Update October 2026
This article was written in 2022. Job offers no longer add CRS points (since March 2025), and in 2026 most Express Entry rounds are category-based. Canadian Experience Class and PNP remain common routes. See Canadian Experience Class and PNP.
Due to the impacts of COVID-19, the Federal Skilled Worker immigration program under the Express Entry draw remains paused from accepting applications due to a significant processing backlog. Therefore, it is recommended that the most efficient way of obtaining permanent residency in Canada is through the Provincial Nominee Programs.
Provincial Nominee Program
Provincial Nominee Program is a migration pathway that provides individuals with the opportunity to obtain permanent residency in Canada. The Program is specific to each province or territory and is one of the most common pathways with 250,000 migrants expected between 2021 to 2023.
Saskatchewan International Skilled Worker
The Saskatchewan International Skilled Worker Program (‘SISWP’) is aimed at attracting skilled workers who do not have an employment offer in Saskatchewan however they are highly skilled in an occupation that is in demand of workers, and they meet the relevant criteria. This program is a more efficient means of obtaining permanent residency as it does not require an employment offer which can often take some time to cultivate between a skilled worker and employer. To apply for SISWP, you must:
Ontario Human Capital Priorities Stream
Ontario’s Express Entry Human Capital Priorities stream provides an opportunity to foreign skilled workers to obtain permanent residency to live and work in Ontario. To be eligible for this stream, an applicant must meet the following requirements:
Nova Scotia’s Labour Market Priorities Stream
Nova Scotia’s Labor Market Priorities stream allows skilled workers to apply for permanent residency in Nova Scotia for specific occupations and skills where there is high demand in the labor market. Nova Scotia does not disclose the occupations or skill sets that in high demand however, it is common for skilled workers who have no connection to the province to be invited to apply. To be eligible for consideration for the Labor Market Priorities Stream in Nova Scotia, the applicant must meet the following criteria:
Alberta’s Express Entry Stream
Alberta’s Express Entry Stream nominates skilled migrants to apply for permanent residency in Alberta. The selection is made from the federal immigration pool through the Express Entry system. This pathway to permanent residency is efficient since it accepts applicants with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking Score of 300. If you would like to estimate your CRS score, click here.
Adriana Chipman
Juris Doctor (University of Melbourne)
Adriana is one of our immigration agent assistants. She graduated from the Juris Doctor at the University of Melbourne at the end of 2020. She is currently completing her Graduate Diploma in Practical Legal Training at Leo Cussen Centre for Law in Melbourne, Victoria.
With her experience in volunteering for not-for-profit organisations in addition to conducting legal research, drafting documents, and engaging with clients
Adriana works to assist our team in any and all administration matters relating to immigration.
Top in demand jobs in Canada for immigrants
Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident (TR to PR) Pathway Canada
How to Immigrate to Canada
Moving to Canada from the US
New Alberta Express Entry Stream – Accelerated Tech Pathway