Offering more than 50 immigration pathways, Provincial Nomination Programs (PNP) provide an excellent chance for people to immigrate to Canada as permanent residents. Over the past years, the PNPs have welcomed over 80,000 immigrants yearly.
More precisely, the PNPs allow people to settle in their desired province or territory. How so? You might ask. Read on to learn more about the PNPs and how you can apply to these programs.
Canada has 10 Provinces and 3 Territories.
Provinces
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Nova Scotia
- Ontario
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Saskatchewan
Territories:
- Northwest Territories
- Yukon
- Nunavut
What are the Provincial Nomination Programs?
The provincial nomination programs are designed to offer a pathway to immigration as a permanent resident for those who wish to immigrate to a specific province or territory in Canada. The province designs the PNPs to suit their economic needs. Depending on these needs, the province may target different groups like students, skilled workers, entrepreneurs, or semi-skilled workers.
Criteria by province and territory vary and can change without notice.
All provinces have PNP programs except the province of Quebec.For the 3 territories, only Yukon participates in the PNP programs.
Why does Canada have Provincial nomination programs?
Before the PNPs, the immigration system of Canada was managed by the Federal Government with little to no involvement of the provinces.
The PNPs were introduced to Canada by the federal government in 1998 after provinces started to push for a chance to select and recruit their immigrants. This came after the province of Quebec had successfully selected immigrants who helped strengthen their francophone character. Seeing this, other provinces wanted a dedicated program to help them attract well-skilled and trained immigrants to contribute to their economic and labor markets.
Due to its impact on the economic growth across Canada, the PNPs have continued to expand and operate in all Canadian provinces except Quebec and Nunavut. Additionally, it’s been regarded as the best immigration pathway for skilled workers worldwide to immigrate to Canadian provinces. It is also regarded as the country’s key driver of economic growth and helps support employment, investments, and entrepreneurships, thus meeting its labor needs.
How can I apply to the PNPs?
Since every province sets its eligibility criteria, your application will depend on the province you are applying to. However, one must pass a medical exam and get a police clearance certificate no matter the province or territory to which you are applying. Before applying, one must contact the province you are applying to be nominated. You can either apply through the express entry process or the non-express entry process.
The non-express entry process:
First, one has to contact the province or territory to be nominated under a non-express entry stream. You must meet the eligibility criteria set by the province you are applying to be nominated.
Once nominated, you apply for permanent residence online via the government’s website.
Although the processing times depend on the province, the processing time is longer than that of the express entry.
The Express Entry process.
There are two ways you can apply through Express Entry. In both cases, you must meet the eligibility criteria set by either the province or territory and have an express entry profile that shows you meet the minimum requirements for one of the immigration programs managed by the express entry.
First, you can contact the province or territory you are applying to for a nomination under an express entry stream. Then, create an express entry profile showing you have been nominated if they agree.
Secondly, you can create an express entry profile indicating provinces and territories you are interested in. when a province is interested in you; they will send a notification of interest to your account. Then you can proceed to contact them directly. The province or territory will send a nomination certificate to your account if you are nominated.
How to get nominated by a province or territory?
For a province to nominate you, you must follow the instructions set on their website to submit your application.
For the next few weeks, please keep it here as we explore the various PNPs that you could pursue!
Does the PNP offer family sponsorship?
Once you obtain permanent residence, your close family members can move to Canada. According to Canadian law, close members include your spouse, common-law partner, or dependent children under 22.
Which PNP stream is the easiest?
Having over 50 provincial immigration programs, finding the program you are eligible to might be challenging. Since each candidate’s circumstance is different, it is essential to conduct research to determine which options are best for you before applying. Even so, the large pool of information online can be confusing, limiting, and overwhelming to go through.
That is why here at Milele Immigration Services, we are happy to consult with applicants to determine which program best suits them based on their education, experience, and other qualifications.