PROVINCIAL NOMINEE PROGRAMS

The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) offers opportunities for skilled workers and entrepreneurs to obtain permanent residence in Alberta. This program is designed to address labor shortages, attract talent, and support business growth in the province.

If nominated, applicants can apply for permanent residence along with their spouse or common-law partner and dependent children. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), a department of the federal government, manages applications for permanent residence and makes the final decision on all applications.

STREAMS FOR WORKERS

The AAIP offers four immigration streams for foreign workers who are either currently living and working in Alberta or intend to settle and work in the province:

1. Alberta Opportunity Stream – open to candidates already working full-time in Alberta with a valid full-time job offer from an Alberta employer in an eligible occupation and a valid work permit.

• Eligible occupation (Use IRCC’s Find your NOC tool to find the NOC 2021 version of your occupation)
•  Language proficiency: CLB/NCLC 5 for NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 jobs, and CLB/NCLC 4 for NOC TEER 4 or 5 jobs.
• Education requirements:  you must have completed a minimum of high school education equivalent to Canadian standards.
• Work experience requirements: a minimum of 12 months full-time work experience in your current occupation in Alberta within the last 18 months, or
  a minimum of 24 months of full-time work experience in your current occupation in Canada or abroad within the last 30 months or both – this work experience can be a combination of experience gained in Alberta, in Canada (outside Alberta) or abroad

Post-Graduation Work Permit holders must have at least 6 months of full-time work experience in their current occupation in Alberta within the past 18 months.

2. Alberta Express Entry Stream – selects candidates from the federal Express Entry pool who meet Alberta’s labor market needs. This stream prioritizes individuals with:

• In-demand work experience and a family connection in Alberta
• A job offer in health care, with proper licensing (Dedicated Health Care Pathway)
• A job offer in tech, from an eligible employer (Accelerated Tech Pathway)
• A job offer in law enforcement, from an Alberta police association (Law Enforcement Pathway)
• Experience in key industries like agriculture, construction, and tourism

Some pathways offer faster processing times for qualified candidates.

3. Rural Renewal Stream – supports the attraction and retention of newcomers to rural Alberta through a community-driven approach that supports local economic development needs and contributes to the growth of the community. It is for applicants with a full-time job offer in a Designated Community and an Endorsement of Candidate Letter from that community.

Applicants to this stream may be Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs) or individuals who are not yet living and working in Canada. Applicants to the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) under this stream must be Refugees living outside of Canada who hold a referral letter from a Referral Partner.

2 Step-Process:
1) After a community is designated by the AAIP, the community follows one of the following endorsement processes:

• Community Designation: Alberta designates communities to recruit workers.
• Endorsement Process:
  
  • Communities recruit and endorse foreign workers.
  • EMPP partners help communities recruit refugees

4. Tourism and Hospitality Stream – for individuals currently living and working in Alberta with a full-time job offer from an employer in the tourism and hospitality sector.

To apply and during the AAIP assessment, you must have worked full-time (at least 30 hours per week) for an approved Tourism and Hospitality employer in an eligible occupation for at least six consecutive months (or 780 hours).

STREAMS FOR ENTREPRENEURS

1. Rural Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurs who want to start a business or buy an existing business in a rural Alberta community can submit an Expression of Interest.|

Candidates must complete an exploratory visit, either in person or via web-based video conferencing, as agreed upon with the community. An Exploratory Visit Report must be submitted with the Business Application, regardless of how the visit was conducted.

Eligibility criteria:

• Work Experience: At least 3 years as an active business owner/manager OR 4 years as a senior manager (within the past 10 years).
• Education: Minimum high school equivalent to Canadian standards with an Education Credential Assessment (ECA).
• Language: Minimum CLB 4 (English) or NCLC 4 (French) in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
• Net Worth: Minimum $300,000, owned personally or by a spouse/common-law partner.
• Business Investment: Minimum $100,000 from personal/spouse equity (higher investments earn more points).
• Business Establishment:
  • New business: Minimum 51% ownership, partners must be Canadian citizens/Permanent Residents.
  • Business succession: 100% ownership with full control transfer.
  • Business must not be on the ineligible businesses list.
• Job Creation: At least 1 full-time job for a Canadian citizen/Permanent Resident (not a relative), maintained for at least 6 months. (Not required for business succession.)
• Community Support Letter: Required from a participating rural Alberta community.

2. Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

The Graduate Entrepreneur Stream allows the AAIP to nominate qualified international graduates from Alberta post-secondary institutions who want to establish or operate a business in Alberta to apply for permanent residence.

Eligibility Criteria 

• Education: Completed at least 2 years of full-time education, earning a degree or diploma from a publicly funded post-secondary institution in Alberta.
• Work Permit: Must hold a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) at the time of submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI).
• Language Requirement: Minimum CLB 7 (English) or NCLC 7 (French) in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
• Business Establishment:
  • Must start a new business or buy an existing business in Alberta with at least 34% ownership.
  • Business must not be on the list of ineligible businesses.
  • Business partners must be Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents.
  • Candidates do not need to establish the business until their Business Application is approved by the AAIP.

3. Farm Stream

This stream is for entrepreneurs who have the financial resources and farm management experience to establish a new or purchase an existing farm in Alberta.

Candidates must be able to invest a minimum of CDN $500,000 of equity in a primary production farming business in Alberta.

