Each year, many people decide to immigrate from one country to another, whether it is because of their jobs, studies, or exploring point of view.
One such country that provides a home to thousands of immigrants every year is Canada, a country with a multicultural and welcoming environment that promises to offer the best services and safety to its citizens.
However, immigration is not an easy process. There are specific procedures a person has to go through before a country grants the permit of immigration to them.
Canada, as well as particular immigration pathways known as the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Before applying to any such program, you ought to know about it to understand the process thoroughly.
The sections below have covered all the aspects of a Provincial Nominee Program, starting with what a PNP is.
Canadian Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) At A Glance
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is the most accessible pathway of immigration to get you permanent residence in Canada of a particular province or territory there.
To meet the required standards of demographic and economic needs, each province and territory in Canada has its PNP, which is regulated separately.
The Canadian Government initiated this program to increase the number of immigrants to Canada. The program is a strategic route to get the easiest and fastest growing economy for immigration in Canada.
Canada has one of the fastest growing economies in the world and hence is always in dire need of skilled laborers; this is when immigration programs such as PNPs come into the picture and help with the same.
Each year, the number of immigrants through PNP is increased by the Canadian federal government.
Eligibility For The Provincial Nominee Program
When it comes to any program regarding the immigration process, each has its own set of criteria which are to be qualified to be eligible for applying to the program, and hence the same goes for the PNP.
As each province or territory has its separate PNP, the eligibility criteria vary too for every area. It is decided upon the gap in the demand for skilled workers and the supply-demand in the Canada PNP.
Each province has a requirement of skilled workers in a certain amount, and these demands are met by the nominations passed on to the professionals.
Below is the list of requirements a person has to meet to apply for a visa for a Canadian province through PNP:
• A person has to be of at least 21 years of age to apply for the PNP visa
• Every applicant is assessed through the point-based assessment grid, which is the most basic requirement. Each province has a different standard for evaluating the applicant
• The first step for every applicant should be selecting the occupation from the in-demand list of works and choosing your career from the NOC (National Occupation Classification) list, which has skill types A, B, or O. The chosen occupation should come under the NOC list
• Each province’s Provincial Nominee Program has some occupational guidelines which are to be met by the aspiring applicant. It is required that a candidate should have a certain amount of work experience needed for the particular province or territory
• Canada has two official languages, which are English and French. The applicant is required to score certain marks on either of the language tests. For checking English proficiency, there is IELTS, and for French, there is TEF.
These are a few of the requirements that you should be able to meet to get started with your immigration procedure for Canada through the Provincial Nominee Program.
How Does The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Work?
There is a sure way how the Provincial Nominee Program works depending on the standards set by each province or territory.
The PNP program is for the people who can in any way prove themselves to be of help for the country’s overall growth and improvement.
The PNP program accepts people who:
• Wants to live in that particular province or territory
• Have occupational skills and work experience that can aid the growing economy of that province or territory
• Wants to attain Canadian citizenship and be a permanent resident there
If you decide on a particular province or territory, then keep in mind that it will have its requirements and stream (usually the immigration programs targeting certain groups).
To give you an overview, a single province or territory may accept the application preferably of:
• Skilled Workers
• Students
• Business Person
• Semi-skilled Workers
To apply for the PNP programs in Canada, a person needs to understand the application procedure thoroughly to choose the best PNP according to one’s requirements and avoid making any mistakes.
However, you can apply through two methods, mainly depending upon which Provincial Nominee Program you are opting for.
The methods are:
• Paper-Based Process
• Express Entry Process
Remember that these processes require proof of medical examination and a police certificate (or police check).
Below is the overview of both the processes:
1) Paper-Based Process
In the paper-based process, one has to:
• An applicant should apply under a non-express entry stream to the province or territory for nomination
• It is needed to meet the requirements of the province you nominated
• Once a province has nominated you, then the next step is to apply (paper) to IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship of Canada) for permanent residence
• Get done with the medical examination and police certificate (or police check) and submit them
• The paper-based process takes longer than the express entry process
2) Express Entry Process
The Express Entry process is an online process for applying for a PNP program. You can use it in two ways for this process:
• The first one is to contact the province or territory you want to stay within and then apply for the nomination by the express entry process
• If you manage to get the nomination from the province or territory, then you can go ahead with making your express entry profile or can update the shape (if you already have the profile) and show that you have been nominated
• The other one is to create an express entry profile and then show the provinces or territories that you want to live within
• And if in reply, you get a “notification of interest” from the province and territory, you can contact them directly for further procedure
• You can apply to their express entry stream
(If nominated, you will get a nomination certificate from the province or territory to your account, which can be accepted electronically.)
However, it should be noted that in both the processes:
• One should meet all the eligibility criteria of a province or territory
• One should make an express entry profile and submit it as proof that you are eligible for express entry and applying to the particular province's immigration program.
(Once nominated, you should submit your permanent residence application to IRCC.)
