Provincial Nominee Program

Alberta – one of Canada’s most economically and socially dynamic provinces. Located in Western Canada, the province with a rapidly growing economy and home to two of Canada’s largest cities-Calgary and Edmonton, the most populous of the country’s three ‘prairie provinces’. Renowned as the most beautiful part of North America, with famous national parks such as Banff and Jasper.

Through the AINP is Alberta’s Provincial Nominee Program, prospective immigrants with the appropriate skills and experience are targeted by the province who may receive an Alberta Provincial Nomination Certificate, which will speed up the overall Alberta immigrant process.

The AINP consists of three main immigration streams:
• The Strategic Recruitment Stream
• The Employer Driver Stream
• The Self-Employed Farmer Stream

These streams are further broken down into sub-categories, as follows:

Strategic Recruitment Stream –
This stream is to apply for Alberta PNP express entry without employer support. It consists of four categories:
• Compulsory and Optional Trades Category — Individuals who hold either an Alberta Qualification Certificate or a Recognized Trade Certificate may be eligible for this program. Personnel must be residing in Alberta on a valid work permit at the time of application.

• Engineering Occupations Category — Applicants must be engineers, designers, and drafters with Alberta work experience in one of 12 designated occupations.

• Post Graduate Worker Category — For individuals who have graduated from a recognized post-secondary institution in Alberta, and are currently working in Alberta in one of 12 designated occupations on a Post-Graduation Work Permit, may be eligible for this program.

• Employer-Driven Stream – This stream allows employers to nominate their workers to the AINP for immigration. By doing so, the applicants have the comfort of knowing that their job prospects are bright after becoming Permanent Residents, and the employers can also retain the workers they need. This stream consists of three sub-categories:
• Skilled Worker Category — Individuals with permanent, full-time job offer in an eligible skilled occupation. They need not be working in Alberta at the time of application.
• International Graduate Category — Individuals who have graduation certificate from a recognized post-secondary institution in Canada, hold a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit, and have received a permanent, full-time job offer from an Alberta employer
• Semi-Skilled Worker Category — Temporary foreign workers who have received a permanent, full-time job offer from an Alberta employer in an eligible semi-skilled occupation

Self-Employed Farmer Stream –
This stream offers permanent residents with the farming experience and personal funds to purchase and develop a farm in Alberta. Applicants are farm owner/operators who plan to live in Canada in order to purchase and manage their farming business.

Located between the provinces of Ontario and Saskatchewan, the Province of Manitoba is in many ways the gateway to western Canada. With an economy based largely on natural resources and agriculture, it is a major driver of Canada’s wealth. Manitoba’s population of approximately 1.2 million is located largely in and around the capital city of Winnipeg. Manitoba’s benefit from tight-knit communities, a stable labor market, and sweeping natural wilderness.

The MPNP is Manitoba’s Provincial Nominee Program. Through this program, prospective immigrants with skills and experience targeted by the province may receive a Manitoba Provincial Nomination Certificate, which speeds up the overall immigration process.

THE MPNP CONSISTS OF THREE MAIN IMMIGRATION STREAMS:
• Manitoba Invitation
• Manitoba Connection
• Business Investor

In addition, Manitoba was given an additional SOO nominations, for a total of 5,500, to be accepted in 2015. These additional nominations will be made through a new enhanced Express Entry category, which is aligned with the Federal Express Entry immigration selection system. Express Entry candidates nominated by Manitoba will receive an additional 600 points under the Comprehensive Ranking System and receive an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence from Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). CIC has committed to processing times of six months or less for applicants through Express Entry.

There are three ways in which the province and potential candidates may immigrate to Manitoba, both through Express Entry and outside Express Entry:
• Skilled Worker applicants eligible for a federal economic immigration program can enter the Express Entry pool. Manitoba may select candidates from this pool
• Skilled Worker applicants are also encouraged to apply directly to MPNP. MPNP may then select candidates and instruct them to enter the federal Express Entry pool, if they have not already done so; or
• MPNP will continue to nominate applicants directly through the existing skilled worker and business categories. Provincial nominees will not need to apply through Express Entry, but will instead submit a separate and complete application for PR to CIC after they have been approved as a MPN.

