Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Canada has set a goal to embrace approximately 83,500 fresh arrivals through the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) in 2022. Canada boasts over 80 provincial nomination programs, which empower participating provinces and territories to endorse suitable candidates seeking economic immigration for the purpose of obtaining Canadian permanent residency. Discover further insights into the various types of Provincial Nominee Programs, which offer thrilling alternative pathways to Canada.
About Canada's Provincial Nominee Programs
The Canadian government has entered into an agreement with provincial authorities, enabling them to designate individuals who desire to reside, establish themselves, and engage in employment within a specific province or, in essence, immigrate to Canada. To obtain a visa through the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), applicants must select a province of their preference and subsequently seek nomination.
The province will then evaluate the application in accordance with its requirements for immigration and labor, while also considering the applicant’s authentic commitment to settling in the province.
For the majority of provinces, Canadian immigration plays a crucial role in not only fostering local economies and facilitating progress in key sectors but also providing support to an aging population.
What is a Provincial Nominee Program?
In most provinces across Canada, there have been established Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) that facilitate accelerated immigration procedures based on the specific needs of each province. Essentially, these programs expedite the immigration process in accordance with provincial requirements. There are essentially two primary categories of PNP programs.
The first category is the PNP for skilled workers. Under this program, skilled workers who have received a job offer from a local business within the province, in an occupation or sector that aligns with the province’s specific needs, can benefit from faster processing. Some PNP streams may also have additional criteria, such as having a job offer from a local employer, possessing work experience within the province or territory, and demonstrating adaptability and familial connections to individuals residing in the province.
The second category is the business immigration program. Most business-focused PNPs facilitate expedited immigration processing if the applicant engages in one of the following activities within the province: establishing a new business, making investments, or entering into a joint venture with a local business. These activities contribute to the economic growth and development of the province, which is why they are granted preferential processing.
What are the processing times for PNP applications?
When applying for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), the initial stage involves the province reviewing and granting approval for the application. In most instances, this initial stage is swiftly completed. The provincial processing time can vary from two weeks to nine months, depending on the specific province. The PNP approval is commonly referred to as being “nominated” by the Provincial Nominee Program.
Following the PNP approval, the subsequent step entails federal approval, which encompasses various checks such as police, medical, and security assessments. Typically, this stage takes around 6-8 months, although it can be longer in certain cases. Once the PNP nomination is granted, the PNP can assist the nominee in expediting the process of obtaining a work visa before immigrating to Canada.
How Does the Provincial Nominee Program Work?
When seeking permanent residence through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) in the Canadian immigration system, you have two primary options available:
Apply directly to a province or territory: In this option, you submit your application directly to the specific province or territory you wish to reside in. This involves following the guidelines and criteria set by that province or territory for their PNP. The processing and assessment of your application will be carried out by the provincial authorities.
The Express Entry-linked process: This option is linked to the Express Entry system, which is a federal program designed to manage applications for permanent residence. Within the Express Entry system, many provinces and territories have their own PNP streams. If you create an Express Entry profile and express your interest in a particular province or territory, they can directly select your profile from the Express Entry pool and issue a provincial nomination, provided you meet their specific requirements. This pathway offers faster processing times and an increased chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
Both options have their own advantages, and the choice depends on your individual circumstances and preferences.
Direct Application Process
If you decide to apply for a provincial nomination directly to your chosen province, it typically involves submitting a paper application through mail or courier. It’s important to note that this process is generally known to be lengthy, and it may take approximately 15 to 19 months before you receive a decision on the success of your application.
During this time, the province will thoroughly review and assess your application based on their specific criteria and requirements. They will evaluate factors such as your qualifications, work experience, language proficiency, and your genuine intention to settle in the province. The processing time can vary depending on the province and the volume of applications they receive.
It’s crucial to be patient throughout this period and ensure that all the necessary documents and information are accurately provided to avoid any delays or complications in the processing of your application.
Express Entry Application Process
If you decide to apply for a provincial nomination directly to your chosen province, it typically involves submitting a paper application through mail or courier. It’s important to note that this process is generally known to be lengthy, and it may take approximately 15 to 19 months before you receive a decision on the success of your application.
During this time, the province will thoroughly review and assess your application based on their specific criteria and requirements. They will evaluate factors such as your qualifications, work experience, language proficiency, and your genuine intention to settle in the province. The processing time can vary depending on the province and the volume of applications they receive.
It’s crucial to be patient throughout this period and ensure that all the necessary documents and information are accurately provided to avoid any delays or complications in the processing of your application.
