Canada PNP
Canada is the most welcoming country for a migrant. A streamlined immigration process is one of the factors that make Canada immigration a viable option for an increasing number of individuals the world over.
Launched in 2015, the Express Entry System of Canada is today among the most sought-after immigration systems worldwide.
With a standard processing time of within 6 months for a majority of Canadian permanent residence applications submitted through the Express Entry, many have found their way into Canada via the Express Entry.
Today, India has the largest diaspora in the world. Many with their source country as India can be found distributed across various countries of destination.
As per the UN, Top 3 countries hosting the largest number of migrants from India are – the UAE [with 3.5 million], the US [with 2.7 million], and Saudi Arabia [with 2.5 million].
Canada comes close behind.
For a migrant, there are many immigration pathways available to choose from, all leading to Canada immigration, for the main applicant as well as their dependents.
While the Express Entry system of Canada might be better-known among the average migrant, there is another route to Canada PR via the provincial and territorial [PT] governments of Canada.
Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program [PNP], or Canada PNP, offers almost 80 different immigration pathways or ‘streams’, each targeted at a specific class of immigrants.
Of the 10 provinces in Canada, 9 are a part of the PNP of Canada. Quebec, the only Canadian province not a part of provincial nominee program Canada, has its own immigration program for the induction of newcomers into the province.
Similarly, of the 3 Canadian territories, 2 – that is, Yukon and Northwest Territories – are a part of the PNP. Nunavut, the third territory in Canada, does not have any immigration program as such.
Canadian provinces/territories and their PNP programs | |
Province/Territory | PNP program |
Alberta | Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program [AINP] |
British Columbia | BC Provincial Nominee Program [BC PNP] |
Manitoba | Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program [MPNP] |
New Brunswick | New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program [NB PNP] |
Newfoundland and Labrador | Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program [NL PNP] |
Nova Scotia | Nova Scotia Nominee Program [NSNP] |
Ontario | Ontario Immigration Nominee Program [OINP] |
Prince Edward Island | Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program [PEI PNP] |
Saskatchewan | Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program [SINP] |
Northwest Territories | Northwest Territories Nominee Program |
Yukon | Yukon Nominee Program |
A Canadian permanent resident is an individual that had been given permanent resident status in Canada through their Canada immigration.
A Canada PR is a citizen of another country, and not to be confused with a Canadian citizen.
As a permanent resident of Canada, an individual can avail most of the social benefits – including healthcare coverage – that Canadian citizens receive.
Moreover, acquiring Canadian permanent residence allows an individual to live, work or study anywhere throughout Canada.
An individual can apply for the citizenship of Canada after having lived in Canada as a permanent resident for a minimum of 3 out of the previous 5 years [that is, 1,095 days altogether].
Now, while migrate overseas to Canada is a streamlined process with the major economic immigration programs managed through the federal Express Entry system, not all who create their Express Entry profiles are invited by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada [IRCC].
Applying for Canadian permanent residence through the Express Entry system is by invitation only.
Securing a nomination through Canada’s PNP is a way of ensuring that an Express Entry candidate is issued an Invitation to Apply [ITA] in the subsequent federal draw held by IRCC.
An Express Entry candidate that is successful in getting a PNP nomination – through any of the Express Entry-linked PNP streams – is automatically allotted 600 additional points based on the Comprehensive Ranking System [CRS].
It is the CRS score of an Express Entry candidate that determines if they are to be issued an invitation by IRCC. The highest-ranked candidates are issued ITAs in the Express Entry draws held by IRCC.
Hence, fetching 600 CRS points for an Express Entry candidate, a nomination through Canada PNP program is a guarantee of that individual being invited to apply for their Canada PR.
For 2022, the Canadian government has a target of welcoming 411,000 permanent residents. Of these, while 110,500 will be through the Express Entry system, another 81,500 will acquire their Canada PR visa through the PNP route.
The province of British Columbia in Canada, with its high demand for tech talent, is among the best provinces to immigrate in Canada for a tech worker.