Candidates must submit their application, along with a proposed business plan, to the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) for assessment. The AAIP will consult with Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation to ensure the business plan is feasible and viable, and meets the needs of Alberta’s agriculture industry.

4. Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur

The Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream is an economic immigration program for qualified foreign educated graduates from outside of Canada who want to launch start-up enterprises and innovative businesses in Alberta.

Foreign graduates wishing to apply under the Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream must work with a designated agency, which will issue a letter of recommendation if the graduate meets the AAIP requirements. This letter must be submitted along with the Expression of Interest (EOI) through the AAIP Portal.

The designated agency will assess the business plan based on factors such as market demand, short- to medium-term market entry potential, customer acquisition, business development, key partnerships, and financial plans for the start-up. The agency will provide a written report on the business plan, which must be submitted with the Business Application.

The BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) is an economic immigration program that allows British Columbia to select skilled workers and entrepreneurs to help fill job vacancies or establish businesses in the province.

If nominated, you and your family can apply for permanent residence through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

The BC PNP has two main categories:

• Skills Immigration: For workers and recent graduates who have the skills, experience, and qualifications required by employers in British Columbia.
• Entrepreneur Immigration: For experienced entrepreneurs who plan to establish and actively manage a business in the province.

SKILLS IMMIGRATION

1) The Skilled Worker stream is for experienced professionals, managers, technicians, tradespeople, and other skilled workers seeking permanent residence in B.C.

To qualify, you must:
✔ Have a full-time, indeterminate job offer from a B.C. employer
✔ Your job must be in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3
✔ Be qualified for the job duties
✔ Have at least 2 years of full-time (or equivalent) work experience in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3
✔ Meet the minimum language requirements
✔ Have a wage offer aligned with B.C. wage rates
✔ Show you can financially support yourself and your dependents

2) The Health Authority stream provides a permanent residence pathway for individuals working for a B.C. public health authority, including physicians, nurse practitioners, and midwives. It also offers an Express Entry BC (EEBC) option for faster processing.

To qualify, you must have:
✔ A full-time, indeterminate* job offer from a B.C. public health authority OR
✔ A confirmation letter from a health authority or midwife practice group stating you are a physician, nurse practitioner, or midwife in B.C.
✔ The required education, training, experience, and qualifications set by the public health authority
✔ Employer support from the B.C. public health authority offering you the job 

*If your job is in a priority technology occupation, it does not need to be indeterminate.

3) The Entry Level and Semi-Skilled (ELSS) stream helps workers in select tourism/hospitality or food processing occupations gain permanent residence in B.C. It does not have an Express Entry BC option.

Eligibility Criteria:
✔ Full-time, indeterminate job offer from a B.C. employer
✔ Your occupation must be on the eligible list (NOC TEER 4 or 5)
✔ If working in Northeast B.C., most NOC TEER 4 or 5 jobs (except live-in caregivers) qualify
✔ Minimum 9 months of full-time work with the same employer before applying
✔ Qualifications, certifications, or registrations required for the job
✔ Meet language and education requirements
✔ Wage offer must match B.C. wage rates
✔ Must prove you can support yourself and dependents
✔ Employer must agree to support your application and meet program requirements

International Graduate and International Post-Graduate streams are now closed to new registrations. BC PNP will be launching three new streams for international students in 2025.

Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP)

In 2018, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) launched the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) to provide complementary pathways to permanent residence for skilled refugees. The EMPP now includes skilled refugees with permanent, full-time job offers outside the Metro Vancouver Regional District. Up to 50 candidates meeting the criteria may be referred to the BC PNP by a designated NGO partner.

ENTREPRENEUR IMMIGRATION

It is a “temporary to permanent” pathway, where approved candidates first arrive as temporary residents and can later apply for permanent residence after successfully starting their business.

1) Base Stream

Eligibility Criteria:

• A personal net worth of at least CAD $600,000
• Establish a new eligible business or purchase and improve an existing business
• Make a minimum personal investment of CAD $200,000 in the business
• Business and/or management experience, or a minimum of a 2-year post-secondary diploma if no business experience
• Basic proficiency in English or French (min. Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4)
• Create at least 1 new full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident

2) Regional Stream

• Establish an eligible new business aligned with the priorities of the referring community (community referral required)
• Show business and/or management experience
• Have a personal net worth of at least CAD $300,000
• Make an personal investment of at least CAD $100,000 in the business
• Create at least one new full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Demonstrate a minimum language proficiency of CLB 4

3) Strategic Projects

This steam allows foreign corporations to transfer key staff with the necessary expertise to B.C. and apply for provincial nomination to support the permanent residence of up to five senior employees. These employees will be responsible for managing the B.C. operations.

• Foreign Corporation Requirements:

  • Well-established and in good financial standing
  • Demonstrates investment readiness and capacity for international expansion into B.C.
  • Provides significant economic benefit to B.C. through a high-value investment|
    
    

• Key Staff Requirements:

  • Senior employees of the foreign corporation with essential qualifications and experience for establishing and operating the business in B.C.
  • Appointed to an executive or senior managerial position, or possesses specialized knowledge crucial for the B.C. operation
  • Employed full-time and permanently at the B.C. operation
  • Offered a wage aligned with expertise and consistent with industry and corporate standards

The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) offers three streams, with their respective pathways, through which you can immigrate to the province of Manitoba and become a permanent resident of Canada.

