Canada encourages applications for Permanent Residence from people with skilled abilities, education and work experience that will contribute to the Canadian economy. One of the most significant programs is known as the Provincial Nominee Program or PNP. This is a system that allows the territorial and/or provincial governments to select immigrants based on the specific economic needs of that territory or province.

How PNP Works:

You should discuss the approach to obtaining Permanent Resident status with a legal expert familiar with how the PNP System works.

Currently, the following provinces and territories are able to nominate potential immigrants:

• Alberta
• British Columbia
• Manitoba
• New Brunswick
• Newfoundland and Labrador
• Northwest Territories
• Nova Scotia
• Ontario
• Prince Edward Island
• Saskatchewan
• The Yukon Territory

Each province or territory has its own specific immigration procedures. In order to become a nominee, applicants must first submit an application to the province they are interested in. If they are accepted, they can make an application to IRCC for their Permanent Residence. When applying to IRCC at the federal stage, the federal government will review issues such as medical tests, criminal background and financial stability in making a final decision.

PNP and Express Entry

If you use the Express Entry approach, you must meet the individualized requirements of the province or territory, get a nomination in that Express Entry stream, submit an Express Entry profile (proving you are eligible), and also meet one of the immigration program requirements that are aligned with Express Entry. These include:

• Business Class Program
• Federal Skilled Trades Program
• Canadian Experience Class Program
• Federal Skilled Workers Program

The use of the PNP is a great way of ensuring you have the best chances at a streamlined immigration method and will work in an industry in which you have specific skills. The provinces and territories each have unique needs, and it may be a very wise choice to explore which of these areas are experiencing the greatest demand for people with your professional skills and experiences. We are available to assist you with PNP.

Contact us today at (403) 452-9515 Ext. 100 or 1-800-932-1190 or email us directly.