graduate Internship Pathway (GIP) targets master’s and doctorate degree holders for expedited nominations through internships that contribute to industry innovation in Manitoba. Graduates who have completed Mitacs Accelerate or Elevate internships can apply upon graduation without needing a job offer.
- Student Entrepreneur Pathway
This pathway is for international graduates from Manitoba institutions who wish to start a business in the province. Applicants must meet the terms of a Business Performance Agreement before being nominated for permanent residence.
4. Business Investor Stream
The Business Investor Stream is aimed at qualified international business investors and entrepreneurs. Candidates are initially issued a temporary work permit and must intend to start or purchase a business in Manitoba within two years of arrival. The stream eliminates the previous requirement for a $100,000 deposit with the Manitoba government. It includes pathways for entrepreneurs and farm investors:
- Entrepreneur Pathway
For applicants looking to open a business in Manitoba. Candidates are initially issued a temporary work permit and are nominated for permanent residence after establishing a business that meets the conditions of a Business Performance Agreement. Priority is given to businesses started outside Winnipeg.
- Farm Investor Pathway
For applicants aiming to open and operate a farm in rural Manitoba. Candidates are initially issued a temporary work permit and are nominated for permanent residence after establishing a business that meets the conditions of a Business Performance Agreement.
- New Brunswick Express Entry Stream.
- New Brunswick Skilled Worker Stream.
- New Brunswick Skilled Worker Stream for Truck Drivers.
- New Brunswick Entrepreneurial Stream.
- New Brunswick Post-Graduate Entrepreneurial Stream.
Additionally, candidates can also qualify for immigration to New Brunswick through the Atlantic Immigration Program.
The Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) is designed to nominate individuals for Canadian permanent residence. The program includes the following immigration categories:
What Are The NLPNP Immigration Categories?
- Express Entry Skilled Worker Category.
- Skilled Worker Category.
- International Graduate Category
- Priority Skills NL
- International Graduate Entrepreneur Category.
- International Entrepreneur Category.
- Atlantic Immigration Program
1. Express Entry Skilled Worker Category
Applicants must:
- Have a profile in the federal Express Entry Pool.
- Hold a high-skilled job offer from a Newfoundland & Labrador employer for at least two years, with the possibility of extension.
- Meet provincial salary and benefit standards.
- Score at least 67 points out of 100 on the PNP point assessment grid.
- Have a valid IRCC Work Permit or be eligible to apply for one.
- Hold a Canadian post-secondary degree or diploma, or a foreign qualification with an approved Educational Credential Assessment.
- Demonstrate the intention and ability to settle permanently in Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Show sufficient settlement funds and/or financial resources.
- Provide language test results matching the level declared in the Express Entry profile.
2. Skilled Worker Category
This category is designed for individuals who either hold a guaranteed job offer from a Newfoundland and Labrador employer or are currently working in the province with a valid Work Permit. To be eligible, applicants must:
- Secure a full-time employment offer from an employer in Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Have a valid Work Permit from Citizenship and Immigration Canada or the eligibility to apply for one.
- Possess the necessary qualifications, skills, training, or credentials for the job.
- Show a clear intention and ability to settle permanently in Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Prove they have adequate funds and financial resources to establish themselves and their dependents in the province.
- Ensure their employer can demonstrate a need for their particular skill set.
- Exhibit sufficient proficiency in English or French to carry out job duties.
Note: Applicants from the International Graduate category who may be working in a field unrelated to their studies at the time of application qualify if they graduated from Memorial University or College of the North Atlantic. For such cases, the following conditions must be met:
- Possess a post-secondary degree or diploma, or equivalent experience.
- Have a job or job offer that aligns with NOC levels 0, A, B, or C.
- The job should ideally lead to career advancement.
- Demonstrate recent relevant skills, experience, or training as described by NOC.
- The job or offer must be full-time and permanent.
- The position should address a labor market need in Newfoundland and Labrador.
3) International Graduate Category
This category targets recent graduates holding a Post-Graduate Work Permit who have a job or job offer from a Newfoundland and Labrador employer. To qualify, applicants must:
- Hold a Post-Graduate Work Permit with at least four months of validity remaining.
- Secure a full-time job or job offer from an eligible employer in NOC 0, A, B, or an NOC C occupation listed as in-demand, guaranteeing at least 30 hours per week and a duration of at least one year with potential for extension.
