Fantastic News for International Students in Canada: 2025 PNP Opportunities in Eight Provinces
Canada continues to be one of the most welcoming destinations for international students, not only for education but also for long-term immigration opportunities. In 2025, eight Canadian provinces—Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan—are offering Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams specifically designed to help international graduates transition from temporary to permanent residency.
Whether you’re looking to start your career, launch a business, or settle in a community you’ve grown to love during your studies, these provinces provide diverse and accessible immigration pathways. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of what each province offers international graduates in 2025.
Alberta
Alberta has two PNP streams tailored for graduates:
- International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream: For graduates from Alberta post-secondary institutions who wish to start or operate a business. Applicants need a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), CLB 7 language proficiency, and must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). At least 34% ownership of the business is required.
- Foreign Graduate Start-Up Visa Stream: For graduates educated outside Canada who want to launch an innovative business in Alberta. A support letter from a designated agency is required.
As of 2025, Alberta now accepts the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Core alongside IELTS and CELPIP for language assessment.
Manitoba
Manitoba’s International Education Stream (IES) is designed specifically for international graduates and includes three pathways:
- Career Employment Pathway: For graduates with long-term employment in an in-demand occupation in Manitoba. Applicants can submit an EOI and may receive an invitation to apply.
- Graduate Internship Pathway: Open to master’s or PhD graduates involved in research internships like Mitacs. No job offer is required.
- International Student Entrepreneur Pilot: For students looking to start a business in Manitoba. A detailed business plan and PGWP are required.
New Brunswick
New Brunswick offers several routes for international graduates:
- Skilled Worker – Graduates Pathway: This EOI-based stream is for graduates with a full-time job offer from a New Brunswick employer.
- Post-Graduate Entrepreneurial Stream: For graduates who own and actively manage a business in the province. Applicants must show consistent business operation and involvement.
Note: The “Student Connection” pathway under Express Entry is paused in 2025, but eligible students can apply under the Skilled Worker stream.
Newfoundland & Labrador
The International Graduate Category of Newfoundland & Labrador’s PNP is for recent graduates with a valid PGWP and a full-time job offer in their field of study. Applicants must have completed at least half of their program in Canada and have a diploma or higher qualification. As of 2025, this stream uses an EOI system.
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia’s International Graduates in Demand Stream targets graduates who have job offers in key occupations such as nurse aides, early childhood educators, and paramedics. A valid PGWP, CLB 4 or higher, and a full-time job offer are required. The province regularly updates the list of eligible occupations based on labor market needs.
Ontario
Ontario offers several options through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP):
- Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream: For recent graduates with a job offer in a skilled occupation (TEER 0–3). An EOI profile is required.
- Master’s Graduate Stream: For graduates with a Master’s degree from an Ontario university. No job offer is required, but CLB 7 is necessary.
- PhD Graduate Stream: For PhD graduates from Ontario institutions. No job offer or language test is required.
Prince Edward Island
PEI’s International Graduate Stream is part of the Labour Impact Category. It’s for graduates from PEI post-secondary institutions who have a full-time job offer in a skilled occupation (NOC 0, A, or B). Applicants must have a valid PGWP, be aged 21–59, and meet at least CLB 4 in English or French.
Saskatchewan
The Saskatchewan Experience Category – Student Sub-category requires:
- Graduation from a Saskatchewan institution
- A valid PGWP or open work permit
- A job offer in an eligible occupation
- At least six months (780 hours) of work experience in the province
- A SINP Job Approval Letter
- CLB 4 for jobs in TEER 4 or 5
As of March 2025, Saskatchewan resumed accepting new Job Approval Form submissions, making it a promising time to apply.
Key Takeaways for International Graduates in 2025
- Job Offer Requirements: Some streams require a job offer (e.g., PEI, Nova Scotia), while others (e.g., Ontario Master’s/PhD streams) do not.
- EOI Systems: Several provinces use an Expression of Interest system to invite candidates with the highest potential.
- Language Proficiency: Requirements typically range from CLB 4 to CLB 7, depending on the stream and occupation.
- Business Opportunities: Entrepreneurial graduates can apply in provinces like Alberta, Manitoba, and New Brunswick.
- Work Experience: Saskatchewan and other provinces require some local work experience before applying.