MANITOBA INVITATION
Through this stream, individuals are targeted by MPNP officials and then invited to apply for permanent residence. Provincial officials make regular trips abroad to search for prospective immigrants under this stream.

MANITOBA CONNECTION
This stream facilitates immigration for individuals who have a connection to Manitoba. This connection may be related to work or education experience in Manitoba, or a family member or close friend residing in the province.

BUSINESS INVESTOR
Individuals who wish to invest in Manitoba can do so through this stream. This process operates on an ‘Expression of Interest’ system, whereby prospective applicants submit their intention to apply to the program, and the most qualified are invited to apply for immigration.

IMMIGRATION TO MORDEN, MANITOBA
One particular initiative for immigration to Manitoba is the Morden Community Driven Immigration Initiative. This rural town, situated 112 km southwest of Winnipeg, is actively looking for new immigrants in certain occupations. Immigration to Morden is conducted through the MPNP.

British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
British Columbia, Canada’s westernmost province, is a hub of cultural diversity and economic growth. Home to the country’s third-largest city, Vancouver, British Columbia is also one of the most diverse provinces in all of Canada. British Columbia’s economy focuses on a strong natural resources sector, with an emphasis on forestry and mining. Its natural environment, with expansive forests and a unique coastal climate, is renowned as one of the most beautiful in Canada and the world.

The BC PNP is British Columbia’s Provincial Nominee Program. Through this program, prospective immigrants with the skills and experience targeted by the province may receive a British Columbia Provincial Nomination Certificate, which will allow that foreign national to apply for Canadian Permanent Residence with processing times that are faster than other Canadian immigration classes.

The BC PNP accepts applications under two main immigration categories:
• Skills Immigration.
• Business Immigration.
Each these categories may have one or more sub-categories. Below we provide you with additional information about each of these categories to help you determine if the BC PNP is right for you.

SKILLS IMMIGRATION
British Columbia will nominate up to 1,350 skilled applicants for Canadian permanent residence in 2015 under this its Express Entry British Columbia stream, which aligns with the federal government’s Express Entry immigration selection system. The British Columbia Express Entry stream allows eligible applicants to receive priority processing of both their B.C. PNP application, and if nominated, their permanent residence application.

The Skilled Worker category (including Health Care Professionals), International Graduates category, and International Post Graduates category may be processed through Express Entry British Columbia.

Skilled Worker Category – This sub-category is for individuals who have received an eligible job offer in a skilled occupation. Workers are expected to have several years of experience in their skilled occupation.

Health Care Professional Category – Under this sub-category, individuals with experience and eligible job offers, as physicians, nurses, psychiatric nurses or allied health professionals may apply. An eligible job offer must be acquired for one of 11 qualifying health occupations.

International Graduates, B.C. Degree Category – This sub-category is for graduates with Masters or Doctoral degrees from an eligible educational institution in British Columbia. No job offer is required to apply under this sub-category.

International Graduates, Canadian Degree Category – This sub-category is for individuals who have graduated from an eligible Canadian university or college outside of British Columbia in the last two years. A job offer must be obtained to be eligible under this sub-category.

Entry Level and Semi-Skilled Worker Category – Workers in certain entry-level or semi-skilled positions in tourism/hospitality, food processing, or long-haul trucking may be eligible for immigration through this program.

Northeast Pilot Project Category – Individuals living and working in the Northeast Development Region of British Columbia, including in occupations considered semi- and unskilled, may be eligible for this program without the need for a job offer.

BUSINESS IMMIGRATION
Individuals who intend to settle and invest in British Columbia may be eligible for Canadian Permanent Residency under this immigration program. This program is broken down into three sub-categories:
Entrepreneur Category – This sub-category is for senior managers or business owners who intend to invest funds into a proposed business in British Columbia.
Regional Entrepreneur Category – Senior managers or business owners who intend to invest funds into a proposed business in British Columbia, anywhere outside of the Vancouver and Abbots ford metropolitan areas, may apply under this sub-category.