- Have a job offer that is either:
- Directly related to their field of study if they studied outside of Newfoundland and Labrador (out-of-province graduates must work in Newfoundland and Labrador for at least one year before applying), OR
- Not directly related to their field of study if they graduated from Memorial University or College of the North Atlantic and meet these criteria:
1. Have a post-secondary degree or diploma.
2. The job should reasonably lead to career advancement.
3. The applicant should have a relevant combination of skills, experience, and/or training in the last five years.
- Be between 21 and 59 years old.
- Intend to settle permanently in Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Have sufficient settlement funds.
- Demonstrate adequate English or French language proficiency to perform job duties. Language testing is required for NOC C and in-demand occupations.
- If the applicant owns a stake in a business where they are employed, it should not exceed 10 percent.
4) Priority Skills NL
This stream targets individuals with work experience in Newfoundland and Labrador’s in-demand occupations, along with a high level of education and language proficiency. Candidates need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), and those with the highest scores and employer interest are invited to apply. EOIs are accepted from:
- Candidates with at least one year of experience in the past ten years in one of Newfoundland and Labrador’s in-demand occupations.
- Candidates with a PhD or Master's degree from Memorial University within the last three years in fields such as Technology, Health Care, Aquaculture, or Agriculture.
Other Eligibility Criteria
- Must have a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 5 or higher in English, with IELTS or CELPIP tests taken within the past year.
- Must be at least 21 years old.
- Must intend to live permanently in Newfoundland and Labrador.
5) International Graduate Entrepreneur Category
This category is for Memorial University or College of the North Atlantic graduates who have started or purchased a local business. To qualify, applicants must:
- Be at least 21 years old.
- Provide a business plan with verified financial documents.
- Have completed a degree or diploma from Memorial University or College of the North Atlantic after at least two years of full-time, in-person study, with the degree or diploma obtained within two years of submitting the EOI.
- Hold a valid Post-Graduate Work Permit.
- Aim to permanently reside in Newfoundland and Labrador while owning and managing a business of significant economic benefit to the province.
- Have at least one year of continuous experience in managing and owning the business (with a minimum ownership of 33.3 percent).
- Create at least one full-time job for Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
- Demonstrate that the business is a for-profit entity focusing on earning profits through goods or services.
- Achieve a Canadian Language Benchmark score of at least 7 in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in English or French.
- Complete an online Expression of Interest.
- Receive an Invitation to Apply from the Newfoundland and Labrador Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism.
6) International Entrepreneur Category
This category is intended for experienced business owners or senior managers wishing to settle in Newfoundland and Labrador permanently. Requirements include:
- Be between 21 and 59 years old.
- Submit a business plan with verified financial documents.
- Hold a minimum of a Canadian high school diploma or equivalent.
- Intend to live permanently in Newfoundland and Labrador while owning and managing a business that benefits the province economically.
- Have at least $600,000 in net business and personal assets that can be transferred to Canada.
- Invest at least $200,000 to establish a business in Newfoundland and Labrador with at least 33.3 percent ownership, or invest $1 million in equity.
- Create at least one full-time job for Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
- Show that the business is a for-profit entity focused on earning profits through sales of goods or services.
- Have at least two years of experience managing and owning a business (with at least 25 percent ownership) in the past five years, or five or more years of senior business management experience in the past ten years.
- Achieve a Canadian Language Benchmark score of at least 5 in English or French in speaking, listening, reading, and writing (tests accepted include CELPIP General, IELTS General Training, or TEF).
- Complete an online Expression of Interest.
- Receive an Invitation to Apply from the Newfoundland and Labrador Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism.
7) Atlantic Immigration Program
The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program is a collaborative federal-provincial initiative focused on skilled workers and international students. It is an employer-driven immigration program. For more details, refer to the Atlantic Immigration Pilot information.
Foreign nationals interested in relocating to the Northwest Territories can apply through the Northwest Territories Program for provincial nomination. Applications can be submitted under one of the following categories:
- Skilled Worker
- Express Entry Skilled Worker
- Critical Impact Worker
- Business Stream
(Note: Nunavut currently does not have an immigrant nominee program.)
1) Northwest Territories Skilled Worker Program
To qualify under this program, the following criteria must be met:
Employer Requirements:
- Must have a job vacancy.
