The Provincial Nomination Program (PNP) allows provinces to nominate individuals who wish to immigrate to Canada and who are interested in settling in a particular province. Provincial Nomination is an important fast-track option for Canadian Permanent Residency. Each Canadian province and one territory has its own unique Provincial Nomination Program (except for Quebec, which has a different selection system).
Provincial and territorial governments have been using these programs to more effectively and efficiently welcome newcomers to their region. Each PNP is tailored to the province’s/territory’s specific needs to select nominees who will be able to settle into life and work in the region and to effectively contribute to the community.
The government of Quebec has announced that it will receive a maximum of 6,300 applications for a Quebec Selection Certificate through its Quebec Skilled Worker Program, which is due to reopen later this year. The cap for the most recent application cycle, which was filled within four months between April 1 and July 30, 2014, was 6,500. New rules regarding the intake of and processing of new applications for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program were expected to be announced by April 1, 2015. While the government of Quebec has announced that the new regulations will be in effect for the period April 1, 2015 to March 31, 2016, it has not yet specified precisely when it will begin accepting applications for the program. Another important detail is whether any changes to the current points-grid will be made. In January, 2015, Quebec released the Area of Training list that will apply to the upcoming application cycle for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program. In December, an updated points-grid was announced. It remains to be seen whether any additional changes to the program will be made before it begins receiving applications. Immigration to Quebec through the Quebec Skilled Worker Program is a two-step process. Potential candidates are assessed through a points-based system that awards points for a candidate’s age, level of education, area of training, work experience, language proficiency, connections to the province, and whether or not the candidate has a validated job offer from an employer in Quebec. Points may also be awarded for the characteristics of an applicant’s spouse or common-law partner and dependent children, if applicable. Eligible candidates who successfully submit a complete and accurate application are issued a Quebec Selection Certificate, at which point they may apply for a Canadian permanent resident visa.
Nova Scotia is a small Canadian province located in the ‘Maritimes’ region of the country. The province is composed of the Nova Scotia peninsula, Cape Breton Island, and over 3,000 smaller islands. Its capital city, Halifax, is known as a major centre for culture and the arts, as well as for its high standard of living. Nova Scotians are closely connected to the sea, and the province is renowned for its coastal beauty and delicious cuisine.
The NSNP is Nova Scotia’s Provincial Nominee Program. Through this program, prospective immigrants with the skills and experience targeted by the province may receive a Nova Scotia Provincial Nomination Certificate, which speeds up the overall immigration process.
Nova Scotia will use the federal government’s Express Entry immigration selection system in order to select candidates for this stream. This stream, which came into effect on January 1, 2015, is for highly-skilled individuals with a have post-secondary education and qualifications that will help them successfully settle in Nova Scotia. There is a list of 29 eligible occupations for this stream.
The province accepts applications under this stream from individuals who have received a job offer from a Nova Scotia employer. Workers in skilled, semi-skilled, and low-skilled occupations may be eligible to apply.
The MPNP is Manitoba’s Provincial Nominee Program. Through this program, prospective immigrants with skills and experience targeted by the province may receive a Manitoba Provincial Nomination Certificate, which speeds up the overall immigration process.
In addition, Manitoba was given an additional 500 nominations, for a total of 5,500, to be accepted in 2015. These additional nominations will be made through a new enhanced Express Entry category, which is aligned with the federal Express Entry immigration selection system. Express Entry candidates nominated by Manitoba will receive an additional 600 points under the Comprehensive Ranking System and receive an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence from Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). CIC has committed to processing times of six months or less for applicants through Express Entry.
This stream facilitates immigration for individuals who have a connection to Manitoba. This connection may be related to work or education experience in Manitoba, or a family member or close friend residing in the province.
Morden, Manitoba is a city lying 112 km southwest of Winnipeg with a population of around 9,000. The Morden Community Driven Immigration Initiative takes an active role in identifying new permanent residents to the community under the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP). Successful candidates will become permanent residents of Canada.
The Morden immigration initiative works with local employers to identify these targeted occupations and satisfy local labour market needs. Candidates must fall within one of the targeted occupations:
The initiative will favour candidates who have experience of living in a rural area, with the ability to adapt to culture and climate. Candidates who fulfil the criteria and have been selected as potential immigrants to Morden under the initiative will be required to make an exploratory visit to the area. The main purpose of the visit is to pass the MPNP interview, though making local contacts and seeking employment opportunities are also suggested.
The SINP is Saskatchewan’s Provincial Nominee Program. Through this program, prospective immigrants with the skills and experience targeted by the province may receive a Saskatchewan Provincial Nomination Certificate, which will allow that foreign national to apply for Canadian Permanent Residence with processing times that are faster than other Canadian immigration classes.
Each these categories may have one or more sub-categories. Below we provide you with additional information about each of these categories to help you determine if the SINP is right for you.