Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Canada’s provincial nominee programs (PNPs) offer a pathway to Canadian permanent residence for individuals who are interested in immigrating to a specific Canadian province or territory.
Provincial Nominee Program Application Process
Each Canadian province and territory operates its own PNP designed to meet its specific economic and demographic needs.
Am I eligible for a Canadian PNP?
If you have a connection to a province or work experience or skills that are indicated as in-demand, you may be eligible for a Canadian PNP. The eligibility factors for PNPs vary from province to province. As PNPs are a part of an economic immigration strategy, they are usually organized in such a way that they attract workers who can readily contribute to the economy and who have a high likelihood of remaining in that province. Therefore, some PNPs prioritize immigrants who have experience in occupations that are in-demand in that province. Other PNPs prefer immigrants who have a connection to the province, like a relative, as this increases the chance that they will remain in the province.
What are the requirements for Canada’s PNPs?
Provinces and territories are often looking for applicants with work experience that meets the needs of their specific labour market, often in addition to other language and education requirements. Each province sets their own eligibility requirements for language proficiency, education, and skill set. In order to qualify, you must also demonstrate that you will be able to contribute to the local economy and have a genuine intention to settle in that province or territory.
What is the processing time for a PNP application?
Processing times for nomination applications vary from one province to the next, but it typically takes a few months. Applying for Canadian permanent residence through a PNP program is a two-step process. First, you must apply to the province. Once that has been approved, you must then submit your application to the federal government. Only the federal government can grant you Canadian PR. The processing time for your permanent residence application will depend on whether you submitted a ‘base’ or ‘enhanced’ PNP application.
Can I qualify for a PNP if I don’t qualify for Express Entry?
Many PNPs require that applicants have an active profile in the Express Entry pool. However, there are exceptions to this where some provinces issue nominations to applicants who do not have Express Entry eligibility. These programs vary in their eligibility requirements, so it is best to consult with a representative to discuss your eligibility. All PNPs resulting in a nomination require that the applicant then submit a permanent resident application to the federal government. If the PNP is not aligned with Express Entry, the federal permanent residency application must be submitted through a different portal, or by paper. A non-Express Entry PNP application is typically subject to longer processing times.
What are the documents required for a PNP ?
Candidates must provide documentation that demonstrates their eligibility for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) they are applying to. Most provinces typically require: language results; educational credential assessment (ECA) reports; proof of work experience; proof of settlement funds; civil documents; and status documents Many PNPs also require proof that the applicant intends to reside in their province upon being nominated. Other required documents will depend on the program you are applying under.