ALL CANADA PNP DRAWS IN 2023
All PNP draws in 2023 | |||
Total no. of candidates: 38,321 | |||
Total draws: 86 | |||
Month | Province | No. of draws | No. of candidates |
May | BC | 5 | 854 |
Manitoba | 2 | 1065 | |
Ontario | 5 | 6890 | |
Quebec | 1 | 802 | |
Saskatchewan | 2 | 2076 | |
PEI | 2 | 280 | |
April | Alberta | 4 | 405 |
BC | 4 | 678 | |
Manitoba | 3 | 1631 | |
Ontario | 5 | 1184 | |
Quebec | 1 | 1020 | |
Saskatchewan | 1 | 1067 | |
PEI | 1 | 189 | |
March | Alberta | 1 | 134 |
BC | 4 | 968 | |
Manitoba | 2 | 1163 | |
New Brunswick | 1 | 144 | |
Ontario | 6 | 3,906 | |
PEI | 3 | 303 | |
Quebec | 2 | 1636 | |
Saskatchewan | 2 | 550 | |
February | Ontario | 4 | 3,183 |
Manitoba | 2 | 891 | |
Saskatchewan | 1 | 421 | |
British Columbia | 4 | 909 | |
PEI | 1 | 228 | |
Alberta | 1 | 100 | |
January | Ontario | 6 | 3,591 |
Manitoba | 2 | 658 | |
Saskatchewan | 1 | 50 | |
British Columbia | 5 | 1,122 | |
PEI | 2 | 223 | |
Total | 86 | 38,321 |
ALL CANADA PNP DRAWS IN 2022
All PNP draws in 2022 | |||
Total no. of candidates: 47,337 | |||
Total draws: 138 | |||
Date | Province | No. of draws | No. of candidates |
November 07, 2022 | Nova Scotia | 2 | 162 |
November 08, 2022 | Saskatchewan | 2 | 90 |
November 17, 2022 | PEI | 2 | 188 |
November 18, 2022 | Manitoba | 1 | 518 |
November 28, 2022 | British Columbia | 2 | 349 |
October 25, 2022 | Ontario | 1 | 642 |
October 20, 2022 | PEI | 1 | 204 |
October 12, 2022 | British Columbia | 2 | 618 |
September 27, 2022 | British Columbia | 4 | 1299 |
September 15, 2022 | Manitoba | 2 | 714 |
September 29, 2022 | Ontario | 6 | 5229 |
September 15, 2022 | PEI | 1 | 147 |
September 28, 2022 | Saskatchewan | 6 | 4159 |
August 30, 2022 | British Columbia | 5 | 1067 |
August 30, 2022 | Ontario | 2 | 810 |
August 26, 2022 | Manitoba | 2 | 698 |
August 25, 2022 | Saskatchewan | 3 | 2042 |
August 18, 2022 | PEI | 1 | 121 |
July 28, 2022 | Saskatchewan | 5 | 2923 |
July 28, 2022 | Manitoba | 2 | 721 |
July 27, 2022 | Ontario | 3 | 790 |
July 26, 2022 | British Columbia | 4 | 660 |
July 21, 2022 | PEI | 1 | 165 |
June 30, 2022 | Manitoba | 2 | 494 |
June 29, 2022 | Ontario | 4 | 2230 |
June 28, 2022 | British Columbia | 4 | 615 |
June 16, 2022 | Alberta | 1 | 150 |
June 16, 2022 | PEI | 1 | 136 |
May 31, 2022 | British Columbia | 5 | 853 |
May 20, 2022 | PEI | 1 | 153 |
May 19, 2022 | Alberta | 1 | 100 |
May 5, 2022 | Saskatchewan | 1 | 198 |
May 05, 2022 | Manitoba | 1 | 315 |
April 28, 2022 | Ontario | 2 | 1335 |
April 26, 2022 | British Columbia | 4 | 685 |
April 21, 2022 | Manitoba | 2 | 526 |
April 21, 2022 | PEI | 1 | 141 |
April 14, 2022 | Alberta | 1 | 250 |
March 30, 2022 | Ontario | 3 | 2409 |
March 29, 2022 | British Columbia | 5 | 935 |
March 23, 2022 | Manitoba | 2 | 311 |
March 22, 2022 | Alberta | 2 | 700 |
March 17, 2022 | PEI | 1 | 141 |
March 8, 2022 | Saskatchewan | 3 | 414 |
February 28, 2022 | Ontario | 9 | 3349 |
February 24, 2022 | Manitoba | 2 | 551 |
February 22, 2022 | British Columbia | 4 | 624 |
February 17, 2022 | PEI | 1 | 117 |
February 8, 2022 | Nova Scotia | 1 | 278 |
February 01, 2022 | Alberta | 1 | 400 |
January 27, 2022 | Manitoba | 2 | 443 |
January 27, 2022 | Ontario | 3 | 2618 |
January 25, 2022 | British Columbia | 4 | 714 |
January 20, 2022 | PEI | 1 | 132 |
January 18, 2022 | Alberta | 2 | 600 |
January 12, 2022 | Saskatchewan | 1 | 104 |
Total | 138 | 47,337 |
The application process depends on the specific PNP stream applying to.
