PROVINCIAL NOMINEE PROGRAM
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The Provincial Nominee Program is right for you if you want to immigrate and become a permanent resident of Canada, live in a particular province or territory, and you possess the skills, education and work experience to positively contribute to the economy of that region of Canada.
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In this program foreign nationals, who are qualified workers, tradesperson, and/or experienced business professionals, are nominated by a province or territory that is looking to recruit and select these individuals who can contribute to their economy while also filling any occupational shortages.
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Accordingly, each provincial and territorial government has its own set of requirements and “streams” that target specific groups. For example, a province that is looking to grow its economy through new business growth may be targeting business people, whereas provinces in another region of Canada could be focused on attracting students, skilled or semi-skilled workers and/or tradespersons.
Due to the provinces and territories having different streams and methods to attract new immigrants, it’s important to understand that the application process and the processing time may vary, depending on where you are applying. While you might need to apply online via Express Entry, some provinces will require a paper-based application in order to issue a confirmation of nomination.
The Provincial Nominee Program Application Process
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The paper-based application requires, among other things, that:
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you meet the eligibility requirements of the province of your choice;
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you apply to the province or territory for nomination under a non-Express Entry stream;
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once nominated, you complete and pass a medical exam, and a police background check; and,
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you submit a paper-based application for permanent residence to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
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Under the Express Entry system, there are two approaches through which the Provincial Nominee Program works.
The first approach involves:
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meeting the eligibility requirements under one of the Canadian economic immigration programs;
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meeting the eligibility requirements of the province of your choice;
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contacting the province or territory of your choice and submitting an application for a nomination under one of their economic immigration programs with focus on the Express Entry system;
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if the province or territory of your choice agrees to nominate you, you create/update an Express Entry profile and indicate that you have been nominated; and,
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once an invitation to apply is issued, you submit your application for permanent residence electronically.
In the second approach:
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you must meet the eligibility requirements under one of the Canadian economic immigration programs managed by the Express Entry system;
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you create an Express Entry profile and indicate the provinces and territories you are interested in and which programs you meet the eligibility requirements;
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if a province or territory sends you a “notification of interest”, then you contact them directly in order to complete separately the application for a nomination under the provincial or territorial immigration program you have been selected;
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in the case where your provincial nomination is approved, the province or territory will inform it to you, through your Express Entry profile account; and,
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you accept the nomination electronically in order to pursue your application for permanent residence electronically.
Our immigration lawyers at Boghossian Morais LLP are knowledgeable on the requirements set out by each of the Canadian provinces and territories offering provincial nominee programs and may guide you through the correct, most succinct process, aiming to achieve the most favorable outcome possible for you and your family.
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If you would like to learn more about the requirements for the Provincial Nominee Program, or assistance in getting started with your immigration application process under this program, Boghossian Morais LLP can help.