Immigrating to Canada under a provincial nominee program
Credit to Author: Canadian Immigrant| Date: Fri, 08 Feb 2019 20:12:16 +0000
Do you already know in which province in Canada you want to live? You can immigrate to Canada under a provincial nominee program (PNP)
Although immigration decisions for all provinces and territories (excluding Quebec) are technically made by the federal Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), provinces have some say over immigration matters. After all, they know best what is happening in their labour market and what types of skilled workers or new businesses they need.
And that is really the driving force of the provincial nominee program (PNP) — bringing in immigrants who can fill provincial labour gaps or start businesses. (Note: Quebec has its own independent system via its Immigration, diversité et Inclusion Québec provincial ministry.)
How do PNPs work?
How do PNPs work? Provinces and territories can “nominate” immigrants to IRCC. They are basically telling IRCC that they are recommending that this potential immigrant be given permanent residency if they come to their province.
So, if you know which province you want to settle in, or if you’re already there on a work permit, the PNP might be a good choice for you, as the immigration process is also then faster. But each province is different and has its own streams and criteria for their PNP, as well as their own annual intake limits, and they can change these at any time to meet their labour market needs. So, don’t be surprised if PNP streams change, get put on hold or are closed.
If you do get nominated by a province or territory, you then apply for permanent residency through IRCC as a “provincial nominee.” This greatly increases your chances of getting approved, but, ultimately, IRCC makes final decisions on all permanent resident applications and can reject the application. Beyond the provincial nomination, you still have to satisfy IRCC’s medical, security, criminal and visa requirements in order to work and live in Canada.
Since the introduction of the federal Express Entry stream, however, PNPs have gotten a bit more confusing. The traditional PNP programs are still available, but now most provinces also have an Express Entry stream to their PNP.
Confused? Yes, it can be a little unclear.
Generally speaking, the provincial Express Entry streams are basically a means for provinces to nominate someone who is in the federal Express Entry pool of candidates, or for you to enter the pool with the advantage of being nominated by a province.
In both scenarios, the provincial nomination will give you the added points needed to lead to an Invitation to Apply for permanent residency from IRCC, with the understanding that you intend to settle in the province that nominated you.
If you are applying through the traditional PNP system, you must meet the minimum requirements of one of their traditional streams and then apply to IRCC via a paper-based application.
If you’re nominated under a province’s Express Entry PNP stream, you must meet the minimum requirements of their Express Entry PNP stream, as well as create an online Express Entry profile with IRCC that shows you meet those requirements.
Each province has its own versions of the PNP, both traditional and Express Entry variations. Here is a summary of each, but please access more information via the links provided below as there are so many variables to each program, with varying eligibility factors, including requirements like age, language levels, and skills and experience.
The programs are also frequently updated with new pathways including industry-focused pilot programs depending on the province’s labour market needs.
(The PNP overview below is current at the time of writing. Always check with the PNP website for the latest information.)
Immigrating to British Columbia under the provincial nominee program
The B.C. Provincial Nominee Program (B.C. PNP) is a pathway for high-demand immigrant workers and experienced entrepreneurs to gain permanent residency in British Columbia. The B.C. PNP offers three ways to become a permanent resident in B.C.
Each pathway contains different categories you can apply under, depending on your National Occupational Classification skill level, job or international student status.
The three pathways are:
1. Skills Immigration
Skills Immigration is for skilled and semi-skilled workers in high-demand occupations in B.C., like health care. It uses a points-based invitation system. You must register and apply online for the B.C. PNP. That’s then followed by a paper application process for permanent residency to IRCC.
To qualify as a skilled worker, you must:
- have accepted a full-time, indeterminate job offer (the job must be in a National Occupational Classification (NOC) skilled occupation (skill level 0, A or B)
- be qualified to perform the duties of the job and have at least two years of directly related work experience
- meet minimum language requirements for NOC skill level B occupations, among other requirements
Your employer must be willing to support your application and fulfill certain responsibilities during the application process.
To start the process, create a profile with B.C. PNP’s online application and registration system. After submitting your registration, you will receive a score based on your skills and job. Periodically, the program invites people with the highest scores to apply.
Recent international graduates of a Canadian university or college may not need any work experience, depending on the job being offered.
