Maple News reports that the idea of one province being universally ‘easier’ to immigrate to in Canada is largely a myth. Each province has its own set of immigration pathways under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), and the ‘easiest’ option ultimately depends on an applicant’s profile, including their skills, work experience, and eligibility under specific PNP streams.
The Provincial Nominee Program allows provinces and territories—except for Quebec and Nunavut—to nominate individuals who align with their labor market needs. With nearly 80 unique PNP streams across Canada, opportunities exist for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, international graduates, and even those without job offers. Some streams are linked to the federal Express Entry system, providing nominees with an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, greatly increasing their chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residence.
For candidates without a job offer, several provinces stand out. Ontario’s Human Capital Priorities stream, tied to Express Entry, is a popular choice. While a job offer isn’t required, eligible candidates must have an active Express Entry profile and relevant work experience to be considered.
Saskatchewan also offers two prominent options through the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP). The Express Entry stream requires an Express Entry profile, while the Occupation In-Demand stream operates independently—allowing skilled workers with experience in high-need roles listed on Saskatchewan’s In-Demand Occupations list to qualify without a federal profile.
Nova Scotia’s Nominee Program (NSNP) is another strong contender. Three of its four Express Entry-linked streams—the Nova Scotia Demand, Nova Scotia Experience, and Labour Market Priorities (excluding physicians)—do not require a job offer. The NSNP selects candidates directly from the federal pool based on work experience and provincial labor demands.
Ultimately, newcomers should focus on finding a province whose immigration pathway aligns with their qualifications and career goals, rather than searching for a universally ‘easy’ province. With the right strategy, several provinces offer accessible options for those looking to make Canada their new home.