1) Skilled Worker

This stream nominates applicants who have a strong connection to Manitoba through ongoing employment and sufficient skills, education and training, work experience and official language proficiency to make an immediate and ongoing contribution to the Manitoba economy and community at large. There are two pathways under the Skilled Worker Stream: 

• • Skilled Worker in Manitoba who can demonstrate ongoing Manitoba employment as they established connection to Manitoba.

• • Skilled Worker Overseas who can demonstrate an established connection to Manitoba through either
    • the support of family members or friends established in MB (Manitoba Support),
    • previous education or work experience in the province (Manitoba Experience), or
    • an Invitation to Apply received directly from the MPNP as part of a Strategic Recruitment Initiative (Manitoba Invitation).
    •  

2) International Education

The International Education Stream (IES) for Manitoba graduates is dedicated to providing international students graduating in Manitoba and meeting the needs of industry faster pathways to nomination. There are three pathways:

• • Career Employment Pathway for post-secondary students who graduate and find long-term employment in Manitoba in an in-demand occupation consistent with their training.

• • Graduate Internship Pathway for international student master and doctoral graduates through internships contributing to industry innovation in Manitoba.

• • International Student Entrepreneur Pilot (ISEP) for up to 20 (per calendar year) international students who have graduated in Manitoba the opportunity to pursue entrepreneurship rather than employment.

If you are an international student who graduated in another province of Canada, you will not be eligible under this stream but may be eligible under the Skilled Worker in pathway.

3) Business Investor

The Business Investor Stream (BIS) allows Manitoba to recruit and nominate qualified business investors and entrepreneurs from around the world who have the intent and ability to start or purchase businesses in Manitoba. There are two pathways:

• • the Entrepreneur Pathway (EP) for applicants seeking to open a business in Manitoba; 

• • the Farm Investor Pathway (FIP) for those intending to establish and operate a farm operation in rural Manitoba.

New Brunswick’s immigration streams offer pathways to permanent residence (PR) for foreign workers and businessmen with the skills, education, and experience needed to contribute to the province’s economy.

1) Express Entry Stream

The New Brunswick Express Entry is accepting new Expressions of Interest (EOIs) under the following two  pathways:

• New Brunswick Express Entry stream – Employment in New Brunswick pathway:

  You have been living in New Brunswick and working full time in a position classified under TEER category 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) for a New Brunswick employer for the past 12 consecutive months.

• New Brunswick Express Entry stream – New Brunswick Interests pathway:

  You have received a letter of interest in your federal Express Entry profile.

2) The Strategic Initiative Stream is designed for French-speaking workers with the skills, education, and experience who can contribute to the province’s economy and intend to live and work in NB permanently.

3) The Skilled Worker Stream is designed for foreign nationals who are currently employed or have a job offer for a full-time, non-seasonal position with an eligible New Brunswick employer, as well as the skills, education and work experience needed to contribute to the province’s economy. 

The 2025 New Brunswick Skilled Worker stream is comprised of 3 separate pathways:

• New Brunswick Skilled Worker stream – New Brunswick Experience pathway
• New Brunswick Skilled Worker stream – New Brunswick Graduates pathway
• New Brunswick Skilled Worker stream – New Brunswick Priority Occupations pathway

4) The New Brunswick Private Career College Graduate Pilot Program offers an immigration pathway for international graduates of select one- and two-year programs that lead to careers in priority occupations in Education and Social Development, Health, IT and Cybersecurity, Business Administration, and in Supply Chain and Logistics.

4) The Business Immigration Stream is an economic immigration pathway for experienced entrepreneurs who are ready to establish, operate and actively manage a business while living and settling in New Brunswick permanently.

Eligibility requirements:

• Ages 19–59
• Min. language level of CLB 4
• Min. education level of high school
• Min. personal net worth $500,000 CAD ($300,000 CAD for farming applicants)
• Business ownership or senior management experience:
  • Business ownership must be a minimum 51% in a private sector company, involved in the day-to-day operations as the primary decision maker, supervising 2 employees in 2 years of last 5 years; or
  • Senior manager in a for-profit company and involved in the day-to-day operations as a primary decision maker, supervising 2 employees in 2 years of last 5 years.
• A business plan with a minimum of $150,000 CAD in eligible investments and create one full-time job
• Meet a minimum of 65 points

The Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) provides prospective immigrants with in-demand skills and experience the opportunity to become a part of this eastern province’s growing workforce through its streams of immigration.

1) The NLPNP Express Entry – Skilled Worker category is an expedited permanent residence pathway for highly skilled applicants. It is for candidates accepted into IRCC’s Express Entry pool who have a full-time job or job offer in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation from an eligible employer. Applicants must meet work experience, qualifications, settlement funds, and language proficiency requirements and demonstrate their ability to settle permanently in the province.

2) The NLPNP Skilled Worker category is for foreign nationals with skills beneficial to Newfoundland and Labrador’s labor market who intend to settle permanently in the province. Applicants must be 21 to 59 years old, have a full-time job or job offer in a TEER 0–5 occupation from an eligible employer, and meet work experience, qualifications, and settlement fund requirements. Those applying for TEER 4 or 5 positions must provide a valid language proficiency test (IELTS, CELPIP, PTE Core, TEF Canada, or TCF Canada) at a minimum CLB 4 level.

3) The NLPNP International Graduate category is a permanent residence pathway available to international graduates who intend to live in Newfoundland and Labrador permanently.

