Provincial Nominee Programs

General Information on Provincial Nominee Programs across Canada

Generally to apply under any PNP programs skilled worker category you will need a guaranteed offer of employment first. Provincial Nominee Programs are employer-driven programs run by provincial governments in conjunction with Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC).

If Canadian employers are unable to fill skilled labour positions they may apply for approval from the provincial government to recruit foreign candidates to fill the position. Note: (skilled worker must have specialized training and experience within their occupations and should be able to provide qualifications, references and documentation to support their case)

Canadian employers can also apply to the PN Program to nominate individuals already working in the province, under a Temporary Foreign Worker Authorization through HRDC.

The process is similar to somewhat similar to the HRDC process for Temporary work validation. Generally PN Programs consider applications where the position:

• cannot be filled by a Canadian resident;
• is for permanent, full-time employment;
• meets provincial employment and wage standards;
• is offered to an individual who meets the required qualifications; and
• Does not conflict with existing collective bargaining agreements.
• Candidates are generally considered for PN Program nomination if:
• They have Guaranteed Offer of Employment, which is a valid job offer and meet the above requirements
  
  Most of the provinces would like to come out for visit and meet the employer and do some research on the chosen province. They also award 5 points for a visit. I would strongly recommend that if you can visit the province and meet your potential employer. There is no other way better than this as you can pick up lots of valuable information. You can make friends and net work with people who can assist you with settlement related issues. Key factor is to remain independent and make informed choices about your eventual move.
  
  You can still apply for PNP if you have already lodged your application in BC. You will need the following to proceed with the PNP process:
  
  • A guaranteed job offer, once again the job offer has to be in skills shortage category. The employer can not apply for a PNP where a Canadian can be trained and offered that position.
  • Your file number if you have one, copies of your application forms for permanent residency.
  • Information on offer of employment and the completed PNP application forms and letter of nomination from the employer.
  • If your application is successful, you will receive a nomination certificate and application for temporary work permit. This is relatively a new process to assist BC employers to access the nominated employees quickly to fill the shortage. It is also my understanding that PR applications are fast tracked if you are approved under the PNP.
  • Once you have received the Nomination certificate you will still have to meet the CIC federal requirements, passing your medicals, criminal and security checks before an immigration visa is issued

What to look for in a guaranteed job offer?

• Employment is permanent and full-time, training, internship or apprenticeship positions that
• End on a specific date are NOT guaranteed job offers. Although most of the provinces consider long term contracts when this is the industry norm. IT contracts are typical example.
• Employment in the intended occupation is consistent with the applicant’s education, training and experience.
• The positions must meet provincial employment standards and the comparable industry rate of pay.
• If provincial licensing or accreditation is a condition of employment, the applicant must prove his or her eligibility to work in that occupation in New Brunswick.
• Employment must be in that particular where you are intending to live and applying.

This information has been taken from: http://www.cic.gc.ca

For up to date information, you may wish to consult the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website at:

http://www.cic.gc.ca

Most provinces in Canada have an agreement with the Government of Canada that allows them to play a more direct role in selecting immigrants who wish to settle in that province. If you wish to immigrate to one of Canada's provinces as a Provincial Nominee, you must first apply to the province where you wish to settle. The province will consider your application based on their immigration needs and your genuine intention to settle there.After you have been nominated by a province, they will send you a Certificate of Provincial Nomination.  You then make a separate application to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) for permanent residence enclosing your Certificate of Provincial Nomination. A CIC officer will assess your application based on Canadian immigration regulations.