Many Canadian provinces offer Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) that allow individuals to apply for permanent residence without going through Express Entry. These non-Express Entry PNP streams are ideal for those who may not meet Express Entry’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) requirements but still want to immigrate to Canada.
Key Benefits of Non-Express Entry PNPs
- Lower eligibility requirements compared to Express Entry
- Some streams don’t require a high CRS score
- Provides a direct route to Canadian permanent residence
- Ideal for workers, entrepreneurs, and graduates
Top Provincial Nominee Programs That Don’t Require Express Entry
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) – Employer Job Offer Streams
Ontario offers three streams for workers with a valid job offer. These do not require Express Entry:
- Foreign Worker Stream – For skilled workers with a job offer in Ontario.
- International Student Stream – For graduates with a job offer from an Ontario employer.
- In-Demand Skills Stream – For workers in construction, agriculture, and personal support roles.
Apply directly through Ontario’s OINP portal and submit a PR application if nominated.
Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) – Occupations In-Demand Stream
This non-Express Entry stream is for workers in high-demand occupations in Saskatchewan.
- Workers with at least one year of work experience in an in-demand job
- No job offer required
- A minimum of 60 points on the SINP points assessment grid
Apply directly through SINP’s online portal.
Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) – Opportunity Stream
This stream allows foreign workers already in Alberta to apply for PR without Express Entry.
- Must have a valid Alberta work permit
- Work in an eligible occupation in Alberta
- Meet language and work experience requirements
Submit an application through the AAIP portal.
Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) – Skilled Worker in Manitoba Stream
This stream is for workers already working in Manitoba with a permanent job offer.
- Must be working in Manitoba
- Have a full-time job offer from a Manitoba employer
- No Express Entry profile required
Apply through MPNP’s online system and get a provincial nomination.
Prince Edward Island (PEI) Provincial Nominee Program – Skilled Worker Outside Canada
PEI offers a work permit-based pathway for skilled workers who have a job offer from a PEI employer.
- Must have a valid full-time job offer
- Work experience in a high-demand job in PEI
- No Express Entry profile needed
Apply directly through PEI’s PNP system.
Newfoundland and Labrador PNP – Skilled Worker Category
This stream is for skilled workers with a valid job offer from a Newfoundland and Labrador employer.
- Have a full-time, permanent job offer in the province
- Have work experience related to the job offer
- No Express Entry profile required
Apply through NL PNP’s online system.
British Columbia PNP – Skills Immigration (SI) Stream
This program is for skilled workers, healthcare professionals, and international graduates with a job offer in BC.
- Must have a valid job offer in BC
- Work experience in an eligible high-demand occupation
- No Express Entry profile required
Apply directly through BC PNP’s online portal.