It is designed for recent graduates with a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) who have a full-time job offer that is at least one year in duration (with a reasonable expectation of extension) in a TEER 0–3 or in-demand TEER 4 occupation in Newfoundland and Labrador. Applicants must be 21 to 59 years old, meet job-specific qualifications and wage standards, and have sufficient settlement funds. Graduates of Memorial University or College of the North Atlantic can work in a field unrelated to their studies if the position meets certain career advancement criteria. Out-of-province graduates must work in the province for at least one year before applying. TEER 4 workers must also submit a language proficiency test.

4) The International Entrepreneur category is designed for experienced business owners or senior managers who want to establish or purchase a business in Newfoundland and Labrador and settle there permanently.

Eligibility Criteria:

• 21 to 59 years old.
• Education: Minimum of a Canadian high school diploma or an equivalent foreign credential verified by an ECA (Education Credential Assessment) within the last 5 years.
• Net Worth: Minimum $600,000 CAD in unencumbered business and personal assets that can be transferred to Canada.
• Investment Requirement:
  
  • Minimum $200,000 CAD personal investment in a new or existing business.
  • Must own at least 33.3% of the business or make a $1 million equity investment.
• Business Plan: Must provide a detailed business plan with supporting financial documentation, verified by a recognized third-party professional (applicant is responsible for associated fees).
• Business Criteria:
  
  • The business must be for-profit and generate revenue through the sale of goods or services.
  • It must create at least one full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (not including the applicant’s dependents or relatives).
• Experience Requirement:
  
  • Minimum 2 years of business ownership (with at least 25% ownership) in the last 5 years, or
  • At least 5 years in a senior business management role in the last 10 years.
• Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB 5 in English or French in all four skills (Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing)
• Exploratory Visit: Applicants outside Newfoundland and Labrador must conduct an exploratory visit before submitting an application.

NOTE: Priority is given to applicants supporting regional economic development or investing in high-demand industries such as Agriculture, Aquaculture, Technology, and Natural Resources.

5) The International Graduate Entrepreneur category is designed for graduates of Memorial University or College of the North Atlantic who have completed at least two years of full-time, in-person study and obtained their degree or diploma within the last 2 years.

Employer-Driven Stream

This stream allows employers to hire and nominate essential and skilled foreign workers when no Canadians or Permanent Residents are available. It offers a pathway to Canadian PR through three program categories:

1) Skilled Worker
This category helps employers fill shortages in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 jobs requiring formal education or specialized training. Foreign nationals must have relevant training, experience, and education, plus either one year of full-time experience in the last 10 years or 18 months of full-time work with their nominating employer in the NWT. A valid work permit expiring in 2025 is required. Nominee Applicants being supported under the Skilled Worker category in NOC TEER 0 and 1, must have a minimum of the CLB Level 6 in either English or French, across all four categories: listening, speaking, reading and writing, and Level 5 under TEER 2 and 3.

2) Entry Level/Semi-Skilled Occupations
This category allows employers to fill labor shortages for NOC TEER 4 or 5 jobs when no Canadian candidates are available. Foreign nationals must have worked full-time in the same position for 12 months, hold a work permit expiring in 2025, and meet minimum language requirements in English or French – CLB Level 4.

3) NWT Express Entry
The NWT Express Entry stream helps employers fast-track skilled workers for permanent residency, granting 600 points in the Express Entry pool. To qualify, candidates must be in the Express Entry system, have a Job Seeker Validation Code, a valid NWT job offer, required certification, and meet work experience criteria—either one year in a similar occupation or 18 months with the nominating employer. Nominee Applicants in NOC TEER 0 and 1 must have a minimum language standard of the CLB Level 7 in either English or French.

Business Stream

The Business Stream is for people who want to start a business in the NWT, purchase an existing business based here, or invest in and operate an existing business based here.

To apply for the Northwest Territories Business Stream, you must:

• Invest a minimum of $200,000 in a business in Yellowknife or $100,000 outside Yellowknife.
• Own at least 33.3% of the business unless investing at least $1 million.
• Have a net worth of at least $500,000 (if within the corporate boundaries of Yellowknife) or $250,000 (if outside Yellowknife).
• Prove CLB 4 in English or French with valid language test results.
• Show knowledge of NWT’s economy, have business experience, and enough funds to operate.
• Be ready to settle full-time in NWT and not have other active PNP applications.

Francophone Stream

The Francophone Stream of the Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) allows bilingual (French and English) foreign nationals with a valid job offer from an NWT employer to apply. It is open to all NOC TEER categories (0-5) and requires proof of language proficiency  (CLB Level 5 in French and 4 in English) at the time of application.

Through the NSNP, prospective immigrants who have the skills and experience targeted by Nova Scotia may be nominated to immigrate. The province operates several immigration streams:

Labor Market Priorities

This stream selects Express Entry candidates who meet Nova Scotia’s workforce needs and have received a Letter of Interest, provided they apply within 30 days of receiving it, meet Express Entry work experience requirements, demonstrate sufficient settlement funds, and fulfill all criteria at the time of selection.

Physician

The Physician Stream helps Nova Scotia’s health authorities recruit and retain general practitioners, family physicians, and specialist physicians to fill positions they cannot fill with Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Eligible applicants must have approved job offers from the Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) or Izaak Walton Killam Health Centre (IWK), with specific documentation confirming eligibility for licensure and credentials.

Labour Market Priorities for Physicians

The Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities stream for physicians is designed for physicians with an approved job offer from the Nova Scotia Health Authority or the IWK Health Centre who receive a Letter of Interest from the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) within the federal Express Entry system. Applicants must also have a signed Return for Service Agreement with the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness committing to work in NS for at least 2 years.

