Author: Yan Desjardins, Founder & Executive Director

With the Provincial Nominees Program (PNP), there are many programs to choose from in many different provinces. In addition, most programs are compatible with the Express Entry program, making the nomination and application for a Canadian visa much faster.

While it is impossible to list all of the programs, we thought we’d explain some of the 3 most common and popular streams available in the different Canadian provinces, with a few programs examples.

Let’s start!

The Skilled Workers Program Streams

Most Provincial Nominees Program offers a skilled worker stream that you can apply for. This stream is similar to federal programs to immigrate to Canada under the skilled category. However, the programs are usually employer-driven, which means that applicants must have an offer of employment from a Canadian employer in the province they wish to immigrate to.

Some provinces have pre-approved labour shortage categories for worker recruitment, but most programs are flexible and allow employers to recruit for their specific needs.

How does it work?

A lot of the skilled worker’s streams function in a similar way to the Express Entry program. Therefore, you will be awarded points based on the same eligibility criteria found in the Express entry scoring system.

First, if you are choosing an employer-driven program, you must start by finding an employer in Canada. To qualify for the job, you must most likely need to meet the language requirements required. You must be able to communicate in the language needed to ensure you can do the job properly and ensure the safety of everyone.

Also, note that the job offers must be genuine, in other words, not provided to you for the sole purpose of immigration. Both PNP and Visa officers will be evaluating this criterion as part of your application. They can also conduct verifications with employers about the details and genuineness of the job offer.

If you intend to work in a licensed or regulated occupation, you must have already obtained the required certificate or license to practise before applying for the PNP.

A few program examples.

We are bringing you a few examples of the skilled worker’s stream you can find. Once again, remember that the programs may change over time, so it is always best to check with the province or with your registered Canadian immigration consultant.

The Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program – Skilled Worker Stream

This stream helps employers recruit foreign workers and recently graduated international students. The eligibility requirements are:

• Have a full-time permanent job offer in Nova Scotia;
• Have sufficient work experience related to the job; 1 year of experience for skilled workers and 6 months for semi-skilled and low-skilled workers.
• Be between 21 to 55 years old;
• Have a minimum of a high school diploma;
• Have sufficient skills and training for the job;
• Meet the language ability benchmark (CLB) Level 5 if you are a skilled worker or CLB 4 for semi-skilled and low-skilled workers.
• Have enough resettlement funds.

The Ontario’s Express Entry Nomination Program

This program works in tandem with the Express Entry program. The province of Ontario recruits nominees directly in the Express Entry program portal using the pool of qualified candidates. Once you receive an invitation from the province to apply for the nomination, you can submit the necessary documents and obtain the certificate after approval.

The requirements are very similar to those of the federal programs to immigrate to Canada under the skilled category. In addition, the Ontario nomination programs offer many different sub-categories like foreign workers, international student graduates and in-demand skills streams.

Now let’s take a look at the options for those who wish to immigrate to Canada as a business.

Provincial Nomination Business Streams

These programs, which have become a very popular component of many of the PNPs across Canada, especially for those wishing to immigrate to Canada as a business.

How does it work?

The different business streams do not have the same requirements as the Canadian visa startup program. For example, instead of securing investments from a designated organization, you may be required to include personal net worth and have a relevant combination of education and business or management experience. In addition, you must have an intention to start a business and employ Canadian citizens or permanent residents in the province you wish to immigrate to.

PNPs have been a faster option for qualified business people than the other federal business program, such as the Canadian visa startup program.

What is expected from you?

It is expected that you will invest funds into an existing business or start a new business venture in your province of choice. Also, you may need to do an exploratory visit in the province or an in-person interview with the provincial government department. For that, your consultant can help you apply for a Canadian tourist visa to complete the visit. In these cases, the provincial authority will issue a convocation letter to ease the Canadian tourist visa process.

If you want to use the PNPs to immigrate to Canada as a business, you will need a business plan or proposal that can help support your business idea. Phan Immigration Canada can help you help with that.

Also, to support your business, a minimum investment will be required to meet the province’s selection criteria. You will also be expected to be actively involved in the ongoing management of the business.

Can you give me an example of a business stream?

Of course! Take a look at the British Columbia – PNP Entrepreneur Immigration Stream. This program offers many pathways to immigrate to Canada as a business. The requirements may vary depending on where you intend to live in British Columbia.

For example, if you choose to establish your business in Vancouver, your capital contribution to the company will be significantly higher than if you decide to go to a smaller city in the province.

There are many other programs available to you in other Canadian provinces. Contact us, and we can help you find the right program for you.

International Student/Graduate Stream

Many of Canada’s provinces have a stream for recent international student graduates who studied in Canada at a designated learning institution.

For many of the provincial programs, candidates would typically have a job offer from a Canadian employer and have studied in Canada for a minimum of 1 year. However, these requirements may differ from one province to another.

Since the candidate is a new graduate, there is often no requirement to have accumulated work experience before starting the job offered as part of the application.

Some programs can require candidates to work for their employer for six months before applying for the nomination certificate.

Like the Canadian Experience Class, the PNP can offer a pathway to permanent residence for international students. Given the numerous student graduate programs available., it is best to check with the province, or even better, with your registered Canadian immigration consultant.

As you can see, Canada offers many ways to live permanently in the many vibrant communities all across the country.

Do you need help determining if you can qualify for any of the PNPs streams? Contact us today. We will happily accompany you every step of the way.

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