Strategic Projects Category – Through this category, foreign-controlled companies can set up an operation in British Columbia. Up to five key foreign managerial, professional or technical staff members can be nominated for permanent residency in the province.

Regional Business Succession Option – For individuals who intend to purchase and manage an existing British Columbia business. This option can be applied to any of the three categories above where the business is located outside of the Vancouver and Abbots ford metropolitan areas. If successful, applicants will receive priority processing.

New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)
New Brunswick is one Canada’s Maritime provinces. It is the only officially bilingual province in Canada, with about 30 per cent of the population speaking French as a first language. New Brunswick is home to a number of cities, including Fredericton, Saint John and Moncton.

The NB PNP is New Brunswick’s Provincial Nominee Program. Through this program, prospective immigrants with the skills and experience targeted by the province may receive a New Brunswick Provincial Nomination Certificate, which will allow that foreign national to apply for Canadian Permanent Residence with processing times that are faster than other Canadian immigration classes.

The NB PNP accepts applications under three immigration categories:
• Skilled Workers with Family Support
• Business Immigration
• Skilled Worker with Employer Support

SKILLED WORKERS WITH FAMILY SUPPORT –  This category targets individuals with close family ties to the province, in doing so providing a means for families to reunite in Canada.
Interestingly, this category does not require the applicant to have a job offer from an employer in New Brunswick.

BUSINESS IMMIGRATION
The province accepts applications under this category from individuals who plan to own and actively manage a business in New Brunswick. Applicants are expected to make a monetary investment in the business.

SKILLED WORKERS WITH EMPLOYER SUPPORT
The province accepts applications under this category from individuals who have received a full-time, permanent job offer from a New Brunswick employer.

Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program
The province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada’s easternmost province, may be one of the country’s best kept secrets. The province consists of two distinct land masses – Labrador, which is connected to the mainland of Canada, and the nearby island of Newfoundland. A large number of its residents live in the provincial capital of St. John’s, which enjoy a lively culture that draws heavily from its coastal environment. The province has recently evolved into a significant economic force in the Canadian landscape due to a boom in energy and natural resources.

The NLPNP is Newfoundland and Labrador’s Provincial Nominee Program. Through this program, prospective immigrants with the skills and experience targeted by the province may receive a Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nomination Certificate, which will allow that foreign national to apply for Canadian Permanent Residence with processing times that are faster than other Canadian immigration classes.

The NLPNP will announce the criteria for the new NL Express Entry Skilled Worker category at some stage in 2015 and will be accepting applications thereafter.

The NL Express Entry Skilled Worker category will enable the NLPNP to nominate candidates through the federal Express Entry system. The NL Express Entry Skilled Worker category will be for skilled workers with jobs or job offers. Prospective immigrants who have been accepted into the federal Express Entry pool will be able to apply to the NL Express Entry Skilled Worker category. Individuals nominated by the NLPNP will receive additional points under the Comprehensive Ranking System, resulting in an invitation to apply for Canadian permanent residence. Details regarding the NL Express Entry criteria will be posted here.

The NLPNP accepts applications under three immigration categories:
• Skilled Worker Category
• International Graduate Category
• Immigrant Entrepreneur Category

Below we have provided additional information about these categories to help you determine if the NLPNP is the right program for you.
SKILLED WORKER CATEGORY
The province accepts applications under this category from individuals who have received a guaranteed job offer from a Newfoundland and Labrador employer. Individuals who are currently working in the province on a valid work permit may also be eligible.

INTERNATIONAL GRADUATE CATEGORY
The province accepts applications under this category from recent graduates of an eligible Canadian post-secondary institution who remain in Canada on a Post-Graduate Work Permit. Applicants must also have either a current job or job offer from a Newfoundland and Labrador employer.

IMMIGRANT ENTREPRENEUR CATEGORY
The province accepts applications under this category from individuals who plan to either start a business or purchase an existing business in the province. At the time of publication, this program is currently under review and not yet accepting applications.