Unlike the Physician Stream, which is focused on recruiting physicians directly for positions in Nova Scotia, this stream is linked to the Express Entry system and requires a Letter of Interest, offering a pathway to permanent residency through the federal program.

Entrepreneur

The Entrepreneur Stream is designed for experienced business owners or senior managers. Applicants must start or buy a business and be actively involved in its daily management. After operating the business for a year, they may be nominated for permanent residency.

Eligibility criteria:

• be 21 or more years old
• want to live permanently in NS while owning and actively managing a Nova Scotia business
• have a net worth of at least $600,000 CAD ($400,000 CAD if your business is outside Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM))
• be able to invest at least $150,000 CAD of your own money to establish a business in Nova Scotia ($100,000 CAD if your business is outside HRM)
• have at least 3 years’ experience actively managing and owning a business (1/3 ownership minimum) OR more than 5 years’ experience in a senior business management role
• have a score of at least 5 on the CLB in speaking, listening, reading and writing in English or French

International Graduate Entrepreneur

This stream is for recent graduates of a Nova Scotia university or the Nova Scotia Community College, who have already started or bought a Nova Scotia business and operated it for at least one year.

To qualify, applicants also must:

• own at least 33.33% of the business in NS and actively manage it
• have completed a degree or diploma after at least 2 academic years of full-time, in-person study at a university in Nova Scotia or the Nova Scotia Community College;
• have a valid post-graduation work permit;
• have a score of at least 7 on the CLB in speaking, listening, reading and writing in English or French

International Graduates in Demand

This stream is for recent international graduates with skills matching specific National Occupational Classification (NOC) job categories. It currently applies to paramedical occupations (NOC 32102), pharmacy technicians (NOC 32124), nurse aides and patient service associates (NOC 33102), and early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 42202).

Skilled Worker

This stream helps employers in NS recruit foreign workers and recent international graduates with skills that are in demand. Employers can only recruit foreign candidates if they cannot find suitable Canadian citizens or permanent residents to fill the role.

Eligibility criteria:

• a full-time permanent job offer from a NS employer
• 1 year of work experience related to the job. Workers in TEER 4 or 5 of the National Occupational Classification must already have 6 months experience with the employer
• 21-55 y.o.
• a high school diploma
• the appropriate training, skills and/or accreditation for the job
• language ability equal to CLB Level 5 if you are in a NOC TEER category 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation (unless your first language is English or French). Workers in a NOC TEER 4 or 5 occupation must have test results to prove they meet CLB 4 even if their first language is English or French
• sufficient financial resources to settle in NS.

Occupations in Demand

This stream focuses on TEER category 3, 4, or 5 occupations under the NOC that are in high demand in NS.

Eligibility criteria:

• a full-time permanent job offer from a NS employer in either
  • NOC 33102 (Nurse Aides)
  • NOC 65310 (Light duty cleaners)
  • NOC 73300 (Transport truck drivers)
  • NOC 73400 (Heavy equipment operators)
  • NOC 75110 (Construction trades helpers and labourers)
• 1 year of job-related experience 
• 21 to 55 y. o.
• a high school diploma;
• the appropriate training, skills and/or accreditation for the job
• language ability equal to CLB Level 4 even if your first language is English or French
• financial resources to settle in NS

Experience: Express Entry

This stream selects highly skilled individuals who:

• have at least 1 year of experience working in Nova Scotia in an occupation at TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the National Occupational Classification
• are 21-55 years old
• have a Canadian high school credential or equivalent
• have language ability in English or French CLB 7 for skilled work in the NOC TEER 0 and 1 and CLB 5 for NOC TEER 2 and 3 positions
• have a profile registered in IRCC’s Express Entry system

Critical Construction Worker Pilot

This pathway is for individuals with a permanent, full-time job offer from a Nova Scotia employer in the construction sector (NAICS 23) in an approved NOC occupation. Applicants must:

• have at least 1 year of related work experience
• a high school diploma or industry training
• be 21 to 55 years old
• show sufficient financial resources to settle in NS
• meet language requirements: CLB Level 5 for NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, 3 and CLB Level 4 for NOC TEER 4 and 5, even if their first language is English or French.

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) recognizes and nominates people for permanent residence who have the skills and experience the Ontario economy needs, and the Government of Canada makes the final decision to approve applications for permanent residence.

ONTARIO EXPRESS ENTRY STREAMS

These streams for skilled workers who want to live and work permanently in Ontario operate through the federal government’s Express Entry System.

1) Human Capital Priorities stream

Stream Requirements:

• Work Experience:
  • Must meet either Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) or Canadian Experience Class (CEC) criteria.
  • FSWP: At least 1 year of continuous full-time work in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 within the last 5 years (Canada or overseas).
  • CEC: At least 1 year of cumulative full-time work in Canada in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 within the last 3 years.
  • Self-employment counts under specific conditions (for physicians under certain NOCs)
    
    
• Education:
  • A Canadian bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degree or an equivalent foreign credential (with an Educational Credential Assessment – ECA).
  • Nurses registered in Ontario may be exempt from this requirement.
    
    
• Language: CLB 7 or higher in English or French (must take an approved language test).
  
  
• Settlement Funds: Sufficient financial resources demonstrated through bank statements, job offer, or annual earnings in ON.
  