To qualify for this category as an entry level or semi-skilled worker, you must:
- first accept a valid job offer from a B.C. employer i n a specific occupation in tourism/hospitality, long-haul trucking or the food processing industry. For the Northeast Development Regionof B.C., you may apply in any National Occupational Classification occupation (skill level C or D)
- have been working full-time for your employer for a minimum of nine consecutive months before applying
- meet minimum language and education requirements, among other requirements
Your employer must be willing to support your application and fulfill certain responsibilities during the application process.
Express Entry B.C. is a faster way for eligible skilled workers to immigrate to B.C. To be eligible, you must also qualify for a federal economic immigration program like the federal skilled worker program or federal skilled trades program or Canadian experience class. It uses a points-based invitation system, and is an entirely web-based registration and application process for both the B.C. PNP and IRCC’s permanent residency process.
You do not require B.C. work experience, but you must have relevant work experience as well as meet other requirements. To qualify for this category, you must:
- have received an Express Entry Profile Number and a Job Seeker Validation Code from the IRCC Express Entry system, which shows you meet the minimum criteria for one of IRCC’s Express Entry programs
- have accepted a full-time, indeterminate job offer (a permanent job, or one with no set end date) from a B.C. employer; the job must be in a National Occupational Classification skilled occupation (skill level 0, A or B)
- qualify to work in your job in B.C.
- have at least two years of directly related work experience
- meet minimum language requirements, among other requirements
Your employer must also be willing to support your application and fulfill certain responsibilities during the application process.
3. Entrepreneur Immigration
The Entrepreneur Immigration stream is for high net worth businesspeople who can invest in and actively manage a valid business in B.C. It is for experienced entrepreneurs who can support innovation and economic growth in the province.
It is a points-based system and you must also have the required personal and investment funds.
To qualify, you must:
- have a personal net worth of at least CDN $600,000
- demonstrate business and/or management experience
- establish an eligible new business, or purchase and improve an existing business
- make an eligible personal investment of at least CAD$200,000 in the business
- create at least one new full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident in the business
See the Entrepreneur Immigration Program Guide for the complete personal requirements.
There is also an option for companies looking to expand into B.C., and who need to get permanent residency for key employees. Learn more about eligibility and requirements here.
For complete, up-to-date program information and requirements for all B.C. PNP programs, see the B.C. PNP Skills Immigration and Express Entry B.C. Program Guide. For help registering and applying online, see the B.C. PNP Skills Immigration and Express Entry B.C. Technical Guide.
Immigrating to Alberta under the provincial nominee program
The Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) aims to support Alberta’s economic growth by attracting and retaining work-ready people to the province.
If you are nominated by the Government of Alberta, you can then apply, together with your spouse/common-law partner and dependent children, for permanent residence through IRCC as a provincial nominee.
The AINP offers options for both skilled and semi-skilled workers. You may be able to apply on your own, or with your employer if you’re currently a temporary worker. In the latter case, you must maintain a valid work permit during the AINP application process.
AINP streams accepting applications (as of Fall 2018), include:
The AOS pathway to immigration in Alberta is aimed at people who have a valid temporary resident status in Canada that authorizes them to work in Canada (i.e., temporary foreign worker or Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holder).
At the time your application is postmarked and at the time the AINP assesses your application, you must:
- work in an eligible occupation in Alberta (most occupations under National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill levels 0, A, B, C and D are eligible)
- work in an occupation that matches your previous work experience
Some occupations are ineligible, including school teachers, firefighters, writers, actors and more. See the full list of ineligible occupations here.
The Alberta Express Entry Stream nominates a limited number of qualified applicants from the federal Express Entry system. If you have demonstrated strong ties to Alberta and can help support the government’s economy, you may receive a Notification of Interest from Alberta.
Qualified candidates will be selected directly from the Express Entry pool by the AINP. International graduates will also be considered under this stream.
If you receive a Notification of Interest letter from Alberta in your federal Express Entry account, email a copy of the letter to the AINP within two weeks to AlbertaExpressEntry@gov.ab.ca. The AINP will then confirm your information and send you instructions on the next steps in the application process.
This stream is for individuals with farming experience and the resources to purchase and establish a farm in Alberta.
You must prove that you have farm management skills shown by financial documentation of your existing farm business; documentation of your education, training and work experience; a proposed business plan for the farming enterprise you are considering in Alberta and/or proof that a Canadian financial institution is willing to finance your proposed farming business.
