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PNP Program Canada and Easiest Provinces to Get PR in Canada in 2022

Published 30 Jul 2022 / Updated 30 Jul 2022

PNP Program Canada and Easiest Provinces to Get PR in Canada in 2022

When I Migrated from India to Canada 10 years ago on the PNP program, I didn't have much help in terms of research or information readily available. I had to go through hoards of data and talk to a long list of people to understand how it worked.

So, I am compiling a blog to make the information readily available for you if you are an immigrant looking for permanent residency in Canada.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Canada's provincial nominee programs (PNPs) provide a pathway for immigrants and individuals interested in migrating to a specific province or territory in Canada. I chose to apply for the PNP program because it is a popular choice and the easiest pathway to Canadian Permanent Residence.

Each province, apart from Quebec and Nunavut, operates various PNP streams designed by the provinces to help meet immigration goals. As a result, the eligibility criteria and application procedures vary from stream to stream.

The provincial programs are "Nominee" programs since the Federal Government approves all the Canadian PR status. Canada's provinces cannot approve permanent resident status on their own.

Immigrating to Canada through a PNP is a 2 step process.

  • In step one, immigrants are approved at the provincial level, and
  • then they must apply to the federal level in step two.

Most Canadian territories & provinces can nominate a certain number of candidates through the Express Entry system to meet the needs of the local and provincial labor market.

How I applied for a Provincial Nominee Program in Canada

Here's a step-by-step guide I followed to apply for the PNP program

Step 1: Finding the PNP program that suits my needs

I first figured out which province I would like to migrate to and then made sure the requirements for PNP province and eligibility were met.

Step 2: Applying to the chosen PNP program

The next step is to apply directly to the chosen province or territory.

Step 3: Obtain a Provincial Nomination certificate

After my application was successfully submitted, the province picked up the application, and the province nominated my application for Canadian permanent residence.

Step 4: Applying for permanent residence

The last step is to apply to the Canadian federal government for permanent residence. I made sure that my chosen PNP is aligned with Express Entry norms.

I applied for it online. Otherwise, it would take a lot of paperwork for a paper-based application.

What does it cost for the Canadian PNP?

The cost of immigrating through a Provincial Nominee Program depends on the program we want to immigrate to.

It cost me approximately ~= CAD 3760 for the whole process.

  • Language test: Average cost โ€“ CAD 300
  • Biometrics: CAD 85/person
  • Government fees: CAD 1,325/adult
  • Medical examination fees: average cost โ€“ CAD 450/adult
  • Police clearance certificates: average cost โ€“ CAD 100/country
  • Provincial Nominee Program processing fees: Up to CAD 1500

Additionally, an ECA- Educational Credential Assessment applies to candidates/applicants who need verification of educational degree, diploma, or certificate, that is, if the degrees are not equivalent to Canadian degrees. The cost is approximately CAD 200.

Note: Some provinces do not charge applicants processing fees, whereas others, such as Ontario, charge as much as CAD 1,500.

Requirements for Canada PNP

Provinces and territories look for and nominate applicants with:

  • Work experience in the specific labor market
  • Language (English, French) requirements
  • Education requirements

Note that each province sets its eligibility requirements for language proficiency, educational qualifications, and the applicant's skill set.

To get nominated for the province or territory, the applicant must also demonstrate that they can contribute to the economy of Canada and that they have genuine intentions of settling down in Canada permanently.

Here are some benefits that made me apply for Canada PR through PNP

  • Additional CRS points: Nomination obtained through PNP for Canadian PR acquires about 600 CRS points in the express entry system. The extra mileage might help with the invitation to apply (ITA) for Canada PR from the IRCC (Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada).

  • A few PNPs don't demand high CRS points to invite applicants to apply for provincial nomination.

  • Some key PNPs require limited English proficiency from the applicants and not very high IELTS scores.

Here are some easiest Provinces to Get PR in Canada in 2022

Depending on your profile, provinces' nominee programs can be the easiest way to secure PR in Canada. Here, I list 4 provinces that are considered to provide easy pathways for overseas applicants to get a Canada PR.

1. Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)

The province of Saskatchewan is becoming a popular destination for immigrants because of its increasing economic growth and the job opportunities it provides for immigrants.

The Occupations in Demand and Express Entry streams of Saskatchewan's International Skilled Worker PNP are designed to recruit workers with experience in the province's in-demand occupations. These International Skilled Worker streams hand-select candidates using an Expression of Interest (EOI) system.

To submit an EOI, applicants must have:

  • Minimum one year of experience in an occupation not listed on SINP's Excluded Occupations List.
  • Must complete a post-secondary educational credential of at least one year
  • Speak English or French.
  • A minimum of 60 points on their Points Assessment Grid

Candidates with competitive SINP scores and in-demand occupations are invited to SINP EOI draws.

2. Alberta's Express Entry Stream

Alberta is a western province of Canada and is home to cities of Calgary and Edmonton. Alberta offers a great job market and educational opportunities to immigrants. The Alberta Express Entry stream selects candidates from the federal Express Entry pool to apply for provincial nomination.

Express Entry candidates with CRS scores as low as 300 are considered. The following factors may increase a candidate's chances:

  • A qualifying relative that is a permanent resident or citizen living in Alberta
  • A job offer or work experience in Alberta
  • A completed credential from a Canadian post-secondary institution

Receiving a provincial nomination will increase an applicant's CRS score by 600 points, virtually guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR in the next Express Entry draw. Due to Alberta's low CRS requirement, they are often considered one of the easiest provinces to get PR in Canada.

3. Ontario's Human Capital Priorities Stream

Ontario is Canada's most popular destination for immigrants and has a large quota for immigrants via PNP streams. Ontario's Human Capital Priorities stream is a great option for immigrants. This stream prioritizes skilled workers who will be able to fill skilled employment positions in the province.

The Human Capital Priorities also operates through the federal Express Entry system. Prospective candidates must have an active Express Entry profile with a CRS score of 400 points or higher. Ontario scans through all Express Entry profiles and invites certain profiles to apply to the PNP, typically inviting candidates based on a group of NOC codes and a certain CRS range.

Ontario also offers a PNP stream for French speaking skilled workers* who have profiles in the Express Entry pool. If you have intermediate to advanced proficiency in French, this program may be a great option for you!

4. Nova Scotia's Labour Market Priorities Stream

Nova Scotia is located on Canada's east coast on the Atlantic Ocean. Nova Scotia's Labour Market Priorities also selects candidates directly from the Express Entry pool. Since this stream often invites profiles without a connection to the province, it is considered one of the easiest PNPs for overseas applicants to obtain PR.

Prospective nominees must have an active Express Entry profile and indicate their interest in Nova Scotia.

As the stream also operates through the Express Entry system, successful nominees receive an additional 600 points toward their CRS score. These additional points essentially guarantee an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in a Federal Express Entry draw.


Interested in knowing more about Canada's Provincial Nominee Programs and need advice regarding working and immigrating to Canada?

Please call SSA Migration Consultancy Canada on +1-289-933-1011 for a free consultation.

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