Moving to Canada

Canada's flagship points-based immigration stream for skilled foreign nationals. CRS score determines invitation to apply.

For those with existing Canadian work experience. Often achieves higher CRS scores due to Canadian experience bonus.

For skilled tradespeople in designated occupations. Lower education requirements (no degree needed).

Fast-track provincial nomination for tech workers targeting British Columbia. No Express Entry CRS score needed. BC nominates directly based on a qualifying job offer in one of 29 eligible tech occupations. One of the fastest paths to Canadian PR for software engineers and data professionals.

Ontario's tech draw no longer runs. Ontario states: "The OINP is changing. The new Ontario Workforce Priority stream has now launched, and all other streams are now closed." The stream that replaced it, Ontario Workforce Priority, "offers eligible skilled foreign workers with a qualifying job offer and work experience in any National Occupational Classification (NOC) occupation a pathway to apply to permanently live and work in Ontario", so it is an employer-first route with different requirements rather than a renamed tech draw.

Alberta's provincial nomination program with multiple streams for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and rural communities. The Alberta Express Entry stream draws candidates with lower CRS scores than federal rounds, particularly strong for engineers, healthcare workers, and tradespeople.

Saskatchewan's PNP is known for its lower CRS score thresholds and faster processing times compared to federal Express Entry draws. Strong for IT workers, engineers, and tradespeople willing to settle in Saskatchewan.

The QSWP is closed to new applicants. Québec states: "The PRTQ has been replaced by the Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés (PSTQ)." You must have received an invitation before November 29, 2024 to apply for permanent selection under the PRTQ. Québec still runs its own selection separately from federal Express Entry, and selected applicants receive a CSQ (Certificat de sélection du Québec) before applying federally for permanent residence.

Permanent residency pathway through a job offer from a designated employer in New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, or PEI. Employer-driven rather than ranked: there is no points test and no CRS draw to place in. Settlement plan required.

An employer-driven stream of Canada's Temporary Foreign Worker Program with a 10-business-day LMIA service standard and accelerated work permit processing. Category A requires a referral from a designated referral partner; Category B covers occupations on the Global Talent Occupations List and needs no referral. The employer must commit to a Labour Market Benefits Plan.

For entrepreneurs building innovative businesses. Requires support from a designated Canadian VC, angel group, or business incubator.

Allows young people (18-35) from eligible countries to work and travel in Canada for up to 2 years.

Two-stage student route: a Study Permit at a designated learning institution (DLI), followed automatically (if eligible) by a Post-Graduation Work Permit of 8 months to 3 years depending on programme length. PGWP is open work (any employer, any role) and the Canadian work experience earned counts directly toward Canadian Experience Class (CEC) for permanent residency. The most common route used by international graduates entering the Canadian labour market.