The foremost step to applying for Provincial Nominee Programs in Canada includes checking the province’s list and understanding the point of destination where you would like to move. However, it is recommended that candidates thoroughly check the PNP requirements to decide on their eligibility. The second step would be to begin applying for the selected PNP by directly submitting an application for a chosen province or territory.

Thirdly, attain a Provincial Nomination Certificate through province or territory when you’re successful in your application. Lastly, ensure your application submission to the federal government of Canada for Canadian Permanent Residence. In case you have selected a PNP aligning with the Express Entry, you may submit the application online. However, if this is not the situation then you must take the paper-based application approach only.

Application process of Base PNP

There are certain PNPs that don’t require an Express Entry profile for applying and such PNPs are referred to as Base PNPs. Although the nomination process will vary for every program, the standard process will include applying for nomination and applying for Canadian PR through the portal of Permanent Residence, if candidates receive a nomination.

After attaining nomination through a Canadian province or territory, individuals have the chance to apply for Canadian PR to IRCC through the online PR portal.

Also, the processing time for Base PNP applications might take longer than usual compared to the online applications of the Express Entry system. Under this system, the average processing timeframe is nearly six months for Canadian Permanent Residence applications. Meanwhile, the non-electronic applications will take nearly 18 months to get processed.

The Express Entry system- understanding its application procedure

The Express Entry system’s application procedure involves a few essential steps. The first step includes the creation of an Express Entry account and submitting its profile. The next step will be to apply through a PNP aligned with Express Entry. The third step will be to receive a nomination under the Express Entry stream. Next, it will be vital to provide your confirmation for the Express Entry and obtain the extra 600 points successfully. Patiently wait for an invitation to apply for Permanent Residency in Canada. Lastly, don’t forget to apply for Canadian PR through the Express Entry system.

All the Provincial Nominee Programs vary drastically from each other. Hence, the procedure to apply and receive nominations through the Express Entry system also differs based on each program. For instance, certain PNPs only accept applications from those who are qualified. Hence, those who have the essential qualification might submit applications as and when they’re ready. On the other hand, other PNPs use a system of Expression of Interest. This EOI system indicates that qualified candidates are supposed to submit their profiles which are further ranked on a points basis, and this way, their chances of receiving a nomination improve. Lastly, there are a few PNPs that also issue invitations to foreign nationals for application submission. These programs either select candidates directly from the pool of Express Entry or let interested candidates formally submit an EOI.

Overall, the application procedure for PNP can be a bit challenging to perceive, and candidates have higher chances of facing rejections if they submit inaccurate or incomplete applications.

Therefore, it is crucial for them to submit their application through the right portal and ensure they submit correct and complete applications.

The total PNPs in Canada

Collectively, there are nearly 80 PNPs in Canada because each province or territory has a separate PNP through which it functions, excluding Nunavut and Quebec.

Express Entry PNPs

In 2015, Express Entry came into effect as an online PR application management system through its three major economic class immigration programs. Ever since, several provinces or territories have created Enhanced PNP streams that align with Express Entry. Furthermore, this also indicates that many PNP demand applicants to have an Express Entry profile so that they can fulfill the other eligibility conditions of PNP. Also, if an applicant receives a nomination through PNP, which is aligned with Express Entry, then they will get an extra 600 points under the Comprehensive Ranking System. This also indicates certainty regarding receiving an ITA for Canadian Permanent Residency in the upcoming Express Entry draw.

Contrarily, if an applicant receives a nomination through a non-Express Entry aligned PNP, they must act as a provincial nominee and submit a non-Express Entry application. These PR applications (non-Express Entry federal) might take a longer processing time compared to the electronic applications.

What is the immigration cost through a PNP?

The Canadian immigration cost through a PNP will range between $2,300 and $3,800 CAD; however, it will crucially rely on the program through which the applicant is supposed to immigrate. A few provinces might not charge any processing fee from the applicants, while Ontario will charge nearly $1,500 CAD.

• The average cost of language tests- $300.
• Educational Credential Assessment cost (on average)- $200.
• Biometrics cost will be $85 per person.
• The government fee will be $1,325 for adults, while for a child it will be $225.
• The average cost of the medical examination will be around $450 per adult and $250 per child.
• $100 per country is the average cost for Police Clearance Certificates.
• The processing fee for PNPs will be up to $1,500 CAD.

