With the recent introduction of category-based Express Entry draws, the Canadian immigration system has undergone significant changes. Now, candidates are being selected for Canadian permanent residence based on their professional experience rather than just their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. This shift has opened up new immigration possibilities for many individuals who may not have previously qualified under the traditional CRS criteria. However, a question arises for those working in professions not targeted by category-based Express Entry draws: What options are available to them?
The answer to this question lies in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), a dynamic and increasingly popular pathway to Canadian immigration. While the PNP may have taken a backseat to Express Entry in the past, it has now emerged as Canada’s number one pathway for economic immigration. Every province operates its own PNP except Nunavut and Quebec. PNP utilizes a targeted draw approach to nominate candidates who can fulfill the economic gap of the province. Most PNPs maintain lists of targeted occupations that are in high demand within their regions.
Here, we will explore the PNP as a viable option for those working in professions not directly addressed by category-based Express Entry draws. We will also provide insights into some of the in-demand occupations by province that are targeted through each province’s PNP.
Understanding the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
The PNP is a diverse and flexible immigration pathway designed to address the specific needs of individual Canadian provinces and territories. Under this program, provincial governments have the authority to nominate candidates for Canadian permanent residence based on their suitability to contribute to the local economy and community.
Each province and territory participating in the PNP has its own set of eligibility criteria and targeted occupations.
In-Demand Jobs by Province
Let’s explore some examples of in-demand jobs by province that are targeted through their respective PNPs:
Alberta PNP
While the Alberta PNP (AAIP) does not have a formal list of targeted occupations, the province has identified occupations currently in high demand. These include roles such as retail sales supervisors, registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses, transport truck drivers, retail and wholesale trade managers, and accounting and related clerks.
British Columbia PNP
The British Columbia PNP (BCPNP) categorizes its targeted occupations into four main categories: tech occupations (including data scientists and web designers), healthcare occupations (dentists and pharmacists), childcare occupations (early childhood educators and assistants), and other priority occupations (veterinarians and animal health technologists).
Manitoba PNP
The Manitoba PNP (MPNP) organizes its targeted occupations into ten different categories, covering a wide range of professions. These occupations include finance, education, administration, and applied science to name a few.
New Brunswick PNP
The New Brunswick PNP (NBPNP) provides information about sectors with the highest job vacancies, including sales and service, other services, business, finance, and administration, trades, transport, and equipment operators, education, law, and social and community government, and health occupations.
Newfoundland and Labrador PNP
The Newfoundland and Labrador PNP (NLPNP) classifies in-demand occupations into four broad categories: healthcare occupations, information communications technology occupations, technical specialist occupations, and aquaculture occupations.
Nova Scotia PNP
The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) has a list of targeted occupations, including nurse’s aides, food and beverage servers, food counter attendants, kitchen helpers, light-duty cleaners, transport truck drivers, heavy equipment operators, and construction trades helpers and laborers.
Ontario Immigration Nominee Program
The Ontario PNP (OINP) uses the OINP Employer Job Offer stream to invite individuals with employer job offers in in-demand positions. In-demand jobs are available both within and outside the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and include roles like home support workers, meat cutters, machine operators, and more.
Prince Edward Island PNP
Prince Edward Island’s PNP (PEIPNP) targets occupations such as nurse’s aides, transport truck drivers, construction trades helpers and laborers, light-duty cleaners, industrial butchers, and more.
Saskatchewan PNP
Saskatchewan’s PNP (SINP) targets occupations in TEER levels 0, 1, 2, and 3, with certain professions excluded from eligibility.
Yukon PNP
Yukon’s PNP (YNP) utilizes two streams—the Skilled Worker and Critical Impact Worker streams—to target individuals in occupations within TEER levels 0, 1, 2, and 3, as well as TEER levels 4 and 5, respectively.
For individuals working in professions that are not directly addressed by category-based Express Entry draws, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) offers a promising pathway to Canadian permanent residence. With PNPs tailored to the specific needs of each province, candidates can find opportunities to leverage their skills and contribute to the local economy.
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