Canadian Permanent Residence is one of the most sought-after in the world with its inclusive society and thriving economy. One of the many pathways accessible to potential immigrants is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Most provinces and territories offer Immigration programs focused on specific employment requirements to match their economic and demographic needs.
A PNP can be a great option if you don’t have enough Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points to qualify for an application under the Federal Skilled Worker program, as it is up to each province to set the requirements. As they are designed to fill gaps in a province’s labour force, the PNPs are more targeted toward candidates with experience in high-demand occupations.
This blog will examine the easiest provinces to get Canadian PR in 2023.
Importance of Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada
Permanent Residency (PR) is important for individuals seeking to live, work, and settle in the country. Some key benefits include:
Residency Status
As a permanent resident, you can live and work anywhere in Canada. This status is granted indefinitely, and you can maintain it if you fulfil residency requirements.
Healthcare Benefits
You will also be eligible for public healthcare coverage, one of the most comprehensive and high-quality healthcare systems globally. This ensures access to essential medical services without substantial out-of-pocket expenses.
Education Opportunities
Gaining PR opens doors to educational opportunities at Canadian institutions. Permanent residents often pay lower tuition fees than international students, making education more affordable for themselves and their families.
Social Benefits
As a permanent resident, you and your family can avail of various social benefits the Canadian government provides, such as child benefits, unemployment benefits, and retirement benefits.
Work Flexibility
Unlike temporary work permit holders, permanent residents are not tied to a specific employer. They can switch jobs and pursue various career opportunities without additional work permits.
Path to Canadian Citizenship
Permanent residents can apply for Canadian citizenship after meeting specific residency requirements. Canadian citizens enjoy additional privileges, such as voting rights and the ability to run for public office.
Sponsorship of Family Members
As a permanent resident, you can sponsor eligible family members to come to Canada and obtain permanent residency, reuniting families there.
Travel Freedom
Permanent residents can travel in and out of Canada without needing a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). This makes it easier to visit family and explore other countries.
Also Read: What Are the Advantages of the Provincial Nominee Program?
Criteria for Assessing Ease of Getting PR
Language Proficiency Requirements
Canada is a bilingual country, with English and French as official languages. Most pathways to PR require language proficiency in at least one of them, which is reflected in the large amount of CRS points that can be scored in this category.
Educational Qualifications
Your educational qualifications play a significant role in your PR application, as a higher degree from an established and recognized international institution will increase your CRS score and improve your chances.
Work Experience
Most pathways to PR place great emphasis on relevant work experience. Many Provincial Nominee Programs are focused on specific employment requirements based on demographic needs.
Age Considerations
Your age also plays a significant role in the PR process, as ages 20 to 29 score the highest for the CRS score. Every year above this will result in deductions from your score.
Arranged Employment in Canada
Some pathways require a legitimate job offer from a Canadian employer to qualify for the process. Regardless of requirements, showing arranged employment in Canada is an excellent asset to your immigration efforts.
4 Easiest Provinces to Obtain PR in Canada in 2023
Every province and territory in Canada has its own Provincial Nominee Program, each tailored to meet their specific labour and immigration needs. And many of the programs are as diverse as the respective provinces, with some requiring more provincial connections, such as a job offer, work experience or educational credentials, than others.
These are the five Canadian provinces that are considered the easiest for international applicants to get PR in Canada:
1. Ontario
Ontario’s Immigrant Nominee Program is one of the largest in the country. The most attractive option for most living outside of Canada is the Human Capital Priorities stream, which targets skilled workers for skilled employment positions in Ontario.
Like Alberta, this stream operates through the federal Express Entry system, with candidates requiring an active Express Entry profile with at least 400 points. The province reviews all Express Entry profiles and then invites specific profiles to apply to the PNP. Typically, these candidates come from a group based on certain NOC (National Occupational Classification) codes and CRS ranges.
Another stream of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program is the French-Speaking Skilled Workers stream, making it an attractive option if you have intermediate to advanced proficiency in French.
Ontario is one of the easiest provinces to get PR in Canada due to its high immigration quotas and frequent draws.
