Canada Provincial Nominee Immigration Programs
Canada is a beautiful country with boundless opportunity for skilled workers. If you are skilled worker and like to immigrate to Canada for permanent residency options you may be eligible through the Provincial Nominee Program. In 2015, the government of Canada nominated approximately 110,000 economic immigrants and these individuals were selected through one of the PNP programs. If you like to immigrate to Canada for PR options then this blog is for you.
What is the Provincial Nominee Program?
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is a fast way of obtaining Canadian permanent residence. The PNP allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals who wish to immigrate to Canada and who are interested in settling in a particular province.
For the immigrants to be selected they must have the skills, education and work experience to contribute to the economy of that province or territory, and must want to live there. Each province and territory has its own set of requirements for PNP nomination. For example, one province may target students, business people, skilled workers or semi-skilled workers while another province may only target business people.
Who can apply for Provincial Nominee Program?
Your eligibility for PNP is determined based on how you apply whether through non-express entry stream (paper based application) or through an Express Entry stream (online application).
If you are applying through the paper-based application process you have to meet the minimum requirements for the province or territory non- Express Entry Streams. Also, you have to be nominated under that stream. Same rule applies if you are applying through the Express Entry stream the only difference is that you must create an Express Entry Online Profile. When creating the Express Entry profile you must show that you meet the minimum requirement for the Express Entry and the requirements of one of the immigration programs it covers.
Keep in mind that there have been changes made to the Express Entry system these changes include:
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Receiving points if you have completed your studies in Canada
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A job offer now has to be valid only for one year
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Some employment offer no longer require an Labour Market Impact Asssessment (LMIA)
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Receiving points for job offer has changed
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Invitation to Apply deadline has changed from 60 days to 90 days
What is the Application Process for PNP Nominees?
The application process is determined for PNP nominees based on which way they decide to apply through paper-based application or Express Entry online option. Whichever option the applicant selects he/she will go through two stages:
First Stage:
Find out which province or territory in Canada you want to live in, once you have figured that out then apply to that province or territory for a nomination. Once the province receives your application they will review it based on:
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Immigration needs of that province or territory
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If your intent is genuine to reside in that province
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For the Express Entry online application- you have to meet the minimum criteria of at least one of the federal immigration programs that are covered by Express Entry. Some of the minimum requirements include meeting language requirements, skilled work experience
Also, when you create your Express Entry profile you will be asked which provinces and territories you will be interested to live in. Once your profile has been created the province or territory may contact you to submit a PNP application so you can be nominated for that province. If you already have received a nomination from a province or territory of interest make sure to include this with your Express Entry Profile. Make sure to keep yourself updated regularly as the criteria by province and territory vary and they can make changes in the eligibility criteria without notice.
If you have a particular interest in a province or territory and like to get nominated simply visit the website for detailed instructions and requirements you need to meet.
Second Stage
Once you have received nomination from the province or territory of interest, you must then apply for permanent residence on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website. Your application will be reviewed based on Canadian immigration laws.
If you received your nomination through Express Entry, you must ensure you received invitation to apply by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) before submitting your electronic application for permanent residence.
Do I need Medical or Police Clearance for PNP Application?
When submitting any permanent residence application you go through medical examination and police clearance. So no matter which province or territory you decide to live you go through routine check up to ensure there is no medical or criminal inadmissibility.
I have submitted PNP application what are the next Steps?
Once you have submitted your application, Citizenship and Immigration Canada will review that you have filled out your application correctly for permanent residence, have paid the application fees, meet requirements for language and education and have included all supporting documents to support your case.
When applying for any immigration application ensure you are truthful with the answers you provide. Should you receive an invitation to apply and you cannot produce the proof of whatever you have claimed your application will be refused. Also, lying on your application you can be found inadmissible and be potentially banned for five years from applying for permanent resident status.
If you applied through paper-based process then the Centralized Intake Office (CIO) will get in touch with you once it confirmed your application is complete. You will be informed of the next steps and what is expected from you. If your application is not complete they will refuse it and refund your processing fees.
If you applied through Express Entry online application, you will receive an Acknowledgment of receipt - Application for permanent residence in your account confirming that your application was sent to CIC. You will be contacted through your MyCIC account once the application is complete. If the application is incomplete it will be refused and refund will be given for the processing fees.
I applied for PNP and my Work Permit Expired can I still Work?
If your current work permit is close to expiration, you may be eligible for a bridging open work permit. If you meet the requirements then you can keep working until you get decision on your permanent residence application. To be eligible to apply you also need the Acknowledgment of receipt - Application for permanent residence.
Contact Akrami & Associates
If you are looking to apply through one of the provincial nominee programs but not sure which province you best qualify under or what requirements you need to meet then contact Akrami & Associates at 416-477-2545 for further details. Our immigration experts have assisted many clients with permanent residence applications and we can help you too.
With Akrami & Associates there is always a way!!