Thinking about moving to Canada through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)? Many provinces have a Foreign Worker Stream for skilled workers with valid job offers. The rules can feel confusing and different in every province. That’s why we built a simple tool to help you check your eligibility fast.
Skip the guesswork — Try the Foreign Worker Stream Calculator (Free)
What Is the Foreign Worker Stream?
The Foreign Worker Stream is a pathway used by several provinces to bring in workers they need. It is usually for people who:
- Have a full-time, non-seasonal job offer from an eligible employer in that province,
- Work in a skilled occupation (based on NOC/TEER),
- Meet education and language standards, and
- Plan to live and work in that province.
Some provinces use a points system, while others use pass/fail criteria. Either way, your profile is checked against the province’s needs and rules.
Provincial Programs: Same Goal, Different Rules
Every province wants to support local employers, but each province sets its own rules. Names, points, and requirements can change. Most programs look at similar building blocks:
- Job offer (full-time, eligible employer, proper wage)
- NOC/TEER (your job’s skill level and duties)
- Work experience (paid, skilled, correct hours)
- Language (IELTS/CELPIP or TEF/TCF)
- Education (Canadian credential or ECA for foreign education)
Because these rules vary, it’s smart to check your fit across provinces before you apply.
See which provinces you may fit → [Use the Calculator]
Work Experience Assessment
Your work experience is key, but only the right kind counts:
- Paid, skilled experience: Volunteer or unpaid work usually doesn’t count.
- Full-time or equivalent hours: Part-time can add up if you reach the full-time total.
- Match duties, not just titles: Your NOC/TEER should match what you actually do day to day.
- Canadian vs. foreign experience: Both may be recognized, but how they count can differ by program.
Mini Example:
Aman has 2 years as a Cook (NOC 63200) abroad and a new full-time job offer in a province’s hospitality sector. For eligibility, the program will look at:
- Is Aman’s past work paid and skilled?
- Do the duties match NOC 63200?
- Is the job offer full-time, non-seasonal, and fairly paid for the region?
Qualification Analysis (Education, Language, and Job Offer)
Your overall profile shapes your chances:
Education
- If your education is outside Canada, you usually need an ECA (Educational Credential Assessment) to show the Canadian equivalent (e.g., diploma, bachelor’s degree).
- Some roles may need specific credentials or training.
Language
- English tests: IELTS General or CELPIP General
- French tests: TEF Canada or TCF Canada
- Aim to meet the minimum level required by the stream; higher scores are often better.
Job Offer
- Most Foreign Worker Streams require a full-time, non-seasonal job offer from an eligible employer in the province.
- The wage should meet local standards for your NOC/TEER.
- If your occupation is regulated (e.g., nurse, electrician), you may need licensing/registration.
Check Your Eligibility in 60 Seconds → [Foreign Worker Stream Calculator]
Requirements Check
Small details can make a big difference. Before you apply, review:
- Status & work authorization: Are you allowed to work in Canada right now? Do you need a permit or LMIA? (Depends on the stream.)
- Settlement funds: Some programs ask for proof of funds.
- Employer eligibility: The company must be operating in the province and follow rules.
- Intent to reside: You should plan to live and work in the nominating province.
Step-by-Step: Estimate Manually, Then Verify
You can do a basic self-check in a few steps:
- Gather your documents
- Job offer letter (title, wage, hours, location), NOC/TEER, education/ECA, language test results, and work history (dates, hours/week, duties).
- Match your duties to the right NOC/TEER
- Pick the code that best fits what you actually do, not just your job title.
- Check the wage and hours
- Make sure your wage meets local standards and your job is full-time (or meets the program’s hour rules).
- Review education and language
- Confirm your ECA and test scores meet the stream’s minimums.
- Run the numbers in the calculator
- The tool compares your profile to multiple provincial streams and flags where you might qualify.
Note: Manual checks miss details easily. The calculator gives a quick, clear signal so you can plan your next steps with confidence.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing NOC by title only: Always match by duties.
- Ignoring wage thresholds: Some programs expect wages at or above certain levels.
- Using expired tests: Most language tests are valid for 2 years—check the date.
- Skipping ECA: If you studied abroad and want points for it, you likely need an ECA.
- Assuming any job offer works: Many streams need a full-time, non-seasonal offer from an eligible employer.
FAQs
Do I need an LMIA for the Foreign Worker Stream?
It depends on the province and stream. Some require an LMIA; others do not. Our calculator will help you spot this early.
Does part-time count?
Many programs focus on full-time roles or full-time equivalency. If you’re part-time, you may need enough hours to equal full-time.
Can I apply without a job offer?
The Foreign Worker Stream usually requires a valid job offer. Other streams (like Express Entry–aligned streams) may differ.
What if my job is regulated?
You may need provincial licensing or registration before you can work. Plan for this step early.
Can the calculator show me which province is best?
It provides instant signals based on your profile. You’ll see where your job, wage, location, education, and language are most likely to fit.
Know Your Foreign Worker Stream Eligibility Today
Don’t guess. Enter your details once and see where you stand across multiple provincial programs. Find out how work experience, job offer, wage, NOC/TEER, education, and language affect your chances—and what to fix first.
