The Provincial Nomination Programs, or PNPs for short, are a popular path for immigrants in Canada. Here you can learn how these programs work and how you can use them to obtain your Permanent Residency (PR). We will also discuss how they relate to other programs like Express Entry, which you can learn about here.
PNPs are becoming more important than ever, and they are the fastest-growing avenue for immigrants in Canada. In fact, according to Canada’s 2021-2023 Immigration Levels Plan, 250,000 people are expected to get their PR through PNPs in the next two years. Additionally, more funds have recently been allocated to supporting these programs.
What are PNPs?
PNPs are different from other immigration programs. Instead of the federal level, PNPs operate at the provincial level. This means that the requirements for PNPs are set by each province’s government, not the Canadian government. This is because each province has different challenges and needs individuals with different skill sets to overcome them. To address these problems, each province can use PNPs to find migrants that can help improve their weak points.
PNPs are essentially a two-step process. First you apply at a provincial level and await the approval of the provincial government. Once you pass this part, you can apply for Permanent Residence (PR) at the federal level. This means that provinces can only nominate candidates for the federal government to approve. One very important thing to keep in mind is that Québec does not have PNPs. Instead, the francophone province has its own separate immigration programs which you can learn about in this article.
PNPs and Express Entry
There are two ways to apply to PNPs. If you have a profile in the Express Entry pool you can align a PNP with your Express Entry application. There are a couple advantages to this. First, if your PNP application is successful you can gain 600 points towards your CRS total. This almost guarantees that you proceed to the next step in the Express Entry program. Also, the entire PNP process is done electronically. Processing times are much shorter because of this.
The other route you can take to apply is by not aligning an Express Entry profile. This process can be beneficial if you are not eligible for Express Entry. However, there are a couple of downsides. This non-aligned method is paper based. This means that applications take much longer to process than usual. Nevertheless, this is still a good option if Express Entry is not a possibility.
PNP Categories
Choosing a PNP can be overwhelming. There are more than 80 active PNP streams or options to choose from. Each province has multiple PNP streams open, each with its own requirements. The way in which you apply to PNPs can vary too. However, all these PNPs can be categorized into three kinds of application processes:
First come, first served – Some streams are very popular. So popular that they can only process a limited number of applications at a time. Because of this, congested PNPs must close for applications temporarily. Streams like these usually open for a limited time and accept the first who apply before it closes again.
Expression of Interest – These PNPs usually rank graduates with a points system. Though this is similar to Express Entry, these points systems can be very different. PNPs with points systems will usually ask candidates for an Expression of Interest form before applying.
By invitation/passive – There are some PNPs that will not actually take applications. Instead, the province will look for candidates, usually from the Express Entry pool. Chances of invitation increase if your skill set is in high demand in a certain province.
There are all sorts of PNPs in these categories. You can find PNPs that favor job offers, Canadian work or educational experience, or even entrepreneurs. With all these options it can become difficult to choose one that benefits you. Here are some tips about choosing the right one:
Choosing the Right PNP
It is not practical to recommend a PNP stream that will suit everyone. Since the variety of PNPs is so large, it can be difficult to find the right one for you. However, it is important to remember your own strengths and the demands of provinces. You could have very little chance in one province but a high probability of passing in another. It all depends on what you can offer. Here are the links to each province and territory’s PNP websites:
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Ontario
- Quebec (PNPs not offered)
- Prince Edward Island
- Saskatchewan
- Yukon
We invite you to take your time browsing these pages to get an idea for what each province offers. Research about each province and the occupations that are in demand. If you struggle, however, you can always count on us to lend a hand. At Gentium Immigration we can help you find the immigration options that work for you, be they through a PNP or another program. By booking a consultation with one of our consultants we can help you plan based on your goals.
8 Comments
Esther López Castro
June 29, 2021Me interesa trabajar en Canadá y si fuera posible llevarme mi familia, no soy profesional y tengo 43 años, pero deseo q mis hijos se superen, en mi país no tienen ningún futuro, riego me ayuden, gracias!
Mateo Ospina
June 29, 2021¡Hola, nos gustaría ayudarle! Si desea saber cuáles opciones tienen disponibles usted y sus hijos recomendamos una preconsulta gratuita. Con esta preconsulta podemos analizar su perfil para buscar alternativas. Sólo debe completar esta corta encuesta y esperar la respuesta de un agente dentro de 48 horas. En el caso que no tenga opciones disponibles, podemos informarle sobre cómo puede prepararse para cualificar en el futuro. ¡Esperamos escuchar de ustedes!
Belén Medina
June 29, 2021Hola! Quisiera tener acceso a una pre consulta para conocer posibilidades de emigrar a Canadá. Tengo 49 años y 26 años como docente del nivel Primario, preceptor y nivel primario de Educ. De adultos.
¿ Me informan por favor como puedo tener una pre consulta con uds.? Desde ya, muchas gracias! Mi nombre es Belén y soy de Bs. As. Argentina.
Mateo Ospina
June 29, 2021¡Hola! Lo que puedes hacer es completar esta autoevaluación. Esto te dará una buena idea de los programas migratorios que más se adaptan a tu situación. Sin embargo, debes tener en cuenta que es crucial tener un nivel intermedio/alto de inglés o francés antes de poder inmigrar. ¡Saludos!
Eddy Mora
June 29, 2021Hola! Soy dentista y tengo 46 años de edad. Me gustaría conocer qué posibilidades hay de ejercer mi profesión en Canadá. Actualmente estoy estudiando Inglés y me gustaría saber que opciones tendría si quisiera ir
Mateo Ospina
June 29, 2021¡Hola! Existen bastantes oportunidades para inmigrar en su situación. Cómo seguramente sabe estudiar el inglés es clave para tener acceso a dichas oportunidades. El Express Entry sería una buena opción, ya que es preferencial a profesionales con bastante experiencia. Sin embargo, recomendamos hacer esta autoevaluación, la cual te dará una mejor idea de los programas que más te convienen. ¡Mucha suerte, esperamos escuchar de ti!
Oscar Velasquez
June 29, 2021Hola, me gustaría trabajar en Canadá, soy profesional de 26 años, casado y con dominio del inglés y un poco del francés, me gustaría saber a qué asesor podría contactar, muchas gracias!
Mateo Ospina
June 29, 2021¡Hola! Con tus habilidades en inglés y francés, además de tu experiencia profesional, seguramente tienes bastantes puertas abiertas. Si deseas comenzar los procesos puedes visitar nuestra página de reservas. Cualquiera de nuestros consultores certificados te podrán ayudar, sin importar las especializaciones que ves listadas. ¡Esperamos poder ayudarte!
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