The total cost will be between $2,300 and $3,800 CAD.

Will it be possible for a candidate to immigrate through a PNP without a valid job offer?

There are several PNPs for candidates coming from international countries without requiring a job offer in Canada. These programs emphasize candidates with skills and work experience that will contribute to the demographic and economic needs of the country.

What is the eligibility for a Canadian PNP?

Being eligible for PNP implies having a connection with a province or work experience and skills that are highly in demand. The eligibility factors will differ based on each province. PNPs are a crucial part of the immigration strategy. These are specifically designed to invite candidates who can particularly contribute to the Canadian economy and those who will readily seek to stay in the province for a longer time. Hence, most PNPs target candidates who are related to in-demand occupations. On the other hand, there are specific PNPs that have a connection with the province, for example, a relative, and this enhances the chances that they will continue to be in the province.

For most economic immigration programs, younger applicants with stronger language skills, higher education levels, and skilled work experience will be the most successful.

Canada Provincial Nominee Programs – what are the requirements?

Canadian provinces and territories are mostly seeking applicants with an active Express Entry profile in the pool. In exceptional circumstances, some provinces also nominate candidates without any eligibility for Express Entry. The eligibility requirements for each province will largely vary from one another. Hence, to analyze their eligibility for specific PNPs, they must consult professionals. Whenever an applicant receives a nomination through a PNP, the applicant will be required to submit a PR application to the federal government.

PNP updates Tracker

PNPs are changeable in their functioning because each province has a different PNP for it. All the provinces have varied demographic requirements and labor force challenges to address. They might operate at different times in one year and might have different durations. Hence, it is vital to visit the tracker page for PNP updates.

Calculation of PNP points

Each province works with a different points system because they all have their own eligibility conditions. This is how they determine whether an applicant is fit to receive a nomination. These points fall under various categories like age, education, work experience, language skills and province’s connections. The different nominee programs don’t essentially use this points system to offer a rank to candidates.

How to increase chances of obtaining a nomination?

A candidate can immediately improve their chances of obtaining a provincial nomination through Express Entry profile submission. Provinces tend to search for candidates in the pool of Express Entry to reach out to candidates who are fit to contribute to the province. Their contribution will be largely based on their ability to meet the demographic and labor force needs. Those with a stronger profile and interest in more than one province will help in increasing the chances of receiving an ITA through an Express Entry PNP.

Most PNPs target those candidates who have stronger connections with the province, hence having prior working or studying experience might increase their chances further of getting an invitation.

What are the attributes of an ideal PNP candidate?

An ideal PNP candidate must possess the following attributes:

• They must be able to meet the requirements of the specific province and also demonstrate the essential skills and work experience to meet such requirements.
• Stronger connections with the host province in the form of prior work experience, employment offers and former studies, and family.
• Work experience related to an in-demand occupation.
• Higher efficiency in language skills.
• Proficiency in French language.

What would be the effect of an IELTS on the PNP score?

A majority of the provinces consider a candidate’s language score when determining their eligibility for the PNP. They will perceive the language score even while they decide on whether a candidate receives a PNP invitation.

Most PNPs keep this as an essential requirement to fulfill the eligibility scoring criteria.

Do PNPs require an ECA report?

Several PNPs demand an ECA report from candidates to prove the Canadian equivalence of their foreign credentials. However, before planning to get the ECA, it is suggested that the applicants check whether their specific province requires them to provide an ECA report or not.

A few provinces might also request the candidates to submit their ECA report results to PNP through the organizations.

What does it mean to receive an invitation to apply for a PNP?

In the context of PNP, an invitation primarily implies a Letter of Interest or Notification of Interest. This is what the province sends the candidate to further apply for a nomination. When a province sends an invitation to applicants, it will also notify them about the number of days within which they will need to submit their application. However, each provincial program will have an independent deadline based on which program or province they have chosen.

What is the working process of the PNP application?

