ll provinces and territories in Canada except Quebec can nominate immigrants through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Quebec has its separate programs for permanent immigration. Each province and territory has developed its own “streams” and criteria for their PNP. For example, in a program stream, provinces and territories may target business people, skilled workers, semi-skilled workers or students. The requirements and procedures for each individual PNP are constantly changing, sometimes without notice. In addition, many provinces and territories now have Express Entry streams.

The eligibility criteria for the PNPs vary based on an Express Entry process (Express Entry streams) or a paper-based process (non-Express Entry streams). If you are applying through Express Entry, you must meet the minimum requirements of both the province’s or territory’s Express Entry PNP Stream and the federal Express Entry system (and one of its qualifying programs). Obtaining a PNP nomination adds 600 CRS points to a candidate’s Express Entry profile, and as such will usually lead to an immediate Invitation to Apply for permanent residence.

To know more about the requirements of individual provincial nominee programs, their relationship to Express Entry, the steps in the application process, or if your application has been refused, please contact us to schedule a legal consultation.