  
• Intention to Reside in Ontario: Must show commitment to living and working in ON.

Additionally, applicants must meet draw-specific requirements listed in the OINP updates and receive a Notification of Interest (NOI) before applying.

2) Skilled Trades stream

Eligibility Requirements:

• Work Experience: At least 1 year of cumulative full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time) in Ontario Major Groups 72 (excluding occupations under transportation officers), 73, 82, 83, 93 (excluding aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors) or Minor Group 6320 (excluding cooks) of the National Occupational Classification (NOC), obtained in ON within the last 2 years, while maintaining legal status.

Note: Self-employment, volunteer work, and unpaid internships do not count.

• Valid Certificate or Licence (if applicable): If applying in a compulsory trade, must hold a valid certificate or licence in ON, covering the period of work experience.

• Language Proficiency: Must meet a CLB level 5 or higher in English or French (a valid language test taken within 2 years of application).
  
  
• Settlement Funds: Must have sufficient funds to support yourself and any dependents.

3) French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream

Stream Requirements:

• Work Experience: Choose between two programs: Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP) or Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

  Federal Skilled Worker Program: 1 year of continuous full-time work (or equivalent part-time) in NOC TEER Categories 0, 1, 2, or 3, obtained within the last 5 years.

  Canadian Experience Class: 1 year of cumulative full-time work (or equivalent part-time) in Canada, in NOC TEER Categories 0, 1, 2, or 3, obtained within the last 3 years

• Education: Must have a Canadian bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degree, or its equivalent.

• Language: Must meet CLB level 6 in English and CLB level 7 in French (language test taken within the last 2 years)
  
  
• Settlement Funds: Must demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself and any dependent family members (including spouse, common-law partner, and children under 22) upon settling in Canada.

ONTARIO’S EXPRESSION OF INTEREST STREAMS 

Employer Job Offer categories

1) Foreign Worker stream

To be eligible, applicants inside or outside of Canada must:

• Have a full-time, permanent job offer in a skilled occupation (TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3) of the National Occupational Classification (NOC)
• Have at least 2 years of relevant work experience within the last 5 years in the same occupation as the job offer
• Have the necessary licensing/certification if the job requires it
• Ensure their employer meets OINP business and wage requirements

Employers must:

• Have been actively operating in ON for at least 3 years
• Demonstrate that the position is urgently necessary for their business, ensuring that the job offer aligns with existing business activities and is essential for maintaining or expanding operations
• Have business premises in ON where the applicant will work
• Not have outstanding violations under ON’s employment or safety laws
• Show efforts to hire a Canadian citizen or permanent resident before offering the job (if the applicant is outside Canada or ON)
• Have $1,000,000+ in total gross annual revenue if work is inside Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and $500,000+, if outside GTA
• Have at least 5 full-time employees who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents, if the work location is inside GTA and at least 3 such full-time employees if outside GTA

2) International Student stream allows international students with a job offer in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation to apply for permanent residence in Ontario. This stream is open to students both inside and outside Canada, and work experience is not required. The job offer must come from an employer in Ontario who meets specific eligibility criteria.

3) The In-Demand Skills stream allows foreign workers with a job offer in high-demand sectors like agriculture, construction, manufacturing, food processing, transportation, public works, metal and mineral processing, and home support/caregiving to apply for PR in Ontario. It is open to applicants both inside and outside Canada. To qualify, candidates must have a job offer from an eligible Ontario employer, demonstrate CLB 4 or higher in English or French, and hold a high school diploma or its equivalent.

Postgraduate streams

1) The Masters Graduate stream allows international graduates with a master’s degree from an eligible Ontario university to apply for permanent residence in Ontario.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must have completed a master’s degree in Ontario, requiring at least 1 year of full-time study (or part-time equivalent)
• Cannot apply while still enrolled unless:
  • The program is for licensing in a regulated occupation in ON
  • The applicant is working full-time in ON
• Not eligible if bound by a scholarship or grant that requires returning to the home country
• Must demonstrate English or French proficiency at CLB level 7 or higher.

2) The PhD Graduate stream allows international graduates with a PhD degree from an eligible Ontario university to apply for permanent residency.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must have completed a PhD degree in Ontario (at least 2 years)
• Must have legally resided in Ontario for at least 1 year in the past 2 years (can be cumulative)
• Not eligible if bound by a scholarship or grant that requires returning to the home country
  
  

As of November 4, 2024, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) officially closed its Entrepreneur Stream.

Prince Edward Island’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) offers a pathway to permanent residency by nominating individuals based on their intent to live and work in the province and their economic ability to establish there. Currently, priority is given to entrepreneurs and skilled workers in high-demand sectors, including health care, trades, and childcare, based on federal immigration allocations and provincial labor market needs.

WORKFORCE CATEGORY

1) PEI Express Entry

Perspective applicants can apply for a PEI Express Entry nomination for permanent residency through the PEI PNP.  It will increase chance of being issued an Invitation to Apply from the Federal Government.

To be eligible for nomination through PEI Express Entry, you must meet the requirements of at least one of the Federal Economic Immigration programs (Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, or Canadian Experience Class), create a Federal Express Entry Profile, and be placed in the pool of candidates. PEI prioritizes invitations for applicants working and living in the province with an eligible PEI employer.

Additionally, if you hold a Post-Graduation Work Permit or a spousal open work permit from an institution outside of PEI, you must show 9 months of continuous full-time work experience with your PEI employer and have at least 4 months remaining on your work permit at the time of submitting your Expression of Interest.