THE NOVA SCOTIA NOMINEE PROGRAM (PNP)
Nova Scotia is a small Canadian province located in the ‘Maritimes’ region of the country. The province is composed of the Nova Scotia peninsula, Cape Breton Island, and over 3,000 smaller islands. lt’s capital city, Halifax, is known as a major center for culture and the arts, as well as for its high standard of living. Nova Scotians are closely connected to the sea, and the province is renowned for its coastal beauty and delicious cuisine.

The NSNP is Nova Scotia’s Provincial Nominee Program. Through this program, prospective immigrants with the skills and experience targeted by the province may receive a Nova Scotia Provincial Nomination Certificate, which speeds up the overall immigration process.

The NSNP accepts applications under three immigration streams:
• Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry;
• Skilled Worker Stream; and
• Family Business Worker.

NOVA SCOTIA DEMAND: EXPRESS ENTRY
Nova Scotia will use the federal government’s Express Entry immigration selection system in order to select candidates for this stream. This stream, which came into effect on January 1, 2015, is for highly-skilled individuals with a have post-secondary education and qualifications that will help them successfully settle in Nova Scotia. There is a list of 29 eligible occupations for this stream.

SKILLED WORKER STREAM
The province accepts applications under this stream from individuals who have received a job offer from a Nova Scotia employer. Workers in skilled, semi-skilled, and low-skilled occupations may be eligible to apply.

FAMILY BUSINESS WORKER STREAM
The province accepts applications under this stream from workers who have received an offer of employment from a close family member in Nova Scotia.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SUB-STREAM
International graduates of Canadian colleges or universities who have received an offer of employment from a Nova Scotia employer may be eligible to apply under the Skilled Worker Stream.

Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
As Canada’s most populous province, nearly 40 per cent of Canadians call Ontario home. Ontario is also home to Canada’s capital city, Ottawa, and its largest city, Toronto. In many ways, Ontario is the center of Canada’s economic, social, and political life, making it Canada’s most popular landing destination for immigrants from around the world.

Ontario’s Immigrant Nominee Program is called Opportunities Ontario. Through this program, prospective immigrants with the skills and experience targeted by the province may receive an OINP Certificate, which will allow foreign national to apply for Canadian Permanent Residence with processing times that are faster than other Canadian immigration classes.

Opportunities Ontario accepts applications under three immigration categories:
• General category;
• International Students category; and • Investors category.

Each these categories may have one or more sub-categories. Below we provide you with additional information about each of these categories to help you determine if the Opportunities Ontario Program is right for you.

GENERAL CATEGORY
Through this category, Ontario employers are able to recruit employees from abroad for approved skilled positions (classified by the Government of Canada as “NOC 0, A or B level”). These employees may be living abroad or in Canada at the time of application.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS CATEGORY
This category is for students from abroad. The International Students category accepts applications under the following sub-categories:
• International PhD Graduate Stream -This sub-category targets individuals who have graduated from a PhD program at one of Ontario’s publicly funded universities. A job offer is not required.
• Pilot International Masters Graduate Stream – This sub-category, which is currently operating as a temporary pilot program, targets individuals who have graduated with a Master’s degree from one of Ontario’s publicly funded universities. A job offer is not required.

INVESTORS CATEGORY
This category allows companies that are making an investment in Ontario to recruit or retain important employees by allowing those employees to immigrate to Canada, thus ensuring the success of the company’s investment. Applicant employees should be integral to the functioning of the company.

Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Prince Edward Island (PEI), which consists of the island itself and several surrounding isles, is Canada’s smallest province. It is sometimes called ‘the birthplace of Canada’ because of the Charlottetown conference, which led to the country’s formation. PEI is renowned for its lush farmland and beautiful coasts, as well as a burgeoning economy focused on agriculture, tourism, and fishing.

The PEI PNP is Prince Edward Island’s Provincial Nominee Program. Through this program, prospective immigrants with the skills and experience targeted by the province may receive a Prince Edward Island Provincial Nomination Certificate, which will allow that foreign national to apply for Canadian Permanent Residence with processing times that are faster than other Canadian immigration classes.

