Understanding Provincial Nominee Program - What is PNP?

What is Provincial Nominee Program?

The PNP program is a way that individuals that want to settle in Canada can fast-track their application. All provinces within Canada except for Quebec have varying selection programs which allow them to sign special agreements that confirm certain immigrants are able to meet their requirements. With the provincial nominee program, these individuals can get residency permanently a lot faster than those without.

Why was this program introduced?

The reason for the express entry for those wishing to become permanent citizens is so that each territory/province is able to select certain individuals and families that are likely to be an asset to the community to skip many of the hurdles they would usually need to jump. Having the necessary education, skills and expertise allow them to contribute to the community as well as the province's economy which of course is advantageous to have them live in Canada on a permanent basis. In order for the provincial nominee program applicant to be accepted.

How prospective immigrants can benefit from this program?

There are two reasons why getting a provincial nominal certificate is beneficial for immigrants. The first is that they will be deemed beneficial to the area’s economy because they have the necessary skills to fill a specific job role that may have a shortage of qualifying applicants making permanent residency in Canada in the areas best interests. This allows them to get express entry over others. In some cases, applicants who would be refused residency if they had applied under the Federal Immigration Program are able to gain permanent residency through the PNP program. The process is a lot shorter taking a maximum of 9 months whereas without it could take up to 30!

What are its eligibility requirements?

To apply for a provincial nominal certificate applicant must meet specific eligibility criteria. This criterion can differ depending on what the province you wish to reside in requires. For example, to meet the requirements for Saskatchewan express entry you would need to have a job seeker validation code and an entry profile number. There is a specific score system whereby applicants taking the PNP program for permanent residency in Canada need to score 60 out of a possible 100. Applicants must also be able to provide language test results that will show you are able to communicate effectively enough to work and settle in Canada. Your education will need to at least match the education system provided in Canada. Work experience in the area that matches in-demand job roles is also advantageous for making you an asset to the country and province. Finally, being able to provide proof and a plausible plan that will be put into action should you be granted a provincial nominal certificate including a proof that you have enough money to support yourself and where applicable family members.

As all provinces have varied needs it’s a good idea to check these before applying to avoid refusal as in some cases only one application is allowed. Others request you meet the requirements before you are allowed to reapply for permanent residency in Canada. If you have started a business in the province that is beneficial to the province's economy or have invested money this is of course also seen as beneficial making you eligible to apply for the provincial nominee program.

How they can apply for it?

To apply for the PNP program you must complete the provinces express entry profile showing that you are able to meet their criteria. The second thing to do is to check the processing times.  If you find you need to make any changes to the application, you should get in touch as soon as possible to avoid the application being delayed. Changes include getting married/divorced, a new child joining the family whether through birth or adoption, your immigration representative changes, you change your contact details, you have decided you wish to live in a different province.

The next step of the express entry Canada immigration process is the assessment which involves checking that all requirements are met and that the application processing fee has been paid. If the PNP program application has been filled in incorrectly or you have not submitted all requested documents your application will be rejected. A medical exam is part of the process ensuring that you do not have any conditions or disabilities or have any family members with health problems that could be a danger to health and safety of the general public or will cause a huge demand on the health services. A police certificate will also be required to ensure you do not post a public security risk. These should be from all countries that you have lived in for more than 6 months since your 18^th birthday.

If all information is correct and you meet the provincial nominal certificate eligibility criteria a decision will be made. Once approved you will be asked to provide either your passport or a copy of it and be requested to pay a Right of Permanent Residence fee. Once you have done so you will then receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence and certification to prove this. When you arrive for permanent residency in Canada this documentation will be needed.  The final step is to get ready to settle.

For more information, check out: 

http://www.canadaexpressentry.org/provincial-nominee-program/ontario.php

http://www.canadaexpressentry.org/provincial-nominee-program/

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/permanent-residence/express-entry/provincial-nominee-program.html

https://thevisa.ca/immigration-blogs/what-is-the-provincial-nominee-program-pnp-and-what-provinces-take-part-in-pnp.html