General Information
The Canada Provincial Nomination Program (PNP Canada) allows provinces to nominate individuals who wish to immigrate to Canada and who are interested in settling in a particular province.
Provincial nominees (PN) are selected based on their ability to contribute to the province’s economic development. Usually, but not always, a genuine Canadian job offer from an employer within the province is a requirement under the Provincial Nomination Program. Most provinces in Canada participate in the Provincial Nomination Program (PNP Canada). Participating provinces sign agreements with Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) that allow them to directly select immigrants who meet the requirements they have established. Immigrants who wish to apply as a Provincial Nominee must first apply to the province where they wish to settle:
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland Labrador
- Nova Scotia
- Prince Edward Island
- Saskatchewan
- Yukon
Before submitting an application to immigrate to Canada, a nominee must first receive a Provincial Nomination Certificate (PNP Canada Certificate) from the province. After a successful nomination by a province, a separate application must be made to CIC for Immigration to Canada (Permanent Resident visa). The Province of Quebec, where Montreal is located, does not participate in the Provincial Nomination Program. Rather, the government of Quebec and Canada have entered into a series of agreements, by which Quebec has established its own selection criteria for all economic immigrants who indicate their intention to reside in that province. The Province of Ontario, where Ottawa and Toronto are located, does not participate in the Provincial Nomination Program at the present time. Individuals interested in residing in Ontario, after they immigrate to Canada, must qualify for a Canada Immigration Visa under one of the other categories or they can apply under Federal Business Class or Federal Skilled workers.
Which provinces participate in the provincial nomination program ?
The following provinces participate in the Provincial Nomination Program:
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland Labrador
- Nova Scotia
- Prince Edward Island
- Saskatchewan
What is the advantage of obtaining a provincial nomination ?
A Provincial Nomination means that your application for a Canada Immigration Visa will be processed faster and that you will arrive in Canada sooner.
Where and when does an application under the provincial nomination program get submitted ?
An application under the Provincial Nomination Program is submitted to the appropriate provincial government office, before submitting an application for a Canadian Immigration Visa.