Can Moving to Another Province Improve Your Chances of Getting Canadian PR?
Many temporary residents in Canada wonder if relocating to another province can increase their chances of obtaining permanent residence. In many cases, the answer is yes. Several Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams allow candidates living in one province to apply for nomination from another—helping them strengthen their immigration prospects.
While most PNPs require previous residency or connection to the province, there are still pathways open to candidates who do not currently live there. In these cases, you would only move after receiving your PR status.
All PNPs require candidates to show a genuine intention to reside in the nominating province, and applicants who receive permanent residence through a PNP are expected to live and work in that province.
Below is an overview of active PNP streams that continue to invite candidates from outside the province.
Active PNP Streams Accepting Applicants from Outside the Province
Alberta Express Entry Stream
Who it’s for:
Skilled workers inside or outside Alberta with an active Express Entry profile and experience in priority sectors such as tech, healthcare, construction, agriculture, aviation, and law enforcement.
Key eligibility points:
Active Express Entry profile under FSWP, CEC, or FSTP
Minimum CRS score of 300
Work experience that aligns with Alberta’s sector priorities
Job offer requirements depend on the pathway (some require it, others do not)
Recent activity:
Last draw: November 14
Total invitations in 2025: 2,155
Express Entry aligned
British Columbia Skilled Worker Stream
Who it’s for:
Individuals with a full-time, permanent job offer in a skilled occupation (TEER 0–3) and at least two years of relevant work experience.
Eligibility highlights:
Full-time, permanent job offer from a B.C. employer
Minimum two years of related work experience
CLB 4 or higher
Wage must meet regional median wage levels
Required licensing or certification (if applicable)
Recent activity:
Last draw: October 2, 2025
Total invitations: fewer than 568
Express Entry aligned
British Columbia Entrepreneur Immigration (Base and Regional)
Who it’s for:
Experienced business owners or senior managers who want to start or buy a business in British Columbia.
Two stream options:
Base Stream (for higher net worth individuals)
Regional Stream (supports investment in smaller communities)
Eligibility highlights include:
Net worth: $600,000 (Base), $300,000 (Regional)
Minimum investment: $200,000 (Base), $100,000 (Regional)
At least 3 years of business ownership/management experience
Create 1 full-time job
CLB 4 minimum
Recent activity:
Last draw: November 18
Total invitations in 2025: 103
Not Express Entry aligned
Manitoba Skilled Worker Overseas Stream
Who it’s for:
Skilled workers outside Canada with a genuine connection to Manitoba and a strong intention to settle there.
A connection can be demonstrated through:
Family or friends in Manitoba
Past work or study in Manitoba
Invitation through a Manitoba-led recruitment initiative
Eligibility highlights:
Minimum 60/100 on MPNP points grid
Valid connection to Manitoba
CLB 5+ (CLB 4 for TEER 4/5 jobs)
Proof of settlement funds
Strong settlement plan
Recent activity:
Last draw: November 20
Invitations in 2025: fewer than 1,045
Express Entry aligned
Ontario Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream
Who it’s for:
Foreign workers—inside or outside Canada—with a full-time, permanent job offer in Ontario in a TEER 0–3 occupation.
Eligibility highlights:
Invitation through OINP’s EOI system
Full-time, permanent job offer
Minimum 2 years of experience in the same NOC (unless regulated occupation)
Employer must meet revenue and staffing requirements
Must intend to live and work in Ontario
Recent activity:
Last draw: October 9
Invitations in 2025: 4,128
Not Express Entry aligned
Ontario Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream
Who it’s for:
Recent graduates of eligible Canadian institutions with a full-time, permanent job offer in a skilled occupation.
Eligibility highlights:
Invitation through OINP’s EOI system
TEER 0–3 occupation
Job offer must meet wage requirements
Recent Canadian diploma, degree, or graduate credential
No work experience required
Must intend to live in Ontario
Recent activity:
Last draw: October 9
Invitations in 2025: 5,540
Express Entry aligned
Prince Edward Island Skilled Workers Outside Canada Stream
Who it’s for:
Foreign workers outside Canada with a job offer from a PEI employer in a TEER 0–3 occupation. The employer must be pre-authorized by the provincial immigration office.
Eligibility highlights:
Full-time, non-seasonal job offer
Employer authorization required
At least 2 years of work experience in the past 5 years
Post-secondary education required
Language requirement: CLB 4
Genuine intention to settle in PEI
Financial capacity to settle
Recent activity:
Last draw: November 20
Invitations in 2025: more than 659
Not Express Entry aligned
Will More PNP Options Become Available?
Canada’s latest Immigration Levels Plan indicates a significant increase in PNP admissions next year—41,000 more spots compared to 2025. This signals a potential shift toward higher provincial immigration in 2026.
While future outcomes cannot be guaranteed, a larger allocation may allow provinces to expand their PNP invitations, including those offered to candidates living outside the province. This could create more opportunities for temporary residents willing to move in order to secure a nomination.