You must also be able to invest a minimum of CDN $500,000 of equity in a primary production farming business in Alberta. Learn more about the Self-Employed Farmer Stream.
Immigrating to Saskatchewan under the provincial nominee program
The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) invites residency applications from non-Canadians who want to make Saskatchewan their home. Like other PNPs, applying to the SINP is just part of the process; you will also have to complete the federal application forms at the same time.
There is a choice of four SINP categories you can apply to:
This category is for skilled workers abroad who want to work and live in Saskatchewan. Applicants must be in an occupation in demand in the province, such as engineers, heavy-duty mechanics and architects. For certain professions, you may have to show certain proof or documents.
If you have a job offer for permanent, full-time employment in Saskatchewan already, you’ll need a valid SINP Job Approval Letter to show proof of this. There’s no specific list of jobs, but your offer is required to be in an occupation in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) Matrix level “A”, “B” or “0”, or in a designated trade in Saskatchewan.
Alternately, if you’re in the federal Express Entry pool, you could also be considered for nomination by SINP. The two combined will increase your chances of being invited to apply for permanent residency. Learn more here.
This category is for foreign workers who are currently living and working in Saskatchewan on a valid work permit and would like to apply for permanent residency through the SINP. There are subcategories specifically for temporary workers in health care, hospitality and long-haul trucking, as well as international students.
This category is for entrepreneurs who plan to start a business in Saskatchewan. You and your family can start, obtain or partner in a business in Saskatchewan and be actively involved in managing it, while residing in Saskatchewan. To start this process, you will have to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the SNIP.
You will have to provide information about your entrepreneurial experience, assets and Business Establishment Plan (BEP), among other factors. Specifically, you’ll have to show you have CDN $500,000 in net business and personal assets, and a minimum of three years of relevant business management or entrepreneurial experience gained in the past 10 years; and, intend to invest a minimum of CDN $300,000 in Regina and Saskatoon, or a minimum of CDN $200,000 in any other Saskatchewan communities.
Candidates who meet the minimum entry criteria will be accepted into the EOI candidate pool, after which they are scored and ranked. Selected candidates are invited to apply to the SINP. Learn more here.
The Farm Category is for experienced farmers who plan to buy and operate a farm in Saskatchewan. You have to have proven experience in farming, and have considerable capital to invest in a farming operation.
To apply for any of these four categories, you should review the Application Guide in each category for instructions on how to apply and details on required supporting documents. Incomplete applications won’t be accepted and you’ll need to re-apply and submit a new application.
Immigrating to Manitoba under the provincial nominee program
Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2018, Manitoba was the first Canadian province to establish its own immigration program, the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP), to meet demand for skilled workers, tradespeople and professionals in the province.
Manitoba seeks workers, businesspeople and their families with the intention and ability to successfully settle and economically establish in Manitoba as permanent residents.
The MPNP is now reorganized around four new or revised application streams:
This stream is for international students graduating in Manitoba who meet labour market needs. Applicants will no longer be required to work for six months before applying to the MPNP.
There are three pathways:
This stream allows Manitoba to recruit and nominate qualified business investors and entrepreneurs from around the world who will start or purchase businesses in Manitoba within the first 24 months of arrival. Applicants are no longer required to submit a deposit of $100,000 to the Manitoba government.
There are two pathways:
Under this stream, the MPNP selects internationally trained and experienced workers who have the skills needed in the local labour market. You have a better chance if you have strong labour market attachments to Manitoba employers. There are two pathways:
- Manitoba Work Experience Pathway (for applicants already working in Manitoba)
- Employer Direct Recruitment Pathway (for international applicants with a hard job offer)
This stream is for international skilled worker applicants with in-demand skills and training, who have a high potential to find related employment soon after arrival within Manitoba’s In-demand Occupations list. Priority will be given to candidates with close family connections in Manitoba and spouses who have the language proficiency, training and experience to quickly find jobs in-demand occupations. There are two pathways:
Immigrating to Ontario under the provincial nominee program
ONTARIO PNP
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) is an economic immigration program designed to help Ontario meet its labour market needs. Through the program, Ontario can nominate, for permanent residence, individuals who have the skills and experience to contribute to Ontario’s economy.
If you’re nominated by the OINP, you can then apply for permanent residence through IRCC, who makes the final decision on each application and issues permanent resident visas to successful applicants.