The PEI PNP accepts applications under two major immigration categories:
• Business Impact Category
• Labor Impact Category

In addition, the PEI PNP has initiated an enhanced Express Entry stream, aligned with the federal Express Entry immigration selection system.
Below we have provided additional information about these categories to help you determine if the PEI PNP is the right program for you:

PEI PNP EXPRESS ENTRY STREAM
Candidates who are eligible to enter the Express Entry pool and are interested in living and working in Prince Edward Island may apply to the PEI PNP Express Entry Stream. Eligible applicants may benefit from processing times of six months or less. The PEI PNP does not guarantee that all Express Entry profiles submitted will be reviewed or accepted. Only those applicants with skills matching current identified labor needs for the province will be considered

BUSINESS IMPACT CATEGORY
The province accepts applications under this category from individuals who wish to invest in and actively manage a PEI business. This category is divided into three sub-categories. They are 100% Ownership Stream -This sub-category is for individuals who will be assuming full ownership of their PEI business, either through the start of a new business or the purchase of an existing business in the province.
Partial Ownership Stream – This category is for individuals who will obtain at least 33 1/3% of a PEI business, or invest $1,000,000 in the equity of a business.
Work Permit Stream – This category helps individuals who wish to invest in a PEI business to transition to PEI on a work permit prior to receiving provincial nomination. During their time on a work permit applicants are expected to begin working in Canada and to learn about the business in which he or she will be investing.

LABOR IMPACT CATEGORY
The province accepts applications under this category from individuals who possess skills and experience that are needed in PEI’s labor market.. This category is divided into two sub-categories:
Skilled Worker Stream – This sub-category is for workers who have been identified or hired by a PEI employer. Eligible applicants will work in a skilled profession and possess relevant experience and at least a post-secondary degree or diploma.
Critical Worker Stream – This sub-category is for workers who have already been hired by a PEI employer, and whose employer would like to sponsor them for permanent residency. Eligible applicants can work in a semi-skilled or unskilled profession.

Yukon Nominee Program
Located in the far northwest of Canada, Yukon has a fabled place in the country’s history. Perhaps most famous for the Klondike Gold Rush in 1987, Yukon is now home to approximately 34,000 people, living mostly in the capital of Whitehorse. Its economy is composed primarily of mining and tourism. The territory is an ideal place to settle for individuals who value strong communities and the great outdoors.

The YNP is Yukon’s Provincial Nominee Program. Through this program, prospective immigrants with the skills and experience targeted by the territory may receive a Yukon Provincial Nomination Certificate, which will allow that foreign national to apply for Canadian Permanent Residence.

The YNP consists of three main programs:
• Skilled Worker Program
• Critical Impact Worker Program
• Business Nominee Program SKILLED WORKER PROGRAM

This program allows Yukon employers to sponsor foreign workers in the territory for Canadian Permanent Residence. Sponsored applicants must be working in an occupation classified at a certain skill level by the Canadian government.

CRITICAL IMPACT WORKER PROGRAM
This program was created to help employers sponsor workers for immigration who have skilled work experience that is in high demand in the territory. Sponsored applicants must receive a job offer from a Yukon employer. They are not, however, required to be in Yukon at the time of application.

BUSINESS NOMINEE PROGRAM
This program was created for individuals with proven business experience who want to start a new business, partner with an existing business, or purchase and operate an existing business in Yukon. Applicants should be ready to make a significant investment in their Yukon-based business.

Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program
Saskatchewan is one of the prairie provinces of Western Canada. It is home to one of the country’s most rapidly growing economies and populations, thanks largely to an influx of immigrants from around the world. Its economy is primarily based on agriculture and important natural resources industries like forestry and fishing. It boasts two major cities, Saskatoon and Regina, as well as vast expanses of pristine wilderness.

The SINP is Saskatchewan’s Provincial Nominee Program. Through this program, prospective immigrants with the skills and experience targeted by the province may receive a Saskatchewan Provincial Nomination Certificate, which will allow that foreign national to apply for Canadian Permanent Residence with processing times that are faster than other Canadian immigration classes.