The application process for the PNP will differ based on the program through which the applicant might apply. The three primary processes for PNP are as follows:

1. The Process of Expression of Interest- Certain provinces expect eligible candidates to express their interest by EOI submission to the Express Entry pool of candidates. Furthermore, the province continues to conduct EOI draws where candidates receive invitations to apply for nomination. The requirements of such draws is different for each draw that is conducted. Hence, the candidate will target a candidate’s score based on the specific province’s work experience, a candidate’s score on the grid system of the province, language efficiency, and the highest education qualification. For instance, programs under an EOI system will include Saskatchewan Occupation In-Demand, PEI Express Entry Stream, and Manitoba Skilled Worker Streams.
2. The Notification of Interest Process- The remaining nominee programs invite candidates directly from the pool of Express Entry even when they haven’t applied. Such PNPs focus on candidates who have the essential skills and experience that will enable them to meet the labor market requirements. Programs that send NOI to candidates from the Express Entry pool include Ontario’s French Speaker Stream, Alberta Express Entry Stream, Ontario’s Human Capital Priorities Stream, and Nova Scotia’s Labor Market Priorities Stream.
3. Directly applying to the program- Specific programs permit eligible candidates to directly apply for a nomination. Such programs are as follows:

• New Brunswick Skilled Worker Stream
• BC PNP International Post-Graduate Stream
• Alberta Opportunity Stream

PNP documentation requirement

To show that the candidate has proven his eligibility for a certain program, they must provide the essential documentation. A majority of provinces will require them to submit the following:

• Educational Credential Assessment reports
• Work experience proof
• Settlement funds proof
• Civil documents and status documents
• Language outcomes

Several provinces also expect the applicant to provide about their intention to stay in their specific province once they receive a nomination. However, other supporting documents will depend upon the program they will be applying for.

Canada’s PNPs for healthcare professionals

Healthcare professionals are highly in-demand, and this is primarily one of the reasons why provinces offer PNPs mainly to healthcare workers. PNPs for healthcare workers include Nova Scotia Physicians, Saskatchewan Health Professionals, and Nova Scotia Labor Market Priorities for Physicians.

Canada PNPs for international students

International students largely contribute to the Canadian immigrant population. Hence, there are several Provincial Nominee Programs for Canada’s international graduates to retain them longer in their provinces. These PNPs are as follows:

• Ontario International Students with a Job Offer
• Ontario Masters Graduate
• PEI International Graduate
• Alberta Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
• Saskatchewan Students
• British Columbia International Post-Graduate
• Manitoba International Education Stream
• Alberta Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
• Ontario PhD Graduate
• British Columbia International Graduate
• Nova Scotia International Graduate Entrepreneur

IT Professionals and their Canadian PNPs

The tech sector of Canada is unparalleled due to its extraordinary growth. It is vital to maintain this booming tech sector by fulfilling the provincial requirements for IT professionals. PNPs for IT Professionals are as follows:

• BC PNP Tech Program
• Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway
• Ontario Human Capital Priorities- Tech Draws

Canada’s PNPs for Entrepreneurs

Canadian provinces seek international entrepreneurs because they have the unusual potential to enhance the economy and develop more jobs for Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

PNPs for entrepreneurs are as follows:

• Manitoba Entrepreneur Pathway
• News Brunswick Entrepreneurial Stream
• British Columbia Entrepreneur Immigration Stream
• Manitoba Farm Investor Pathway
• Newfoundland International Graduate Entrepreneur Category
• PEI Work Permit Stream
• Yukon Business Nominee
• Saskatchewan Entrepreneur
• Northwest Entrepreneur
• Saskatchewan Farm Owners and Operators
• Alberta Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
• Ontario Entrepreneur Stream
• Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Stream

Is it crucial to hold work experience to immigrate through a PNP?

A majority of Provincial Nominee Programs demand at least a year of work experience to apply for PNP. However, there are specific nominee programs explicitly developed for post graduate students who don’t require work experience or employment offer to apply. Such programs are Ontario PhD Graduate Stream, British Columbia International Post-Graduate Stream and Ontario Masters Stream.

Is it possible to immigrate through a PNP without IELTS or CELPIP?

Nearly all PNPs require candidates to undertake language proficiency tests from designated and approved institutions for French and English. Those interested in immigrating to a specific province must understand whether they need to fulfill the language requirements for it. You must gain more details about the proficiency level and CLB score required.