Provincial Nominee Program

What is it?

This program is designed for individuals who possess the necessary skills, education, and work experience to make a valuable contribution to the economy of a particular province or territory in Canada. The program is ideal for those who wish to reside in that province and seek permanent residency in Canada. Each province and territory offers its own unique “streams” which are immigration programs that focus on specific groups of individuals and have their own set of requirements. These streams may target a variety of groups such as students, business people, skilled workers, and semi-skilled workers.

To apply for the Provincial Nominee Program stream, you must first determine whether you will be applying through the non-Express Entry process or through Express Entry. Your application method will depend on the stream you are applying to. Regardless of which method you choose, you will be required to undergo a medical exam and obtain a police check (certificate). These checks are mandatory for all applicants, regardless of where they intend to live in Canada.

Provincial Nominee Program, Non-Express Application Process

If you choose to apply through the non-Express Entry process, you will need to follow these general steps:

• Check your eligibility: Before you begin your application, you’ll need to make sure you meet the eligibility requirements for the PNP in the province or territory you’re interested in. These requirements can include things like your work experience, education, language abilities, and more.
• Apply to the province or territory: Once you’ve determined your eligibility, you’ll need to apply directly to the province or territory through their PNP program. Each program will have its own application process, so be sure to follow their instructions carefully.
• Receive a nomination: If your application is successful, you’ll receive a nomination from the province or territory. This nomination is your ticket to apply for permanent residency in Canada through the PNP.
• Apply for permanent residency: After you’ve received your nomination, you’ll need to apply for permanent residency through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The process for this can vary depending on the PNP program you applied through.

As of April 2023, the fees start at 1 365$ and the processing time expected is of 20 months in average.

Provincial Nominee Program Eligibility Requirements

These requirements can vary depending on the province or territory you’re applying to, but in general, you’ll need to have:

1. Work experience: You’ll need to have at least one year of work experience in the occupation you’re applying for. This work experience should be related to your education and training.
2. Education: You’ll need to have a post-secondary education or training that’s related to the occupation you’re applying for. This education or training can be obtained in Canada or abroad.
3. Language abilities: You’ll need to demonstrate that you can speak and understand English or French at the level required for your occupation.
4. Adaptability: You’ll need to show that you can adapt to living and working in Canada. This can include things like having family or friends in Canada, previous work or study experience in Canada, or other ties to the country.
5. Other requirements: Depending on the province or territory you’re applying to, there may be additional requirements you need to meet. These can include things like a minimum net worth, a certain level of investment in the province or territory, or meeting certain health or security requirements.

It’s important to note that meeting these requirements doesn’t guarantee that you’ll be nominated for the PNP. Each province or territory has a limited number of nominations available each year, so competition can be fierce. However, if you do meet the eligibility requirements and are nominated for the PNP, it can be an excellent way to live and work in Canada as a skilled worker.

Applying for the Provincial Nominee Program Online, Non-Express

The process of applying for Canadian permanent residence through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) has been simplified with the introduction of the online application system. Once you have been nominated by a province or territory, you can apply for permanent residence through the online portal. Make sure to follow the instruction guide (IMM P7000) so that you application is not denied.

You will be required to fill out several digital forms online :

• Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008)
• Schedule A – Background/Declaration (IMM 5669)
• Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)
• Supplementary Information – Your travels (IMM 5562)

You will also be required to complete several PDF forms. You don’t need to sign them. You will have to upload them in your online application. As the principal applicant, you will electronically sign them, once for the whole application.

• Document Checklist [IMM 5690]
• Schedule 4: Economic Classes: Provincial Nominees [IMM 0008 SCHEDULE 4]
• Schedule 4A: Economic Classes: Provincial Nominees – Business Nominees [IMM 0008 SCHEDULE 4A] (if applicable)

Some other PDF forms will have to be sign by hand. You will have to print the forms, sign them and scan them to upload to your application.

• Separation Declaration for Minors Travelling to Canada [IMM 5604] (PDF, 609.23 KB), if this applies
• Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union [IMM 5409] (PDF, 636.51 KB), if this applies

Additionally, if you are not truthful in your application for permanent residence, you may face consequences such as having your application refused, being found inadmissible, or being barred from applying for permanent resident status for up to 5 years.

Fees for the Non-Express Entry

Most likely, your fees will encompass processing fees for you and any additional people on your application, the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF), biometrics, and third-party fees. To pay your fees, you must use the online fee tool.

In most instances, you must pay a biometrics fee when submitting your application; otherwise, you might face delays. The biometrics fee covers the cost of gathering fingerprints and a digital photo.

Depending on your circumstances, you may have to pay third parties for:

• medical exams
• police certificates
• language testing
• educational credential evaluation

To determine which fees apply to you, the instruction guide can assist you.

Submit the Application for the Non-Express Entry

Before submitting your application, ensure that you:

• answer all the questions
• electronically sign your application (type your full name exactly as shown on your passport)
• include your processing fee receipt
• upload all supporting documents (you must include a copy of the nomination certificate that the province or territory sent you)

If your application is incomplete, we will reject it, and you will have to fix any errors before resubmitting it.

Express Entry Process

In the Express Entry process, there are two methods to apply :

1. You can contact the province or territory and apply for nomination under an Express Entry stream. If the province or territory agrees to nominate you, you will create an Express Entry profile (or update an existing one) and indicate that you have been nominated.

OR

2. You can create an Express Entry profile and specify your interest in certain provinces or territories. If a province or territory sends a “notification of interest” to your account, you can then contact them directly and apply to their Express Entry stream. If you are nominated, the province or territory will send a nomination certificate to your account, which you must accept electronically.

In either case, you must meet the eligibility requirements set by the province or territory and submit an Express Entry profile that meets the minimum criteria for Express Entry, including eligibility for one of the covered immigration programs. If you receive an invitation to apply, you will then submit an electronic application to IRCC.