Which Canadian Province Offers the Easiest Path to PR?

Canada offers multiple ways for foreign nationals to gain permanent residency (PR), with Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) being a popular route. Each province runs its own PNP, designed to meet local workforce needs. 

Some provinces make it easier than others for candidates with no prior connection to Canada, such as a job offer or family ties, to get PR. 

This article explores the top five provinces where getting PR is considered easiest.

1. Saskatchewan's Occupation In-Demand and Express Entry Streams

Saskatchewan, located in Canada’s prairie region, is known for its robust economy and plentiful job opportunities. Its International Skilled Worker program is especially beneficial for people who have experience in high-demand occupations. 

Saskatchewan’s PNP operates on an Expression of Interest (EOI) system, which allows candidates to indicate their interest in the program. To qualify, applicants need at least one year of experience in a job that is in demand within the province. Candidates must also meet minimum educational and language requirements.

To be eligible, you must score at least 60 points on Saskatchewan’s points assessment grid. Those selected from the EOI pool are invited to apply for PR. The program also has an Express Entry stream, which fast-tracks the PR process for candidates already in the federal Express Entry pool. Even if you’re not eligible for Express Entry, you can still apply under the Occupations In-Demand stream, making Saskatchewan a top choice for those looking to move to Canada.

2. Alberta’s Express Entry Stream

Alberta, home to vibrant cities like Calgary and Edmonton, is another province that offers a relatively easy route to PR. Alberta’s PNP selects candidates from the federal Express Entry pool and invites them to apply for a provincial nomination. 

A key benefit of Alberta’s program is that they often invite candidates with Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores as low as 300, increasing the chances for more applicants to be selected.

Although a low CRS score alone doesn’t guarantee an invitation, certain factors can boost your chances, such as having a close relative living in Alberta or a job offer in the province. Once nominated, your CRS score gets a 600-point boost, nearly ensuring you’ll be invited to apply for PR in the next federal Express Entry draw. Alberta's low CRS requirement makes it one of the more accessible options for PR in Canada.

3. Ontario’s Human Capital Priorities Stream

Ontario, Canada’s most populous province and home to Toronto offers numerous opportunities for immigrants. The Human Capital Priorities stream is a part of Ontario’s PNP and is designed to attract skilled workers to the province. This stream specifically targets those with high-demand skills who can help fill employment gaps.

To be eligible, candidates need to have an Express Entry profile and a CRS score of 400 or higher. Ontario regularly invites candidates through targeted draws, which focus on specific job sectors like technology. In 2021, a significant number of invitations were issued through Ontario’s tech-focused draws. The province also has a stream for French-speaking skilled workers, making it a good option for those fluent in both English and French.

Ontario’s high immigration quota and frequent draws make it one of the more attractive options for skilled workers hoping to secure PR in Canada.

4. Nova Scotia’s Labour Market Priorities Stream

Nova Scotia, located on Canada’s east coast, offers a PNP that is considered one of the easiest for overseas applicants. Nova Scotia’s Labour Market Priorities stream selects candidates directly from the federal Express Entry pool, even if they have no prior connection to the province.

The exact criteria for selection aren’t always published ahead of time, but the province often targets candidates based on their ability to fill specific labour gaps. Successful candidates receive 600 additional points toward their CRS score, practically guaranteeing an invitation to apply for PR.

Nova Scotia’s coastal lifestyle and lower cost of living make it an appealing option for many newcomers. The province’s frequent draws and lack of strict connection requirements make it one of the top choices for those seeking PR.

5. Prince Edward Island’s Express Entry Stream

Prince Edward Island (PEI) is the smallest province in Canada but offers a straightforward path to PR through its PNP. The PEI Express Entry stream is an accessible option for those in the federal Express Entry pool. Applicants must meet the criteria for one of Canada’s Federal Economic Immigration programs, such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program, and have an active Express Entry profile.

PEI gives priority to applicants already living and working in the province, but it also invites candidates from outside PEI based on labour market needs. Once nominated, you’ll receive the standard 600-point boost to your CRS score, significantly improving your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in the federal draw.

PEI’s smaller size and less competitive PNP requirements make it an attractive choice for those seeking PR without needing extensive work experience or high language proficiency.

The Essence of the Matter

The easiest province to get PR in Canada often depends on your circumstances. Saskatchewan, Alberta, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island all offer relatively accessible pathways through their Provincial Nominee Programs. While each province has its unique criteria, all of these PNPs are designed to meet labour shortages and welcome skilled immigrants. 

If you're considering moving to Canada, evaluating which province best aligns with your skills and experience is a good first step. Exploring these options and choosing the right PNP can make your journey toward Canadian PR much smoother.