The Provincial Nominee Programs
The Provincial Nominee Program is a general name for a variety of programs managed by the provincial governments, aimed at helping each province select and invite candidates for residence within the province. It also enables candidates to apply to a specific province, rather than apply for national Canadian programs.
While it might appear counter-productive to apply to one specific province rather than join the national candidate pool, these programs have many inherent benefits and advantages. They are also the best method Canada’s provinces currently employ to locate and invite the most suitable candidates.
For these reasons, the programs not only continue to run, they are constantly evolving. According to the latest immigration news from Canada – these programs will grow and become the largest part of Canada’s immigration quota during 2020.
A candidate interested in settling in a specific province can use an EOI (Expression of Interest) application, provided they are eligible to apply in the province of their choosing. Each province has different streams and very dynamic needs. The province’s needs change as more people settle there – filling jobs and homes. These changes are reflected in the province’s candidate search. So it is highly recommended to keep on top of news about immigration from your chosen province to ensure you won’t miss out on an application window.
Ask your immigration expert about Provincial Nominees Programs to learn more.
A. Interested in a specific province? Keep this in mind:
- You must be nominated by a Canadian province.
- You will need to apply for permanent residence in Canada with the IRCC
- Each province has its own specific requirements for eligibility and changes can occur at any time.
After being nominated you will need to apply with the IRCC for permanent resident status. This application requires you to pass a Canadian government issued medical examination and submit paperwork to confirm that you don’t have a criminal record, among other things. These are tests are mandatory for all immigration candidates, regardless of program.
We can assist with the entire process, but if you have already been nominated by a province and need help with your PR application, you can fill the application form and one of our representatives will contact you for the next step.
B. Determining your eligibility and qualifying
The first thing you will need to do is determine your job skill level. If it falls into the category of low or semi-skilled jobs (NOC C or D) you will be required to take an English or a French exam to verify your language proficiency in all 4 disciplines: speaking, listening, writing and reading.
C. Applying for these programs has 2 stages:
Stage One:
Once your application has been modified to match the province’s requirements, you will need to submit your application with the province and wait for the province’s decision. The province will process your application – there is no set duration to this process. If the province chooses your application to settle there, you will receive a “Province Nomination” which is essentially an invitation from the province.
Important note: If the province declines your application, you can apply again or try different programs in the same province, another province, or the general national pool.
Stage Two:
After being nominated you will need to apply with the IRCC for permanent resident status. This application requires you to pass a Canadian government issued medical examination and submit paperwork to confirm that you don’t have a criminal record, among other things. These are tests which are mandatory for all immigration candidates, regardless of program.
