5 Easiest Provinces to Get PR in Canada

Discovering the most accessible provinces to obtain Canadian Permanent Residency (PR) unveils diverse opportunities. Among Canada's ten provinces, certain regions stand out for their immigration pathways. Each has Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) that streamline the PR process. By understanding these provinces' unique criteria and preferences, aspiring immigrants can select the most suitable pathway to secure their Canadian PR status with greater ease.

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Our Top Choices for Easiest Provinces to Get PR in Canada

Saskatchewan

Nestled between Alberta and Manitoba, Saskatchewan is in the center of the prairies. Most people in Saskatchewan reside in the southern half of the province, particularly in Saskatoon and Regina. Agriculture is the main economic sector of the province, followed by mining, oil, and natural gas extraction.

Regina, the capital of the province, Saskatoon, and Prince Albert are the principal cities. Saskatchewan's most popular outdoor activities include fishing, hunting, and other sports. One of the most beautiful campuses in Canada is the University of Saskatchewan's historic Saskatoon campus.

About Saskatchewan's PNP

Saskatchewan's strong economic development and employment prospects have made it a popular place for foreigners to settle. Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) has two important streams: The International Skilled Worker PNP and the Express Entry streams. They are intended to attract candidates with experience in the in-demand professions in the province. These International Skilled Worker streams use a Canadian Expression of Interest (EOI) system to select applicants manually.

Candidates who qualify for Express Entry can apply the Saskatchewan Express Entry stream to have their application for Canadian permanent residency - Express Entry applications can be processed more quickly. However, people who cannot submit an Express Entry profile can still apply through the Saskatchewan Occupations In-Demand stream.

What to expect from Saskatchewan's Occupations In-Demand and Express Entry streams

• Candidates must have at least one year of experience in a field not on the SINP's Excluded Occupations List to submit an EOI.
• English or French language proficiency is required, and having completed at least one year of post-secondary study.
• Applicants who satisfy Saskatchewan's minimum eligibility requirements, including earning at least 60 points on their Points Assessment Grid, can submit an EOI profile.
• Submitted profiles are taken into account in an EOI draw run by SINP. In SINP EOI drawings, only applicants with the most competitive SINP scores and in-demand professions are invited.

While other provinces only consider direct relatives living in the province (parents, siblings, and children), Saskatchewan counts cousins and other relatives as having family in the province and therefore proving ties to the region.

Alberta

Alberta, which is in Western Canada, is home to some of the most well-liked natural attractions in the nation. The province of Alberta is well-known for its abundant natural gas and oil reserves, cattle ranching, Rocky Mountains, and Dinosaur Provincial Park.

The fourth and fifth most popular cities in Canada among immigrants are Calgary and Edmonton, respectively. Find out how Alberta's cost of living compares to Canada's Cost of Living.

By population, Calgary is the biggest city in Alberta. Calgary is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts since it is situated in the foothills of the breathtaking Rocky Mountains. The renowned Calgary Stampede & Exhibition, one of the biggest outdoor rodeos in the world, is also held in Calgary.

About Alberta's PNP

Alberta is a significant province for potential immigrants because of its strong employment market and excellent educational system.

From the federal Express Entry pool, applicants are chosen by the Alberta Express Entry stream to submit applications for provincial nomination. The fact that this stream accepts Express Entry candidates with CRS scores as low as 300 implies that more applicants will have an opportunity to hear from the province and get a Notification of Interest.

This might improve a candidate's chances:

• An eligible relative who resides in Alberta and is a citizen or permanent resident;
• a job offer or employment history in Alberta;
• and a degree or certificate earned from a post-secondary school in Canada.

The federal Express Entry program is the foundation for Alberta's Express Entry stream. A candidate's CRS score will rise by 600 points due to winning a provincial nomination, ensuring they will be offered a PR Invitation to Apply (ITA) in the upcoming Express Entry lottery.

Alberta is frequently regarded as one of the simplest jurisdictions in Canada to obtain PR due to its low CRS requirement.

Additionally, there is no precise list of jobs or occupations in Alberta. It works effectively for immigrants who have recently graduated from college or have little work experience.