2) Critical Worker

The PEI Critical Worker stream is an employer-driven pathway for individuals already working full-time in PEI in intermediate-skilled positions (TEER 4 or 5) that local employers cannot fill.

To qualify, applicants must:

• have at least 6 months of continuous full-time work experience with their PEI employer
• hold a valid work permit
• be 18-59 years old
• have at least a secondary school diploma
• have at least 2 years of work experience or relevant education in the past 5 years
• meet a minimum language requirement of CLB 4
• have sufficient financial resources to establish in PEI
• show a genuine intention to settle in PEI.

7) International Graduate

The International Graduate stream of the PEI PNP allows international graduates from publicly-funded PEI institutions to apply for Permanent Residency with an employer-driven process.

To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:

• Graduate from a publicly-funded PEI institution
• Have a full-time, non-seasonal job offer (permanent or minimum 2 years) from a PEI employer
• Hold a valid post-graduate work permit
• Be available for an interview with the PEI Office of Immigration if required
• If in a high-skilled occupation (TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3), provide a Workforce Job Offer Form showing sufficient language ability, or if in an intermediate-skilled occupation (TEER 4 or 5), provide a language test result with a minimum score of CLB/NCLC 4
• Be 18-59 y.o.

BUSINESS IMPACT CATEGORY

Work Permit Stream

This stream of the PEI PNP is for foreign nationals with business ownership or management experience who want to invest in and operate a business in PEI. It allows individuals to come to PEI on a work permit and operate a business for at least 1 year before becoming eligible for a nomination for PR.

To qualify, you must:

• Have a minimum personal net worth of $600,000 
• Have at least a secondary school education
• Be 21 – 59 y.o.
• Possess transferable management skills or business ownership experience
• Meet minimum language requirements (CLB/NCLC 4)
•  Actively manage your business on a daily basis
• Attend an interview with the Office of Immigration
• Fulfill the Performance Agreement signed with the Office of Immigration.

The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP): If you have skills and experience in high-demand occupations in Saskatchewan, you may be eligible to apply through one of the following three streams.

International Skilled Worker (ISW)

This category is for skilled workers living abroad who want to work and settle in Saskatchewan. There are six sub-categories that international skilled workers may apply for:

1) Employment Offer

This sub-category is for skilled workers who have an offer for a skilled job in Saskatchewan. To qualify, you must live outside Canada or have legal status in Canada (not as a refugee claimant). Key requirements include:

• A minimum of 60 points on the SINP point assessment grid
• At least 1 year of work experience in the past 10 years in your intended occupation
• A Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of at least 4, though some jobs may require higher
• Eligibility for Saskatchewan licensing if your occupation is regulated
• A permanent, full-time job offer in Saskatchewan (TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3, or a designated trade) with a valid SINP Job Approval Letter.

Certain occupations, like food servers, truck drivers, and healthcare professionals, must apply under different SINP streams.

2) Tech Talent Pathway

This sub-category for high-skilled technology and innovation sector workers who meet the following criteria:

• If applying from inside Saskatchewan:
  • Must have worked six months (780 hours) full-time with the employer offering the job or have at least 1 year of work experience in their occupation in the last 5 years
• If applying from inside or outside Canada: 1 year of high-skilled related work experience in the last 5 years.
• Language Requirement:
  • If currently working for the employer: Must meet the employer’s language requirements.
  • If not working for the employer: CLB 5 or higher in English or French.
• Certain engineering and tech-related occupations (e.g., Computer Engineers, Software Engineers, Data Scientists, Electrical Engineers) must provide a letter from APEGS showing application approval or assigned confirmatory exams.
• Must have post-secondary education related to the job (Master’s, Bachelor’s, 3-year degree, or 2-year diploma).
• Must have a permanent, full-time job offer in the technology or innovation sector in SK with a valid SINP Job Approval Letter. 
  •  

3) Occupation In-Demand

This sub-category is for skilled workers who do not have a job offer in Saskatchewan but possess in-demand skills. Eligibility criteria include:

• A non-refundable $500 fee 
• Applicants must live outside Canada or have legal status within Canada (excluding refugee claimants)
• A minimum of 60 points out of 110 on the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) point grid.
• A minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 4
• Post-secondary education, training, or apprenticeship comparable to Canadian standards
• At least 1 year of full-time, paid work experience in a skilled occupation (TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3) within the last 10 years, related to the applicant’s education. The occupation must not be on the Excluded Occupation List.
• Proof of sufficient funds and a settlement plan.

4) Saskatchewan Express Entry

This sub-category is for skilled workers who want to live and work in SK, are already in the IRCC Express Entry Pool, and meet the eligibility criteria:

• A valid Express Entry Profile Number and Job Seeker Code.
• A non-refundable $500 fee, payable online
• Live outside Canada or have legal status in Canada (excluding refugee claimants)
• Score a minimum 60 points on the SINP point assessment grid
• Meet federal Express Entry language requirements
• Completed post-secondary education or training comparable to at least 1 year of Canadian education.
  • If educated outside Canada, an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is required.
  • Those who completed trades training in high school must apply for SK licensure
• Skilled professionals (non-trades): must have at least 1 year experience in the past 10 years
• Skilled tradespeople: 2 years in a skilled trade in the past 5 years
• Canadian Experience Class: 1 year of experience in Canada in the past 3 years
• Work experience must match the field of education/training and be in an eligible occupation (not on the Excluded Occupation List)
• Must show proof of funds and a settlement plan.

