Canada is a country that attracts countless people from all over the world who are looking for better opportunities, a high quality of life, and a diverse, welcoming environment. If you are one of those people thinking about making Canada your new home, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) could be your ideal route.
The PNP allows individual provinces and territories to hand-pick candidates who they believe can contribute to their local economy and community. Whether you are a professional with specific skills, a recent graduate, or an aspiring business owner, the PNP provides a tailored approach to obtaining permanent residency.
What is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)?
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is designed for individuals who wish to settle in a particular province or territory in Canada and have the skills, education, and work experience to contribute to the economic development of that province. Each province (except Quebec and Nunavut) operates its own PNP, targeting specific groups such as skilled workers, entrepreneurs, or students. By obtaining a provincial nomination, applicants significantly boost their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residence.
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How the PNP Works?
Under the PNP, Canadian provinces and territories can nominate immigrants for permanent residence. Each province has its own unique criteria, called “streams,” aimed at attracting specific types of immigrants:
- Skilled workers
- International graduates
- Entrepreneurs and investors
- Workers with job offers
Once you are nominated by a province, you can apply to the federal government for permanent residence. Nominees receive a significant advantage in Canada’s immigration system, known as Express Entry, by gaining 600 points on their Comprehensive Ranking Score (CRS), which all but guarantees an ITA for permanent residence.
Benefits of the PNP Program:
There are many benefits of the Provincial Nominee Program:
- Increased CRS points
A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points, making it highly likely to receive an ITA for permanent residence.
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- Pathway to Canadian citizenship
Permanent residents can apply for Canadian citizenship after fulfilling residency requirements.
- Tailored immigration streams
Provinces offer targeted streams, making it easier for workers, students, and entrepreneurs to find the right path.
- Regional settlement options
The PNP encourages immigrants to settle in smaller, less populated provinces where job opportunities are abundant, helping to balance population growth across Canada.
Canadian Provinces Participating in the PNP:
As of now, all Canadian provinces and territories (excluding Quebec and Nunavut) participate in the Provincial Nominee Program:
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Ontario
- Prince Edward Island
- Saskatchewan
- Yukon
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Each of these provinces has multiple streams designed to meet the province’s unique labor market needs and economic priorities.
Eligibility for the PNP:
To qualify for the PNP, you must meet the criteria set by the specific province or territory to which you are applying. Typically, applicants should:
- Have relevant work experience in a high-demand occupation in the province.
- Possess the required education credentials to contribute to the province’s economy.
- Meet language proficiency requirements in English or French.
- Intend to reside in the province that nominated them.
Documents and Forms Required for PNP Application:
When applying under the PNP, you will need to submit specific documents forms, which include:
- Passport and travel documents
- Proof of language proficiency (e.g., IELTS, CELPIP)
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Proof of work experience (letters from employers, pay stubs)
- Police certificates from every country you have lived in for six or more months
- Medical examination results
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) (for degrees earned outside Canada)
- Confirmation of provincial nomination
- IMM 0008: Generic Application Form for Canada
- IMM 5669: Schedule A – Background/Declaration
- IMM 5406: Additional Family Information
- IMM 0008 Schedule 4: Economic Classes – Provincial Nominees
- IMM 5409: Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (if applicable)
Application Process for PNP:
There are two ways to apply for the Provincial Nominee Program:
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1. Applying Through Express Entry
The Express Entry system allows candidates to be considered for immigration based on a points-based system known as the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Provinces can nominate individuals who have expressed interest in their province through the following methods:
- Direct Nomination
You apply to the province’s Express Entry stream directly. If nominated, you can update your Express Entry profile to show your nomination, receiving 600 CRS points.
- Notification of Interest
When creating an Express Entry profile, you can indicate your interest in moving to specific provinces. A province may send you a “notification of interest,” inviting you to apply to their Express Entry stream.
Once you accept a provincial nomination, you receive an additional 600 CRS points, dramatically increasing your chances of being invited to apply for permanent residence.
2. Applying Directly to the Province
You can also apply directly to a province’s PNP stream. The steps involved in this process are as follows:
- Step 1: Select the province you wish to live in.
- Step 2: Visit the province’s official immigration website to review eligibility and application requirements.
- Step 3: Submit your PNP application to the province.
- Step 4: If nominated, you receive a nomination letter.
- Step 5: Submit a paper application for permanent residence to the federal Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
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Processing Time:
12 months is the processing time for PNP application.
PNP Application Fee:
$1525
By choosing the right province and stream, and by properly following the application process, you can significantly improve your chances of being invited to apply for permanent residence and start a new chapter in Canada.