Canadian Immigration has recently been in a dynamic and ever-changing landscape (targeted draws, abolished PNPs, reduction in number of study visas issued, etc.) which has caused worries and apprehension to the immigration plan for dreamers recently. However, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) (immigration pathway for specific provinces of Canada) have emerged as a strategic route in the immigration system for skilled individuals seeking to make Canada their new abode.
As 2024 progresses, the landscape of Canada immigration presents diverse and interesting opportunities for prospective migrants. Although there are 80 different PNPs (immigration process to Canada) currently, the most notable and attractive options in my opinion for 2024 are the British Columbia PNP, Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program, Alberta Opportunity Stream, Saskatchewan International Skilled Worker, and Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry.
Although each program has its own unique benefits and subsequent pathways to permanent residency, my selection of the top five PNPs for 2024 is based on evolving needs of provincial economies and the dynamic nature of Canada’s immigration policies, catering to a diverse set of applicants. So let’s dive down into your best bets to move to Canada
Key benefits tailored to PNPs
- Custom pathways for immigration based on province’s specific needs.
- A significant boost of 600 points in the CRS score. (That’s a Homerun!)
- Multiple criteria, thus benefiting diverse applicants.
- Top PNPs for 2024: SINP (Saskatchewan), Ontario PNP, Alberta PNP, NSNP (Nova Scotia), and BC PNP (British Columbia)
1. The British Columbia Provincial Nomination Program (BC PNP)
British Columbia remains to be one of the most loved provinces and often the topmost choice for immigrants to immigrate to Canada. Their PNP program is one of the prominent pathway for skilled individuals seeking to contribute to the academic and economic sectors of the province to settle in Canada. It offers various streams tailored to attract and retain talented individuals who can enhance the province’s workforce and overall development.
Broadly speaking, the eligibility requirements for the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) in 2024 include:
- Having a full-time permanent job offer (work experience in Canada), with the job falling under National Occupational Classification (NOC) Skill level B, A, or O.
- Possessing at least two years of full-time work experience in the skilled occupation offered and meeting the necessary credentials and qualifications.
- Being qualified to work in the job role offered to you in British Columbia.
The complete list of requirements can be found at: https://www.welcomebc.ca/Immigrate-to-B-C/About-The-BC-PNP
A few notable streams within the BC PNP are the International Postgraduate category, which targets recent graduates with master’s or doctoral degrees from eligible BC post-secondary institutions, entrepreneur stream, healthcare stream (the best pathway for healthcare workers in my opinion), veterinary stream, construction and technology stream. Owing to these diverse lucrative areas, along with a combination of surreal sceneries, vibrant culture and warmer climate conditions, it is natural that BC remains a top destination for immigrants to settle in Canada (don’t curse me Ontario people :P) and is number one on the list. Successful applicants through the BC PNP gain the opportunity to settle in British Columbia, a province known for its quality of life, diverse opportunities, and stunning natural landscapes.
Price to apply: Varies between streams from C$2000-C$5000
2. Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program
The next on list is Ontario’s Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). Known for its diverse streams catering to skilled workers and entrepreneurs, the program offers various pathways for individuals to obtain permanent residency in Ontario based on their skills, work experience, and ability to contribute to the province’s economy.
In 2024, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has undergone notable changes compared to previous years:
- In the latest draw by the Canadian government, a total of 2,583 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued to candidates in the OINP Express Entry: Skilled Trades stream, with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score range of 350–424.
- The province’s allocation for 2024 (for candidates through PNP in 2024) is set at 8,000 nominees, an approximate rise of 42%, from the previous year, for resident visa.
- Recent trends (latest immigration levels plans released) indicate a focus on healthcare and tech occupations, reflecting a strategic shift in target sectors for immigration.
OINP happens to be one of the only few PNP (BC PNP too) which directly picks from your express entry profile to apply for Canada PR, and you do not need to file separately until your application is picked in your express entry profile.
Key streams within the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program include the Human Capital Priorities Stream, the Employer Job Offer Stream, and the Business Category. The complete list of requirements and eligibility can be found at:
Price to apply: C$1500 approx., after you receive the notification of Interest in your express entry profile (those charges are separate)
PS: Please know that Ontario is not just Toronto and Ottawa! There are beautiful rural areas (Canada is also home to beautiful rural landscapes) in Ontario which pose the best opportunity areas for non-skilled worker list and can be your future home.
3) Alberta Opportunity Stream
Ok! So I will do away with the bad news first. Since long, a pathway within the Alberta PNP immigration, which was one of the most favored ones was the Alberta Advantage immigration program. This program stands halted since February 15, 2024 until further notice.
However, within Alberta’s immigration landscape, the Alberta Opportunity Stream still stands as a prominent path for skilled individuals seeking to establish themselves in the province in 2024. With a processing time of approximately 18 month, this PNP has to be applied separately using online or paper based method. This stream is particularly good for individuals who are working and residing in Alberta or are international graduates who have completed their studies in the province. One of the key advantages of the Alberta Opportunity Stream is that it does not require a job offer to be eligible, making it an attractive option. There are a lot of official non profit help/support groups customed to Alberta which help you to settle once accepted.
