What is a Provincial Nominee Program?
Citizenship and Immigration Canada has entered into bilateral agreements with interesting provinces to permit the admission of a limited number of Provincial Nominees. The program recognizes that provincial governments are best positioned to identify their unique economic needs that can be effectively addressed by immigration of provincial authorities in the selection of immigrants destined to their province. To date agreements have been signed with Newfoundland, New Brunswick, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.
The province of Quebec cooperates with the Government of Canada to select its own immigrants. The applicants are subject to Quebec's Selection Criteria, in addition to Federal medical and security clearance requirements. They must also pay an additional fee for processing by a Quebec Delegation. Applicants who qualify under the Federal Selection Criteria may not necessarily satisfy Quebec's selection requirements, and vice versa.
Citizenship and Immigration Canada retains the authority to make the final decision on an independent application using existing selection and admissibility criteria, including security, criminal, and medical factors for candidates who hold Provincial Nominee Certificates.
Is it easier to meet the Provincial Nominee Program selection criteria?
Generally province recruits immigrants who have specialized professional skills and high likelihood to settle successfully in the province. If you possess those skills the province is looking for, it may be for your advantage to apply under PNP, since a total required number of points a provincial nominee has to achieve to be accepted is lower than under Federal Selection criteria. However, there are no guarantees. Obtaining minimum pass mark score, or any other score, does not automatically qualify an applicant to be a Provincial Nominee. There are a number of other factors to be considered by a Province before exercising its prerogative in nominating any candidate as a Provincial Nominee.
Does it help to have a relative in Canada?
Yes. Having a close relative living in Canada increases your point score under the selection system. The relative must be a permanent resident or Canadian citizen aged 19 or over, and he/she must be a "close relative" (the brother, sister, mother, father, grandparent, aunt, uncle, niece, or nephew of the principal applicant). You must provide documents proving the relationship.
Do I need a passport or travel document?
You and your dependents must have valid passports or travel documents. If any of the documents are to expire soon, you should renew them. Diplomatic, official, service or public affairs passports cannot be used to immigrate to Canada. You must have a valid regular or private passport when you arrive. The validity of your visa may be affected by the validity of your passport.
How is my application assessed?
Applicants (with exception of Family Class) are assessed according to the "selection system". In order to help you assess your chances of qualifying, you should fill out our Skilled Worker Assessment Form, or Business Applicant Assessment Form providing us with the personal information necessary. Points are calculated bases on the following:
- Age;
- Education;
- Arranged employment;
- Work experience;
- Language ability;
- Adaptability.
Will I be subject to background and other checks?
All adults will require a background check. Any related costs are the responsibility of the applicants. Background checks include criminal, security and medical checks.