Top PNP Streams in Canada for Out-of-Province PR Applicants

Can Moving to Another Province Help You Get Canadian PR? Exploring Active PNP Streams

If you’re a temporary resident in Canada—or even someone outside the country dreaming of making Canada home—you might be wondering: can moving to a different province give you a better shot at permanent residency (PR)? The short answer: yes, it might!

Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) allow provinces and territories to nominate individuals for PR based on their unique labour market needs and economic goals. And while many PNP streams require you to already live in the province, there are several that don’t—making relocation a real opportunity to fast-track your immigration journey.

Key Highlights

• Some PNP streams do not require current residency in the province—they only require intent to move after receiving PR.
• Active PNP streams in provinces like Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, B.C., and PEI are open to out-of-province or even international applicants.
• Many of these streams are aligned with Express Entry, offering faster processing and higher chances of selection.
• Eligibility varies by stream—some require job offers or specific experience, while others focus on business investment or family ties.
• Canada is planning to increase PNP admissions significantly in 2026, creating even more opportunities for aspiring immigrants.

How PNPs Work for Out-of-Province Candidates

Generally, PNPs aim to attract skilled workers, graduates, and entrepreneurs who can support the economic needs of specific provinces. While some programs are only open to current residents, others allow candidates to apply from outside the province—or even from abroad—as long as they show a clear intent to live and work there permanently.

Let’s take a closer look at the PNP streams that are currently active and welcoming candidates who aren’t already living in the province.

Alberta Express Entry Stream

Who It’s For

This stream targets skilled workers—both inside and outside Alberta—who have an active Express Entry profile and experience in Alberta’s key sectors like tech, agriculture, law enforcement, and healthcare.

Eligibility Snapshot

• Active Express Entry profile under FSWP, CEC, or FSTP
• Minimum CRS score of 300
• Occupation aligned with Alberta’s priorities
• Job offer required for certain pathways (e.g., law enforcement, tech)
• Express Entry-aligned: Yes

Recent activity: Last draw on November 14, with over 2,100 invitations issued in 2025 so far.

B.C. Skilled Worker Stream

Who It’s For

Ideal for candidates with a permanent, full-time job offer in B.C. in a skilled occupation (TEER 0–3), and at least two years of related work experience.

Eligibility Snapshot

• Job offer from a B.C. employer in a skilled occupation
• Minimum 2 years of relevant full-time work experience
• CLB 4 or higher in English or French
• Meets wage and licensing standards
• Express Entry-aligned: Yes

Recent activity: Last draw held October 2, 2025.

B.C. Entrepreneur Immigration Program

Who It’s For

This stream is for entrepreneurs looking to start or buy a business in B.C. There are two pathways: one for urban centres (Base Stream) and one for smaller communities (Regional Stream).

Eligibility Snapshot

Recent activity: November 18 draw with 103 invitations across both streams.

Express Entry-aligned: No

Manitoba Skilled Worker Overseas Stream

Who It’s For

This stream welcomes skilled workers outside Canada who have a connection to Manitoba—like family, past work or study in the province, or an Invitation to Apply through a recruitment initiative.

Eligibility Snapshot

• Score at least 60 points on the MPNP assessment grid
• Connection to Manitoba via family, work/study, or recruitment initiative
• CLB 5+ (CLB 4 minimum for TEER 4/5 jobs)
• Show intent and ability to settle in Manitoba
• Express Entry-aligned: Yes

Recent activity: November 20 draw; over 1,000 invitations issued in 2025.

Curious how Manitoba selects its candidates? Try our MPNP Points Calculator to see where you stand.

Ontario Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream

Who It’s For

This stream is geared toward foreign workers—inside or outside Canada—who have a valid job offer in Ontario in a skilled occupation (TEER 0–3). Even some regulated professions are covered without needing prior work experience.

Eligibility Snapshot

• Valid, full-time job offer in Ontario
• 2 years of work experience or mandatory licence (depending on the job)
• Employer must meet business eligibility criteria
• Must register an Expression of Interest (EOI)
• Express Entry-aligned: No

Recent activity: October 9 draw; over 4,100 invitations in 2025.

Ontario Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream

Who It’s For

This stream supports recent graduates from Canadian institutions who have a full-time, permanent job offer in Ontario. Great for international students wanting to stay in Canada permanently without needing prior work experience.

Eligibility Snapshot

• Completed eligible post-secondary program within last 2 years
• Job offer in TEER 0–3 occupation
• Meets wage and employer eligibility standards
• More than half of the studies completed in Canada
• Express Entry-aligned: Yes

Recent activity: October 9 draw; over 5,500 invitations in 2025.

PEI Skilled Worker Outside Canada Stream

Who It’s For

Targeting skilled workers outside Canada, this stream requires a job offer from a PEI employer in key sectors like healthcare and trades. Employers must be pre-approved by PEI’s Office of Immigration before a candidate can apply.

Eligibility Snapshot

• Full-time, non-seasonal job offer in TEER 0–3 occupation
• Minimum 2 years of recent work experience
• CLB 4 or employer confirmation of language ability
• Proof of financial resources
• Express Entry-aligned: No

Recent activity: November 20 draw; over 659 invitations in 2025.

PNP Opportunities Expected to Grow in 2026

Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan has increased PNP admissions by