If you are in the Express Entry pool with a score that feels too low for federal draws, you have probably wondered whether a province might come to your rescue. The good news is that provinces across Canada are actively selecting Express Entry candidates every single week. In 2026, this partnership between federal and provincial immigration systems has become one of the most reliable pathways to permanent residence.
Let me walk you through which provinces select Express Entry candidates, how the process works, and what you need to know to position yourself for success.
How Provinces Select Express Entry Candidates
Provinces select Express Entry candidates through what are called enhanced Provincial Nominee Program streams. These streams are linked directly to the federal Express Entry system. If a province nominates you through an enhanced stream, you receive six hundred additional points in your Express Entry profile. This virtually guarantees an invitation in the next federal draw.
In 2026, PNP-specific Express Entry draws happen regularly. Looking at recent draw data, IRCC held PNP draws on January 5, January 20, February 3, February 16, and March 2, issuing invitations to candidates with provincial nominations. The CRS cutoffs for these draws ranged from 710 to 789. While these numbers look high, remember that candidates in these draws already had six hundred points from their nominations, meaning their base scores were only in the 110 to 189 range.
The key takeaway is that a provincial nomination transforms your prospects. You do not need a high base score. You need a province to recognize your skills and select you.
Ontario: The Human Capital Powerhouse
Ontario operates the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program, and its Express Entry-linked streams are among the most active in Canada. The Human Capital Priorities Stream regularly selects candidates directly from the Express Entry pool based on their CRS scores and occupations. Ontario also runs a French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream for bilingual candidates.
What makes Ontario particularly attractive is that several of its streams do not require a job offer. The Masters Graduate and PhD Graduate streams allow international graduates to apply directly, while the Human Capital Priorities stream often selects candidates with strong profiles but no Canadian job offer.
For tech workers, Ontario conducts regular draws targeting software engineers, computer programmers, and other technology professionals. These draws often have lower CRS requirements than general federal draws.
British Columbia: Tech Workers Welcome
British Columbia runs one of the most active provincial programs for Express Entry candidates. The BC PNP has dedicated Express Entry streams for skilled workers, international graduates, and healthcare professionals. What sets BC apart is its Tech Pilot, which holds weekly draws for technology occupations.
For tech professionals, BC is exceptionally welcoming. The province conducts targeted draws specifically for tech workers, with invitation thresholds that are often lower than other streams. Software engineers, web developers, and IT project managers are in high demand.
BC also prioritizes healthcare workers through its Health Authority stream, and there is no upper limit on invitations for physicians. If you work in healthcare, BC wants to hear from you.
Alberta: Low Thresholds for Skilled Workers
Alberta has become increasingly active in selecting Express Entry candidates. The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program operates an Express Entry stream that targets candidates with strong ties to the province or work experience in priority occupations.
What makes Alberta particularly accessible is its low CRS threshold. To be considered for the Alberta Express Entry stream, you only need a CRS score of 300. This is significantly lower than federal draw cutoffs. The province prioritizes candidates with work experience in construction, agriculture, aviation, and manufacturing.
Alberta also offers an Accelerated Tech Pathway for technology professionals, which provides faster processing for candidates in eligible tech occupations.
Saskatchewan: No Job Offer Required
Saskatchewan is one of the few provinces that regularly selects Express Entry candidates without requiring a job offer. The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program has an International Skilled Worker Express Entry sub-category that invites candidates based solely on their skills and work experience.
To qualify, you need to score at least 60 points on Saskatchewan’s own points grid, which assesses factors like education, work experience, language ability, and connections to the province. You also need work experience in an occupation that is not on the province’s exclusion list.
Saskatchewan’s points grid includes generous points for having a family member in the province, but family connections are not required. Many candidates receive invitations based purely on their human capital.
Manitoba: Building Provincial Connections
Manitoba operates a unique system for selecting Express Entry candidates. While the province does have a Skilled Worker Overseas stream that targets candidates with Express Entry profiles, Manitoba places strong emphasis on connections to the province.
Having a family member in Manitoba, previous education or work experience in the province, or being invited through a strategic recruitment initiative can significantly improve your chances. Manitoba also has a dedicated Francophone stream for French-speaking candidates.
In January 2026, Manitoba issued 55 invitations through its first draw of the year, targeting candidates in categories like Employer Services, Francophone Community, and Regional Communities. The province is clearly focused on candidates who have ties to Manitoba communities.
Nova Scotia: Atlantic Canada Opportunities
Nova Scotia is one of the Atlantic provinces that actively selects Express Entry candidates. The Nova Scotia Nominee Program operates a Labour Market Priorities stream that targets Express Entry candidates with work experience in specific occupations.
What makes Nova Scotia attractive is that the province conducts draws based on federal Express Entry profiles. You do not need to submit a separate application to the province. If your profile matches Nova Scotia’s labor needs, the province may send you a Notification of Interest directly through your Express Entry account.
Nova Scotia particularly values candidates with experience in healthcare, skilled trades, and early childhood education.
New Brunswick: Strategic Initiative Draws
New Brunswick runs an Express Entry Labour Market Stream that selects candidates based on their connection to the province. The province also conducts strategic initiative draws, sometimes inviting candidates directly from the Express Entry pool.
For the Strategic Initiative stream, you need to score at least 67 points on New Brunswick’s assessment grid. This grid awards points for factors like age, education, work experience, language ability, and adaptability. Having previously visited New Brunswick or having a job offer in the province earns additional points.