Each of the PT governments that are a part of the PNP have their own immigration pathways or ‘streams’. The eligibility and requirements differ from stream to stream.PNP Application Process
There are 2 ways for applying for Canadian permanent residence through the PNP. These are –
- An electronic application or e-application process for ‘enhanced’ nominations [through streams linked with the federal Express Entry System of Canada]
- Paper-based application process for base nominations
Generally, PNP Canada immigrationis a 2-step process, which involves securing a PNP nomination followed by applying to IRCC for permanent residence.
Some kind of a connection to the province – such as having studied or worked in the province – might be required to apply for a PR visa through the PNP. A job offer from an employer within that province will also make the candidate eligible.
General Basic Steps for Applying
STEP 1: Communicating an interest in settling within that province after being granted their permanent residence in Canada. Usually, this is to be done through the creation of an “Expression of Interest” or EOI profile with the specific PNP of the province concerned.
STEP 2: Receiving an invitation to apply in a provincial draw.
STEP 3: Submitting their PNP application for the stream invited under.
STEP 4: Securing a PNP nomination.
STEP 5: Applying for Canada PR following a PNP nomination
The PNP is the most recommended route for an Express Entry candidate with a low CRS score. With a 600-point boost got through a PNP nomination, the individual is assured of receiving an invitation from IRCC in the next Express Entry draw.
Provincial PNP streams linked with the federal Express Entry System | ||
PNP Program | Province | Pathway |
AINP | Alberta | Alberta Express Entry Stream |
BC PNP | British Columbia | Express Entry BC – Skilled Worker |
Express Entry BC – Healthcare Professional | ||
Express Entry BC – International Graduate | ||
Express Entry BC – International Post-Graduate | ||
MPNP | Manitoba | Skilled Workers Overseas – Manitoba Express Entry Pathway |
NBPNP | New Brunswick | New Brunswick Express Entry Labour Market Stream |
NL PNP | Newfoundland and Labrador | Express Entry Skilled Worker |
NS NP | Nova Scotia | Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry |
Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry | ||
OINP | Ontario | Skilled Trades Stream [Express Entry] |
Human Capital Priorities Stream [Express Entry] | ||
French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream [Express Entry] | ||
PEI PNP | Prince Edward Island | Express Entry stream |
SINP | Saskatchewan | International Skilled Worker: Saskatchewan Express Entry |
NT NP | Northwest Territories | Employer-Driven: Express Entry |
YNP | Yukon | Express Entry |
Y-Axis Can Help You With
- Qualification / Education Assessment
- Customized Document Checklist and critical document templates
- Guidance on key documentation requirements
- Filing of an online application form to create a profile for Invitation
- IELTS Guidance document
FAQ
Can I settle in Quebec through the PNP?
No. Quebec is not a part of Canada PNP. To settle in Quebec, you will be required to apply to the provincial government of Quebec for a Quebec Selection Certificate or Certificat de sélection du Québec [CSQ].
What is the provincial nominee program Canada?
The PNP of Canada allows the participating provincial and territorial governments to nominate individuals to the federal government for Canadian permanent residence.
How does being a provincial nominee help me?
Being nominated increases your chances of being granted Canada PR.
Is Canada PR guaranteed for a provincial nominee?
While a nomination does increase the chances of the individual being granted their Canadian permanent residence, the specific requirements of the federal government — at the time of applying to IRCC for Canada PR — must be met by the candidate.
My profile is in the Express Entry system. Should I try for PNP or wait for an ITA from IRCC?
An Express Entry candidate that is able to secure a PNP nomination will automatically be allotted 600 CRS points, thereby guaranteeing an IRCC invitation in the next Express Entry draw to be held.
As not all Express Entry profiles receive an invitation, PNP is the recommended way for ensuring an ITA from IRCC.
How many immigration pathways are available under the PNP?
Almost 80 PNP pathways are available, many linked with the federal Express Entry system of Canada.
What is the difference between a ‘base’ nomination and an ‘enhanced’ nomination?
Based on the application process involved, there are 2 ways to apply to the PNP – [1] online application process for Express Entry-linked PNP streams, these are the so-called ‘enhanced’ nominations; and [2] paper-based application process for the other PNP streams, the ‘base’ nominations.
Is it compulsory to reside within the nominating province/territory after being granted Canada PR?
As the PNP is a way for the provincial/territorial governments to bring in their chosen newcomers, anyone that is granted their permanent residence through the PNP will be required to live within that province/territory for a certain period of time.
Generally, a new permanent resident in Canada – that is not a PNP nominee – might live somewhere in Canada other than the “city of destination” mentioned on their Confirmation of Permanent Residence [COPR].
Is the PNP only for skilled workers?
No. Each of the PNP streams specifically targets a certain class of immigrants. In a PNP stream, the provincial or territorial government concerned might target – students, skilled workers, semi-skilled workers, or business people.
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