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The 10 Best Provinces to Migrate to Canada
At first glance, you’ll think Canada is all about jaw-dropping landscapes, incredible wildlife, and the kind of friendly faces that make you feel right at home. Well, you’re absolutely right—it’s all of that and so much more!
Canada is also a land full of new experiences, incredible opportunities, and a welcoming heart for new immigrants. But with 13 provinces and territories, each brilliant in its own unique way, it’s a bit like being at an all-you-can-eat buffet and not knowing where to start.
Don’t worry, we’ve got your back! Our uniquely curated list of the best provinces to migrate to in Canada is a good start and makes for a less daunting plate, so keep reading!
Ontario
Ontario’s buzzing cities like Toronto and Ottawa house global corporations, creating job opportunities aplenty in sectors like technology, finance, and healthcare. The cost of living can be high in cities, especially rent.
An apartment in downtown Toronto might make your eyes water, but moving to suburban areas or smaller cities like Kingston will do your wallet a favour.
Ontario has its own Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), which targets specific skilled workers, international students, and business entrepreneurs.
Table showing a few streams of OINP and their basic requirements:
| Stream | Basic Requirements |
| Employer job offer | Have a job offer from an Ontario employer. |
| Human capital | Have certain skilled work experience, among others. |
| Business | Intend to invest in and manage an Ontario business. |
| Local tip: Ontario is so much more than Toronto and Ottawa. Explore smaller cities like Hamilton, London, or Kingston. |
Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador might not be your immediate thought, but it offers something unexceptionally Canadian: isolation, a relaxed pace of life, and a stunning coastline.
Cost of living? More than reasonable, especially compared to Ontario and British Columbia. Housing in St. John’s, the province’s capital, is quite affordable, and daily expenses won’t break your bank.
Like other provinces, it has a PNP, the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP), which seeks skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs.
Table showing a few streams of NLPNP and their basic requirements:
| Stream | Basic Requirements |
| Skilled Worker | Have a job offer in Newfoundland and Labrador. |
| International Graduate | Have graduated from a recognized post-secondary institution in Canada. |
| Entrepreneur | Intend to establish, co-own, and manage a business in the province. |
| Local tip: Don’t miss the stunning panoramas along the East Coast Trail—a sailor’s dream! |
Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada’s smallest province, offers big opportunities. It’s a magnet for those preferring a slower pace, tighter communities, and scenery that’s straight out of an Anne of Green Gables book.
This place is friendly to your pockets. Housing and living expenses are lower than in most other provinces.
The PEI PNP targets skilled workers, critical staff, and business owners with streams most responsive to the province’s workforce needs.
Table showing a few streams of PEI PNP and their basic requirements:
| Stream | Basic Requirements |
| Skilled Worker | Have a job offer from a PEI employer. |
| Critical Worker | Have a job offer in a critical need sector. |
| Business Work Permit | Intend to invest in and operate a business in PEI. |
| Local tip: Did you know the Confederation Bridge from PEI to New Brunswick is the world’s longest over chilly waters? Yep, so you better drive on it! |
Nova Scotia
With its fresh air, salty seas, and some of the friendliest people around, Nova Scotia is the place to be. Halifax, its capital, is bubbling with culture, commerce, and cuisine.
Living in Nova Scotia won’t strain your purse strings nearly as much as in the pricier provinces. This place makes a home owner’s dream achievable!
The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) targets the streams most relevant to the province’s labour market needs, with an emphasis on healthcare professionals and entrepreneurs.
Table showing a few streams of NSNP and their basic requirements:
| Stream | Basic Requirements |
| Skilled Worker | Have a job offer from a Nova Scotia employer. |
| Physician | Have a job offer as a general practitioner, family physician, or specialist physician. |
| Entrepreneur | Intend to operate a business in Nova Scotia. |
| Local tip: Try some ‘donair’, the official food of Halifax. It’s finger-licking goodness! |
New Brunswick
New Brunswick, known for the highest tides in the world and home to the friendliest Canadian city (Moncton), is a hidden gem for migrants.
The cost of living here is among the lowest in Canada, and housing is very affordable. In some cases, it’s cheaper to buy than to rent. Bonus!
The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) targets skilled workers, post-graduates, and entrepreneurs who can fill the province’s labour needs.