- Employer/Job Offer category
The Employer/Job Offer category allows applicants to submit an application to the OINP if they have support from an Ontario employer. Applicants can only apply if they have received a permanent and full-time job offer from an Ontario employer and have a completed and signed Employer Form and Job Offer to upload as part of the application package.
There are four options to this category:
- Employer stream is for applicants with an employer’s support. Applicants can onlyapply if they have received a permanent and full-time job offer from an Ontario employer
- Foreign worker stream offers an opportunity for skilled foreign workers with a job offer to permanently live and work in Ontario. Applicants can only apply if they have received a permanent full-time job offer from an Ontario employer.
- International students stream is for graduates who have received a permanent full-time job offer from an Ontario employer.
- In-Demand Skills stream offers an opportunity for in-demand foreign workers with a job in specific occupations in the agricultural and construction sectors offer to permanently live and work in Ontario.
- Human Capital category
This category provides opportunities to apply to the OINP under the following streams:
- Masters Graduates Stream
- PhD Graduates Stream
- Ontario’s Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream
- Ontario’s Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream
- Ontario’s Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream
To qualify for Express Entry and be considered for nomination by Ontario, candidates must qualify for one of two federal immigration programs: federal skilled worker program or Canadian experience class.
Ontario has created new streams for skilled workers who want to live and work permanently in Ontario that draw from the federal Express Entry selection system. You can apply under one of the following three:
- Ontario Express Entry: Human Capital Priorities Stream
- Ontario Express Entry: French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream
- Ontario Express Entry: Skilled Trades Stream
- Business category
Ontario is working to attract foreign corporations and entrepreneurs to the province. Under the OINP, entrepreneurs looking to start up a new business idea or key staff of corporations seeking to expand operations in Ontario can be nominated by the province for permanent residence.
OINP accepts applications under the Corporate Stream and Expression of Interests (EOIs) in the Entrepreneur Stream.
Under the Corporate Stream, eligible corporate structures include: public corporations, sole proprietorship and partnerships. Your corporation may request up to five key staff (prospective nominees) who will establish the business in Ontario and who may apply for nomination for permanent residency in Ontario. Your corporation must also make a minimum investment of $5 million to expand into Ontario or purchase an existing business in the province. It must also create five new permanent and full-time jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents per key staff applicant.
Under the Entrepreneur Stream, you must have a viable business activity that will bring significant economic benefit to Ontario. If your Expression of Interest is approved, you may apply for a temporary work permit in order to establish your business. Once your business has been successfully established, you may be eligible for nomination by the OINP.
You must meet all eligibility criteria in order to apply to the Entrepreneur Stream, including at least 36 months of full-time business experience in the last 60 months, experience as a business owner or as a senior manager (business management). Further, you must also have a net worth CDN $1.5 million if your business will be located within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA); and CDN $800,000 outside of the GTA.
Immigrating to New Brunswick under the provincial nominee program
NEW BRUNSWICK PNP
As an economic program, the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) selects and nominates qualified business people and skilled workers from around the world who will live in New Brunswick and contribute to the local economy.
The streams include:
- Entrepreneurial Stream
The NBPNP Entrepreneurial Stream is for experienced entrepreneurs who are ready to establish, operate and actively manage a business while living and settling in New Brunswick permanently.
The Entrepreneurial Stream was developed for experienced business owners and senior managers who wish to become permanent residents by owning a business and living in New Brunswick. You must be between 22-55 years of age and have a score of at least 5 on the Canadian Language Benchmark Test. Other requirements include a personal net worth of at least CDN $600,000, of which you must be able to invest at least CDN $250,000 into the business. Priority sectors are:
- information and communications technologies
- financial services and insurance
- contact centres/back office operations
- health and life sciences
- professional services
- food processing
- value-added wood
- aerospace and defence
- advanced manufacturing
- agriculture
There is also an option for international student graduates to take advantage of this stream. The Post-Graduate Entrepreneurial Stream was developed for recent foreign graduates from a recognized university in New Brunswick or the NB Community College, who have studied for at least two years full-time. The graduate must have subsequently started or acquired a business in New Brunswick and operated it for at least one year, while on a valid Post-Graduate Work Permit. They must also settle in the province permanently.
