PNP Canada 2023

Canada's PNP

An In-Depth Guide to Provincial Nominee Programs for 2023"

In recent years, Canada has welcomed over 400,000 newcomers each year through various immigration pathways. This page will provide an overview of the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) in Canada, which are popular for both individual and business immigration purposes.

Are you considering Canadian permanent residency as a fresh start? Do you dream of relocating to Canada and beginning a new chapter in your life? If so, this page is perfect for you!

What is Canada's PNP?

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) in Canada is an immigration system designed to address the country's growing demand for new immigrants. The PNP allows provincial and territorial governments to nominate immigrants based on local labor market needs. Successful applicants under Canada's PNP programs ultimately achieve permanent residency status.

There are 80 distinct PNP streams in Canada, each aiming to grant individuals permanent residency. Some regions, such as Quebec and Nunavut, have their own systems—for example, Quebec independently determines its economic immigration selection process.

To provide some background, Canada consists of 10 provinces and 3 territories, all governed under the Canadian Constitution. While the federal government oversees national immigration laws and policies, provinces also have some autonomy in immigration through Provincial Nominee Programs. This shared authority is known as concurrent jurisdiction over immigration matters.

PNP Canada Eligibility Criteria: Who Qualifies for PNP Canada?

The eligibility criteria for PNP Canada in 2023 can be categorized into:

PNP Business Immigration Canada

Entrepreneurs can establish and expand their businesses in Canada through Business Immigration PNPs. Generally, entrepreneurs must present a financial business plan outlining their proposed venture and disclose their net worth and intended investment in the provincial economy. A net worth of at least CAD $250,000 can boost an entrepreneur's PNP application, depending on the target province. Relevant work experience in managing a similar business is often advantageous for applicants.

While PNP programs are among the most sought-after immigration pathways in Canada, they may not always be the quickest or most suitable option. It's advisable to explore alternatives such as the Intra-Company Transfer program, Entrepreneur Work Permit program, Canada's Start-up Visa program, or LMIA work permits when searching for the right immigration pathway.

Entrepreneurs typically need to hold a minimum of 33.33% shares in a business, with their investment in a province or territory ranging from as low as CAD $125,000 to as much as CAD $3,000,000. Investment requirements may vary by province. For example, the Vancouver and Abbotsford areas in British Columbia require double the net worth and investments compared to other parts of the province. Exploratory visits are often recommended, with provinces like New Brunswick setting a five-business-day requirement to complete this step.

PNP Personal Immigration Canada

Personal Immigration PNPs cater to skilled and semi-skilled workers with specific skills, industry expertise, and work experience in their respective fields. Not all PNP programs require a job offer, but applicants must meet educational, language proficiency (English and/or French), age, and medical fitness requirements. Nominees should be committed to obtaining permanent residence in their chosen province and sign documentation attesting to their intent to reside there. Nominees can usually bring their spouses, dependents, and/or children along.

Applicants are responsible for covering all PNP-related and subsequent fees. The federal government schedules designated PNP dates when invitations to apply are issued through PNP draws. Staying updated on the latest PNP news and draw results is a good practice.

How to Apply for PNP in Canada?

You can apply for a PNP program by:

1. Applying directly to a PNP program – the province will evaluate your application based on their selection criteria and points system. If you qualify, the province will issue a nomination letter, which you can use to apply for permanent residency;

OR

2. Applying through the Express Entry System – your profile will be visible to all provinces and territories. If selected, you will receive an invitation to apply for an Express Entry stream of that province's or territory's PNP.

If your PNP application is successful through either pathway, you will receive 600 points under the Comprehensive Ranking System. You can use these points in your Express Entry application.

Initially, it's crucial to thoroughly research the labor market and employment needs of the province you plan to immigrate to. It's not worth pursuing a specific role in a chosen province or territory if you don't meet the PNP requirements or if the region doesn't need professionals in your field.

With this in mind, you'll need to decide which province to apply to for PNP nomination. You can familiarize yourself with the various streams in the 'List of Programs' section of this page, where you can access each stream's application guide and forms through the provided links.

PNP Canada Processing Time

The PNP PR processing time varies depending on the applicant's entry type and the province they have applied to.

Express Entry PNP applicants receive priority in their application review, so their PNP Express Entry processing time is typically around 5 to 6 months. Non-Express Entry applications for PNP take longer to process, as they are not prioritized like Express Entry applications. You can expect the processing time for these applications to range between 12 and 24 months.

Quebec, a province with unique PNP requirements, used to process PNP nominations in just 20 days. However, it has since opted for the maximum 6-month processing model.

PNP Canada: List of Programs 2023

This section presents a brief overview of PNP programs across Canadian provinces, divided into PNPs for individuals and business owners.

Alberta

• Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) for individuals

• Alberta Self-Employed Farmer Stream for business owners

British Columbia

• British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) for individuals

• British Columbia Entrepreneur Immigration Stream for business owners

Manitoba

• Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) for individuals

• Manitoba Business Investor Stream for business owners

New Brunswick

• New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) for individuals

• New Brunswick Entrepreneurial Stream for business owners

Newfoundland and Labrador

• Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) for individuals

• Newfoundland and Labrador International Entrepreneur and International Graduate Entrepreneur categories for business owners

Nova Scotia

• Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) for individuals

• Nova Scotia Entrepreneur and International Graduate Entrepreneur streams for business owners

Ontario

• Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) for individuals

• Ontario Entrepreneur Stream for business owners

Prince Edward Island

• Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) for individuals

• Prince Edward Island Work Permit and Partial Ownership streams for business owners

Saskatchewan

• Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) for individuals

• Saskatchewan Entrepreneur and Farm Owner/Operator categories for business owners

Northwest Territories

• Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) for individuals

• Northwest Territories Business Stream for business owners

Yukon

• Yukon Nominee Program (YNP) for individuals

• Yukon Business Nominee Program for business owners

The Best PNP Programs in Canada

The two most popular PNP programs are the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) and the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP).

