Top Provinces to Consider For Permanent Residency in Canada 2024

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A Permanent Residency in Canada allows individuals to live, work, and move between provinces in Canada. The PR status lets you enjoy a lot of privileges and legal rights similar to Canadian citizens. Individuals from other nationalities can obtain a PR in Canada through different official immigration pathways. The most popular immigration pathway among Indians is the Economic immigration program. Here are some facts and detailed information about Canada’s PR and the best Provinces to choose to obtain Permanent Residency easily in 2024 and beyond. 

Immigration Levels Plan 2024–2026, released by the Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has set the Permanent Resident admission targets as 485,000 in 2024 and 500,000 in 2025. 

IRCC has partnered with provincial and territorial governments to fully utilize the existing immigration pathways and explore new ones to encourage temporary residents to obtain Permanent Residency.. Additionally, the department has implemented the latest technology, added resources, brought more services online, and made the system more transparent to achieve the set target. The number of Indian immigrants in Canada is on the rise. As per the recent statistics and official immigration data:

  • The number of Indian Permanent Residents in Canada has increased from 39,340 in 2015 to 139,785 in 2023.
  • The number of Indians who have obtained Permanent Residency  has already reached 51,450 during the initial four months of 2024

Express Entry System and PNP in Canada

The Express Entry System and Provincial Nominee Program(PNP) act as a pathway to apply for Permanent Residency in Canada. Through the Canadian Express Entry System, the government oversees and efficiently manages Permanent Residency applications across three major economic immigration programs. These programs include: 

  1. Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
  2. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
  3. Federal Skilled Trades (FST)

To apply through this system candidates must initially submit an Express Entry profile. The applications are then evaluated and ranked according to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The applicants are assigned a specific CRS points out of 1200. 

On the other hand, the Provincial Nominee Program is managed by the individual provinces and territories. The Provinces can select from the applicants and nominate them for Permanent Residency. The candidates nominated by the provinces earn additional CRS points (600) for Express Entry and have increased chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in the Express Entry system.

Best Provinces For Easy Permanent Residency In Canada

The Provincial Nominee Program is an easier pathway to get a PR in Canada for international students. You can choose from various PNP programs based on your eligibility. Each PNP stream is designed by individual Provinces according to their unique immigration goals. Hence, the eligibility requirements and procedures might vary. Provinces generally select candidates with relevant qualifications to fill the current skill gaps in their labor force. Therefore experience in high-demand skills and careers will be an added advantage. Now, let’s discuss which are the top Provinces that allow you to obtain a PR in Canada easily. 

1. Human Capital Priorities Stream- Ontario

Ontario is one of the provinces that let individuals living outside the country get a PR in Canada easily. The PNP stream in Ontario is known as the Human Capital Priorities stream and operates through the Federal express entry system. Prospective candidates with an active express entry profile and CRS score of 400 points or higher are invited to apply for PNP. Skilled immigrants who are capable of filling the current skill gap in the province are given priority. Despite being the province with the highest quotas, Ontario has requested to double the number of immigrants to fill the existing labor shortage. Ontario holds frequent draws, making it one of the easiest provinces to get PR in Canada for international students.

2. Express Entry- Prince Edward Island

The Prince Edward Island provincial nominee program can increase your chances of receiving an invitation to Apply (ITA) from the government. The candidates must satisfy the eligibility criteria of any of the economic immigration programs like the Federal Skilled Trades Program, Canadian Experience Class, or Federal Skilled Worker Program. Full-time work experience(9 months) with a supporting PEI employer. If the candidate holds a Spousal Open Work permit or PGWP permit they should have a remaining 4 months in their work permit. 

3. Labour Market Priorities Stream- Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia is one of the easiest provinces to get PR in Canada for International students without a prior connection to the province. The province generally does not specify any targeted jobs or criteria before the intake. Nova Scotia welcomes skilled immigrants from different nationalities to contribute to its growing economy. A nomination from the province will earn you an extra 600 points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). 

4. Saskatchewan- International Skilled Worker: Occupation In-Demand and Express Entry

The International Skilled Worker Program in Saskatchewan selects candidates using an Expression of Interest (EOI) system. The program has two streams the Occupation In-Demand and Express Entry streams. The Occupation In-demand stream selects skilled candidates eligible for highly demanded careers in the province. A prospective candidate must have at least one year of experience in an occupation not listed on the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) Excluded Occupation List. The applicant should also have done a post-secondary education and be fluent in English or French. Similarly, you can submit an Expression of Interest if you have the relevant work experience, educational background, and language skills. The Saskatchewan PNP program opens an easier way to get a Permanent Residency.

5. Express Entry System- Alberta

Alberta is a western province in Canada with low unemployment rates, quality education, and higher average income. These factors increasingly attract new immigrants to the province. Alberta’s Express Entry System is very popular among immigrants and an easier way to obtain PR in Canada for International students. The program even considers candidates with CRS scores as low as 300. That is, more candidates in the pool will get a chance to receive a nomination and obtain a Permanent Residency in Canada. 

