Provincial Nominee Program

Are you considering immigrating to Canada? If so, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) could be your golden ticket. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the ins and outs of the PNP, including how to apply, and provide a detailed breakdown of the programs offered by each of Canada's provinces.

Understanding the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

The PNP is a Canadian immigration program designed for individuals who possess the skills, education, and work experience to contribute to the economy of a specific province or territory. If you're keen to live in a particular province and become a permanent resident of Canada, the PNP could be the ideal route for you.

The PNP operates on the premise that the Canadian provinces and territories have specific needs, and each has its own "streams" or immigration programs targeting certain groups such as students, business people, skilled workers, and semi-skilled workers.

Who Can Apply for the PNP?

The PNP is open to workers who:

Have the skills, education, and work experience to contribute to the economy of a specific province or territory,
Want to live in that province, and
Want to become permanent residents of Canada.

However, the eligibility criteria may vary across provinces and territories due to their unique needs and labor market conditions.

How Does the PNP Work?

Each province and territory in Canada, except for Quebec, has its own PNP streams. These streams target specific groups of immigrants who can contribute to the province's economic growth. The groups include students, business people, skilled workers, and semi-skilled workers.

These PNPs are a critical part of Canada's immigration policy, with the federal government aiming to admit over 80,000 new permanent residents through PNPs each year.

The Application Process

The application process for the PNP depends on whether you apply through the Non-Express Entry or Express Entry process.

Non-Express Entry Process

If you're applying through the Non-Express Entry process, you'll need to:

Apply to the province or territory for nomination under a non-Express Entry stream.
Meet the eligibility requirements of the province that nominates you.
If you're nominated, apply for permanent residence online.
Pass a medical exam and get a police check certificate.

Express Entry Process

If you're applying through the Express Entry process, there are two ways to apply:

You contact the province or territory and apply for a nomination under an Express Entry stream. If the province or territory agrees to nominate you, you create an Express Entry profile and show you have been nominated.
You create an Express Entry profile and show the provinces and territories you're interested in. If a province or territory sends a "notification of interest" to your account, you contact them directly. You apply to their Express Entry stream.

In both cases, you must meet the eligibility requirements of the province or territory, submit an Express Entry profile, and show that you meet the minimum criteria for Express Entry.

Transition to National Occupational Classification 2021

On November 16, 2022, Canada switched to the 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) version. This change means you must use the correct NOC code when completing your Express Entry profile.

Provincial Breakdown

Each province and territory in Canada has its own PNP. Here's a breakdown of the PNPs for each province:

1. Alberta's Provincial Nominee Program

The Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) is among Canada's most popular provincial nominee programs. It offers both skilled and semi-skilled workers options. You may be eligible for one of the AAIP streams if you plan to live and work in Alberta permanently. The AAIP offers three main streams:

Alberta Express Entry Stream: This stream is for candidates with a valid federal Express Entry system profile.
Alberta Opportunity Stream: It targets candidates currently working in Alberta in an eligible occupation.
Alberta Self-Employed Farmer Stream: This is designed for experienced farmers who wish to purchase or establish a farm in Alberta.

2. British Columbia's Provincial Nominee Program

British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) is an attractive option for international workers, graduates, and entrepreneurs. It offers two main categories:

Skills Immigration: It includes streams for Skilled Workers, Healthcare Professionals, International Graduates, International Post-Graduates, and Entry Level and Semi-Skilled Workers.
Entrepreneur Immigration: It includes streams for those who wish to start a business in British Columbia.

Both categories are intended for workers with the skills, experience, and qualifications needed by B.C. employers.

3. Manitoba's Provincial Nominee Program

The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) aims to attract skilled workers and their families who intend to live and work in Manitoba. It offers three key streams:

Skilled Worker Stream: Targets foreign skilled workers with skills aligned with Manitoba's labor market needs.
International Education Stream: Designed for international students graduating in Manitoba or meeting the requirements of an in-demand occupation.
Business Investor Stream: Targets experienced business entrepreneurs and farm owners willing to invest in Manitoba.

4. New Brunswick's Provincial Nominee Program

New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) offers the following streams:

Express Entry Labour Market Stream: Links with the federal Express Entry system.
Skilled Workers with Employer Support Stream: For individuals who have secured a job offer from a New Brunswick employer.
Post-Graduate Entrepreneurial Stream: Aimed at recent graduates from New Brunswick institutions who have started or acquired a business in the province.

5. Newfoundland and Labrador's Provincial Nominee Program

The Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) has three main streams:

Express Entry Skilled Worker: For skilled individuals who have been accepted into the federal Express Entry pool and have a job offer in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Skilled Worker Category: For individuals with a guaranteed job offer from a Newfoundland and Labrador employer.
International Graduate Category: For recent graduates with a Post-Graduate Work Permit and a job offer from a Newfoundland and Labrador employer.

6. Nova Scotia's Provincial Nominee Program

The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) offers several streams:

Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry: For highly skilled individuals with a post-secondary education and qualifications that will help them successfully settle in Nova Scotia.
Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry: For highly skilled individuals who have worked for a Nova Scotia employer for at least one year.
Skilled Worker Stream: Helps employers recruit foreign workers and recently graduated international students whose skills are needed in Nova Scotia.

7. Ontario's Provincial Nominee Program

Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) is one of the most popular PNPs in Canada due to the province's thriving economy and multicultural society. It is designed for workers with the skills, education, and work experience to contribute to Ontario's economy. It assists employers in recruiting and retaining foreign workers. Key streams include:

Human Capital Category: It targets individuals with a high level of education, skilled work experience, language proficiency, and other characteristics that help them establish and integrate into Ontario's labor market and communities.
Employer Job Offer Category: For workers with a job offer from an Ontario employer.
Business Category: For entrepreneurs looking to start a new or buy an existing business in Ontario.

