Which PNP Streams Are Open to International Graduates?
Several Canadian provinces currently offer Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams specifically designed for international student graduates. These streams help foreign nationals who studied in Canada transition more easily to permanent residency.
At the moment, eight provinces have active streams for international graduates. The table below outlines whether each stream requires a job offer and/or an Expression of Interest (EOI). Detailed explanations of each stream, including eligibility and requirements, follow.
To qualify, most streams require:
- A genuine intention to settle in the province
- Proof of sufficient settlement funds
- Graduation from a post-secondary program in the province (with a few exceptions)
- For EOI-based streams: creating an EOI profile and receiving an invitation to apply before submitting your nomination application
Note: None of the streams for international graduates are aligned with Express Entry.
Summary Table: Provincial Graduate Streams
| Province | Stream Name | Job Offer Required | EOI Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta | Graduate Entrepreneur Stream | No | Yes |
| Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream | No | Yes | |
| Manitoba | Career Employment Pathway | Yes | Yes |
| Graduate Internship Pathway | No | Yes | |
| International Student Entrepreneur Pilot | No | Yes | |
| New Brunswick | Private Career College Graduate Pilot | Yes | Yes |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | International Graduate Category | Yes | Yes |
| International Graduate Entrepreneur (New Biz) | No | Yes | |
| International Graduate Entrepreneur (Buy Biz) | No | Yes | |
| Nova Scotia | International Graduates in Demand | Yes | No |
| International Graduate Entrepreneur | No | Yes | |
| Ontario | Employer Job Offer: International Student | Yes | Yes |
| Master’s Graduate Stream | No | Yes | |
| PhD Graduate Stream | No | Yes | |
| Prince Edward Island | International Graduates | Yes | Yes |
| Saskatchewan | Worker with Sask. Experience – Student Sub-cat | Yes | No |
Key Highlights by Province
Alberta
- Graduate Entrepreneur Stream: For those graduating from Alberta institutions looking to start/buy a business (minimum 34% ownership).
- Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream: For grads from outside Canada planning to start a business in Alberta (minimum investment and ownership required).
Manitoba
- Career Employment Pathway: Requires a job offer in a skilled, in-demand occupation.
- Graduate Internship Pathway: For master’s/PhD grads who completed internships like Mitacs.
- International Student Entrepreneur Pilot: For those wanting to run a business, with a 51% ownership requirement and age cap (21–35).
New Brunswick
- Private Career College Graduate Pilot: For grads of NB-based private colleges with job offers in priority fields. PGWP is not required.
Newfoundland & Labrador
- International Graduate Category: For grads with job offers related to their field.
- Entrepreneur Streams: For those starting or buying a business in NL with at least one year of management experience and 33.3% ownership.
Nova Scotia
- International Graduates in Demand: Requires a job offer in one of four targeted NOC codes.
- International Graduate Entrepreneur: For grads who own and operate a business for at least one year.
Ontario
- Employer Job Offer Stream: Requires a job offer in a TEER 0–3 occupation.
- Master’s and PhD Graduate Streams: For those with recent Ontario degrees, living in the province or abroad.
Prince Edward Island
- International Graduates: For PEI public institution grads with full-time job offers. PGWP is required.
Saskatchewan
- Student Sub-category: Requires job offer and six months of work experience. Open to those on PGWP or CUAET work permits.
Provinces Without Current Streams for International Grads
- British Columbia: Previous streams were closed in late 2024; new ones delayed due to nomination caps.
- Yukon & Northwest Territories: No streams specifically for international graduates.
How the PNP to PR Process Works
If No EOI is Required:
- Apply directly to the PNP for nomination.
- Once nominated, apply to IRCC for PR.
If EOI Is Required:
- Submit your profile to the province’s EOI system.
- Receive an invitation to apply (ITA).
- Apply for nomination.
- Once nominated, apply to IRCC for PR.
Processing time: Currently estimated at 21 months for base PNP applications (from submission to IRCC decision).
These provinces currently have open pathways to PR for international graduates | CIC News