Table showing a few streams of NBPNP and their basic requirements:
| Stream | Basic Requirements |
| Skilled Workers | Have a job offer from a New Brunswick employer. |
| Post-Graduate Entrepreneur | Have completed at least two years of full-time study in New Brunswick. |
| Entrepreneurial | Intend to operate a business in New Brunswick. |
| Local tip: Do check out Fundy National Park and indulge in good ol’ tidal bore rafting. |
Quebec
Here in Quebec, European flair amalgamates with Canadian coolness. It’s a gem for those wanting to immerse themselves in a distinct culture full of history and joie de vivre.
The cost of living can vary. Montreal, probably the most well-known city, is quite affordable compared with its bustling counterparts. But if you dig deeper into your pockets, you can enjoy the ski resorts and spas of the Laurentian Mountains.
Immigration to Quebec is unique. Controlled by the province, it has its own rules. The Quebec Skilled Workers Program (QSWP) targets those with valuable skills.
Table showing a few streams of QSWP and their basic requirements:
| Stream | Basic Requirements |
| Regular Skilled Worker Program | Have a specified level of skill, among others. |
| Quebec Experience Program | Have work experience in Quebec. |
| Local tip: Ever had poutine? Quebec birthed this wonder, so where better to try this cheesy, gravy potato masterpiece? |
Manitoba
Next, let’s head to the heart of Canada—Manitoba. A hub of tranquillity and folk music, it’s loved for its natural beauty, cultural diversity, and community spirit.
While it’s not the cheapest province, the cost of living is quite reasonable when compared with provinces like British Columbia. Having your own piece of lakeside paradise isn’t an unreachable dream here.
Manitoba’s PNP, the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP), targets new immigrants who can contribute to the local economy.
Table showing a few streams of MPNP and their basic requirements:
| Stream | Basic Requirements |
| Skilled Worker | Have a job offer in Manitoba. |
| International Education | Have skills based on Manitoba’s in-demand job list. |
| Business Investor | Intend to establish, co-own, and manage a business in Manitoba. |
| Local tip: Attend the Winnipeg Folk Fest for a jazzy summer evening to remember! |
Saskatchewan
Endless fields of wheat under the bluest skies aren’t the only thing thriving here in Saskatchewan; it’s rife with employment opportunities, especially in natural resources and agriculture.
What about the cost of living, you ask? Well, it’s relatively low, making it an attractive choice for newcomers.
The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) invites newcomers who can contribute to the province’s economy.
Table showing a few streams of SINP and their basic requirements:
| Stream | Basic Requirements |
| International Skilled Worker | Have a job offer in Saskatchewan. |
| Saskatchewan Experience | Have work experience in Saskatchewan. |
| Entrepreneur | Intend to establish, co-own, and manage a business in Saskatchewan. |
| Local tip: Catch a Roughriders’ game in Regina. The province faithfully bleeds green in their honour! |
Alberta
Alberta is the province with an economy as hot as its summers and opportunities that make the winter chills worth it. With thriving cities like Calgary and Edmonton, job opportunities are as vast as their landscapes.
The cost of living here depends on where you go. Calgary is pricier than Edmonton, but smaller cities and rural areas have lower costs.
Alberta’s PNP, the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP), seeks individuals who can support its economic development.
Table showing a few streams of AINP and their basic requirements:
| Stream | Basic Requirements |
| Opportunity | Have a job offer from an Alberta employer. |
| Express Entry | Be an existing candidate in Canada’s Express Entry system. |
| Self-Employed Farmer | Have farming experience and capital to invest. |
| Local tip: Don’t miss a chance to drive through the Icefields Parkway; the views are icily majestic! |
British Columbia
With British Columbia’s breathtaking scenery, sparkling cities, and outdoorsy lifestyle, it’s a dream destination for many. Life in BC can be expensive, particularly when it comes to housing.
Yet, high living standards, healthcare, and education often balance this out.
The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) targets skilled workers, graduates, health professionals, and businesspeople.
Table showing a few streams of BC PNP and their basic requirements:
| Stream | Basic Requirements |
| Skills Immigration | Have a job offer in BC. |
| Express Entry BC | Be an existing candidate in Canada’s Express Entry system. |
| Entrepreneur Immigration | Intend to establish, co-own, and manage a business in BC. |
| Local tip: Visit the Butchart Gardens in all four seasons to witness the transforming spectacle! |