Ontario

One of the Easiest Provinces to Get PR in Canada is Ontario. Immigrants looking for work worldwide frequently settle in Ontario because of its robust economy. Ontario, home to the well-known city of Toronto, features several corporate buildings and a vibrant way of life. Ontario gives priority to talented people who match the roles that are open for employment in the province.

About Ontario's PNP

The Canadian province of Ontario has consistently demonstrated an interest in technically qualified individuals. The recommended candidates work in developing industries like data science, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. Their priorities for human capital are compatible with the government Express Entry program.

Ontario aims to bring in even more immigrants despite having one of the highest immigrant quotas in the provinces. The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program is the province's PNP. 

The Ontario Human Capital Priorities stream is a beautiful choice for people outside Canada. This stream prioritizes qualified candidates who can fill skilled job vacancies in the province.

Since Ontario has large immigration quotas and frequently organizes draws, it is one of the simplest provinces in Canada for qualified applicants to get Canadian permanent residency.

Nova Scotia

Despite being the second-smallest province in the nation, Nova Scotia has the second-highest population density. It is a member of Atlantic Canada and one of the three maritime provinces.

The provincial capital of Halifax, Sydney, Wolfville, and Peggy's Cove, are the major cities you can find in the oldest province of Canada.

The Stronghold of Louisbourg, a National Historic Site and home of a partial restoration of an 18th-century French fortress and seafood like fresh lobster feasts, are among Nova Scotia's most well-known attractions.

There are several financial institutions, companies, and agencies in the province of Nova Scotia. Candidates with qualifications in financial studies might find excellent work prospects in these stable financial companies. Working here almost assures immigrants and their families of a secure future. People who work or study in the finance industry are often advised to apply for Canadian citizenship through Nova Scotia.

The province is a dream location for many potential newcomers due to its proximity to the seaside, affordable cost of living, and laid-back lifestyle.

About Nova Scotia's PNP

The Express Entry pool also chooses candidates directly under Nova Scotia's Labour Market Priorities. This stream is considered one of the simpler PNPs for international candidates to receive PR since it frequently attracts profiles without a link to the province.

Before its admission rounds, Nova Scotia does not disclose the industries or selection criteria it would use - although it frequently invites applicants without ties to the province. Candidates must express interest in Nova Scotia and have a current Express Entry profile to apply for Nova Scotia's PNP.

Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island (PEI) is another one of the three Maritime provinces and is made up of several islands (232, including the main island), the biggest of which has the same name.

By both population and land area, it is Canada's smallest province. Prince Edward Island is known for the novel Anne of Green Gables, set there, and the delectable mussels found in the nearby seas. Its largest city is Charlottetown, the provincial capital.

About Prince Edward Island's PNP

Federal Express Entry pool candidates must submit a Canadian Expression of Interest to get an Interest Letter from PEI. After receiving a Letter of Interest, candidates can apply for provincial nomination.

Notably, Candidates do not need a job offer from a PEI employer to submit a Canadian expression of interest. Instead, candidates who satisfy the province's existing labor needs regarding skills and knowledge will be considered for the Express Entry PNP.

Find Your Pathway

What is a PNP?

Are you considering immigrating to Canada and exploring the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) as a potential pathway? The PNP is a provincial immigration program that allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals for permanent residence based on their specific economic and demographic needs.

How to Apply for the Provincial Nominee Program in Canada?

Step 1: Submit an Express Entry Profile

The first step towards applying for the Provincial Nominee Program is to create and submit an Express Entry profile. To do this, follow the instructions on the official Express Entry website. The Express Entry system is an online application management system used for processing applications for economic immigration programs in Canada.

Step 2: Placement in Express Entry Streams

Once your Express Entry profile has been submitted, you will be placed in one of the Express Entry streams, depending on your age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. If a province or territory finds your profile suitable for their specific labor market needs, they may nominate you for the Provincial Nominee Program.

Step 3: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

If a province or territory nominates you through the PNP, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. This ITA will be sent to your Express Entry account, where you can access it and proceed with the next steps.

