Canada remains one of the world’s most welcoming countries for immigrants, and in 2025, the demand for foreign workers continues to rise across multiple provinces. While federal immigration programs like Express Entry provide a pathway for skilled migrants, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) have become one of the most direct and effective ways to secure employment and permanent residency in Canada.
Some provinces are more active than others when it comes to hiring immigrants and offering visa sponsorship. If you’re a skilled professional, tradesperson, healthcare worker, or recent graduate hoping to relocate to Canada, targeting the right province could be the game-changing step toward building your career in a new country.
In this guide, we explore the top provinces in Canada hiring immigrants in 2025—with a special focus on visa support, provincial immigration streams, labor shortages, and employment trends.
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ToggleWhy Provinces Are Actively Hiring Immigrants
Canada is facing ongoing labor shortages caused by:
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An aging population and early retirements
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Decreased birth rates and a shrinking local workforce
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Rapid growth in construction, healthcare, and technology
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Regional disparities in job vacancies, especially in rural areas
To fill these gaps, Canadian provinces have ramped up their participation in immigration-focused job creation, using tools like the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and Employer-Specific Work Permits.
Many provinces now operate employer-driven immigration streams that give foreign workers a direct route to permanent residency—often requiring only a job offer, relevant experience, and an approved employer.
1. Ontario
Key Cities: Toronto, Ottawa, Mississauga, Hamilton
Popular Industries: Tech, finance, education, healthcare, logistics
Ontario remains the economic heart of Canada and the most populated province, attracting the highest number of immigrants each year. In 2025, Ontario continues to be a prime destination for skilled workers, especially those in technology, healthcare, and education.
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) Highlights:
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Employer Job Offer streams for international workers
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Express Entry Human Capital Priority Stream for tech and healthcare roles
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French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream (highly favorable for bilingual applicants)
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Opportunities for international students and graduates
Visa Sponsorship Potential:
Strong. Many employers in Ontario are designated for immigration hiring and are familiar with LMIA and visa processing.
2. British Columbia
Key Cities: Vancouver, Victoria, Surrey, Kelowna
Popular Industries: IT, film, construction, hospitality, healthcare
British Columbia (BC) is known for its vibrant economy, high quality of life, and welcoming stance toward skilled immigrants. In 2025, BC continues to hire across multiple high-demand sectors, particularly in technology, tourism, and construction.
BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) Highlights:
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Tech stream with weekly invitations for high-demand roles
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Health Authority stream for nurses and care workers
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Entrepreneur and Graduate streams for business-minded immigrants
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Streamlined processing for in-demand occupations
Visa Sponsorship Potential:
Very strong. BC is one of the most immigrant-friendly provinces and works closely with employers under the BC PNP Tech program to fast-track hiring and immigration.
3. Alberta
Key Cities: Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Lethbridge
Popular Industries: Energy, construction, healthcare, transportation
Alberta remains a top destination for tradespeople, engineers, healthcare professionals, and agricultural workers. With strong demand across oil & gas, manufacturing, and logistics, Alberta is projected to be one of Canada’s leading provinces for immigrant hiring in 2025.
Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) Highlights:
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Alberta Express Entry Stream for high-scoring candidates
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Rural Renewal and Entrepreneur streams
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Dedicated pathways for healthcare and agriculture workers
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Strong support for employers needing LMIA and TFWP hires
Visa Sponsorship Potential:
High. Employers in Alberta are increasingly looking to international talent to fill critical gaps in skilled labor, particularly in rural communities.
4. Manitoba
Key Cities: Winnipeg, Brandon, Steinbach
Popular Industries: Manufacturing, trucking, agriculture, food processing
Manitoba continues to shine as one of the most proactive provinces when it comes to hiring immigrants. With a strong community-based immigration model and focus on long-term settlement, Manitoba is ideal for those looking for stable employment and faster immigration processing.
Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) Highlights:
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Skilled Workers Overseas Stream with employer support
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International Education Stream for students
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Employer Direct Recruitment for job-specific pathways
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Focus on community connection and family support
Visa Sponsorship Potential:
Excellent. Manitoba works directly with employers and regularly organizes recruitment missions abroad, making it one of the most accessible provinces for foreign workers.
5. Saskatchewan
Key Cities: Saskatoon, Regina, Prince Albert
Popular Industries: Agriculture, mining, healthcare, IT
Saskatchewan has one of the most targeted and straightforward provincial immigration systems. With its Occupation In-Demand and Express Entry-linked streams, it provides a viable route to work and settle in Canada for applicants who may not have high CRS scores.
Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) Highlights:
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Direct application for skilled workers even outside Express Entry
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Opportunities in trades, farming, and healthcare
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Strong pathway for nurses, truck drivers, and welders
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Low cost of living with high labor demand
Visa Sponsorship Potential:
Very high. The SINP regularly updates its in-demand occupation list and encourages employers to recruit immigrants—especially in rural areas.
6. Nova Scotia
Key Cities: Halifax, Sydney, Truro
Popular Industries: Nursing, IT, seafood processing, hospitality
Nova Scotia is one of the most welcoming provinces for immigrants, especially under its Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). The province collaborates with designated employers to attract and retain skilled foreign workers with visa support.
Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) Highlights:
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Occupations In Demand Stream (frequently includes nurses, food workers, and truckers)
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Physician Stream for internationally trained doctors
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Strong support for skilled workers through the AIP
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Supportive programs for international graduates
Visa Sponsorship Potential:
Strong. Nova Scotia’s designated employers are authorized to hire internationally without requiring LMIA, making it easier and faster to move forward.
7. Newfoundland and Labrador
Key Cities: St. John’s, Corner Brook
Popular Industries: Technology, healthcare, aquaculture, engineering
This province has quietly become a rising star in Canadian immigration. In 2025, Newfoundland and Labrador have expanded programs to welcome skilled foreign workers into priority sectors like tech, fisheries, and medicine.
Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) Highlights:
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Priority Skills Stream for tech professionals
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In-demand roles include software developers, engineers, and nurses
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Partnership with employers to streamline visa sponsorship
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Low cost of living and community support for immigrants
Visa Sponsorship Potential:
Very high, especially in tech and rural development sectors. The province actively promotes global recruitment.
Bonus: New Brunswick
Though smaller in population, New Brunswick offers meaningful immigration opportunities through employer connections and job fairs held around the world.
It has a strong need for truck drivers, welders, nurses, and seafood processors. The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) regularly issues invitations to international candidates and is part of the Atlantic Immigration Program.
Key Takeaways: Where to Go for Immigration and Jobs in Canada
If you’re a skilled professional or tradesperson seeking permanent employment in Canada with visa sponsorship in 2025, targeting the right province is crucial. Here’s a summary of your best bets:
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Ontario for high-skill jobs in tech, healthcare, and finance
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British Columbia for IT, hospitality, and remote work-friendly employers
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Alberta for trades, transport, and industrial sectors
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Manitoba for community-focused immigration and stable jobs
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Saskatchewan for skilled trades and direct job offers
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Nova Scotia and Newfoundland for Atlantic opportunities and faster processing
Final Thoughts: Build a Career and a Life in the Right Province
The pathway to Canadian employment and residency is clearer when you focus on provinces that align with your skills and immigration goals. Each province offers its own programs, incentives, and employer networks to support your transition.
By understanding provincial labor market demands, immigration streams, and visa sponsorship opportunities, you can increase your chances of successfully working and settling in Canada in 2025.
Stay informed. Apply strategically. And when in doubt, consult with licensed immigration professionals to ensure your application meets the latest requirements.