Provincial Nominee Program
Key Highlights
About Canada
In Canada, there are more than 90 provincial nomination programs, which allow applicants to participate in provinces and territories to nominate as eligible economic immigration candidates to apply for Canadian permanent residence. The Canadian government has entered into an accord with all regional provinces through which they can nominate potential individuals who want to live, settle, and work in that specific province, or, in other words, immigrate to Canada. To get a visa through the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), the applicant must first decide on the province in which they intend to live and then file for a nomination. The province will then review your application in consideration of its immigration and labour requirements, as well as your willingness to reside in the province. Canadian immigration is an important factor in not just improving the domestic economy and growth in key sectors but also supporting an ageing population in most provinces.
Canada’s PNP programs essentially accommodate prospective immigrants filing a petition through a specific province or territory in Canada, and the related province has the legitimate right to nominate individuals via the Canadian Provincial Nomination Program. The federal government of Canada increases more invitations to PNP candidates each year.
The Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) have been proven as one of the fastest and easiest ways to migrate to Canada. This program allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals who are interested in settling and migrating to any of the specific provinces in Canada. Each province, except “Quebec and the Northern Canadian territories” of Canada, has its own requirements and operates its own immigration streams under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), along with their policies to nominate any individual to apply for a permanent residency visa. This program also allows skilled or semi-skilled workers to live, study, and work based on their skills, education, and work experience to contribute to the economy of a specific province or territory as permanent residents in Canada. This can be applied either by using the paper-based form/application process or an online application process through Express Entry.
List of Provinces and Territories:
PNP Streams
Within each PNP, there are multiple subprograms and categories, usually known as “streams.” These streams are designed by the provinces to help meet their unique immigration goals, so the eligibility criteria and application procedures vary greatly between provinces. Each of Canada’s provinces and territories operates its own unique Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) designed to meet its economic, demographic, and labour market needs. Programs may open at different times of the year and for different durations as PNPs are constantly changing. Based on the requirements of each province or territory, you might need to apply using the paper-based process or through the online process under the Express Entry Program.
There are two ways to apply through the online Express Entry Application Process; applicants need to contact the province to apply for a nomination under an Express Entry stream, and once after receiving a nomination, they need to create an Express Entry profile along with updating the nomination details from that particular province. The second option is to create an Express Entry profile (if eligible) and select all the provinces in which an applicant is interested in applying. Once after receiving a “notification of interest,” applicants need to show their interest in applying and accepting it.
Each province and territory have its own streams or categories, which can target different types of applicants, including:
- Skilled workers
- International Graduate Students
- Semi-skilled workers
- Tradesmen
- Business Owners, Entrepreneurs, and Investors
Moreover, few PNP programs, known as “Base” programs, operate on their own without being connected to the Express Entry system, whereas some PNP programs align with the Express Entry system.
Express Entry PNP
Each PNP has at least one immigration stream that is linked to the federal Express Entry system. Provincial nominations obtained through these Express Entry-aligned streams are referred to as “Enhanced Nominations.‘ Through this, Express Entry candidates are awarded an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, which guarantees that they will receive an invitation to apply for a permanent residence visa under Express Entry and expect the federal government to process their permanent residency application in less than six months.
Base PNP
Alternatively, you can apply directly for a PNP stream through the “Base” stream, and the federal government will process your application for permanent residence after you receive a provincial nomination. As long as the applicants are qualified for the specific PNP, those who want to immigrate to Canada but may not be eligible to enter the Express Entry pool, may still be able to apply to do so through a base PNP stream In the paper-based form/application process, an applicant can apply to that particular province or territory for nomination without a non-Express Entry stream. Once after nomination, applicants need to submit a paper application for permanent residence to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). An individual who successfully obtains a base nomination from a province will not be awarded 600 points under the Comprehensive Ranking System.
Am I eligible for a Canadian PNP?
The eligibility criteria for provincial nominee programs are based on the criteria established by each province and territory. For example, one province might prioritise bringing in provincial nominees with experience in a certain occupation, while another province might prioritise bringing in provincial nominees with French-language experience. It depends on the needs of each specific province and territory. You must meet the requirements of the province to which you wish to apply. Some provinces require that you have a valid job offer before you can apply, and some require you to just have the required skill to fill up in-demand vacant positions. A job offer, in this case, may not be required. Some provinces have a preference for applicants whose jobs are under a particular NOC/TEER. Some of the PNP programs prefer immigrants who have a connection to the province, like a relative, as this increases the chance that they will remain in the province. Some PNP streams operate on a first-come, first-served basis, while other PNP streams require potential applicants to first register an Expression of Interest.
Steps to Apply
PNPs are a two-part process. First, you have to apply to the province for your provincial nomination. Then, if you are approved by the province, you have to submit a second application to the federal government for your Canadian permanent resident status.
- Choose a Province: Decide which province or territory suits your qualifications and preferences.
- Check Eligibility: Review the eligibility criteria for the specific PNP stream you’re interested in.
- Submit an EOI: If applicable, submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the province. This may involve providing information about your skills and experience.
- Receive ITA: If selected, you’ll receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for a provincial nomination.
- Apply for Provincial Nomination: Complete the application for nomination and provide required documents. Pay any associated fees.
- Receive Nomination: If approved, you’ll get a nomination certificate, which you’ll need for your permanent residency application.
- Apply for PR: Submit your application for permanent residency to IRCC, including your provincial nomination.