Also Read: How to Improve Your CRS Score for Express Entry in 2023
2. Nova Scotia
This province, located in the very east of Canada, is widely regarded as one of the easiest provinces for Canadian PR, and its relatively low cost of living makes it an attractive option for newcomers to the country.
Their Labour Market Priorities Stream also uses the federal Express Entry pool to scan for and select suitable candidates. The province does not release the criteria or occupations they are targeting before intake rounds, but they frequently invite candidates without any provincial connections. However, interested applicants must have an active Express Entry profile and express their interest in Nova Scotia.
Due to the stream’s connection with the federal Express Entry system, a provincial nomination will add 600 points to your CRS score, significantly increasing your chances for an Invitation to Apply in a federal Express Entry draw.
3. Alberta
Alberta is considered one of the easiest Canadian provinces to get a PR nomination as it does not have a specific job or occupation list.
The Alberta Express Entry stream is aligned with the Canadian Express Entry system and invites applicants with CRS scores as low as 300 CRS points, which means that a broader range of candidates has a chance to receive a provincial Notification of Interest.
For each round of invitations, the Alberta Immigration Nominee Program releases the lowest qualifying CRS score. However, it does not state any additional targeted criteria as it does not solely nominate based on the score. Some of the factors that may increase your chances are:
- A job offer or work experience in Alberta
- A completed credential from a Canadian post-secondary institution
- A qualifying relative that is a permanent resident or citizen living in Alberta.
Due to the Albertan stream operating through the federal Express Entry system, a provincial nomination will increase the CRS score by 600 points, which almost guarantees an ITA (Invitation to Apply) in the next Express Entry draw.
4. Saskatchewan
The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) is this prairie province’s program, known for strong economic growth and job opportunities.
The SINP has two streams: Occupations In-Demand and Express Entry. Both streams use an Expression of Interest (EOI) system to hand-select viable candidates for immigration.
To submit an EOI, applicants must fulfil several minimum requirements:
- At least one year of experience in an occupation not included in the SINP’s Excluded Occupations List (the more extensive your experience is, the higher your chances are for a nomination)
- A post-secondary educational credential of at least one year
- Speak either English or French.
- Score a minimum of 60 points on the Points Assessment Grid.
While all submitted profiles will be considered for the SINP’s EOI draws, only candidates with the highest SINP scores and in-demand occupations will be invited.
If you are eligible for Express Entry, you can apply under the Saskatchewan Express Entry stream, allowing expedited processing of your PR application. The Occupations In-Demand stream is available even if you don’t qualify for this stream.
Conclusion
Which provincial program is the best for you will depend on your unique profile and situation, but these provinces are regarded as the easiest provinces to get a Permanent Residency in Canada.
Malkus Immigration Consulting can help you with every step of the Immigration application process, from establishing your eligibility for each pathway, including checking for potential express entry, to the documentation and legal process.
We bring knowledge, experience and passion to our work to provide the best Immigration consulting services. With many years of experience interacting with government officials, we can submit compelling applications to Canadian Immigration authorities on behalf of our clients.
Contact us today at (587) 415-6932 or through our convenient online form to learn how we can help you become a permanent resident of Canada!
FAQ
Which Canadian province gives easy PR?
Ontario, Alberta, Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan and Quebec are considered the easiest provinces for Canadian PR in 2023.
Is 2023 a Good Time to Migrate to Canada?
Due to Canada’s aging population’s economic and fiscal impact and low birth rates, Canada continues to rely on international skilled workers to fill labour shortages.
What are Canada’s 2023 2025 immigration levels?
Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IIRC) has published its projected Immigration Levels Plan, and the numbers are 465,000 in 2023, 485,000 in 2024, and 500,000 in 2025.
Which Province is Best to Get PR in Canada for International Students?
Manitoba is one of the best Canadian provinces for PR for international students. It is home to some of the best universities in Canada, such as the University of Manitoba and the University of Winnipeg, and offers many opportunities.
What is the Easiest PNP in Canada Without a Job Offer?
There are several Canadian Provincial Nominee Programs that don’t require a job offer, such as the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program, the Quebec Skilled Worker Program or the Alberta PNP through Express Entry.