11 Provincial Nominee Pathways to Canadian PR

Canada plans to welcome roughly 81,500 immigrants through the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) in 2022. The Canadian government has an agreement with provinces and territories, which allows them to nominate immigrants who would like to settle in partcipating provinces. There are over 80 PNP programs in Canada, which allow these provinces and territories to nominate qualifying economic immigration candidates for Canadian permanent residence.

For most provinces and territories, Canadian immigration is vital for boosting economies and development in various sectors. It is also needed because a large percentage of the population are of retirement age.

How the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Works

 

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is for workers who wish to relocate to Canada and have the relevant skills sets, credentials and employment experience to have a positive impact on various provinces and territories in Canada. Each region has specific streams or pathways and requirements for this process. This means that they will target a particular skill level, sector, or education level. Some may have opportunities for business people, while others are in desperate need of semi-skilled workers, etc.

The PNP Application process

Your application for a PNP will depend entirely on the stream relevant to you. Some applications are done online, while others are on paper only. You will be required to undergo a medical examination and obtain a police clearance certificate. This applies to all PNP applications, regardless of where in Canada you decide to settle.

The Paper-based PNP Application Process

If you opt for the paper-based process:

1. Apply to the province or territory for nomination via a non-Express Entry stream.
2. You will have to meet the eligibility requirements of the province you get the nomination from.
3. Once nominated, you will have to do your paper application submission for permanent residence to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
4. Take the necessary medical exam and get your police clearance certificate. Everyone must have these checks, regardless of which province you select.

NOTE: Application processing times are longer than through Express Entry.

The Express Entry PNP Application Process

When it comes to the PNP Express Entry process, there are two options for application.

Option 1

You approach the province or territory and apply for a nomination via the Express Entry stream. Once you secure a nomination, you’ll set up an Express Entry profile or simply update your profile, if you’ve already got one. You’ll have to indicate on your profile that you have the nomination.

Option 2

Another option would be to create your Express Entry profile, then demonstrate your interest in your chosen province or territory. If they send you an indication of interest, establish direct contact with them.

If you apply to their Express Entry stream:
If the province nominates you, they'll make an offer via your profile. You’ll then have to accept the offer electronically.
With both options, you will have to meet the requirements laid out by the province or territory. You will have to prove your eligibility for the immigration programs available to you.
You must submit an Express Entry profile and prove that you meet the minimum requirements for Express Entry, including being eligible for one of the immigration programs it covers.
If you get an invitation to apply, you’ll have to submit an electronic application to IRCC.

PNPs and The Express Entry System

Provincial nomination is the most important element in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). One of the great things about PNPs via the Express Entry system, is that you can earn up to 600 additional CRS points.
Applicants get a score out of a possible 1,200 points assigned to an Express Entry applicant. This can be the turning point for the outcome of someone’s success with getting an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
Many PNP streams have CRS cut-off scores that are lower than other Express Entry draws. The province of Alberta's lowest possible CRS score is 300, just getting a nomination could guarantee an ITA.
When applying for PNP, you’ll have to follow the specific guidelines outlined by each province. Go to each province or territory’s website and make contact with the one relevant to your application. Remember, requirements vary from region to region. You should also look out for any changes made to programs, as this happens from time to time.

The list of Canadian Provinces and Territories For PNP:

1. British Columbia
2. Newfoundland and Labrador
3. Alberta
4. Manitoba
5. New Brunswick
6. Yukon
7. Northwest Territories
8. Nova Scotia
9. Manitoba
10. Ontario
11. Prince Edward Island
12. Saskatchewan

Examples of the occupations in provincial in-demand labour

• British Columbia - tourism/hospitality, trucking and food processing
• Newfoundland & Labrador - healthcare, hospitality and tourism, retail,logistics, farming and food processing
• Manitoba - healthcare, food production, etc
• New Brunswick - healthcare, travel, hospitality, retail, trucking, delivery, food processing and farming
• Yukon - retail, hotel staff, drivers, farm workers, cashiers, housekeeping and janitors
• Northwest Territories - retail staff, hotel desk clerks, drivers, farm workers, cashiers, housekeeping and janitors
• Nova Scotia - nurse staff and transport truck drivers Canada, find out more by taking the eligibility test
• Yukon - retail salespersons, hotel desk clerks, truck drivers, farm workers, cashiers, food counter attendants, hotel housekeeping and janitorial services.
• Ontario - agriculture, retail, transportation truck drivers, health and construction
• Prince Edward Island - healthcare, food production, delivery, agriculture, food production and cleaning

FAQS

What are disadvantages to Canada’s PNPs?

Applying through a Provincial Nominee Program can take a long time. It can range anything from 6 to 19 months.

What is the most popular province to work in?

According to the Canadian government, Ontario was the top province for foereign nationals to immigrate to via a PNP. Second is British Columbia, with Saskatchewan, third.

Quebec isn’t on the PNP list. Am I missing something?

Quebec doesn’t take part in the Provincial Nominee Program. The province has a separate agreement with the government that allows it to choose interested individuals. Quebec is the only province in Canada that has permission to make a decision on who is selected. It also has its own set of immigration requirements.

Do I have to choose the Provincial Nomination Program to be able to move to Canada?

No, you don’t. But it is one of the best options that will allow you to live and work in a particular province in Canada. There are many permanent residency programs in Canada, which includes the Express Entry System and Spousal Sponsorship. Find out whether you will qualify for them.
 

The most crucial thing you need to note about applications for provincial nomination is that you have to apply to the correct province. Apply to the province that most needs your skill set. With our eligibility assessment, you will receive advice on the best immigration options for you. We’ll also map out where those skills are most needed in Canada. As soon as you establish your location of choice, you can submit your application.

In this tough economic climate, securing a viable job is quite challenging. Your immigration prospects should be the last of your worries. Use our accredited Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) to improve your chances of success with your Canadian visa application process. You’ll get expert advice on the most suitable program for your needs. Our qualified RCICs are approved by the Canadian government to help you with your eligibility evaluation, review all your documents and paperwork. They’ll also submit your forms for you. Complete our online form and let us take care of the rest!