There are faster PR options than CEC for international graduates in Canada, i.e., international students and graduates in Canada have several provincial immigration options that can lead to permanent residence (PR) faster than the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under Express Entry.
Many Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams require less work experience than CEC, which needs one full year of Canadian work experience. Some programs even allow graduates to apply without any work experience at all.
Although there were concerns about lower nomination spaces in 2025, provincial immigration levels are expected to rise in 2026. This means more activity, more draws, and more chances for eligible graduates.
This article explains the minimum timelines and main details for immigration pathways in:
- Ontario
- Manitoba
- Alberta
- Nova Scotia
- Prince Edward Island
- Newfoundland and Labrador
So, without further ado, let us begin!
Ontario (OINP)
Note: Ontario has recently proposed major changes to its immigration programs. Some of the information below may change in the future.
Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream
Minimum timeline to enter candidate pool:
Students and graduates can enter the pool as soon as they receive an eligible job offer in Ontario. There is no work experience requirement for this stream.
Candidates must have:
- A full-time job offer from an Ontario employer that pays at or above the low-wage level for the region
- An eligible post-secondary credential from an approved Canadian institution (inside or outside Ontario)
- Meet all other stream requirements
Residency requirement:
There is no minimum time requirement to live in Ontario before applying. However, this stream is based on having a job offer in Ontario, and candidates are expected to live and work in Ontario if nominated.
Last draw: February 2, 2026.
Master’s Graduate Stream
Minimum timeline to enter candidate pool:
A graduate can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) as soon as they complete an eligible master’s degree in Ontario and meet the basic requirements.
Candidates must have:
- An eligible Ontario master’s degree
- Language ability of at least CLB 7
- Proof of settlement funds and intent to live in Ontario
This stream does not require a job offer or work experience.
Residency requirement:
Ontario requires candidates to have legally lived in Ontario for at least one year within the last two years before applying. Candidates do not need to be living in Ontario on the day they submit the EOI, but they must show past residence and intent to settle.
Last draw: September 17, 2024.
PhD Graduate Stream
Minimum timeline to enter candidate pool:
A PhD graduate can submit an EOI as soon as they meet the education and language requirements and can show Ontario residence history.
Candidates must have:
- An eligible Ontario PhD
- Language ability of CLB 7
- Proof of settlement funds and intent to live in Ontario
This stream also does not require a job offer.
Residency requirement:
Candidates must have legally lived in Ontario for at least one year in the past two years and must show intent to live in the province after nomination.
Last draw: September 17, 2024.
Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) – International Education Stream
Career Employment Pathway (MPNP)
Minimum timeline to enter the candidate pool:
Graduates can submit an EOI after completing an eligible Manitoba program and getting a qualifying full-time job offer. Manitoba also requires applicants to be working full-time in the province when the application is assessed. This means the fastest option is usually when graduates move into a qualifying job immediately after finishing school.
Candidates must have:
- A Manitoba educational credential from a full-time program of at least one year or two semesters, completed within the last three years
- Language proficiency of at least CLB/NCLC 7
- A full-time job offer (one-year contract) from an eligible Manitoba employer in an in-demand occupation, related to the completed program
- Settlement funds or long-term Manitoba employment, plus a Career Employment Plan
Residency requirement:
Applicants must be living in Manitoba and working full-time in the province (with valid work authorization) when their application is assessed.
Last draw: Not applicable. This pathway is not based on public draws. Eligible candidates apply directly when they qualify.
Graduate Internship Pathway (MPNP)
Minimum timeline to enter candidate pool:
This pathway can be very fast because it does not require a job offer. Graduates can submit an EOI soon after completing an eligible Manitoba master’s or PhD and a qualifying Mitacs internship.
Candidates must have:
- A Manitoba master’s or doctoral degree completed within the last three years
- Language proficiency of at least CLB/NCLC 7
- Completion of a Mitacs Elevate or Accelerate internship (including Accelerate Entrepreneur) with an eligible Manitoba industry or research organization
- Settlement funds or long-term Manitoba employment
No job offer is required.
Residency requirement:
Applicants must be living in Manitoba at the time of application and must show intent to remain in the province after nomination.