This stream was on pause as of Fall 2018, but keep an eye on the website for news of its reopening. Learn all the details of the entrepreneur stream here.
This stream is designed for applicants who have a job or job offer in New Brunswick and have their employer’s support in their application. Your offer of permanent, full-time employment must be from a New Brunswick company that has been operating for at least one year at the time the application is received at the NBPNP office.
Your job must also be represented in one of the following National Occupation Classification (NOC) skill levels, which is an area of skill shortage:
- Skill levels O, A, B
- Skill level C, Skill type 1, 3, 7, 8, 9
- Skill level D, Skill type 1, 3, 7, 8, 9
Your employer must demonstrate that he/she has been unable to find a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada to perform the job duties. You must also be between 22 and 55 years of age, and have sufficient English and/or French language ability to fulfill your job duties.
Learn all the requirements here.
Under the Express Entry New Brunswick Labour Market Stream (EE LMS), the first step is to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the NBPNP. The NBPNP will accept expressions of interest to the EE LMS from the first of each month until the 15th of each month. They will then be reviewed and the highest ranked will be selected. Candidates will receive an email inviting them submit a full application to the EE LMS.
EOI forms will be assessed and ranked according to:
- highest score
- evidence of training and experience in a high-priority sector as determined by the province
- demonstrated ability to become economically established
- the high likelihood of contributing to the provincial labour market and economy in a positive way
EOI forms must be submitted to entree.express.entry@gnb.ca.
If your EOI is successful, you can apply either directly to the NBPNP or you can enter the Express Entry pool and be selected by the NBPNP. Both circumstances require you to submit a full application to the NBPNP. Learn all the details here.
Immigrating to Newfoundland and Labrador under the provincial nominee program
NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR PNP
The Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) can provide you with faster entry into Canada.
Applying to the NLPNP is a simple process. First, you must determine which of the categories to apply to Skilled Worker, Express Entry Skilled Worker or International Graduate. Following this, you download and complete all required provincial and federal forms and gather the required supporting documentation (e.g., birth certificates, diplomas, passports, etc.).
You can apply in one of these three categories:
This stream is for skilled individuals who have been accepted into IRCC’s Express Entry pool and who have a job offer in Newfoundland and Labrador. You will be required to provide your Express Entry Profile Number (E plus nine digits). You must also have a high-skilled job or job offer from an employer based on the National Occupational Code (NOC) classification system.
The employer will also have to demonstrate that they have made a genuine effort to recruit qualified Canadians or permanent residents before the job offer is extended to an international worker.
This stream is for individuals who have a guaranteed offer of employment from a Newfoundland and Labrador employer, or are already working in the province on a valid work permit. You must have the qualifications, training, skills and/or accreditation required for the job, and can demonstrate the intention and ability to settle permanently in Newfoundland and Labrador. The category’s goal is to nominate individuals who have specialized skills that are deemed as having a critical impact on the operations of an employer in Newfoundland and Labrador. Again, the employer will have to show a need for your skillset.
This is for international students who have graduated from a recognized post-secondary educational institution in Canada. They also have a Post-Graduate Work Permit (with a duration of at least six months), and a permanent, full-time job or job offer from a Newfoundland and Labrador employer. You must have the qualifications, training, skills and/or accreditation required for the job, and can demonstrate the intention and ability to settle permanently in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Immigrating to Nova Scotia under the provincial nominee program
If you want to move to Nova Scotia, applying to the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) can speed up the process. Through the NSNP, prospective immigrants who have the skills and experience targeted by Nova Scotia may be nominated to immigrate.
Here are the different streams under which you can apply.
The Entrepreneur Stream is for experienced business owners or senior business managers who want to live in Nova Scotia, and start a new business or buy an existing business. You must also actively participate in the day-to-day management of the business. After operating the business for a year, you may be nominated for permanent resident status.
You must also have a net worth of CDN $600,000, CDN $150,000 of which you will be able to invest in the business, and at least three years’ experience actively managing and owning a business or more than five years’ experience in a senior business management role.
You must complete an online Expression of Interest (EOI), after which you may be invited to apply from the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration.
The International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream is similar to the Entrepreneur stream, but is aimed at recent graduates of a Nova Scotia university or the Nova Scotia Community College. They must have already started or bought a Nova Scotia business and operated it for at least a year, and must intend to settle in Nova Scotia.
