Provinces list priority jobs for Express Entry PNPs
Several Canadian provinces have released updated lists of priority occupations eligible for Express Entry–aligned Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams. The programs enable provinces to select skilled workers from the federal Express Entry pool who meet regional labour needs.
According to recent provincial criteria, candidates whose primary occupation matches a designated National Occupational Classification (NOC) within a province’s enhanced PNP stream can be considered for nomination under that category.
- Enhanced PNP streams are linked to the federal Express Entry system.
- A provincial nomination adds 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points to an Express Entry profile.
- Provincial selections reflect local labour market and economic priorities.
- Alberta, British Columbia and Nova Scotia currently publish detailed occupation lists.
- Occupations include sectors such as technology, healthcare, law enforcement and skilled trades.
Overview of Express Entry–aligned PNP streams
Express Entry–aligned PNPs, also known as enhanced streams, allow provinces to nominate candidates already in the federal Express Entry system. These nominations give candidates an additional 600 CRS points, effectively positioning them to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in the next eligible draw.
While each province manages its own PNP, some streams focus on specific economic sectors or professional fields to address local workforce demands. Programs vary in eligibility and selection criteria.
Alberta’s priority occupations
Alberta operates several targeted pathways under the Alberta Express Entry stream, including the Accelerated Tech Pathway, the Dedicated Healthcare Pathway, and the Law Enforcement Pathway. Each focuses on occupations where the province has identified labour shortages.
Accelerated Tech Pathway
This pathway is designed for technology professionals whose current or recent work experience matches Alberta’s designated technology-related NOCs. Eligible categories include managerial, software development, data analysis, cybersecurity, and applied engineering roles.
Examples of eligible positions include computer and information systems managers, software engineers, data scientists, and cybersecurity specialists.
Dedicated Healthcare Pathway
Alberta’s healthcare pathway targets medical professionals with recent practice or credentials recognized in the province. This includes physicians, surgeons, registered nurses, nurse practitioners, physiotherapists, and psychologists.
Law Enforcement Pathway
The law enforcement pathway identifies candidates with experience in policing or related investigative positions. Typical occupations include commissioned police officers, investigators, and front-line police officers.
British Columbia’s designated streams
British Columbia operates Express Entry–linked options within its Health Authority Stream and the Entry Level and Semi-Skilled Stream. These categories support the province’s health and tourism sectors.
Health Authority Stream
The British Columbia Health Authority Stream aligns with provincial healthcare recruitment across hospitals and health agencies. Occupations range from managers in health care to specialists in clinical medicine, surgery, nursing, and technical laboratory roles. Other eligible positions include pharmacists, physiotherapists, psychologists, and social workers.
Candidates in regulated healthcare roles must hold the appropriate provincial licence or registration. For instance, dental assistants and nurse aides require certification under relevant British Columbia registries.
Entry Level and Semi-Skilled Stream
This stream covers entry-level roles that support British Columbia’s hospitality and tourism industries. Positions typically include accommodation and resort workers, as well as service occupations critical to the province’s visitor economy.
Nova Scotia’s physician-focused stream
Nova Scotia continues to operate its Labour Market Priorities Physicians Stream, which targets doctors within the federal Express Entry system. The program focuses on specialists in clinical medicine, surgery, and general practice who are eligible for provincial licensing and meet the requirements of Nova Scotia’s health authorities.
Background on provincial selection
Each province determines which occupations are prioritized based on workforce forecasts and employer demand. Alberta has targeted technology and health professionals, while British Columbia emphasizes healthcare and hospitality roles. Nova Scotia’s focus remains on addressing shortages in medical practice.
Other jurisdictions, such as Manitoba through the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP), operate similar models that align provincial labour needs with the federal immigration system.
Public relevance
Express Entry–aligned PNPs are a key component of Canada’s economic immigration system. By identifying priority occupations, provinces can expedite permanent residence pathways for skilled professionals who meet local labour requirements.
These targeted approaches enable provincial governments to address sector-specific shortages and maintain balanced population growth across regions.
Checking eligibility across programs
Provincial and federal eligibility criteria can be reviewed through official immigration channels. Candidates in the Express Entry system can compare their occupational classification with the lists published by participating provinces to determine if they meet current selection priorities.
Further updates on changes to provincial nomination streams are expected as provinces continue to adjust their programs in response to labour market data.
For broader coverage of Express Entry trends, provincial nominations, and immigration-related developments, readers can explore additional reports within the Canadian immigration news section.