The SINP accepts applications under the following categories:
• Saskatchewan Express Entry
• International Skilled Worker Category
• Saskatchewan Experience Category; and
• Entrepreneur and Farm Category

Each these categories may have one or more sub-categories. Below we provide you with additional information about each of these categories to help you determine if the SINP is right for you.
Saskatchewan Express Entry
The Saskatchewan Express Entry stream enables the province to nominate individuals who are in Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s Express Entry pool and have the education, skilled work experience, language ability and other factors to help them to settle successfully and integrate into Saskatchewan’s labor market and communities.

International Skilled Worker Category
This category accepts applications from skilled workers who plan to live and work in the Province of Saskatchewan. Applicants are measured based on a points system. On January 10, 2014 the Government of Saskatchewan announced that the limit of applications accepted for the SINP without a job offer had been reached, and therefore a job offer from a Saskatchewan-based employer is now required in order to apply. This program is has been in effect since January 2, 2014.

SASKATCHEWAN EXPERIENCE CATEGORY
This category is for foreign workers that are currently living in Saskatchewan. The Saskatchewan Experience Category accepts applications under the following difference sub-categories:
• Existing Work Permit: This sub-category is for individuals who have been working in Saskatchewan for at least six months under a closed work permit or under a working holiday visa.
• Health Professions: This sub-category is for individuals who have worked as a physician, a nurse, or in other health professions in Saskatchewan for at least six months.
• Hospitality Sector Pilot Project: This sub-category is for individuals that are currently working in Saskatchewan as food and beverage servers, food counter attendants, kitchen helpers, or housekeeping and cleaning staff for at least six months. The employer must receive approval from the Province of Saskatchewan before the applicant begins work in Canada.
• Long Haul Track Drivers: This sub-category is for individuals that are currently working for an approved trucking firm in Saskatchewan for at least six months. Drivers must be working in Saskatchewan for a minimum of six months before applying.
• Students: This sub-category is for students who have graduated from a recognized post-secondary institution in Canada. Among the requirements, the student must have worked in Saskatchewan for at least twenty-four months before applying, or for six months if the institution is in Saskatchewan.

Entrepreneur and Farm Category
This category is for individuals who wish to invest management talent and capital in Saskatchewan, or for individuals with proven farming experience who wish to purchase and operate a farm in Saskatchewan candidates interested in owning and actively operating a business or farming operations must submit an Expression of Interest(EOI) using the New online EOI system.

Northwest Territories PNP
Situated between the Yukon and Nunavut, the Northwest Territories (NWT) is the name given to one single expansive territory. NWT boasts acres upon acres of untouched forests and a population of just over 40,000 residents.The territory’s economy exploits its vast geological resources. including gold. diamonds, natural gas, and petroleum. The capital city, Yellowknife, located on the shores of Great Slave Lake. is both a major industrial hub for workers in the region and a scenic town with abundant recreational opportunities.

The NTNP is the Northwest Territories Provincial Nominee Program. Through this program. prospective immigrants with the skills and experience targeted by the province may receive a Northwest Territories Provincial Nomination Certificate, which will allow that foreign national to apply for Canadian Permanent Residence with processing times that are faster than other Canadian immigration classes.

The NTNP accepts applications under four categories:
• Skilled Worker
• Critical Impact Worker
• Entrepreneur
• Self-Employed Business
• Candidates who are eligible to enter the Express Entry pool may be able to avail of the Northwest Territories Express Entry stream, which nominates certain immigrants through the Skilled Worker category. Read more about Northwest Territories Express Entry.

SKILLED WORKER
The territory accepts applications under this category from applicants who have received an offer of employment in a skilled position from a Northwest Territories employer.
CRITICAL IMPACT WORKER
The territory accepts applications under this category from applicants who have received an offer of employment in a semi-skilled or unskilled position from a Northwest Territories employer. Applicants must have already worked in the position in the Northwest Territories for a minimum of six months.
ENTREPRENEUR
The territory accepts applications under this category from entrepreneurs and/or owner-operators of businesses who wish to establish a business in the Northwest Territories Businesses in all economic sectors are welcome to apply, however businesses that will introduce a new product or a product of significant benefit to the Northwest Territories are given priority.
SELF-EMPLOYED
The territory accepts applications under this category from self-employed professionals who plan to establish business outlets or professional practices that will provide services that are in demand in the Northwest Territories.