Canada’s PNP or Provincial Nominee Program is a wonderful way for people wishing to get permanent residence in a specified province and territory in Canada. This program helps fill specific provinces’ economic and labour needs, thereby benefiting the locality with skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and students.
If you have dreamed of settling down in Canada, then the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) might be a great opportunity for you.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
The PNP gives the provinces and territories the ability to nominate people willing to settle in a province based on their skills if they meet the needs of that particular province with regards to its specific economic requirements. Each province has its streams encompassing skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and students, thus making this program suitable for a wide range of applicants.
After nomination by the PNP, if you are in the Express Entry pool, you get 600 extra points up, thus improving your chances of receiving a Canadian permanent residence (PR) visa. Some PNP programs will even nominate people who have a CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) score less than 400.
Benefits
- Custom Immigration Path: Choose a province that matches your strengths and goals.
- CRS Points Boost: Nomination adds 600 points to your Express Entry score.
- Accelerated Processing Time: PNP applications are processed in six months as compared to Express Entry.
- Flexibility: Both Express Entry and paper-based applications are available, depending on the needs of different applicants.
How does it work?
There are two major ways to apply for the PNP:
- Paper-based Application:
- Apply directly to a province or territory.
- If you are nominated, you can submit your paper-based PR visa application to the central government.
- This process takes longer, which can be around 1-2 years.
- Express Entry:
- There are two ways to apply under Express Entry:
- Direct Nomination: Contact the province to obtain a nomination, and if successful, you can update the nomination in your Express Entry profile.
- Notification of Interest: Create an Express Entry profile and show interest in particular provinces. If a notification of interest is received from a province, you can apply.
- Applications under Express Entry are processed faster, with central processing times typically taking six months.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the PNP you must meet the following requirements:
- Have at least 67 points on the Canada PNP Points Grid.
- Have a relevant educational qualification.
- Provide proof of work experience.
- Provide valid medical insurance.
- Provide a police clearance certificate.
- Submit other documents required by the province.
Eligibility criteria may vary slightly from province to province, so it is important to study the specific requirements of the province you wish to apply to.
Specialties
PNP streams often target workers whose specialties are in high demand in a particular province.
- Entrepreneurs: Many provinces have PNP streams that target entrepreneurs who intend to start or invest in a business in Canada.
- Students: International students with Canadian education and work experience also find value in PNP programs.
Application Process
- Check Your Eligibility: Check your points using the Canada Immigration Points Calculator.
- Choose a Province: Study the PNP programs offered by different provinces and territories.
- Gather Your Documents: Gather educational qualifications, work experience proof and other required documents.
- Submit Application: Apply through the provincial program or Express Entry as per your path.
- Wait for Approval: Once nominated, complete the application for permanent residence.
Processing Time
- Express Entry: Central processing takes about six months.
- Non-Express Entry: Paper-based application can take 1-2 years.
The total processing time also depends on the time taken by the province to review the nomination application.
Conclusion
Canada’s PNP program is a unique opportunity for obtaining permanent residence based on the unique set of skills, qualifications and aspirations relevant to you. It’s a straightforward and viable approach for skilled workers, businesspeople, and students alike to get settled in Canada and carve out a life in their province of choice. A program such as this, with its flexible requirements and numerous benefits, is one worthy of serious consideration.
FAQs
What is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)?
The PNP allows Canadian provinces to nominate candidates for permanent residency based on specific local labor market needs and skills.
How does the Express Entry system work with PNP?
Express Entry integrates PNP by awarding additional points for provincial nominations, increasing candidates’ chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply.
What are the eligibility requirements for PNP?
Eligibility depends on factors like work experience, language proficiency, education, and the specific province’s labor market needs.