8. Prince Edward Island's Provincial Nominee Program

Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) offers three major categories:

PEI PNP Express Entry: For candidates who are eligible to enter the federal Express Entry pool and are interested in living and working in PEI.
Labour Impact Category: For individuals with skills and experience matching current PEI labor market needs.
Business Impact Category: For individuals interested in investing in and actively managing a business in PEI.

9. Saskatchewan's Provincial Nominee Program

Through the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP), Saskatchewan:

Invites residency applications from non-Canadians who want to make Saskatchewan their home.
Nominates successful applicants to the federal government for Canadian permanent residency.

The SINP offers:

International Skilled Worker Category: For skilled workers abroad who want to work and live in Saskatchewan.
Saskatchewan Experience Category: For foreign nationals currently living and working in Saskatchewan.
Entrepreneur and Farm Category: For those who wish to start a business or buy and operate a farm in Saskatchewan.

10. Yukon's Provincial Nominee Program

The Yukon Nominee Program (YNP) provides immigration pathways for foreign nationals keen on settling in Yukon. It comprises several key streams:

Yukon Express Entry (YEE): This stream aligns with the federal Express Entry system and targets skilled workers.
Skilled Worker Program: This program is designed for individuals who have received a job offer in an occupation that falls within National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3.
Critical Impact Worker Program: This stream is for individuals who have received a job offer in an occupation within NOC TEER 4 or 5.
Business Nominee Program: This program is designed for those who wish to start a business in Yukon. The individuals need to meet certain investment and net worth thresholds.

11. Northwest Territories' Provincial Nominee Program

The Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) aims to attract skilled workers to this region. It offers two main programs:

NTNP Skilled Worker Stream: This stream enables the Government of Northwest Territories to nominate individuals who have received an offer of employment in a skilled occupation.
NTNP Business Stream: This stream is designed for experienced entrepreneurs or business owners who wish to establish a business in the Northwest Territories. The search results did not provide additional details on this stream.

Conclusion

Navigating the PNP application process can be complex, but you can chart a clear path to Canadian permanent residency with a clear understanding of the process and requirements. Remember that the PNP process varies depending on the province or territory you're interested in, so it's essential to research and plan your application accordingly.

The Provincial Nominee Program offers a tremendous opportunity for many foreign nationals to make their dream of becoming permanent residents in Canada come true. If you believe you have the skills and experience in demand in a particular Canadian province or territory and are ready to make the move, the PNP could be your ticket to a new life in Canada.

FAQs

Do I Have to Live in the Province or Territory That Nominates me?

Yes, you're required to live and work in the province or territory that nominates you.

Can I Move Provinces?

If you immigrate to Canada through the PNP, you should plan to live in the nominating province or territory. However, under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, all Canadian citizens and permanent residents are entitled to live and work anywhere in Canada.

Top FAQ's

How do I apply for a Canadian Visa?

The first step to find out which programs you qualify for. The next step is to make sure that you have all the necessary supporting documentation then complete and submit your visa application. The best way is to apply online as sending an application by courier or mail could be costly and take a very long time.

How much is Canada’s visa fees?

This depends on the visa as well as how many dependents you will bring with you to Canada. If you use a representative or consultant you may have to pay additional fees.

Where can I get biometrics for a Canadian Visa?

You can get your biometrics done at any visa application centre in your country. You’ll need to make an appointment and make sure that you check the guidelines, specifically regarding your photo identification, such as letting temporary injuries heal, not wearing light colors or head gear, for example.

What are the requirements for a Canada visa?

Each Candian visa and immigration program has its own set of requirements for eligibility as well as a successful visa application, however you will need to be considered admissible to Canada.

How much money do you need to immigrate to Canada?

This depends on your chosen visa program, how many dependents are accompanying you to Canada, (as this dictates how much funds you will need to have) as well as whether or not you decide to use representation to apply for your visa. You will also need to take into consideration the affordability of the province or territory you choose to live in.

What is the easiest way to immigrate to Canada?

There is no real easy way to immigrate to Canada but some programs are easier than others. The Express Entry system is probably the easiest and most popular way to move to Canada but there are quicker and easier ways such as the BC PNP which has visa processing times of 2-3 months. Saskatchewan’s International Skilled Worker Stream is also relatively easier to apply to because it doesn’t require local work experience or a job offer in Canada.

What is the maximum age to immigrate to Canada?

There is no age limit when it comes to Canadian immigration but the older you are when you apply the less PR points you will get. This basically means that your chances of getting a visa are lower when you’re older. The optimal age range to move to Canada is between 20 and 29 years old. Once you are 45 years old you cannot claim any PR points.

Can I move to Canada without a job?

Yes. There are various programs including some of those under the Express Entry System, that don’t need a job offer in Canada to qualify for, such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program.

How much PR points are needed to immigrate to Canada?

The number of permanent residency (PR) points you need will depend on the Express Entry draw CRS cut-off score. This is because every 2 weeks cut-off scores are allocated based on the average score of the applicants currently in the draw. Therefore if other applicants in your draw pool have very low scores you may only need about 400 CRS points to get an invitation to apply for permanent residency. A good score would be to have between 450 and 550 CRS points in a normal draw and at least 750 and up for a provincial nomination draw.

How difficult is it to immigrate to Canada?

This depends on your individual situation and needs. Candian immigration can become very complicated and there is often a lot that many don’t know, that only trained professionals are aware of. Using an immigration professional may cost more financially, but will save you in time and possibly money should your visa get rejected or delayed for any reason.