Please note that on January 1, 2015 the way that Canada accepts permanent residents has changed. The new system, called Express Entry, represents a change in method rather than in requirements. The Provinces are following the federal government and creating their own Express Entry systems in 205. This page will be updated once all of those systems are in place. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact us at 416-962-2623 or [email protected].

The skilled worker category is for people with certain qualifications and skill sets for high-skill occupations in demand in Canada. The federal government has a program but the provinces have their own skilled worker programs through the 'provincial nominee programs' (PNPs). This skilled worker category enables a province to sponsor you for permanent residence in order to attract people like you to the province to fill occupations that are in high demand. 

To learn more about the federal skilled worker program, click here.

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Skilled worker applicants usually require:

• Post secondary education (Degree, diploma or trade certificate);
• Experience in your field of expertise;
• A job offer;
• A 'labour market opinion' from HRSDC ( this is your employer’s responsibility);
• Proof of current status in your residing country;
• Settlement funds to establish yourself in Canada;
• Demonstrated ability to communicate in English or French - you may be required to take an English or French exam;
• Demonstrated ability and intention to live permanently in the specific province;
• If you are currently in Canada, you must hold legal status during the entire application process.
• After you receive your nomination,CIC will assess whether you are medically and criminally admissible to Canada.

Each province has a skilled worker category. Although most of the above criteria apply, each province has additional conditions and criteria to apply. To get full details about a specific PNP, select your province below:

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Please note:

• All of the PNP skilled worker programs have a list of in-demand occupations. Please check the Provincial websites to see the occupation list.
• If you are from a country where English or French is not the native language, you may have to undergo a language proficiency test.
• Settlement funds are approximately $12,300, plus $3,314 per dependant.
• After you receive a PNP certificate, your application is sent to the CIC or visa office in your region for final processing.
• Receiving a PNP certificate does not guarantee you permanent residence.
• A PNP application costs $250.

Alberta

• Your employer will need a labour market opinion, unless you are in Alberta on an open work permit.
• You must have related education, training, previous work experience, and any Alberta licensing needed for the position;
• There is no age restriction provided you are over 18 years of age.
•  If you applying within Canada at the time of application, you must be working full-time in Alberta and have a valid work permit with temporary resident status from Citizenship and Immigration Canada to work in Alberta in an eligible occupation.

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Not sure you qualify? Learn about Alberta's semi-skilled stream.

British Columbia

There is no age restriction provided you are over 18 years of age.

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Not sure you qualify? Learn about BC's semi-skilled stream.

Manitoba

• For all overseas applicants who are not currently residing in Manitoba, there is an assessment test which evaluates you on education, experience, adaptability, language ability and age.  You must score 60 points in order to qualify; (Try it yourself)
• There is no age restriction provide you are over 18 years of age;
• You must provide proof of work experience over the previous 5 years.
• If you are applying within Canada and have previously studied in another province, you will be required to provide proof of work experience in Manitoba for one year before applying.
• All other applicants residing in Canada only need to provide proof of six months working in Manitoba.

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Not sure you qualify? Learn about Manitoba's semi-skilled stream.

New Brunswick

• You do not need a job offer or LMO if a member of your family, who is a permanent resident and who lives in New Brunswick, sponsors you;
• You must reside in New Brunswick for a minimum of one year before you apply;
• Job offer and LMO are required if an employer is sponsoring you;
• Applicants must be between 22-55 years old for employer sponsorship or 22-50 for family skilled worker sponsor ship;
• There is an assessment test which evaluates the applicant on education, experience, adaptability, language ability and age.  Applicants must score 50 points in order to qualify.

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Not sure you qualify? Learn about New Brunswick's semi-skilled stream.

Newfoundland and Labrador

No additional criteria

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Not sure you qualify? Learn about Newfoundland and Labrador's semi-skilled stream.

Northwest Territories

Must meet Territorial licensing and registration requirements for certain occupations.

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Not sure you qualify? Learn about NWT's semi-skilled stream.

Nova Scotia

• Must work a minimum of 6 months with the employer before applying, if you are applying from within Canada;
• Must be aged between 21-55 years old;
• Must meet Nova Scotia’s licensing and registration requirements.

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Not sure you qualify? Learn about Nova Scotia's semi-skilled stream.

Nunavut

At the moment, the territory of Nunavut does not participate in the Provincial Nominee Program. If you would like to move Nunavut, you should check out the federal skilled worker program.

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Prince Edward Island

• Must have minimum of 14 years education;
• Must have worked 2 years within the last 5 years in a related occupation;
• Must be aged between 21-59 years old;
• Must be able to attend a possible interview.

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Not sure you qualify? Learn about PEI's semi-skilled stream.

Quebec

Quebec's immigration programs are independent of the PNP system. To learn more, please visit Immigration Quebec or to find a qualified Quebec immigration representative, use our directory.

Saskatchewan

• Must work a minimum of 6 months with your employer before applying, if you are applying from within Canada;
• You must take an assessment test which evaluates you on education and training, work experience, language ability, family support, Saskatchewan suitability, community support, age and financial resources.

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Not sure you qualify? Learn about Saskatchewan's semi-skilled stream.

Yukon

• If you are applying within Canada, you must provide proof that you worked in Yukon for a minimum of one year before submitting your application.

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Not sure you qualify? Learn about Yukon's semi-skilled stream.

Looking to come to Canada but not sure if you qualify for a skilled worker program? Why not check out our free tool to see how you can qualify for different immigration programs. Or return to the list of Canadian immigration programs.