How to Pick a Province for Canadian Permanent Residency After Graduation

Choosing the right province for Permanent Residency in Canada after graduation is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your future in Canada. Each province offers unique opportunities, benefits, and challenges, making it essential to consider various factors before making your choice. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you pick the best province for your PR after graduation.

1. Job Opportunities and Industry Growth

Look into the job market of each province and identify which ones have a high demand for your field of study. Provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta are known for their robust job markets, especially in tech, finance, healthcare, and engineering sectors.

Some provinces are hubs for specific industries. For example, Toronto (Ontario) and Vancouver (British Columbia) are tech industry hotspots, while Alberta is known for its oil and gas sector.

2. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Each province has its own Provincial Nominee Program, which allows them to nominate candidates for PR based on their specific economic and labor market needs. Research the PNP criteria for each province to see where you might have the best chance of being nominated.

Many provinces have PNP streams specifically for international graduates. For example, Ontario’s Masters Graduate Stream and Alberta’s International Graduate Entrepreneur Immigration Stream.

3. Cost of Living

The cost of living varies significantly across provinces. Cities like Toronto and Vancouver have higher living costs compared to smaller cities or rural areas. Consider your budget and financial situation when choosing a province.

Provinces like Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and New Brunswick are known for their affordable cost of living, which can make it easier to settle down and start your career.

4. Climate and Geography

Canada’s climate varies widely from province to province. For instance, British Columbia has a milder climate compared to the harsher winters in provinces like Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Choose a province where you can comfortably adapt to the climate.

Consider the geographical location and how it might affect your lifestyle and career opportunities. Coastal provinces offer different opportunities and challenges compared to inland provinces.

5. Long-Term Goals

Think about your long-term career goals and which provinces offer the best opportunities for advancement in your field.

If you have family or friends in Canada, you might want to consider settling in a province close to them. Also, consider your plans for family life, education for children, and other personal factors.

Which is the easiest province in Canada to get PR for international students?

When it comes to Canada immigration, international students often find Manitoba to be one of the easiest provinces to get Permanent Residency (PR). Manitoba’s Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) has a dedicated International Education Stream that is specifically designed to attract and retain international graduates Canada Immigration Process. The stream offers expedited processing and has less stringent requirements compared to other provinces. Additionally, Manitoba’s lower cost of living and strong support networks for newcomers make it an attractive destination for students looking to establish their careers and settle in Canada.

Population Of The Provinces

Canada PR women holding Canadian Flag

Canada’s provinces vary widely in population. As of 2024, Ontario remains the most populous with over 15 million residents, followed by Quebec with approximately 8.7 million, and British Columbia and Alberta with around 5.3 million and 4.6 million, respectively. The prairie provinces, Manitoba and Saskatchewan, each have about 1.4 million residents, while the Atlantic provinces range from 160,000 to nearly 1 million. The northern territories – Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut – are the least populated, each with fewer than 50,000 residents.

Which Canadian Province Has the Best Quality of Life?

British Columbia is often considered the Canadian province with the best quality of life due to its stunning natural landscapes, mild climate, and vibrant cities like Vancouver. The province offers excellent healthcare, top-tier education, and a high standard of living. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy year-round activities, from skiing to hiking. Additionally, British Columbia’s diverse and multicultural communities provide a welcoming environment for newcomers. For those interested in settling here, understanding how to apply for Canada PR through British Columbia’s Provincial Nominee Program is crucial for a smooth transition.

Which PNP is Right for You in the Process of Canada Immigration?

Choosing the right Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is crucial in the Canada immigration Process. Each province offers different PNP streams tailored to specific groups such as skilled workers, graduates, and entrepreneurs, like Ontario’s Human Capital Priorities Stream and British Columbia’s Tech Pilot. Carefully review each province’s criteria to determine the best PNP for your Canada PR application.

In Canada, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) offer various streams tailored to different immigration needs:

  • Skilled Worker Streams
  • Entrepreneur Streams
  • Express Entry-linked Streams
  • Family and Community Support Streams
  • International Graduate Streams

How to Immigrate to Canada, Protect Yourself from Fraud, and What to Expect After Arrival?

Immigrating to Canada involves several steps, including assessing your eligibility through programs like Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), or family sponsorship. Prepare your application meticulously and submit it to the appropriate immigration authorities to pursue permanent residency in Canada. It’s crucial to verify information and protect yourself from fraud by consulting only authorized immigration consultants or lawyers recognized by the Canadian government. Be cautious of unrealistic promises.

After arriving in Canada, expect an adjustment period. You’ll need to obtain a Social Insurance Number (SIN), open a bank account, and potentially apply for provincial health insurance to meet Canada permanent resident eligibility requirements. Settling in also involves finding housing, enrolling children in school, and exploring job opportunities. Utilize government and community settlement services to aid your integration into Canadian society effectively.

Concluding Takeaways

You can choose from any of the above-mentioned Provincial Nominee Programs to easily get a Permanent Residency in Canada. Even though there are several ways to permanently settle in Canada, choosing the right one that matches your interests and qualifications can be tricky. Consulting Canada immigration & overseas education consultants in Kerala can help you make the right choice and improve your chances of being accepted for a PR in Canada.