Immigrating to Canada as a Provincial Nominee
Under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Canadian Provinces and Territories have the authority to nominate applicants for Canadian Permanent Residence. Each PNP is different and tailored to provincial and territorial priorities. Several PNP streams offer opportunities for international graduates, investors, farm owners and operators, skilled workers (at NOC 0, A and B level) and semi-skilled workers (at NOC C and D level).
There are over 80 PNP streams available. Programs change, and streams are added and removed frequently, so thorough research is important. To see if you qualify for any PNP programs, fill out Meridian Immigration's free online assessment today.
We will explore the possibility of a provincial nomination for anyone who:
- Has a job offer from an employer in Canada
- Is currently working in Canada or abroad, in a skilled and/or in-demand occupation
- Is studying in, or has recently graduated from, a study program in Canada
- Intends to invest and/or open a business in Canada
Express Entry and PNPs
Getting status as a Provincial Nominee greatly increases your chances for permanent residence under the Federal Skilled Worker program, the Federal Skilled Trades program, and the Canadian Experience Class.
- Candidates who meet the minimum requirements under one of these three programs can apply through the corresponding PNP Express Entry Stream first. They create a regular online Express Entry profile once the receive a provincial nomination
- Provinces and territories can also invite candidates who are already in the Express Entry pool, and who qualify for a PNP stream, to become a Provincial Nominee
A provincial nomination is highly desirable, as it will give the applicant a substantial number of additional CRS points (600). This virtually guarantees that a Provincial Nominee in the Express Entry pool will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Permanent Resident status.
Candidates for PNP streams outside the Express Entry system are directly selected through the Provinces or Territories. After that they can submit an application for permanent residence to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) right away.
Links to PNP Streams, by Province/Territory:
Quebec Immigration
The province of Quebec has more control over immigration policies and runs its own programs for the selection of refugees and economic immigrants.
Quebec has three key immigration programs focused on permanent residence:
- The Quebec Skilled Worker program
- The Quebec Experience Class program (a fast-track program for people who have studied or worked in the Province)
- The Quebec Business/Entrepreneur program
As Quebec is a predominantly francophone province several of its immigration programs require at least an intermediate level of French proficiency. Successful applicants under the Quebec immigration programs will obtain Canadian Permanent Resident Status, similar to the PNPs from other provinces and territories.
See also
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