You must also have at least one year’s continuous experience actively managing and owning your current Nova Scotia business (100 per cent ownership minimum), and have a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit.
To apply to the Skilled Worker stream, you must:
- have a full-time permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer
- have one year of work experience related to the job (semi-skilled and low-skilled workers must already have six months’ experience with the employer)
- be 21 to 55 years old
- have a high school diploma and the appropriate training, skills and/or accreditation for the job
- proven language ability equal to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 5 if you are a skilled worker; if your first language is English or French, that is enough proof
- Semi-skilled and low-skilled workers must have test results to prove they meet CLB 4 even if their first language is English or French
- show enough financial resources to successfully settle in Nova Scotia
Under the Physician Stream, Nova Scotia’s public health authorities — the Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) and the Izaak Walton Killam Health Centre (IWK) — can recruit general practitioners, family physicians and specialist physicians to work in Nova Scotia.
The Physician Stream is only open to general practitioners and family physicians (NOC 3112) and specialist physicians (NOC 3111) with signed approved opportunities with the Nova Scotia Health Authority or the IWK Health Centre.
The Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry stream selects highly skilled individuals who wish to live in Nova Scotia permanently and must have a good chance of quickly finding a job in Nova Scotia’s labour market. The Nova Scotia Office of Immigration reserves the right to consider only certain types of occupations for nomination, depending on current labour market needs.
If you already have a job offer, you are considered Category A. Category B is for applicants with experience in an opportunity occupation, but may not always be open to new applications in order for the Immigration office to be able to process intake flow efficiently.
For both categories, you will have to:
- have a profile registered in IRCC’s Express Entry system
- score 67 points or more on the stream’s six selection factors
- have one year of skilled work experience related to the job
- have a Canadian high school credential or equivalent
- prove language ability in English or French at Canadian Language Benchmark 7
- show enough financial resources to successfully settle in Nova Scotia
The Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry stream is for applicants who have at least one year of experience working in Nova Scotia in a high skilled occupation. You must:
- have at least one year of work experience in Nova Scotia
- be 21 to 55 years old
- have a Canadian high school credential or equivalent
- prove language ability in English or French on the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB — CLB 7 for skilled work in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) O and A, and CLB 5 for NOC B positions
- have a profile registered in IRCC’s Express Entrysystem
Under the Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities stream, the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration sends a Letter of Interest to candidates in the federal Express Entry system who meet provincial labour market needs.
You must also meet the minimum work experience requirements of the Express Entry stream and show that you have sufficient funds to establish yourself and your family in Nova Scotia.
Immigrating to P.E.I. under the provincial nominee program
Under the P.E.I. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), individuals are selected for nomination based on their intention to live and work in P.E.I. and their economic ability to establish there. Priority is given to entrepreneurs and to individuals qualified to work in areas with identified skill shortages in the P.E.I. labour market.
The Office of Immigration has created a new Expression of Interest System. You must create an account and profile through the online Expression of Interest System.
- Immigrate to P.E.I. as a Worker
Critical Workers
You can apply for a nomination for permanent residency through the Critical Worker stream of the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (P.E.I. PNP) if you are currently working in P.E.I. The P.E.I. Critical Worker stream is employer-driven, allowing Island employers to fill low-skilled positions that they are unable to fill through the local job market.
You can apply for a nomination for permanent residency through the International Graduate stream of the P.E.I. PNP, if you graduated from an accredited P.E.I. post-secondary institution and are currently working in P.E.I. The International Graduate stream is employer-driven, allowing Island employers to fill high-skilled positions that they are unable to fill through the local job market.
You can apply for a P.E.I. Express Entry nomination for permanent residency through the P.E.I. PNP. Your nomination through P.E.I. PNP will increase your chance of being issued an Invitation to Apply from IRCC. To be eligible, you must meet the requirements of at least one of the federal economic immigration programs (e.g., federal skilled worker program, federal skilled trades program or Canadian experience class) and create a federal Express Entry profile and be placed in the pool of candidates.
You can apply for a nomination for permanent residency through the Skilled Worker stream of the P.E.I. PNP, if you are currently employed by an Island employer. The Skilled Worker stream is employer-driven, allowing Island employers to fill high-skilled positions that they are unable to fill through the local job market. You must have a full-time long-term (i.e., permanent or minimum of two years) job from a P.E.I. employer in NOC skill level O, A, or B.
