Many Canadian provinces offer special immigration programs for international students who have completed their studies in Canada. These programs, known as Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), allow graduates to obtain PR while remaining in the province where they studied or work.
What is PNP?
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows Canadian provinces to nominate candidates for immigration based on their alignment with the region’s economic and demographic needs. Each province has its own streams with unique requirements.
Main requirements for international graduates:
• Education: A diploma or certificate obtained in Canada.
• Employment: A job offer from an employer in the province (not always required).
• Language: English or French proficiency at CLB level 4–7.
• Finances: Proof of settlement funds (in some cases).
• Residence: Intention to live in the nominating province.
Overview of provincial programs for graduates:
Alberta
• Graduate Entrepreneur Stream: For graduates who wish to open a business in Alberta. Requires ownership of at least 34% and CLB 7.
• Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream: For graduates of foreign institutions planning to open a business in Alberta. Requires an investment between $50,000 and $100,000 and CLB 5.
Manitoba
• Career Employment Pathway: For graduates of Manitoba institutions with a job offer in an in-demand field. Requires CLB 7.
• Graduate Internship Pathway: For master's and PhD graduates who completed a Mitacs internship.
• International Student Entrepreneur Pilot: For graduates wanting to open a business. Requires at least 51% ownership and CLB 7.
New Brunswick
• Private Career College Graduate Pilot Program: For graduates of private colleges with a job offer in priority sectors. Program active until fall 2025.
Newfoundland and Labrador
• International Graduate Category: For graduates with a job offer in the province.
• Graduate Entrepreneur Streams: For graduates who have started or purchased a business in the province. Requires at least 33.3% ownership and CLB 7.
Nova Scotia
• International Graduates in Demand: For graduates with job offers in priority occupations (e.g., paramedic, early childhood educator). Requires CLB 5.
• Graduate Entrepreneur: For graduates managing a business in the province for at least 1 year. Requires CLB 7.
Ontario
• Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream: For graduates with job offers from Ontario employers.
• Master's Graduate Stream: For master’s graduates from Ontario institutions. No job offer required but CLB 7 is necessary.
• PhD Graduate Stream: For PhD graduates from Ontario. No job offer required.
Prince Edward Island
• International Graduates: For graduates with job offers from provincial employers. Requires CLB 4 for low-skilled positions.
Saskatchewan
• Worker with Saskatchewan Work Experience – Student Sub-category: For graduates with a job offer and at least 6 months of work experience in the province.
Provinces without active graduate streams:
• British Columbia: Graduate streams were closed at the end of 2024. New programs expected to launch in 2025.
• Northwest Territories and Yukon: Currently do not offer streams for international graduates.
How to apply for PR through PNP
- Choose a province: Decide where you want to live and work.
- Apply to the province: Submit a nomination application through the appropriate PNP stream.
- Receive nomination: If approved, you will receive a nomination.
- Apply to IRCC: Submit your PR application to the federal immigration authority (IRCC) with your nomination.
Processing time: On average, obtaining PR through PNP takes up to 21 months.
Tips:
• Check for updates: Requirements and stream availability may change. Visit provincial websites regularly.
• Prepare documents early: Ensure you have all necessary documents, including language test results and education credentials.
• Consider alternative paths: Besides PNP, there are other programs such as Express Entry, Canadian Experience Class, and the Atlantic Immigration Program.