Last draw: Not applicable. Candidates apply directly when eligible.
Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
Another one of the faster PR options than CEC for international graduates in Canada is the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program.
Alberta Opportunity Stream – International Graduates
Minimum timeline to enter candidate pool:
This stream is based on work experience. Graduates can apply once they meet Alberta’s work experience requirements and are working in Alberta in an eligible job. For many graduates, this means the earliest realistic timeline is around six months, unless qualifying paid co-op work during studies can be counted.
Candidates must have:
- Valid temporary resident status and authorization to work in Canada
- An eligible occupation and qualifying employment in Alberta at the time of application
- Employment that is physically based in Alberta. Remote work from outside the province can make candidates ineligible
Work experience requirements depend on location and permit type. Alberta allows certain paid co-op work terms to count toward experience.
Special note for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holders:
Alberta requires that the credential used to obtain the PGWP be from an Alberta Advanced Education-approved public post-secondary institution. The occupation must also be related to the field of study.
Residency requirement:
Applicants must be living and working in Alberta with valid status at the time of application. Remote work arrangements from outside Alberta may affect eligibility.
Last draw: February 2, 2026 (breakdown of invited candidates not specified).
Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
International Graduates In Demand
Minimum timeline to enter candidate pool:
This stream requires a full-time, permanent job offer in a short list of in-demand occupations. The fastest option is for a graduate to secure an eligible job offer immediately after completing an eligible Nova Scotia program.
Applications are treated as expressions of interest and placed into a pool. The province selects applications from this pool for processing.
Candidates must have:
- A full-time, permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer in an eligible National Occupation Classification (NOC) code
- Proof of completion from an eligible Nova Scotia designated learning institution within the last three years, along with credential rules tied to the occupation
- Language ability of at least CLB/NCLC 5
- Eligibility to work in the position, including licensing if required
- Enough financial resources to settle in Nova Scotia
Residency requirement:
Nova Scotia does not list a specific minimum time of residence. However, eligibility depends on holding a qualifying job offer in the province. Leaving the province or losing the job offer can affect eligibility, even after nomination. In practice, candidates should expect to live in Nova Scotia and keep the job while their application is being processed.
Last draw: Nova Scotia does not publish regular draw dates for this stream. Candidates are contacted directly if selected from the pool.
Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)
International Graduate Stream
Minimum timeline to enter candidate pool:
Graduates can submit an EOI as soon as they finish studies at a publicly funded PEI institution, secure a qualifying job offer, and hold valid status and a PGWP.
Candidates must have:
- Graduated from a publicly funded PEI post-secondary institution
- A full-time, non-seasonal job offer from a PEI employer
- The job offer must be permanent or at least two years in length
- A valid PGWP and legal status in Canada
- Language test results showing CLB/NCLC 4 for TEER 4 or 5 jobs, or “sufficient English or French” for TEER 0–3 jobs, as decided by the employer
- Enough financial resources to settle in PEI
- The ability to attend an interview with provincial officials, if required
Residency requirement:
There is no minimum time requirement to live in PEI before creating an EOI profile. Graduates can apply as soon as they meet the job offer and other stream requirements.
Last draw: January 15, 2026.
Newfoundland And Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)
International Graduate Category
Minimum timeline to enter candidate pool:
Graduates can apply shortly after finishing their studies, once they hold a PGWP and have a qualifying job or job offer from a Newfoundland and Labrador employer.
However, for graduates from outside the province, the program often requires additional time working in the province before eligibility.
Candidates must have:
- A qualifying Canadian credential and a PGWP
- A full-time job offer (at least one year in length) from an eligible Newfoundland and Labrador employer, related to the field of study
- Field of study exceptions may apply for graduates of Memorial University or the College of the North Atlantic
- Enough settlement funds
- Required qualifications or licensing for the job, if needed
Out-of-province graduates must have a job or job offer related to their field and must work in the province for at least one year before applying.
Residency requirement:
Out-of-province graduates must live and work in Newfoundland and Labrador for at least one year in a job related to their field. For other graduates, there is no strict minimum residence rule.
Last draw: Not applicable. This is not a draw-based stream. Candidates apply directly when eligible.
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