Since the introduction of the Express Entry program, the role played by Canadian provinces in Canadian immigration policy has changed significantly. The most significant adjustment concerns the way part of the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are now aligned with the federal Express Entry system.
The provinces of Nova Scotia, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Prince Edward Island, and Manitoba have already revealed their respective express entry categories, and proactive immigration applicants Canada take advantage of the opportunities offered by these PNPs.
Background information on Canada PNP
In Canada, the provinces and territories and the federal government share jurisdiction over the selection of immigrants. There are ten provinces and three territories in Canada. Except for the territory of Nunavut and the province of Quebec, which has its unique immigration system described below, all other provinces and territories have immigration programs that allow them to nominate people who wish to immigrate to Canada and are interested in settling in a particular province. The federal government then takes care of health and safety issues before issuing the permanent resident visa.
Provincial and territorial governments use official PNP Canada programs to welcome new permanent residents to Canada. Each Provincial Nominee Program is tailored to the specific needs of the provinces and territories, which aim to select new immigrants who will be able to settle in life and work in the region and contribute effectively to the community, both socially and economically.
Express entry “in-line” with Provincial Nomination
Provinces and territories can nominate several candidates through the Express Entry system to meet local and provincial labor market needs. These parts of the PNP are referred to as “enhanced” applications.
Express Entry program candidates who obtain a provincial nomination receive 600 points under the Comprehensive Ranking System, out of a possible total of 1,200. When these additional points are added to the human capital and transferability points of skills of a candidate, this will result in an invitation to apply for permanent residence in the next Express Entry pool draw.
All applicants must meet the eligibility criteria of one of the following federal economic immigration programs to enter and be selected for the Express Entry pool: Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Canadian Experience Class.
Provinces and territories can add additional criteria for their immigration flows.
Depending on the PNP, candidates who are eligible to enter the Express Entry pool may either enter the pool first and then be nominated by a province or territory, or be nominated by a province or territory before completing an Express Entry profile online and entering the Express Entry pool.
Increase your chances of getting your PR Visa
By keeping abreast of the various PNPs and keeping an open mind about the possibilities offered by each Canadian province, applicants can increase their chances of successfully immigrating to Canada. Provincial Nominee Programs are disclosed and/or modified on an ongoing basis and, as long as a candidate is eligible for the programs in question, there is no limit to the number of PNPs for which he or she can apply. Applicants must, however, demonstrate their intention to reside in the province (s) in which they applied through a PNP.
“Enhanced” PNPs streams
Provinces and territories may also submit nominations as part of their regular or “core” PNPs outside of the Express Entry system.
Individuals who wish to immigrate to Canada, but who are not eligible to enter the Express Entry pool, may still be able to apply to immigrate to Canada through a basic PNP, as long as they are ‘they are eligible for the provincial program. Basic appointments may therefore provide Canadian immigration opportunities to individuals who are not eligible for Express Entry.
Candidates who receive a basic appointment have their application processed outside of Express Entry. The path from a successful basic appointment to permanent residency is a two-step process. Applicants must first meet the criteria for a PNP stream, apply and receive a certificate of appointment. With this certificate in hand, applicants can apply to the federal government for permanent resident status.
Saskatchewan PNP is one of the famous Canada PNPs. In order to move to Saskatchewan you have to get minimum points required for SINP. You can calculate your points with our SINP points calculator.
Moving to Quebec
Although it does not have a provincial program aligned with the federal Express Entry system, the province of Quebec does have its skilled worker program – the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP). The QSWP uses a points-based selection system, where points are awarded for age, education, work experience, language skills, and other factors. Bonus points can also be awarded for certain fields of study or training.
Although the QSWP is not open at this time, the Government of Quebec has indicated that the rules regarding the receipt and processing of applications will come into effect on April 1, 2015. At the end of January 2015, the Government of Quebec updated its “Area of Training” and made changes to the points awarded for different areas of study or areas of training. This was good news for those graduating in fields such as IT, IT engineering, accounting, banking and finance, and translation, as these areas of training will receive many more points than before.
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