Top 10 Provincial Nominee Program In Canada
As mentioned before, each province or territory has its own Provincial Nominee Program and works accordingly. There are 13 provinces and territories in Canada, and each has its benefits.
However, deciding from the lot can be pretty tricky for you, and thus we made a list of top 10 PNPs for you.
1) Ontario Immigration Nominee Program (OINP)
The Ontario Immigration Nominee Program (ONIP) is diversified and dynamic, making it one of the best Canadian Provincial Nominee Programs. This program suits everyone, whether students, skilled workers, or business persons.
The eligibility criteria to get into Ontario Immigration Nominee Program is:
• To have received a notification of interest from the Ontario
• A well-maintained updated profile (either if it's of work experience, education, or language proficiency test)
• The applicant might lie under the federal Express Entry Pool
Under the Express Entry Pool, the ONIP grants an extra 600 CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) to the applicant and is invited to follow up soon after IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) holds a draw from the pool. The Ontario Immigration Nominee Program currently has three Express Entry aligned streams:
• French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream
This French-speaking skilled worker stream is for applicants who can speak both English and French
• Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream
The express entry human capital priorities stream was introduced in 2015 and has been popular since then. The stream is mainly for people who have acquired the required skills and have the education and work experience to meet the occupational standards of the province.
• Skilled Trade Stream
The skilled trade stream is for the applicants who have work experience in trade-in Ontario.
2) British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP)
The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) provides a lot of streams for graduates, skilled workers, and entrepreneurs under the program. The program has two broad streams, mainly for graduates and workers:
• BC Skilled Immigration
This skilled immigration is for the professional or semi-skilled workers in high demand in British Columbia. The program uses a point-based invitation system.
• Express Entry BC
This is one of the fastest ways for skilled workers (if eligible) to immigrate to British Columbia. Additionally, the applicant should be eligible for the federal economic immigration program.
It also uses a point-based invitation system. This is an entirely online procedure for both BCPNP and permanent residency.
3) Alberta Immigration Nominee Program (AINP)
Alberta attracts more immigrants yearly and has become a popular destination amongst newcomers. It offers PNP for non-express as well as express entry applicants.
The program welcomes immigrants to the province who are skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and international students.
The AINP is being handled by the collaboration of two bodies which are the Alberta Government and the federal government. This PNP offers three main streams:
• Alberta Opportunity Stream
This stream is beneficial for the foreign workers who are working in Alberta. To be eligible, foreign workers should have a job offer from an employer in Alberta.
• Alberta Express Entry Stream
The express entry stream is for the candidates invited by the province to apply. The applicant, through express entry, receives an extra 600 SCR score plus an invitation to apply for permanent residence in Canada.
• Alberta Self-Employed Farmer Stream
Alberta's self-employed farmer stream is for skilled farmers eligible to operate a farm in Alberta.
4) Saskatchewan Immigration Nominee Program (SINP)
Under the Saskatchewan Immigration Nominee Program (SINP,) the province of Saskatchewan welcomes express entry applicants and workers (in-demand occupations). The program offers a variety of categories and subcategories for candidates for the immigration process.
The maximum of these subcategories is operated without an express entry system, thus meaning that a candidate can apply for permanent residence nomination without having an express entry profile, being a part of the pool, and waiting for the nomination and invitation for the ITA in a draw.
There are two main streams under SINP:
• Saskatchewan Entrepreneur Program
This is an express entry-aligned sub-category. Under this, the candidate gets an extra 600 SCR score lending them the nomination and invitation to an express entry draw.
• Saskatchewan International Skilled Worker
To embrace the growth of the business opportunities in Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan immigration authorities welcome candidates with entrepreneurial skills.
5) Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
The Nova Scotia Nominee Program offers a wide range of streams to applicants. It has potential newcomers such as temporary foreign workers, entrepreneurs outside of Canada, international students, and skilled workers.
The Nova Scotia Nominee Program has four main streams:
• NSNP Skilled Worker Stream
This is operated outside the express entry system. Under this, the international students and foreign workers are offered permanent residence if they have a job offer from an employer in Nova Scotia.
• NSNP Express Entry
Candidates have many options if they move to Nova Scotia as it maintains an active interaction with the federal express entry pool.
• Physician And Labor Market Priorities For Physicians Streams
The candidates in specific medical fields are welcomed here under the NSNP. The applicants can apply through express and non-express entry streams that provide jobs in their respective areas by contacting the local health authorities for any vacant positions.
• Nova Scotia Labor Market Priorities Stream
The labor market priorities stream has a more flexible approach as it offers permanent residence to the candidates from the express entry pool as per the labor market demands.
6) Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)
The immigration program of Prince Edward Island offers various streams to the applicants in the government of Canada’s express entry pool, graduates of local higher education institutions, and business persons.
Below are the four main PEI PNP streams:
• Business Work Permit Stream
The candidates are into business and want to explore their business in PEI.