5) Agriculture Talent Pathway

This sub-category for agricultural workers who have an SINP-approved job offer and intend to live permanently in Saskatchewan has the following eligibility requirements:

• Must live outside Canada or have legal status in Canada (not a refugee claimant).
• Minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 
• Completed at least secondary school (high school) 
• At least 1 year of full-time work experience in the past 3 years in the intended occupation or 6 months (780 hours) of full-time work experience with the employer providing the job offer
• Must have a permanent, full-time job offer in an eligible agricultural sector occupation with a valid SINP Job Approval Letter.

6) Health Talent Pathway

Non-Express Entry

This sub-category for health professionals with a job offer in Saskatchewan who intend to live there permanently has the following eligibility requirements:

• Must live outside Canada or have legal status in Canada (not a refugee claimant).
• Minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 
• If currently working in SK: At least 6 months (780 hours) of full-time work with the employer providing the job offer
• If not: At least 1 year of work experience in the occupation within the last 5 years.
• A post-secondary degree or diploma related to the job offer (Master’s or Bachelor’s degree, 3-year university or college degree, 2-year diploma from a recognized institution)
• Must meet Saskatchewan’s licensing requirements if applicable.
• Must have a permanent, full-time health sector job offer with a valid SINP Job Approval Letter.

Express Entry

The requirements for Express Entry are similar to Non-Express Entry, except for the following differences:

• You must have a valid Express Entry Profile Number and Job Seeker Code and be in IRCC’s Express Entry pool
• CLB 5 or higher
• 1 year of high-skilled related work experience in the past 5 years, either inside or outside Canada.

Saskatchewan Work Experience

This category is for foreign workers who are currently working and living in SK on a valid work permit and would like to apply for PR through the SINP. It includes the following categories:

1) Skilled Worker With Existing Work Permit

2) Students

3) Agriculture Talent Pathway

4) Health Talent Pathway

5) Health Talent Pathway

Entrepreneur

This stream is for foreign nationals who want to start, acquire, or partner in a business in Saskatchewan while actively managing it and residing in the province.

The nomination process involves submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI), receiving an invitation based on ranking, establishing the business in Saskatchewan, and obtaining a provincial nomination upon meeting all requirements.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Minimum Net Worth: $500,000 CAD in business and personal assets
• Business/Management Experience: At least 3 years in the past 10 years
• Investment Requirement:
  • $300,000 CAD in Regina or Saskatoon (Census Metropolitan Areas).
  • $200,000 CAD in all other Saskatchewan communities

Business Establishment Plan (BEP) requirements:

• Align with the Entrepreneur Category Points Grid
• Include ownership of at least 33.3% of the business (unless investing $1 million CAD or more)
• Include active management of the business on a daily basis
• Create at least 2 jobs for unrelated Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

International Graduate Entrepreneur

This category shares most criteria with the Entrepreneur category but is designed specifically for international students who have graduated from a Saskatchewan institution.

Key differences include requiring applicants:

• to be at least 21 years old
• to hold a valid Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) with at least 24 months remaining
• to have completed a full-time 2-year post-secondary program in SK, and demonstrate a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 7
• to own and operate a business in Saskatchewan for at least 1 year before applying for nomination, ensure their business generates the minimum required revenue, and sign a Business Performance Agreement (BPA) with the government.

Farm Owner and Operator

This stream targets foreign nationals with demonstrated experience owning and/or operating a farm and who have significant net worth and the ability and desire to invest in the establishment of a new farm in Saskatchewan. 

YUKON NOMINEE PROGRAM (YNP)

This program is for employers who cannot find a qualified Canadian citizen or permanent resident to fill a position. Only employers can apply, foreign nationals cannot.

1) Yukon Skilled Worker

This stream is for management positions or jobs that require more education in TEER 0-3 positions. 

To qualify, foreign nationals must have a full-time job offer from a Yukon employer, intend to settle in Yukon, meet education and work experience requirements (12 months), and fulfill language requirements (CLB level 5 for TEER 2 and 3 positions and level 7 for TEER 0 and 1 positions).

2) Yukon Express Entry

This stream allows employers to hire foreign nationals who are in IRCC’s Express Entry pool. Foreign workers must meet the requirements for at least 1 of the  federal economic immigration programs (Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program or Federal Skilled Trades Program).

Employers can hire through the Express Entry stream for TEER 0-3 positions.  

3) Yukon Critical Impact Worker

This stream is for entry-level jobs in TEER 4 and TEER 5 positions.

To qualify, foreign nationals must have a full-time job offer from a Yukon employer, intend to settle in Yukon, meet education and work experience requirements (6 months), and fulfill language requirements (CLB 4 for TEER 4 and 5 positions).

4) Yukon Community Program

This program allows Yukon employers in specific communities to combine up to three positions or partner with other employers to create a full-time job (1,560 hours per year) for a foreign worker. Workers can be in any TEER category but must meet the highest TEER’s experience, education, and language requirements.

YUKON BUSINESS NOMINEE PROGRAM (YBNP)

This stream provides a pathway to permanent residence for individuals with business and entrepreneurial experience who are interested in owning and operating a business in the Yukon. Applicants must have a minimum personal net worth of $500,000 CAD, in addition to meeting other program requirements, and show how they will invest at least CAD $300,000 in capital investments for the business in the first 2 years.