- Must identify a potential nominee.
- Must be a registered business, industry association, or a local, municipal, First Nation, or Territorial government in the NWT, operational for at least one year.
- Must be in good standing with the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission (WSCC) and the NWT Employment Standards Office.
- Must provide proof of local and national recruitment efforts and submit a summary of the results.
- Must obtain a positive HRSDC Service Canada Labour Market Opinion.
Employment Offer Requirements:
- Must be for a permanent, full-time position (minimum 30 hours per week).
- Must be in a high-skill level occupation.
- Must not conflict with existing collective bargaining agreements.
- Must comply with the NWT Employment Standards Act.
- Must offer a competitive industry rate of pay.
Nominee Requirements:
- Must have the necessary certification or accreditation for the specific trade or occupation.
- If applicable, must meet territorial certification, licensing, or registration requirements.
- Must have the required work experience for the occupation.
- Must provide proof of sufficient financial or settlement support in the NWT.
- Must be able to communicate in English or French.
- Must not be a refugee claimant.
2) Northwest Territories Express Entry Stream for Skilled Workers
This stream targets foreign nationals with a profile in the federal Express Entry pool. Applicants must meet the same requirements as the Skilled Worker stream, with additional conditions:
- Provide an Express Entry pool acceptance letter from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
- Provide a valid job seeker validation code.
- Maintain valid status in the Express Entry pool throughout the application process.
- Meet the eligibility criteria for the Northwest Territories’ Skilled Worker stream.
- Show a clear interest in settling permanently in the Northwest Territories.
3) Northwest Territories Critical Impact Worker Program
To qualify under this program, the following criteria must be met:
Employer Requirements:
- Must have a job vacancy.
- Must identify a potential nominee.
- Must be a registered business, industry association, or local, municipal, First Nation, or Territorial government in the NWT, operational for at least six months.
- Must be in good standing with the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission.
- Must provide proof of local and national recruitment efforts and submit a summary of the results.
- Must obtain a positive HRSDC Service Canada Labour Market Opinion.
Employment Contract Requirements:
- Must be for a permanent, full-time position (minimum 30 hours per week).
- Must be in an occupation falling under NOC skill levels C or D.
- Must offer a competitive industry rate of pay.
- Must comply with the WSCC and NWT Employment Standards Office requirements.
Nominee Requirements:
- Must have a temporary work permit and have worked in the same position for six months.
- Must provide proof of sufficient financial or settlement support in the NWT.
- Must have the required work experience for the occupation.
- Must be able to communicate at a basic level in English or French.
- Must not be a refugee claimant.
4) Northwest Territories Business Stream
This stream is for entrepreneurs with business experience and investment capital who wish to start or purchase a business in the region.
Requirements:
- Investment:
- At least $300,000 in equity to start or buy a business within the corporate boundaries of Yellowknife, NWT, or
- At least $150,000 in equity to start or buy a business outside Yellowknife’s corporate boundaries.
- Personal Net Worth:
- At least $500,000 if starting or buying a business within Yellowknife’s corporate boundaries, or
- At least $250,000 if starting or buying a business outside Yellowknife’s corporate boundaries.
- Must own at least one-third (33.3%) of the business being started or purchased. If investing $1 million or more, ownership of less than one-third may be considered.
- Must provide a good faith deposit of $75,000, held in trust and released upon satisfactory execution of the Business Performance Agreement.
- Must achieve Canadian Language Benchmark level 4 in English or equivalent in French (recognized tests are IELTS and CELPIP for English, TEF for French).
- Must demonstrate a reasonable knowledge of the NWT and its economy.
- Must show reasonable communication skills for business in the NWT.
- Must have the necessary experience and education to implement the business plan.
- Must have sufficient financial resources to start and operate the business and support themselves and dependents during the Business Performance Agreement.
- Must not have active applications with any other provincial or territorial nominee program or any other stream of the NWT Nominee Program.
- Must not be a refugee claimant.
Northwest Territories Business Stream: Process
- Self-Assessment and Initial Investigations
- Further Investigations and Face-to-Face Interviews
- Initiating the Application Process and Pre-Screening
- Formal Application
- Application Review
- Approval and Business Performance Agreement
- Business Development
- Nomination