• PEI Express Entry
PEI express entry is the crucial part of the PEI PNP as any applicant in the express entry pool is eligible to submit a PEI Expression of interest.
The candidates under this get an extra 600 SCR score which lends them the nomination and the invitation to apply for permanent residence.
• Critical Worker Stream
The skilled workers are in-demand occupations and also have experience.
• International Graduate Stream
If the applicant is a student in PEI college or university and recently worked in the province, then they are eligible to apply for permanent residence in Canada.
7) New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NB PNP)
Do you adore camping? Are you ever ready to spend quality time amidst lush forests, relishing fresh seafood? If you answered a big yes, check out the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NB PNP!)
To apply for the skilled worker stream, you must have an employment offer from a legit New Brunswick employer. Furthermore, you intend to live and work in New Brunswick permanently.
8) Northwest Territories Provincial Nominee Program ( NT PNP)
The Northwest Territories Provincial Nominee Program (NT PNP) is the best choice if you want to see the North's spectacular natural parks and beautiful auroras.
The Employer-Driven stream is focused on skilled workers with a permanent job offer and includes an Express Entry option for quick immigration to Canada.
9) Yukon Provincial Nominee Program (YPNP)
If you plan to live around and admire the wildlife and pristine glaciers of Yukon, then the Yukon Provincial Nominee Program (YPNP) is for you.
You are eligible for the Yukon Express Entry or Skilled Worker streams if you hold a permanent and full-time job offer.
10) Newfoundland And Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NL PNP)
It goes without saying that a friendly sense of community and innate beauty are prerequisites when you decide to migrate to another country, and Canada offers you just that.
If you don't know which province is suitable for you that fulfills the above, the island of Newfoundland and mainland Labrador is your answer.
Here are two important things to note about the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (PNP.)
• The International Graduate Category (IGC) is meant for recently graduated individuals who possess both - a Post-Graduate Work Permit and a job offer.l
• Some jobs also make you eligible for the Skilled Worker Express Entry Category, which speeds up the immigration process
How Much Does It Cost To Immigrate Through A PNP?
The immigration process requires a lot of money, whether it's about the application procedure, visa, flight expenses, or many other expenses. It is advised to know the cost beforehand to lay out your budget accordingly.
Immigration through the Canadian Provincial Nominee Program can cost $2,300 to $3,800. The variation in expenses can be seen from program to program to choose to immigrate.
For example, a few provinces do not charge application processing fees, whereas Ontario, on the other hand, can charge CAD 1,500 for the same.
Below is the list of different expenses one can expect while applying for immigration through PNP:
Advantages And Disadvantages Of The Provincial Nominee Program
When you opt for anything in general, it has its share of advantages and disadvantages, which is normal. However, we often look for advantages and ignore the drawbacks, which can trouble us afterward.
The same goes for the Canadian Provincial Nominee Program, so it is recommended to analyze both advantages and disadvantages and then opt for any of the PNPs.
Here Are The Benefits Of PNP For Canadian Immigration.
• The foremost use of these PNPs is that one is not bound to get high CRS scores to immigrate to Canada successfully. The whole immigration process through PNP made it a lot easier for everyone.
For example, if you got a total score of 400 in your CRS and met all the requirements for a PNP of a particular province or territory, your profile will be selected without many issues regarding the SCR scores.
The immigration through PNP has made things a lot easier as upon getting the nomination from a province, an applicant receives an extra 600 SCR score which ultimately increases the overall SCR score.
• The second advantage is that moving to provinces like Manitoba, Alberta, and Saskatchewan, where there is less competition for jobs, will grant you a job quickly. On the other hand, big cities such as Vancouver or Toronto, where there is high job competition, will make it harder for you to land a job.
• Another advantage is that the cost of living in the provinces will be much less than in big cities like Toronto or Vancouver. There is a significant difference in the expenses such as accommodation, groceries, and transportation.
A Few Drawbacks Of PNP For Canadian Immigration Are:
• Under the Provincial Nominee Program for immigration to Canada, people are bound to live in the allotted province for at least two years. One has to sign a contract with officials stating that they would reside in the same area for a certain period, unlike the express entry, where you are allowed to immigrate to any part of the country without any issue.
• Immigration through the Provincial Nominee Program takes up more time than express entry as every province or territory has different rules and regulations which are to be followed, which makes the whole process a lot slower.
• Regarding job offers, the express entry does not require you to have any job offers. In contrast, in the Provincial Nominee Program, few provinces look to offer a candidate before nominating as every province has its criteria for selecting the applicants.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) have made whole immigration to Canada a lot easier, including other benefits. Canada has a lot to offer with its free education and healthcare, safety, and right to settle and work anywhere throughout the country.
The permanent residents of Canada can avail the benefits of Canadian citizenship after a continuous stay of three years in Canada, making it the top choice for immigrants.
To make the whole process smooth, the Canadian Government introduced Provincial Nominee Programs, which accept record-breaking immigrants worldwide.
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