Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) serves as a significant immigration route for obtaining a Canada Permanent Resident (PR) Visa, particularly for individuals aiming to establish themselves in a province of their choosing. As Canada seeks to enhance its intake of skilled immigrants through various economic immigration initiatives, the PNP is poised to play an essential role in this endeavor.
For the year 2020, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has established a target of admitting 67,800 new permanent residents, with an increase to 71,300 anticipated for 2021 through the PNP. The PNP, initiated by provincial governments in Canada, facilitates immigration by allowing provinces to select candidates based on their skills, education, and work experience, aligning with the specific economic and labor market demands of each region.
Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program
Individuals aspiring to become permanent residents can apply to various provincial programs that cater to their qualifications. The Provincial Nominee Program not only provides a pathway for settlement in Canada but also enables provinces and territories to nominate qualified candidates for Canadian Permanent Residency.
Furthermore, applicants who receive a nomination through the PNP are awarded an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points when entering the Express Entry pool. Notably, several PNP programs have extended Letters of Interest to candidates with CRS scores below 400. Y-Axis is equipped to assist you in leveraging this substantial opportunity for migration to Canada through our specialized visa and immigration services.
An overview of PNP Program
Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to settle in a specific province or territory. This program allows candidates to apply directly to the province or territory of their choice, ensuring a tailored migration experience.
To enhance your chances of success, it’s crucial to possess the necessary skills, work experience, and educational qualifications that align with the job market demands of that region.
Apply for Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program
- Each province or territory will assess your profile against their labor market needs. If your qualifications meet their criteria, they will provide you with information regarding the application processing timeline. Once your application receives approval, you will need to apply for permanent residency within the specified timeframe. You will also be guided on whether to proceed through the Express Entry system or the standard application route.
- For those opting for the Express Entry PNP pathway, if you haven’t yet joined the Express Entry pool, you must create a profile to gain entry. This can be easily initiated through the Government of Canada portal. Alternatively, if you are nominated through a non-Express Entry PNP stream, you will follow the traditional application process for permanent residency. Embrace this chance to build your future in Canada!
PNP Program Eligibility
Are you considering a provincial nomination? The Provincial Nomination Program is designed for individuals who:
- Possess the skills, education, and work experience needed to enhance the economy of a specific province or territory
- Have a desire to reside in that province
- Aim to achieve permanent residency in Canada
Each province and territory offers unique immigration streams, which are specialized programs targeting specific groups of immigrants. These streams under various PNPs focus on attracting the following categories of immigrants for permanent residency:
- Students
- Entrepreneurs
- Skilled workers
By utilizing PNPs, provinces can effectively address the shortage of skilled labor in their local job markets by selecting immigrants who possess the necessary skills and experience for permanent residency in their region.
How you can apply for Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program?
To apply for a PNP, you must meet the minimum criteria set by the provincial nominee program, which primarily revolves around your qualifications. If you are committed to settling in the province and fulfill the
- Begin your journey to Canada by first assessing your eligibility with the Canada Immigration Points Calculator.
- Next, familiarize yourself with the specific criteria set by the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
- Then, compile a comprehensive checklist of all necessary documents and requirements.
- Once you have everything in order, submit your application for the Canada PNP program.
- Finally, prepare for your exciting new life as you migrate to Canada.
There are several options in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
When applying through the PNP, you have two distinct pathways to choose from:
1. Paper-Based Process
2. Express Entry
Paper-Based Process:
To begin, you must submit an application to the province or territory for nomination via the non-Express Entry stream. If you satisfy the eligibility criteria and your occupation appears on the In-demand Occupation Lists of certain provinces, you will receive a nomination.
This nomination allows you to proceed with your application for a Canada PR Visa. However, be prepared to submit a paper application for your PR visa, as this method typically involves a longer processing time compared to the Express Entry system.
Express Entry System:
There are two approaches to apply through this system:
- You can either reach out to the province or territory to request a nomination or apply directly under the Express Entry stream. If your application is favorably received, you can create or update your Express Entry profile accordingly.
- You can also create an Express Entry profile and show your interest in certain provinces or territories. If a province shows interest by sending you a ‘notification of interest,’ you can reach out to them and continue your application through the Express Entry system. It’s important to meet the eligibility criteria for a successful application.
Canada PNP Criteria
To be eligible for the Canadian PNP program, applicants must provide the following:
- A minimum of 67 points on the Canada PNP Points grid
- Proof of educational qualifications
- Documentation of work experience
- Valid medical insurance
- A police clearance certificate
- Additional supporting documents as required.
The primary factor influencing your application processing time is whether you have submitted your provincial nomination through an Express Entry aligned stream or a different PNP immigration stream that is not connected to the Express Entry program.
The overall processing time encompasses both the duration the provincial government takes to review your initial application and the time the federal government requires to process your application for a Canada PR Visa. Many provinces have significantly shortened their processing times to just a few months or even weeks.
For applications submitted through Express Entry, the federal processing time for most cases is around six months. In contrast, non-Express Entry applications, often referred to as paper applications, generally take between one to two years to be processed at the federal level.
