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In recent years, Canada's immigration landscape has seen significant changes, making it more accessible for skilled professionals to achieve their dream of obtaining Canadian permanent residence. One notable development is the introduction of category-based Express Entry draws. This new approach places a greater emphasis on candidates' professional experience rather than solely relying on their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
This change in the immigration selection process has opened up new opportunities for individuals who may not have previously qualified. However, it also leaves a question lingering for those working in professions that are not specifically targeted by these Express Entry draws: What options are available for them?
The answer to this question lies in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Although the PNP may have taken a backseat to Express Entry in the past, it has emerged as Canada's number one pathway for economic immigration. Administered by almost every province except Nunavut and Quebec, PNPs have long followed the targeted draws model by nominating candidates who can address each province's unique demographic and economic needs. Most PNPs maintain a list of in-demand occupations that are crucial to their regional development.
If you're considering the PNP route, it's essential to understand that each province has its own set of eligibility criteria in addition to requiring full-time work experience in a targeted or in-demand profession. To help you explore your options, we've compiled a list of in-demand jobs by province, along with relevant resources.
In this blog, we will review the opportunities available in Alberta, Nova Scotia, and Ontario.
Alberta
While Alberta's PNP (AAIP) doesn't have a formal list of targeted occupations, the province publishes a list of currently high-demand jobs. This list includes roles like retail sales supervisors, registered nurses, transport truck drivers, retail and wholesale trade managers, and accounting and related clerks. Alberta also identifies ineligible occupations, meaning those working in such roles are not eligible for PNP immigration. Furthermore, the province conducts targeted draws for healthcare and agriculture workers through the Dedicated Healthcare and Priority Sectors and Farm streams, respectively.
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia's PNP, known as the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP), has a small list of targeted occupations primarily within training, education, experience, and responsibility (TEER) levels 3, 4, and 5. Targeted occupations in Nova Scotia include nurse's aides, food and beverage servers, light duty cleaners, transport truck drivers, heavy equipment operators, and construction trades helpers and laborers.
Ontario
Ontario's PNP (OINP) operates the Employer Job Offer stream, inviting individuals with an employer job offer and skills in an in-demand position. In-demand jobs are categorized as either positions anywhere in Ontario or positions outside of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Examples of in-demand jobs anywhere in Ontario include home support workers, meat cutters and fishmongers, and construction trades helpers and laborers.
In conclusion, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is a promising pathway to Canadian permanent residence for individuals working in professions not directly targeted by category-based Express Entry draws. Each province has its own list of in-demand occupations, and it's crucial to research the specific requirements and eligibility criteria of the PNP you're interested in. By leveraging this alternative immigration route, you can take significant steps toward achieving your goal of living and working in Canada.
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