Did you know that every year, the Canadian federal government increases the number of invitations to immigrants that are eligible for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)? If you are looking to relocate to a country that will provide all the support to get you on track. The Canada PNP Program is one of the fastest routes for immigrants to meet their unique goals and become contributing members of a robust yet growing economy.

The Canada PNP program is an extremely popular choice because it is convenient and offers the fastest path to become a permanent resident of Canada. However, the program is a two-step process as the Canadian federal government must approve decisions based on an applicant’s application to become a permanent resident.

Therefore, provinces can’t grant permanent residences on their own. Instead, it is done by approving immigrants at the provincial level and applying for a permanent residence status at the federal level.

Before you settle in Canada, there are general things you need to know about the program.

Canada PNP Program: Provinces and Territories

There are more than 12 PNPs in Canada that aim to meet its unique economic and demographic needs. These PNPs requirements and application process are uniquely suited to a province, so interested immigrants should consult each province to determine their eligibility:

• Alberta
• British Columbia
• Manitoba
• New Brunswick
• Newfoundland and Labrador
• Northwest Territories
• Nova Scotia
• Ontario
• Prince Edward Island
• Quebec
• Saskatchewan
• Yukon

Who is Eligible for a Canada PNP Program?

The Canada PNP program is one of the economic immigration strategies that aim to attract skilled workers that can contribute to the growing economy and have a high likelihood of staying in a province.

Some PNP programs prioritize immigrants with experience in high-demand occupations such as construction, manufacturing, and transportation. In addition, specific PNP programs prefer immigrants who have a connection to the province, such as a relative, since it increases their chance of staying in the province.

Like most economic immigration programs worldwide, young applicants who possess strong language skills and are educated and skilled labor have a high chance of succeeding. In addition, connection to the province through school, work, and family also bolsters the possibility of being nominated to become a permanent resident.

How to Apply for Canada PNP Program

There are two ways you can apply for the Canada PNP Program: Paper-Based Process and Express Entry Process. Applying for a PNP is straightforward. You will have to do the following steps to apply for the program:

1. Consult and choose a PNP that is right for you.
2. Apply directly to the province’s or territory’s PNP.
3. If your application is successful, then you will be nominated to apply for a permanent residence status.
4. Submit your application to the Canadian federal government for permanent residence. If your chosen PNP aligns with Express Entry, then you can do it online. Otherwise, you have to submit a paper-based application.

How to Apply for Canada PNP Program: Paper-Based Process

If your chosen PNP does not align with the Express Entry, you need to submit a paper-based application. Once a Canadian province or territory nominates you, you can start your paper application for a permanent residence in the country. In addition to that, you must pass a police check and medical examination.

The paper-based process takes a longer time to process than electronic applications submitted via Express Entry. For example, the average processing time to obtain a permanent residence status through a paper-based process is eighteen months compared to applications submitted through Express Entry, which only takes six months.

How to Apply for Canada PNP Program: Express Entry Process

If your chosen PNP program aligns with your Express Entry, all you need to do is create an account and submit an Express Entry profile. In addition, you need to indicate that the Canadian province or territory nominated you in your profile.

Once your nomination is confirmed electronically, you will automatically be placed in the Express Entry poll and get additional 600 points towards your score. With extra points, you will get an invitation to apply for a permanent residence in Canada.

Conclusion

You must consult each program because all Canada PNP programs vary depending on province and territory. Some programs accept qualified applicants all the time, while others utilize first come, first serve models that stay closed for the majority of the time, only to open for a few hours to accept thousands of applicants. Lastly, a few Canada PNP programs invite immigrants from the Express Entry pool to submit applications.