Provincial Nominee Program (ON and BC)
The Provincial Nominee Program gives applicants an opportunity to apply through the Province rather than apply through a Federal program such as the CEC, FSW or FST.
The Federal government allocates an immigration quota to each province and territory. This allows the province or territory to select their own immigration candidates based on the economic needs of the province/territory.
There are a total of 12 provinces/territories each offering their separate immigration programs and streams. The criteria and eligibility requirements vary from each province/territory depending on their economics needs and which industry they require to fill shortages. Each Province/Territory offers anywhere from 3-8 immigration streams.
Although there are over 50 PNP streams, they can be broken down primarily into 4 categories.
International Student Streams – This allows students who have recently graduated form a Canadian College/university to apply to permanently reside in the province. Please note that majority of International student streams require a job offer.
Express Entry Streams – This stream is for Candidates who have submitted an Express Entry Profile to be invited by the province to apply through one of their streams. Should the PNP application be approved then the candidate will be allocated an additional 600 CRS points to add to their Profile. This will then result in the person being sent an “Invitation to Apply” where they will then submit an application to IRCC.
Semi Skilled streams – This stream allows for the province to bring semi-skilled workers in occupations fall under NOC C and D. This helps the province fill shortages in semi-skilled occupations.
Entrepreneur/business streams – This stream is for entrepreneurs or investor to invest in a business in the province or create a new business from the beginning. In additional to the minimum criteria, the eligibility criteria require that a minimum net worth and a minimum investment depending on the Province. The applicant must also create a minimum amount of full-time Canadian jobs, again depending on the province.
After a person has been nominated by the province or territory, then they can then apply for permanent residency. This application must be submitted online or by paper depending on the immigration stream.
Doherty Fultz Immigration specialize in the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP).