Many provinces in Canada depend on skilled workers for their economic growth and to address their labor market needs. Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs allow high-skilled foreign workers and experienced entrepreneurs to obtain permanent residency in Canada. To qualify for the Canada PNP program, nominees must demonstrate skills to fill job shortages in the specific province. They must also have sufficient funds to settle with their family.If you get the nomination by any PNP, you may apply for a permanent residency status with your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children.

 

The main aim of the PNP Canada is to distribute the benefits of immigration across Canada. The program was first launched in 1998, and since then it has become the most popular way for skilled professionals to immigrate to Canada after Express Entry. Prior to its launch, the majority of immigrants would immigrate to big cities like Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia. Now, the situation is different as Canada continues to witness a broader distribution of immigrants in Prairie Provinces Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba) and Atlantic provinces (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador PNP).  These regions are successful in attracting immigrants because of their comprehensive immigration system and flexible eligibility criteria.

• Getting a provincial nomination speeds up the immigration process, typically within six months.
• No job offer is required
• Select your desired province to settle down.
• Some PNPs accept applicants with low CRS scores.
• Avail provincial benefits after landing in the province.
• Live and work in a specific province for at least two years and then move to another province.
• The applicant can include their family members in the application.
• Get 600 additional points with a provincial nomination.
• Saskatchewan and Manitoba are the provinces with no strict regulations for language proficiency and CRS score.

Each PNP has at least one immigration stream that is aligned with the federal Express Entry system. Provincial nominations issued via Express Entry-aligned streams are ‘enhanced nominations’. The most significant benefit of receiving a nomination from the PNP stream is that Express Entry gives 600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points to the applicant, strengthening their chances of getting an invitation in the next draw. Another way to obtain permanent residence through the PNP is via a ‘base’ stream. In this case, you can directly apply to a PNP stream, and once you get a provincial nomination, the federal government will process your permanent residence application.

Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program- the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program is designed by the province of Saskatchewan to meet the labor and demographic needs of the region.

Saskatchewan PNP offers different immigration categories based on your profile and skill type.

• Saskatchewan International Skilled Worker Program
• Saskatchewan Experience Program
• Saskatchewan Business Immigration Program

 

Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) – the Alberta PNP program comprises three streams: The Alberta Opportunity Stream, the Alberta Express Entry Stream, and the Self-Employed Farmer Stream. The province grants a provincial nomination certificate to skilled workers who fulfill the program’s essential eligibility criteria and demonstrate genuine intention to live and work in the province.

 

British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) – The BC PNP has the Skills Immigration, Express Entry BC, and Entrepreneur Immigration Streams. These streams are divided into sub-categories to welcome skilled foreign workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs with skills needed in B.C.

 

Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) – Manitoba PNP consists of several streams that nominate skilled professionals and their immediate family members who plan to work and live

 

New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) – The provincial nominee program has streams that target entrepreneurs, international graduates, and skilled workers with valid job offers and applicants with an active Express Entry profile.

 

Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) – Through this program, Nova Scotia nominates eligible skilled workers, international graduates, entrepreneurs seeking to settle permanently in the province. The program has several economic immigration categories, out of which three are aligned with the Express Entry system.

 

Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) – The Ontario provincial nominee program nominates overseas workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs with the skills, experience, and qualifications to settle in the province. The applicants must also demonstrate a genuine intention to settle in Ontario.

 

Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) – As a PNP Canada, the NLPNP allows skilled workers, international students, and foreign entrepreneurs to apply for a permanent residency in the province. Applicants must meet program-specific criteria such as a job or job offer, intent to reside, and the ability to become economically established in the province.

 

Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) – Prince Edward Island in Canada runs its provincial nominee program for skilled workers, international graduates, entrepreneurs who demonstrate who wish to live and work in PEI.

 

The documents required for the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) depend on the specific qualifying criteria. The most common documents are:

• General application form filled by the primary applicant.
• Form attested by the spouse and other dependents.
• Recent passport-size photographs
• A valid passport and proof of identity
• Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report
• Language skills results
• Proof of fund
• Medical certificate and police clearance certificate
• Other supporting documents
• Letter of intent/statement of purpose

The time taken depends on the application process.If you apply through the Paper-based process, then it will take 1-2 years. however, Express Entry applicants can get the decision on their application within six months.