The benefits of applying through the PNP

Applying through the PNP can help you achieve your dream of living and working in Canada as a permanent resident. By applying through the PNP, you can:

• Choose a province or territory that suits your preferences, such as climate, culture, economy, or lifestyle

• Increase your chances of being invited to apply for permanent residence, as each province or territory has its own selection criteria and quota

• Benefit from the support and guidance of the province or territory that nominates you, such as settlement services, language training, or job assistance

• Contribute to the economic and social development of the province or territory that nominates you

The eligibility criteria for applying through the PNP

To apply through the PNP, you must meet certain eligibility criteria, such as:

• Having a valid temporary status in Canada, such as a work permit, study permit, or visitor visa, or applying from outside Canada

• Having the required language skills in English or French

• Having the required education, work experience, and skills

• Having a genuine intention to live and work in the province or territory that nominates you

• Having enough money to support yourself and your family in Canada

• Being admissible to Canada and not having any criminal record or security risk

The main streams and categories of the PNP

There are different streams and categories of the PNP, depending on the province or territory you want to apply to. Some of the main streams and categories are:

• Express Entry-linked streams, which are aligned with the federal Express Entry system that manages applications for three economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class. You need to create an online profile and be invited to apply by the province or territory based on your ranking score.

• Occupation-specific streams, which are based on the occupation or skill level that is in demand in the province or territory. You need to have a job offer or work experience in an eligible occupation.

• Employer-driven streams, which are based on the employer’s need to hire a foreign worker. You need to have a job offer from an employer in the province or territory.

• Entrepreneur streams, which are for business owners or managers who want to start or buy a business in the province or territory. You need to meet the net worth, investment, business experience, or innovation criteria and create or manage a business in Canada.

• International graduate streams, which are for international students who graduated from an eligible post-secondary institution in Canada. You need to have a job offer or work experience in an eligible occupation.

The steps to apply through the PNP

The steps to apply through the PNP vary depending on the stream or category you choose. However, there are some common steps that you need to follow:

• Research and choose a province or territory that matches your preferences and qualifications

• Check the eligibility requirements and application process of the stream or category you want to apply to

• Gather all the required documents and forms for your application

• Submit your application online or by mail to the province or territory of your choice

• Wait for a decision from the province or territory on your nomination

• If you are nominated by the province or territory, apply for permanent residence to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) within six months

The fees and processing times for the PNP

The fees for applying through the PNP depend on the stream or category you choose and whether you apply online or by mail. The fees include:

• The application fee charged by the province or territory that nominates you (varies by province or territory)

• The processing fee charged by IRCC for your permanent residence application ($825 CAD per person)

• The right of permanent residence fee charged by IRCC when your permanent residence is approved ($500 CAD per person)

• The biometrics fee charged by IRCC if you need to give your fingerprints and photo ($85 CAD per person)

The processing times for applying through the PNP vary depending on the stream or category you choose and whether you apply online or by mail. You can check the current processing times on the IRCC website and on the website of the province or territory that nominates you.

The processing time may be affected by factors such as:

• The volume of applications received by the province or territory and by IRCC

• The completeness of your application and supporting documents

• The verification of your information and documents

• The availability of biometrics appointments and medical exams (if required)

• The type of background checks required for your situation

The obligations and responsibilities of being a provincial nominee

As a provincial nominee, you have certain obligations and responsibilities that you must fulfill. These include:

• Living and working in the province or territory that nominates you for at least two years after you become a permanent resident

• Paying taxes at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels

• Respecting all Canadian laws at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels

• Maintaining your permanent resident status by living in Canada for at least 730 days in every five-year period

• Informing IRCC and the province or territory of any changes in your personal information or situation

The difference between provincial nomination and permanent residence

Provincial nomination and permanent residence are two different statuses in Canada. While they are related, they also have some differences. For example:

• Provincial nomination is a document that shows that a province or territory has selected you to apply for permanent residence based on their specific criteria and quota. Permanent residence is the status of being a permanent resident of Canada that gives you many rights and benefits that non-residents do not have.

• Provincial nomination is valid for six months from the date of issue. Permanent residence is valid indefinitely as long as you meet your residency obligations.

• Provincial nomination does not guarantee that you will be granted permanent residence. Permanent residence is granted by IRCC after they assess your eligibility and admissibility to Canada.

• Provincial nomination requires you to live and work in the province or territory that nominates you for at least two years after you become a permanent resident. Permanent residence allows you to live, work, or study anywhere in Canada.