Express Entry and Enhanced PNP eligibility

For the previous years, Express Entry was the main immigration route for immigrants to apply for a Canadian PR. However, for the years 2022-2024, the Provincial Nominee Program is the main economic class immigration program. Each province of Canada has been allotted at least immigration pathway linked to the Express Entry. 

These are known as enhanced PNPs. In order to qualify for one of the enhanced PNPs, you need to be eligible for one of the Federal Express Entry programs. 

If the candidate meets the provincial requirements, in addition to the Express Entry eligibility, the province nominates the candidate. The first step is to apply for a provincial nomination, post which you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence to Canada. 

There’s an added advantage to applying for a provincial nomination. Additional 600 points are allotted to provincial applicants which ultimately increases the CRS score ensuring that you receive an ITA in the draw. 

PNP qualifying criteria, in general, include things like work experience, education, and language proficiency. Affordable settlement funds and a desire to relocate to the nominating province are selectively required.

Ontario 

Skilled Trades Stream: The Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream in Ontario is a route for skilled trades individuals who have worked in a qualifying trade. Candidates must have at least one year of full-time paid work experience in one of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system’s Minor Group 633 or Major Group 72, 73, or 82 occupations. Candidates must also reside in Ontario and have a valid work permit. Candidates must have a licence or certification from the Ontario College of Trades in addition to other requirements.

Human Capital Priorities: Under Ontario’s Human Capital Priorities Stream, Express Entry candidates who are eligible for either the FSWP or the CEC may be invited. Rounds of invitations will be held by the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), inviting possibly qualified Express Entry candidates to submit for a nomination. Candidates with work experience in particular in-demand occupations may be targeted for these draws. Ontario inaugurated Tech Draws in 2019, where the province invites people with job experience in six in-demand tech occupations on a regular basis.

British Columbia 

The Skilled Workers category: People who have received an eligible job offer in a skilled occupation and have several years of experience in that skilled occupation fall into the Skilled Worker category.

Health Professionals: Express Entry candidates who have experience and eligible employment offers as physicians, nurses, psychiatric nurses, or allied health professionals may apply in this category.

International Graduate: This immigration pathway is for international students who have just graduated from a qualifying Canadian institution or college. Express Entry candidates must have a job offer from a BC employer to be considered for this sub-category.

International Post-Graduate: T Graduates holding Masters or Doctoral degrees in natural, applied, or health sciences from an accredited educational institution in British Columbia fall into this group. This sub-category does not require a job offer to apply.

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Alberta 

Alberta Express Entry: Candidates in the Express Entry system who have a CRS score of at least 300 and are currently employed in an appropriate occupation are eligible for the Alberta Express Entry Stream.

Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway: Express Entry candidates who are currently employed in Alberta’s technology industry or who have received a job offer in one of 38 qualifying tech occupations are eligible to apply for the Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway.

Saskatchewan 

Saskatchewan Express Entry: Express Entry individuals with work experience in a Saskatchewan in-demand occupation are eligible for the Saskatchewan Express Entry programme.

Tech Talent Pathway: The Saskatchewan Tech Talent Pathway is for Express Entry candidates who have received employment offers in an appropriate tech occupation in the province. Candidates must have completed at least one year of qualifying work experience in the previous five years, or six months if they are already employed in Saskatchewan by the firm who is providing them a position.

Manitoba

Manitoba Express Entry: Candidates who match the qualifying criteria and have expertise in a Manitoba In-Demand Occupation and are eligible under another Manitoba immigration stream are eligible to apply for Manitoba Express Entry.

Nova Scotia 

Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry: If you have at least one year of full-time paid work experience in Nova Scotia within the last three years, you may be eligible for the Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry programme. Candidates must have a high school diploma or better and be between the ages of 21 and 55, among other requirements.

International Graduates in Demand: Express Entry candidates with employment offers as nurses aides, orderlies, patient service associates (NOC 3413), as well as early childhood educators and assistants, should apply to the Nova Scotia International Graduates in Demand stream (NOC 4214). Candidates must have completed a 30-week course of study within the last three years to be considered. The programme must have been completed in Nova Scotia for at least half of the time.

Labour Market Priorities: You must meet the precise eligibility conditions in a Nova Scotia Nominee Program draw to be eligible for the Labour Market Priorities Stream. You must have enough money to settle permanently in Nova Scotia, in addition to satisfying the work experience requirements for the Express Entry-managed programme for which you are eligible.

Labour Market Priorities for Physicians: Candidates for Express Entry under the Labour Market Priorities for Physicians must have a job offer as a general practitioner, family physician, or specialised physician from the Nova Scotia Health Authority or IWK Health Centre (NOC 3111 or NOC 3112). Candidates must also sign a Return for Service Agreement with the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness, committing to stay in the province for two years.

New Brunswick 

New Brunswick Express Entry: On May 20, the New Brunswick Express Entry stream was suspended until further notice, according to a government of New Brunswick webpage. Express Entry candidates who live in the province and have a Job Seeker Validation Code or proof of enrolment in a Post-Graduation Work Permit-qualified programme at a federally-designated post-secondary institution are eligible for this immigration programme.

Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island Express Entry: Candidates for the FSWP, CEC, or FSTP in Prince Edward Island must be eligible if they have a valid Express Entry profile. Candidates must also have an active Expression of Interest profile in PEI’s system.

Newfoundland and Labrador

Express Entry Skilled Worker: The Express Entry Qualified Worker category in Newfoundland and Labrador provides a path for skilled professionals with employment offers. Candidates must also get a PNP points evaluation grid score of at least 67 out of 100. Depending on the candidate’s occupation, there are also minimum work experience requirements.

Northwest Territories 

Northwest Territories Express Entry: Express Entry candidates with job offers in the Northwest Territories can apply for the Northwest Territories Express Entry Program. Candidates must also have demonstrated a desire to relocate to the territory.

Yukon 

Yukon Express Entry: If you have a full-time employment offer in the territory, you can apply for a nomination through Yukon Express Entry. You must also show they have sufficient settlement funds to support themselves and their families.