Applicants must meet certain criteria related to education, work experience, language proficiency, and income level to qualify for this stream. Successful candidates receive a nomination from the Alberta government, which significantly boosts their chances of obtaining permanent residency in Canada. Overall, this stream makes it to my number three spot considering its ease to migrate and the support you get once you are in Alberta.
A not-so fun fact: Chinook winds are something you should read about, especially if you have migraine and are planning to come to Alberta. Please go through the following link:
Price to apply: C$500
4) Saskatchewan International Skilled Worker
An essential pathway for skilled individuals seeking to immigrate to Saskatchewan is through the Saskatchewan International Skilled Worker program, designed to attract talent and expertise to the province’s labor market. The selection is from the express entry pool, from where the notification is recieved. With a very nominal fee and ease of applying, this lucrative PNP makes it to the list.
This program is divided into three sub-categories: the International Skilled Worker — Employment Offer, International Skilled Worker — Occupations In-Demand, and International Skilled Worker — Saskatchewan Express Entry. Each sub-category targets individuals with specific qualifications and work experience deemed valuable to Saskatchewan’s economic growth. The following table summarizes each category:
Despite the harsh living conditions in terms of extreme weather, the province assures quality life and diverse roles in terms of employment.
Price to apply: C$350
Fun fact: Saskatchewan is a good place to see the Northern Lights, especially in the darker months.
5) Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry
The Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry program presents a targeted pathway for skilled individuals to secure provincial nomination and contribute to Nova Scotia’s labor market needs. This program, under the Nova Scotia Provincial Nomination Program (NSNP), focuses on selecting candidates from the Express Entry pool (express entry draw) who possess skills that align with the specific labor requirements of the province. The eligibility criteria are as follows:
- have at least 1 year of work experience in Nova Scotia;
- be 21 to 55 years old;
- have a Canadian high school credential or equivalent;
- prove language ability in English or French on the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB). You need CLB 7 for skilled work in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) category 0 and 1. You need CLB 5 for NOC category 2 and 3 positions;
- NOC 62020 — food service supervisors have recently been halted to immigrate here (can apply through the Skilled Worker Stream. Read more here).
- Owing to receiving significantly more applications from graduates who studied out of province, over the past two years, the province has chosen to focus the Experience Stream on Nova Scotia graduates.
Applicants interested in the Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry program must meet the eligibility criteria set by the NSNP, including having a valid Express Entry profile and demonstrating work experience in an in-demand occupation.
Note: There are other streams for Nova Scotia, however, in my honest opinion this one is my pick for 2024. Nova scotia is also one of the top choice for healthcare workers, but that needs a separate writeup. Meanwhile you can read more about it here
Price to pay: Express entry profile fees i.e C$1040 for a single applicant (no extra fees).
Frequently Asked Questions
a) Can I Apply to Multiple Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) at the Same Time?
Yes, applicants can apply to multiple Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) simultaneously. Each PNP has its own eligibility criteria and selection process, allowing candidates to pursue opportunities in different provinces and increase their chances of receiving a provincial nomination for Canadian permanent residency.
b) Are There Any Age Restrictions for Applicants to the British Columbia PNP Program?
Yes and No. There are age restrictions in terms of points received, for applicants to the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program. The age criteria for the BC PNP are as follows:
- Applicants between the ages of 18 to 35 get12 points.
- Applicants aged 36 receive 11 points.
- Applicants aged 37 get 10 points.
- Applicants aged 38 receive 9 points.
c) Do I Need a Job Offer to Be Eligible for the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program?
The OINP offers various streams, some of which necessitate a job offer while others, such as the Human Capital Priorities stream, do not mandate one.
d) What Are the Specific Eligibility Requirements for the Alberta Opportunity Stream?
The Alberta Opportunity Stream within the Alberta Provincial Nomination Program requires candidates to have a job offer in a qualifying occupation, meet minimum language proficiency levels, possess relevant work experience, and demonstrate the intent to settle in Alberta permanently.
e) How Does the Selection Process Work for the Saskatchewan International Skilled Worker Program?
The Saskatchewan International Skilled Worker Program selection process considers factors like education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability. Candidates meeting criteria are invited to apply for provincial nomination, enhancing their chances for permanent residency in Canada.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Provincial Nominee Programs in Canada play a very crucial role in addressing the specific labor and demographic needs of individual provinces and territories.
Some people migrate from the province they were invited from, very quickly upon arrival. This is seen very negatively, and might cause redaction of you permanent residence. One should remember, that they committed to uplift a province as a responsible resident, when they showcased their interest in a specific PNP.
Through targeted opportunities for skilled individuals to contribute to regional growth, these programs are instrumental in shaping the immigration landscape and fostering sustainable development across the country.