Prince Edward Island: Small Province, Big Opportunities
Prince Edward Island operates a PEI Express Entry stream that aligns with the federal system. While the province is small, it offers opportunities for candidates who are willing to settle in a rural community.
PEI conducts regular draws, though the invitation numbers are smaller than larger provinces. In January 2026, the province issued 26 invitations through its first draw of the year, targeting candidates in labor impact and Express Entry categories. The province prioritizes candidates already working in PEI and those in healthcare, trades, and manufacturing.
Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut
The territories also have the ability to nominate Express Entry candidates. The Yukon Nominee Program has a skilled worker stream that aligns with Express Entry. The Northwest Territories operates both Express Entry and regular skilled worker streams.
Nunavut does not have its own PNP and relies on federal programs. Quebec has its own immigration system separate from Express Entry.
Understanding PNP-Specific Express Entry Draws
IRCC holds dedicated draws for PNP candidates throughout the year. In 2026, these draws have been happening consistently. For example, on March 2, 2026, IRCC invited 264 PNP candidates with a minimum CRS score of 710. On January 5, 2026, the first PNP draw of the year invited 574 candidates with a minimum score of 711.
These draws are separate from category-based draws and general draws. They are designed specifically for candidates who have received provincial nominations. Once you have a nomination, you do not need to wait for a general draw. Your nomination ensures you will be invited in the next PNP-specific draw.
How to Position Yourself for Provincial Selection
If you want to be selected by a province, start by researching which provinces have streams that match your profile. If you work in tech, look at British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario. If you work in healthcare, almost every province is recruiting. If you have strong French language skills, Ontario and Manitoba have dedicated streams.
Create a strong Express Entry profile. Provinces that search the Express Entry pool look at your CRS score, your occupation, your language scores, and your work experience. Make sure your profile is complete and accurate.
Consider applying directly to provinces that accept direct applications. Saskatchewan and Manitoba, for example, allow you to submit an Expression of Interest directly to the province. Even if a province does not find you in the pool, you can bring yourself to their attention.
Final Thoughts
Provinces across Canada are actively selecting Express Entry candidates. Whether you are a tech worker eyeing British Columbia, a healthcare professional looking at Nova Scotia, or a skilled tradesperson considering Saskatchewan, there is likely a province that wants your skills.
The PNP system is designed to work alongside Express Entry, not as a replacement for it. By understanding how provinces select candidates and positioning yourself strategically, you can turn a mediocre CRS score into a provincial nomination that transforms your immigration prospects.
Your provincial pathway to permanent residence starts with research, continues with a strong Express Entry profile, and culminates in that life-changing nomination. Take the time to understand your options, and the right province will find you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Provinces That Select Express Entry Candidates
Which provinces select Express Entry candidates?
Almost every province and territory in Canada selects Express Entry candidates. Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories all have Express Entry-linked streams.
The only exceptions are Quebec, which has its own immigration system separate from Express Entry, and Nunavut, which does not have its own provincial nominee program. Every other province actively recruits from the Express Entry pool.
How do provinces find Express Entry candidates?
Provinces have two main ways to find candidates. First, they can search the Express Entry pool directly. If your profile matches a province’s priorities, they may send you a Notification of Interest through your Express Entry account. This happens without you doing anything beyond creating your profile.
Second, you can apply directly to the province. Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Alberta, for example, allow you to submit an Expression of Interest or direct application to their provincial nominee programs. If the province approves your application, they issue a nomination that you then add to your Express Entry profile.
What happens when a province nominates me?
When a province nominates you through an Express Entry-aligned stream, you receive six hundred additional points in your Express Entry profile. This brings your total CRS score to your original points plus six hundred. With this boost, you become eligible for PNP-specific Express Entry draws.
In 2026, PNP draws have been happening regularly. The March 2 draw invited 264 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 710. The January 5 draw invited 574 candidates with a minimum score of 711. Once you have a nomination, you are virtually guaranteed an invitation in the next PNP draw.
Do I need a job offer to be nominated by a province?
It depends on the province and the stream. Some provinces require a job offer. British Columbia’s Tech Pilot, for example, requires a job offer from a BC employer. Alberta’s Express Entry stream often targets candidates with job offers or work experience in priority occupations.
Other provinces do not require job offers. Saskatchewan’s Express Entry stream does not require a job offer. Ontario’s Human Capital Priorities Stream often selects candidates without job offers based on their CRS scores and occupations. Manitoba considers candidates with family connections even without job offers.
Which provinces have the lowest CRS requirements?
Alberta has one of the lowest thresholds. To be considered for the Alberta Express Entry stream, you only need a CRS score of 300. Saskatchewan uses its own points grid, not CRS scores, and has invited candidates with as few as 60 points on their grid. Ontario has invited candidates with CRS scores as low as 350 through targeted tech draws.
The key is that your base CRS score matters less than whether a province wants your specific skills. A candidate with a score of 380 in an in-demand occupation may receive a nomination before a candidate with a score of 480 in a common occupation.
How do I know if a province will select me?
Provinces publish their selection criteria and draw results. British Columbia publishes weekly draw results showing which occupations and scores were invited. Ontario publishes draw summaries showing CRS ranges and occupations targeted. Saskatchewan publishes its in-demand occupation lists.
Your best approach is to research which provinces have streams that match your profile. If you work in tech, British Columbia, Ontario, and Alberta all have tech-focused streams. If you work in healthcare, almost every province is recruiting. If you have French language skills, Ontario and Manitoba have dedicated streams.