June 5, 2021

Which Canada PNP Program is Right for You?

Provinces and territories in Canada, with the exception of Quebec and Nunavut, run Provincial Nominee Programs, through which they nominate eligible foreign workers for permanent residence under various categories or ‘streams’ – provided they have the skills and qualifications required to meet local labor market requirements. Each Canada PNP program stream has different eligibility criteria and procedure for nomination.

Broadly, foreign workers are nominated either through base nomination streams or enhanced nomination streams. In case of base nomination streams, the candidate first verifies eligibility for the stream, then submits an application to the province, and receives a nomination certification if the application is approved. Once nominated, the candidate applies for permanent residence to the federal government.

Enhanced nomination streams are connected to the federal Express Entry System. These streams are meant for people who have filed an Express Entry profile. The provincial government searches through the Express Entry pool of candidates to select eligible foreign workers, and invites them to apply for provincial nomination. If nominated, 600 points are added to the candidate’s Express Entry point score, which practically guarantees an invitation to apply for PR to the federal government.

Some provinces have special requirements for different categories. For instance, the Alberta PNP nominates Express Entry candidates who have 300 or more points, as well as foreign workers who have a valid job offer from an employer in the province. Saskatchewan has its own point-based selection system, through which it determines the eligibility of candidates. 

Similarly, the ManitobaPNP also has its own point system and nominates foreign workers who have a connection to Manitoba through the support of relatives or friends in the province, prior work experience or education in Manitoba, or are invited through strategic recruitment initiatives. Some provinces like British Columbia and Ontario also have specific programs for in-demand occupations, such as tech-sector workers.

Before proceeding with the application process, it is important to select an ideal province or territory, and an eligible stream. To understand the detailed nomination requirements for your desired province and territory, and identify the most ideal Canada PNP program category for your unique profile, seek the trusted guidance of India’s most experienced consultants at Visa Experts, who offer authorized representation for lawful migration to Canada.