While Express Entry is one of the most popular ways to immigrate to Canada, it is not the only option. If you do not qualify for Express Entry or prefer an alternative pathway, there are several immigration programs that allow you to move to Canada without going through Express Entry.
1. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Each Canadian province and territory has its own immigration program that allows them to nominate foreign workers, entrepreneurs, and graduates for permanent residence.
✔ Who is eligible?
- Skilled workers with a job offer in a particular province
- Entrepreneurs who want to start or invest in a business
- International students who have graduated from a school in that province
✔ How to apply?
- Apply directly to the province’s PNP program
- If nominated, apply for permanent residence through IRCC
✔ Popular PNPs:
- Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
- British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
- Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
- Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
➡ Learn more: Visit the official Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) page.
2. Family Sponsorship
If you have a close relative in Canada who is a citizen or permanent resident, they may be able to sponsor you for permanent residency.
✔ Who can sponsor?
- Spouses or common-law partners
- Parents and grandparents
- Dependent children
- In some cases, other relatives (orphaned siblings, nieces, nephews, etc.)
✔ How to apply?
- Your sponsor must submit a sponsorship application
- You apply for permanent residence through family sponsorship
➡ Learn more: Check the Family Sponsorship Program page.
3. Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
This program helps skilled workers and graduates immigrate to Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick.
✔ Who is eligible?
- Skilled workers with a job offer from an employer in Atlantic Canada
- Recent international graduates from an Atlantic Canada university or college
✔ How to apply?
- Secure a job offer from a designated employer
- Submit an AIP application and apply for PR
➡ Learn more: Visit the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) page.
4. Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)
This program helps skilled workers immigrate to smaller communities in Canada.
✔ Who is eligible?
- Workers with a job offer from an approved community
- Must intend to live and work in that community
✔ How to apply?
- Apply to an RNIP community
- If selected, submit a permanent residence application
➡ Learn more: Check the RNIP official page.
5. Work Permits Leading to PR
Many workers come to Canada on a work permit and later apply for PR through other pathways.
✔ How to get a work permit?
- LMIA-Based Work Permit: Employer must get a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
- Open Work Permit: Available for spouses, post-graduate work permit holders, and others.
➡ After working for a certain period, you can apply for PR through PNPs, AIP, or employer-driven programs.
6. Business and Investor Immigration
If you are an entrepreneur or investor, Canada has business immigration programs for individuals looking to start or invest in a business.
✔ Popular options:
- Start-Up Visa Program (for innovative entrepreneurs with funding from investors)
- Self-Employed Persons Program (for artists, athletes, or cultural workers)
- Provincial Entrepreneur Programs (for business owners wanting to invest in a Canadian province)
➡ Learn more: Visit the Start-Up Visa Program page.