Skilled Workers Outside Canada
You can apply for a nomination for permanent residency through the Skilled Worker stream of the P.E.I. PNP if you have a job offer from an Island employer. The P.E.I. Skilled Worker stream is employer-driven, allowing Island employers to fill high-skilled positions that they are unable to fill through the local job market. You must have a full-time long-term (i.e., permanent or minimum of two years) job offer from a P.E.I. employer in NOC skill level O, A, or B.
- Immigrate to P.E.I. as an Entrepreneur (Business Impact category)
If you are interested in immigrating to P.E.I. and would like to invest in and run a business, you may be eligible for a nomination for permanent residency through the Work Permit stream of the P.E.I. PNP. This stream is for foreign nationals with extensive management or business-ownership experience who would like to move to P.E.I. on a temporary basis to start their business, and eventually become a permanent resident. You must have a minimum verifiable personal net worth of $600,000.
This is an online platform to connect people who would like to buy or sell a P.E.I. business. As a potential buyer or investor, this website will provide you with a list of businesses whose owners are seeking someone to purchase or invest in their company. You will have to fill out a registration form to get full details. Once registered, you will be listed (anonymously if desired) and your information will be available to any registered business. You will be able to search the database and contact the businesses directly.
READ MORE: Atlantic Immigration Pilot
The Northwest Territories (NWT) Nominee Program is designed to help employers in the Northwest Territories secure the workforce they. If an employer cannot find a candidate locally or nationally for a position, the next option is to find foreign nationals with the skills and experience for the job.
If you are already working in the Northwest Territories, ask your employer about the NWT Nominee Program and the different opportunities to help you become a permanent resident.
There are three employer-driven streams including:
Critical Impact Workers
The Critical Impact Worker stream is aimed at helping employers fill shortages for entry-level jobs when they cannot find a candidate locally or nationally for a position. To be eligible, you must have worked in the same position for six months and be in good standing with the requirements of their temporary foreign work permit.
Skilled Workers
The Skilled Worker stream is designed to attract qualified individuals who will assist with shortages of workers in the Northwest Territories for which formal education and/or specialized training is required. You must have one year of full-time experience in the occupation being nominated for.
Express Entry System for Skilled Workers
The NWT Express Entry stream is for skilled workers who have a profile in IRCC’s Express Entry system. It assists employers by helping them secure skilled employees by fast-tracking applications for permanent residency. To be eligible for the Express Entry stream, you must meet be accepted into the Express Entry pool and meet the criteria of the Skilled Worker stream of the nominee program.
- Business stream
People who want to immigrate to the Northwest Territories to start their own business, or invest in and operate an established company may apply to the business streams of the NWT Nominee Program.
The business stream of the NWT Nominee Program is designed to attract business expertise to start and invest in a start-up business, which will enhance the economy.
Prospective applicants must submit their applications to the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment. Here are the current full guidelines.
Immigrating to Yukon under the provincial nominee program
The Yukon Nominee Program (YNP) allows Yukon to nominate applicants to IRCC for permanent residency up north in the Yukon. When eligible employers cannot find Canadian citizens or permanent residents to fill permanent full-time jobs in the area, this program allows them to fast track workers from outside of Canada. There is also a business stream for foreign national entrepreneurs who want to open a business in Yukon.
Here are the available YNP streams:
- The Skilled Worker Program is for qualified workers who fit into National Occupational Classification (NOC) 0, A or B categories. This stream is locally driven and based on the needs of Yukon employers.
- Express Entry is for skilled workers who fit into National Occupational Classification (NOC) A, 0 and B. You must also be eligible for one of the three federal immigration streams: federal skilled worker program; federal skilled trades program; or Canadian experience class.
- The Critical Impact Worker Program is for lower skilled qualified workers who fit into National Occupational Classification (NOC) C or D categories. This stream is locally driven and based on the needs of Yukon employers.
- The Business Nominee Program is for individuals with proven business skills who want to own and operate businesses in Yukon. Businesses must belong to eligible sectors, but can be startups or purchased businesses. In all cases, the nominee must operate the business; no passive investments are allowed. Nominees receive support for a two-year work permit, during which time they are to establish themselves, their family and their business in Yukon. At the end of the period, nominees who meet the requirements will be supported by Yukon in their application to Canada for permanent residency.
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