Provincial Programs

Each of Canada’s 10 provinces and 3 territories (except Quebec, which has a different selection system) has its own Canadian immigration streams – which is why Canada has over 60+ immigration programs.

Facts about the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

• Each province and territory has different PNPs tailored to the province’s specific job related needs and taking into consideration who will settle into their province the most effectively.
• The admission requirements may be less stringent than the federal Express Entry system.
• Extra Canadian Immigration points for having relatives living in Canada in some provinces.
• Provincial nominations can be an excellent way to secure permanent residency. In 2015, in the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program had a target of 5,200 nominations.

 

A brief summary of each of the programs:

Ontario

OINP searches the Express Entry pool and identifies potential candidates who meet the criteria of the following programs: Ontario Express Entry: Human Capital Priorities and Ontario Express Entry: French-Speaking Skilled Worker. The CRS Score cut-off for the Human Capital Priorities program is 400 points – which has been lower than the cut off for the federal Express Entry system. There is no cut-off for the French-Speaking Skilled Worker program. Candidates must have an intention to live in Ontario.

There are also Ontario immigration programs for Masters Graduates and PhD Graduates.

British Columbia

The BC PNP offers an economic immigration pathway for in demand foreign workers and experienced entrepreneurs who can contribute economically to the province. The streams include Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC. A valid job offer is required for all BC immigration streams (other than Post-Graduates).

Alberta

The AINP offers options for both skilled and semi-skilled workers and the application a candidate must complete will be different depending on the category. The immigration streams are as follows: Employer Driven Stream (employers must make a job offer under one of the categories of Skilled Worker, International Graduate and Semi-Skilled Worker), Strategic Recruitment Stream and Self-Employed Farmer Stream.

Manitoba

The MPNP for Skilled Workers is locally driven and based on the needs of Manitoba employers. The Government of Manitoba uses a points-based system to assess candidates and select internationally trained and experienced workers who can demonstrate a strong connection to the province through family or friends (Manitoba Support), previously completed education or employment (Manitoba Experience), or by invitation of the MPNP (Manitoba Invitation). Candidates must score 60 points according to eligibility factors such as education, language proficiency, work experience, age and adaptability.

Saskatchewan

The SNIP International Skilled Worker Category is for skilled workers abroad who want to work and live in Saskatchewan. There are three categories (1) candidates with a job offer, (2) candidates with a Job in Demand, and (3) Saskatchewan Express Entry. Candidates with a job offer must have work experience of one year or more in an “Job in Demand”.

New Brunswick

Candidates are asked to complete an expression of interest and submit it to the NBPNP. The highest ranked candidates may be invited to apply to NBPNP Express Entry Labour Market Stream. The province has but some restrictions on who can apply, so be sure to check what the current restrictions are. Candidates may be required to attend an information session on New Brunswick before they apply.

Nova Scotia

Through the NSNP, candidates who have the skills and experience required by the Province of Nova Scotia may be nominated to immigrate. The different NSNP streams are: International Graduate Entrepreneur, Skilled Worker, Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry and Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry.

Newfoundland

Candidates must determine which category they belong to – Express Entry Skilled Worker, Skilled Worker or International Graduate. Candidates complete all required provincial and federal forms for their category and gather the required supporting documentation. Once this is completed the candidate will send in all forms and documentation to the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism.

Prince Edward Island

The PEI PNP has 3 immigration streams: Skilled Worker Stream, Critical Worker Stream and International Graduate Stream. The Skilled Worker Stream is for employers that have identified candidates that they would like to support for permanent residency.

Northwest Territories

Employers may recruit and hire candidates who wish to work and live in the Northwest Territories when there are no qualified Canadians or permanent residents available. There are three program streams employers may use to hire foreign nationals: Critical Impact Workers, Skilled Workers and Express Entry System for Skilled Workers.

Yukon

When eligible Yukon employers cannot find Canadian citizens or permanent residents to fill permanent full-time jobs, they can find workers from outside of Canada. The YNP streams for Skilled Workers and Critical Impact Workers is locally driven and based on the needs of Yukon employers.

Please note: Quebec has a separate immigration system to the Federal Express Entry. Candidates are assessed on their area of training, work experience, language proficiency, age, prior relationship with Quebec, the human capital factors of the applicant’s spouse or common-law partner (if applicable), and whether or not the applicant has a validated job offer from an employer in Quebec. The Quebec system is still processed on a first-come, first-served basis.