The provincial nominee program can be the most convenient route for applicants to acquire a Canada PR Visa. Based on new statistics, the federal Express Entry system currently has 236,909 active profiles, and the latest CRS cut-off for the Canadian experience class draws for this current financial year ranges from 521 to 542.

Therefore, if you lack a high CRS score and fail to make it to the category-based draws, the PNP program can be the ideal way to gain Canadian permanent residency through economic immigration.

This article will provide complete details about securing permanent residency in Canada, being considered for provincial nomination, and every other related detail. But before moving ahead, let us give you an overview of the PNP program. 

Understanding the Provincial Nominee Program

Besides Quebec and Nunavut, all Canadian provinces and territories have distinct provincial nominee programs (PNP). These allow skilled professionals who intend to stay in Canada to have a strategic permanent residency opportunity.

How does the PNP system work to obtain permanent residency in Canada? 

There are two steps involved in obtaining a Canada PR visa under the PNP program:

• You first obtain the provincial nomination.
• Following a provincial nomination, you must submit an application to Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence.

Candidates must indicate that they intend to reside in the nominated province or territory to be considered for a territorial or provincial nomination. Furthermore, you must fulfill the requirements for particular streams.

Different types of PNP streams 

Base and Enhanced are the two streams into which the PNP streams are separated.

• Base Stream: The federal express entry system does not affect the operation of the base streams. Applicants in this stream will apply directly to the province and then submit a separate PR application to the IRCC if nominated.
• Improved PNP Stream: The Express Entry system aligns with improved streams. The stream makes it easier for the province to nominate candidates from the Express Entry pool. A provincial nomination increases the likelihood of being invited to apply, which can earn up to 600 points in the CRS score.

Eligibility criteria for Provincial Nominee Program 

Each Provincial Nominee Program have separate requirements, but below are some of the standard requirements: 

• Occupation in Shortage: Having experience in one of the jobs declared in shortage by the province.
• Job Offer: A genuine offer of employment issued by an employer in the province.
• Language Requirements: Comply with language requirements, at least in English or French.
• Work Experience and Qualifications: Relevant experience and qualifications to do the job.
• Intent to Move In: Willingness and intention to establish residence and seek employment in the nominating province.

Application process for the PNP program 

According to the PNP streams, the application process for the PNP program could be different.

• Direct Application: The candidates provide a complete application directly to the province.
• Expression of Interest (EOI): Candidates submit an EOI with the province. If they are shortlisted, they are invited to apply for nomination.
• Express Entry Profile: Candidates must have a current Express Entry profile for the upgraded streams. Provinces may issue a Notification of Interest (NOI) to suitable candidates, who can apply for nomination.

Recent changes in the Provincial Nominee Programs 

Provinces continuously update their PNPs to answer changing labor market requirements:

• Ontario: The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) expects applicants to commit to living in Ontario and holding current temporary status throughout the application process.
• New Brunswick: The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) has initiated intake for two intensified PNP streams, enabling qualified newcomers to file Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from March 5, 2025.
• Saskatchewan: The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) has reopened intake for Job Approval Forms (JAFs) and changed its eligibility criteria, emphasising Health, Agriculture, and Skilled Trades.

Conclusion 

The Provincial Nominee Program provides a promising path to Canadian permanent residence, particularly for individuals focusing on particular provinces or having lower CRS scores. By familiarising themselves with the different streams, satisfying the requirements, and going through the correct application procedures, applicants can improve their chances of a successful immigration result.

For more details, reach out to the Best immigration consultancy Province Immigration, via +91 98961 96762 or info@provinceimmigration.com.