Provincial
Nominee Program (PNP)
Skilled foreign workers are in demand in different parts of Canada. Therefore, many territories and provinces have cooperated with the national government to develop the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) that seeks to meet the needs of these local areas for qualified workers.
Usually, a foreign worker is required to submit a PNP application to the territory or province where they prefer to live and work in Canada. If they are granted a nomination by the territory or province, they can apply for a Canadian visa with the national government to be able to immigrate. This is because the national government has the sole power to issue a Canadian visa.
Participating Provinces
and Territories
Provinces and territories that take part in the PNP include the following:
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Ontario
- Prince Edward Island
- Saskatchewan
- Yukon Territory
You should keep in mind that the province of Quebec, which has a French-speaking population, is not included in this program. Therefore, applicants who want to reside and work in Quebec should submit an application to the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP). The said program has its own process and requirements.
PNP Requirements
The general requirements vary with each Canadian immigration program. Territories and provinces that are part of the PNP likewise have their own eligibility requirements and procedures. The basic criteria for the PNP will usually include the following:
- Having work experience for a qualifying position that is in-demand in the territory or province
- Holder of a suitable post-secondary degree or training for an in-demand job
- Having satisfactory knowledge of the English or French language
- Being within a certain age range can be a requirement
- A minimum points score may be required by some PNPs (points are given for different factors)
- Foreign workers must agree to work in the territory or province that gave them the nomination
- They might be required to have a connection to the territory or province
- Before applying for a Canadian PR Visa, applicants need to have a provincial nomination
- Foreign workers and their families must be in good health and have good character
- Provide documents that will satisfy the criteria for Canadian immigration
Procedure
The procedure of applying for a PNP might vary depending on the territory or province in Canada. Nevertheless, the following are the main steps you need to go through:
Step 1: Application for a PNP
Foreign workers can submit a PNP application in any of the territories or provinces that participate by using the Non-Express Entry Stream or by filing the Express Entry profile. The former is a traditional method where applicants can submit their applications online or through the mail. The latter can be completed only online. Once a PNP applicant gets nominated by a territory or province, they go to the next step of the Canadian immigration procedure.
Step 2: Application for Permanent Residency in Canada
Applicants can apply for a Canadian Permanent Resident Visa when they get their nomination from a territory or province and/or receive an ITA or Invitation to Apply through the Express Entry system.
This second major step is when applicants file their official Application for a Permanent Resident Visa to Canada, submit all the needed requirements, and pay the application fee. Some of the documents needed are police certificate(s), results of medical exams, and financial documents.
After the applicants get approved by the Canadian immigration agency, they will get a COPR or Confirmation of Permanent Residence. Moreover, their passports will be stamped with their Canadian PR Visa. New residents who immigrate to Canada will be required to show these documents to the authorities when they enter the country.
Advantages of Having
Permanent Residency
Foreign workers and their families who permanently move to Canada by the PNP can receive a lot of benefits. For instance, permanent residents can live in Canada for as long as they want. Moreover, they can enjoy the quality education offered in Canada which can provide various opportunities not only to them, but also to their family members.
Permanent residents can legally work in Canada. They can also opt to start their own business and can own property there. Furthermore, they are eligible to receive free world-class healthcare and can get a driver’s license in the province or territory where they live in Canada.
Additionally, if they satisfy the criteria, they can sponsor specific members of their family for a Canadian visa. They can also freely travel in and out of Canada and appreciate the scenery, quality of life, and peacefulness that this amazing country has to offer.
After living in Canada for 3 years and meeting other criteria, they can submit a Canadian citizenship application. Once citizenship is granted, they can get a Canadian passport which will give them a lot of opportunities to visit many countries. Citizens of Canada can also vote in elections and run for public office.