• The Ontario PNP is popular because Ontario is home to four of Canada's ten wealthiest cities, including the capital city, Ottawa. The local PNPs are divided into 'Business', 'Employer Job Offer', and 'Human Capital' streams, catering to investors, students, Ph.D. graduates, and French speakers, among others.

The Ontario PNP program is indeed quite popular and attracts a significant number of nominations. It is divided into four major categories, catering to different types of applicants:

Human Capital Category (Individuals)

• This category covers Skilled Workers, French speakers, and Skilled Traders. It aims to attract individuals with valuable skills and experience to contribute to the province's economy.

Masters or PhD Category (Individuals)

• This category is further divided into two streams:

  • Masters stream: Targets applicants who have obtained a Master's degree from an eligible Ontario institution.

  • PhD stream: Focuses on applicants who have completed a PhD program at an eligible Ontario institution.

Employer Job Offering Category (Individuals)

This category includes:

• • Students: With a processing fee of $1,500 and a maximum processing time of 120 days.

  • In-Demand and Foreign Workers: With a processing fee ranging from $1,500 to $2,000 (depending on whether the job is outside of Toronto or not) and a maximum processing time of 90 days.

Entrepreneur Stream (Business)

• Nominees in this category must have a net worth between $400,000 and $800,000, depending on whether they will conduct business inside or outside of the Greater Toronto Area. An Economic Assessment must also be completed as part of the application process.

BCPNP has three primary streams: one for workers, one for entrepreneurs, and a third for Express Entry candidates. Some work schemes are tailored to individuals with specialized training in the aviation (pilots) and technology sectors.

The BC PNP system is indeed one of the most sought-after in terms of nominations and has three main pathways:

Skilled Worker (Individuals)

1. This category includes several sub-streams, each with a processing fee of $1,150 and a processing time of 2 to 3 months:

   • Skilled Worker Category: Targets individuals with experience in skilled occupations that are in demand in BC.

   • Healthcare Professional Category: Focuses on healthcare professionals, such as physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals.

   • International Graduate Category: For individuals who have graduated from an eligible Canadian post-secondary institution within the past three years.

   • International Post-Graduate Category: Aimed at individuals who have obtained a Master's or Doctoral degree from an eligible BC post-secondary institution in specific fields of study.

   • Entry Level and Semi-Skilled Worker Category: Targets workers in entry-level or semi-skilled positions in specific industries, such as tourism and hospitality, long-haul trucking, and food processing.

• The first four sub-streams are covered under both the Skilled Worker and the Express Entry categories.

Express Entry BC Stream (Individuals)

2. This stream is aligned with the federal Express Entry system and includes the same sub-streams as the Skilled Worker category mentioned above.

Entrepreneur Stream (Business)

3. The Entrepreneur Stream has two sub-categories:

   • Base Category: Targets experienced entrepreneurs who plan to establish, invest in, and actively manage a new or existing business in BC. Applicants must have a net worth of at least $600,000 and be prepared to invest at least $200,000 in the business.

   • Regional Pilot: This pilot program is designed for entrepreneurs looking to start a business in a smaller community in BC. The net worth and investment requirements are lower than the Base Category, with a net worth of at least $300,000 and a minimum investment of $100,000.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Below you will find answers to the most commonly asked questions about PNP Canada.

Is PNP Canada easy?

• Yes, getting a PNP is considered a straightforward process. The popularity of this scheme comes from the dozens of streams within the PNP program, the flexibility of requirements on a province-by-province basis, and the fast processing time. However, for business immigration, PNPs might not be the best choice, and federal immigration programs might offer quicker and more certain immigration outcomes.

Does PNP guarantee PR?

• If you fulfill all requirements, the Provincial Nominee Program Canada is a way to obtain permanent residency (PR) in Canada. The PNP Visa for Canada aims to attract and retain skilled immigrants for the long-term, making it a fast track to PR.

Can I apply for PNP outside of Canada?

• Yes, you may apply for PNP from overseas either by contacting your chosen province and requesting a PNP nomination or by being nominated by the province itself as a foreign national. If nominated, you must create an Express Entry online profile.

How does PNP work?

• PNP is an immigration program for students, entrepreneurs, and skilled or semi-skilled workers with education, capabilities, and plans to become permanent residents of Canada. You must follow the PNP application procedures and pay the associated fees.

How long does it take to get a PNP nomination?

• Using the Express Entry online portal can speed up the processing time to 6 months, while a paper-based application may take as long as 2 years. Processing times can vary depending on the specific PNP pathway and province.

What is provincial nomination in Express Entry?

• An Express Entry for provincial nomination is a way to add 600 bonus Comprehensive Ranking System points and further encourage a province to issue a nomination invitation. It is also known as an enhanced nomination and brings you closer to securing an Invitation to Apply.

Can I apply for multiple PNPs in Canada?

• Yes, you may submit PNP nominations to two different provinces/territories in Canada. However, carefully consider your choices, as you are required to sign a statement of intent for each province.

Can I move to another province after PNP?

• Moving to another province after obtaining PNP is not desirable, as the Canadian government expects you to commit to your chosen province. After residing in your PNP province for some time and receiving PR, you may move to another province.

Can my family come to Canada with me if I obtain a provincial nomination?

• Generally, your closest family members (spouse and dependents/children) can move to Canada with you. However, bringing extended family may be more difficult. Always consult with an immigration lawyer if you have doubts about whether your family can accompany you to Canada after obtaining a provincial nomination.