Overview of Canadian Provincial Nominee Program

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is a key component of Canada’s immigration strategy, allowing provinces and territories to nominate individuals for permanent residence who are interested in settling in a specific province or territory and have the skills and experience needed to contribute to the local economy. This program plays a vital role in addressing regional labor market needs and promoting economic development across Canada.

Overview of the PNP

Each province and territory (except Quebec and Nunavut) has its own PNP streams that target specific groups of immigrants, such as skilled workers, semi-skilled workers, business individuals, and international graduates. The main goal is to select candidates who are most likely to successfully establish themselves economically within the province or territory that nominates them.

Application Process

The PNP operates under two main streams:

1. Express Entry Stream: This stream is aligned with the federal Express Entry system, which manages applications for three economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class. Candidates who receive a provincial nomination under this stream get an additional 600 points towards their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, significantly increasing their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
2. Non-Express Entry Stream: This stream is for candidates who do not qualify for Express Entry. These candidates apply directly to the province or territory and, if nominated, apply online for permanent residence to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Steps to Apply

1. Choose a Province or Territory: Candidates must first decide where they want to live in Canada. Each province and territory has specific streams and criteria, so it’s essential to research the options available.
2. Apply to the PNP: Submit an application to the desired province or territory. Each has its own application process and eligibility criteria. Some provinces require an expression of interest, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
3. Receive a Provincial Nomination: If the province or territory finds that the candidate meets their needs, they will issue a nomination certificate.
4. Apply for Permanent Residence: With the nomination certificate, candidates apply for permanent residence through IRCC. As of September 23, 2022, it is now mandatory to apply online. If you can’t apply online, and require accommodations, including for a disability, you can ask for the application in another format (paper, braille or large print).

Conclusion

The Provincial Nominee Program is a vital part of Canada’s immigration framework, offering a tailored approach to meeting regional labor market needs and economic priorities. By working closely with provinces and territories, Canada ensures a balanced distribution of immigrants, fostering economic growth and community development across the country. For more information on migrating to Canada and assistance with navigating the immigration process, reach out to us at Koren Law Group.