Step 4: Completing the Application for Permanent Residence

After receiving the ITA, log in to your Express Entry account and follow the instructions to fill out your application for permanent residence. This application will include various forms and documents, so complete them accurately and truthfully. Be prepared to provide evidence of your qualifications, work experience, language proficiency, and other relevant information.

Step 5: Keep Track of Your Application Status

Once you've submitted your application for permanent residence, it's essential to keep track of your application status. You can do this through your Express Entry account, where you will receive updates on the processing of your application.

What Makes a Province' Easy to Get PR?'

Provinces use Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) to find suitable regional candidates. The PNPs have incredible benefits to both provinces that need to fill labor gaps - candidates who wish to settle in a particular province must have an in-demand skill set that the province falls short of.

According to Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), David Allon, who assists clients in making their move to Canada, "The provinces have discussions all the time with the central government about the needs for human capital in their province, mainly in order to boost their economy, and according to that, they reach agreements with the central government on their PNP programs."

Additionally, 'easy' and 'hard' provinces may be subjective based on individual skills and provincial requirements. Still, there are various reasons why these five provinces are considered 'easy' to get Canadian Permanent Residency (PR) status.

With regard to the level of difficulty of getting PR, David says, "There are differences in conditions between province to province according to the specific needs of the different provinces. You can not state in an objective way what is an easy immigration program and what is hard. This depends on the profile of the candidate. One program can be very easy to one candidate but very hard to the other, and vice versa."

While many PNPs need a link to the province, such as a job offer, employment history, or educational qualification, specific programs invite people based on their capacity to meet demographic or labor shortfalls.

Generally speaking, this list covers programs that have fewer requirements, better benefits that are easily accessible, or have a large quota for inviting candidates, meaning your odds increase. However, finding out if you're eligible from the get-go is always helpful.

Easiest Province to Get PNP in Canada

As previously discussed, the notion of an "easy" province for immigration varies from person to person. However, Manitoba PNP is a noteworthy option when considering the lowest requirements.

The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) has been considered relatively accessible for certain candidates due to its various pathways and lower eligibility thresholds. They have streams targeting skilled workers, international graduates, and even semi-skilled workers.

For example, the MPNP's Skilled Worker Overseas Stream and Skilled Worker in Manitoba Stream have had points-based systems that allow candidates with lower language proficiency and education levels to qualify. Additionally, their In-demand Occupations list has included occupations that may have lower educational requirements or less work experience.

Which PNP is Right for You?

The PNP you apply for depends on your skills, career, age, experience, and general eligibility. Your contributions need to match the needs of the province. You'll need to check your eligibility through a reliable source to determine which PNP you should go for. However, the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) is a good recommendation.

The Alberta Provincial Nominee Program is one of the simplest in Canada for obtaining a nomination for Canada PR and, subsequently, the PR itself. The AAIP's Express Entry-aligned Stream extends invitations to candidates with CRS scores as low as 300.

Get PR More Easily

Now that you know the Easiest Provinces to Get PR in Canada, you can take the next step in your journey to Canada. If you'd like to learn more about these PNPs' requirements and whether you meet them, contact a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant like David Allon. The RCICs that work with us have a wealth of knowledge and are available to assist you.

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FAQs

Which Province is Easy to Get PR in Canada for International Students?

Ontario and British Columbia were among the provinces in Canada known for relatively accessible pathways to permanent residency (PR) for international students. Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) - International Student Stream and British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) - International Graduate Stream allow graduated international students to remain in the province after their studies.

How Long Does My PNP Last?

If a province, for example, Ontario, accepts your application, OINP will email you through your online account, alerting you of your nomination. To accept Ontario's nomination in the Express Entry system, you have 30 days.

You will gain 600 more CRS points for being nominated by Ontario, and Refugees, Immigration, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will invite you to apply for permanent residency. You will then have 60 days from when IRCC extends an invitation to apply to submit a permanent residency application.

Am I Guaranteed PR Through a PNP?

If a province has nominated you to immigrate to Canada and reside in a particular province, it's safe to say that, barring complications, you should receive Permanent Residency status. While nothing is guaranteed, you can increase your chances of getting PR status by gaining an additional 600 points if you get a PNP, increasing your base Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score and chances of landing in Canada significantly.