Provincial Nomination Program
How does Provincial Nomination
Program (PNP) work?
Skilled foreign workers interested in settling and working in the desired province can get shortlisted to such a province under the Provincial Nomination Program (PNP). The immigration program is targeted at making foreign nationals fill shortages in the Canadian job market. Selected and qualified foreign workers can get their permanent residency status approved directly through PNPs.
Territories in Canada oversee the applications of Provincial Nomination Program applicants. Each province has immigration policies backing the requirements needed to get selected under PNPs. Applicants need to be sure their qualifications and skill set meet the overall eligibility requirements of a province before sending in their PNP applications. Under the PNP, foreign nationals can come into Canada without necessarily having a job offer yet.
Eligibility requirements for PNP
Applicants must first make a decision on the territory or province in Canada they’d love to work and live in. An economic immigration program like the Provincial Nomination Program mostly favors applicants with – proficiency in either English or French languages, high levels of education, and a considerable amount of work experience. The age range also plays an important role in the selection process as young applicants get picked over much older ones.
Annually, provinces in Canada scout for foreign skilled experts for the execution of their economy-building projects for the year. To be a part of the selected few needed for specific job opportunities, applicants need to possess more job-seeking qualities and skills. Applicants that have relatives already residing in the intending province have higher chances of getting picked under the program.
Self-employed foreign immigrants or persons with arranged employments get an edge over others. The employment opportunity shows that the applicant for permanent residency already contributes to the Canadian economy in the little way they can. That’s enough reason to approve their permanent residency applications.
Ways to apply for the Provincial Nomination Program (PNP)
Direct PNP application
Candidates can choose to apply directly under the PNP of their selected province. However, applicants need to thoroughly review the immigration policies guiding immigrants under the province’s PNPs. Meeting the necessary criteria qualifies a candidate for the selection process by the province which is a direct procedure for obtaining permanent residency.
Express Entry system
Foreign nationals seeking permanent residency under PNPs in Canada can also consider going through the Express Entry system. Application for permanent residency through Express Entry helps skilled workers and foreign professionals speed up their selection process. Applicants get an Invitation to Apply (ITA) after passing the initial screen stage for obtaining permanent residency - after which they are nominated to their selected province.
Frequently asked questions
Applicants have to first send in their applications to the desired province. Upon approval, the province then sends an invite through the government for the selected candidate to begin their permanent residency processing.
Ideally, it should take between 6 months and a year to get feedback from the submitted applications. Candidates should be aware that the Provincial Nomination Program does not grant permanent residency.
The Express Entry system is a means of fast-tracking your permanent residency process just like the Provincial Nomination Program. However, some provinces make it mandatory for applicants to qualify for one of the Express Entry streams. On the other hand, others select qualified candidates who do not necessarily qualify for Express Entry or apply at all.
In summary, candidates need to again read through their desired province’s immigration policies and PNP requirements to certain of the eligibility criteria.
