Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
This program is for workers who have the skills, education and work experience to contribute to the economy of a specific province or territory, want to live in that province, and want to become permanent residents of Canada
Each province and territory has its own “streams” (immigration programs that target certain groups) and requirements. For example, in a program stream, provinces and territories may target students, business, people, skilled workers, and semi-skilled workers
What is the Process?
Provinces or Territories set their own selection criteria and guidelines for selecting qualified applicants who, if issued a certificate of nomination, must apply for permanent residence through IRCC and undergo an inadmissibility assessment by a visa officer who has the final decision on the application Successful applicants must reside in the province/territory that nominated them.
There are two application stages to apply for nomination:
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Application to the province for nomination
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nomination through Express Entry or
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nomination through Paper-Based application
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Application to the visa office (IRCC) for permanent residence
General Eligibility Requirements
General requirements:
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Intent and ability to become economically established in the province of application by joining the labour market on the full-time basis
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Full-time permanent job offer in an eligible occupation (if applicable)
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Sufficient settlement funds
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Appropriate qualifications, training, skills, accreditation required for the job
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NOC 0, A, B occupations require CLB 5 or higher marks in language skills
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Mandatory CLB 4 or higher marks in language skills for NOC C, D occupations
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Legal status in the country of current residence
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LMIA may be required
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Expression of Interest (EOI) may be required
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Intend to live outside of Quebec
NOTE:
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If work experience in Canada, must have been authorized (it does not include work without visa or while on a refugee claim)
What are the Restrictions to apply for PR under PNP Program?
Following are some situations/scenarios when you are not eligible to apply for Permanent Residence under PNP programs:
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Failed/unresolved refugee or H&C claim
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Under a removal order
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Illegal status in Canada
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Applicant or any family member found inadmissible or have criminal record
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Misrepresentation from candidate or employer
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Nominated but did not apply for PR within 6 months of nomination
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Job offer affects a labour dispute in progress
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Passive investment in business
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In case of students, being under the condition of a grant/scholarship with return obligations to their home country
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Working as a Caregiver or Seasonal Worker
Common reasons for PNP application Refusal
There are three bases upon which a provincial nominee who meets all statutory admissibility requirements can be refused a visa:
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The officer has reason to believe that the applicant does not intend to live in the province that has nominated them;
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The officer has reason to believe that the applicant is unlikely to be able to successfully establish economically in Canada; and
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The officer has reason to believe that the applicant is participating in, or intends to participate in, a passive investment or an immigration-linked investment scheme as defined in R87(5) to R87(9) of the Regulations.
Where our expertise helps
Our experts at Kingfisher Immigration can help you by:
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Conducting a FREE Assessment and determining your eligibility for different Provincial Nominee Program (PNPs)
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Providing you advice on the different immigration programs available to you under Express Entry
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Creating your Express Entry Profile
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Completing your Visa Application formalities if you are invited to apply under any of the programs