PNP Canada – Provincial Nominee Programme for Nigerians

Do you Need Help with your PNP Application?

We have successfully assisted numerous Nigerians in applying for the Provincial Nominee Program. If you want to stay in a particular province in Canada, we can support you with all the steps of your application. Let us handle all the complexities and make your travel plans as stress-free as possible.

Nigerian Emigration

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What Are Provincial Nominee Programs?

The Canada Provincial Nominee Programme was designed to bring skilled workers to the provinces of Canada that are facing a talent shortage.

This program since 1998, has been one of the ways the Canadian territories and provinces manage their immigration systems. Except for Quebec and Nunavutach, every other province of Canada has its respective eligibility criteria targeted at meeting its unique immigration objectives.

The Canada Provincial Nominee Programmes offer you the opportunity to relocate and permanently settle in Canada. However, the provinces do not have the right to grant permanent residency to applicants because issues of permanent residency have to be approved by the federal government at the national level.

Before you apply for the PNP programmes, ensure that you’re already equipped with the skills, educational qualifications and work experience needed at your proposed job in Canada. Also, ensure that you apply only to one province of Canada in order to emigrate to that particular province or territory.

Most PNPs would require that you have a connection to their province. This means that you must have worked in the province or studied there. You may also be required to have a job offer from an employer within the province.

Provinces and Territories

The Provincial Nominee Programmes are not offered by all Canadian provinces and territories. The following are the different provinces and territories that offer Provincial Nominee Programmes:

Alberta Immigrant Nominee Programme (AINP)

Alberta has grown to be a popular choice for immigrants who want to immigrate to Canada permanently through the Provincial Nominee Programme (PNP) and plan to settle there.

Alberta, which shares a northern border with the Northwest Territories and a southern border with the US state of Montana, is one of the three Canadian Prairies Provinces. The other two neighbours, to the east and west, are the Canadian provinces of Saskatchewan and British Columbia.

You can qualify for the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) through the following streams:

• Alberta Express Entry Stream (Designed for foreign employees)
• Self-Employed Farmer Stream
• International Graduate Entrepreneur Immigration Stream
• Alberta Opportunity Stream (Designed for foreign employees)
• Foreign Graduate Start-up Visa Stream.

British Columbia Provincial Nominee Programme (BC PNP)

British Columbia is renowned for having the widest variety of climates and landscapes in all of Canada. British Columbia is one of the most culturally diverse provinces in Canada even though its society is one of the most British of all the Canadian provinces.

The British Columbia PNP is designed to bring immigrants who are skilled workers, entrepreneurs, investors and workers in sectors with labour shortages.

The streams for the British Columbia PNP application include:

• Entrepreneur Immigration Stream
• Express Entry British Columbia (Designed for skilled employees)
• Skills Immigration (Designed for skilled and semi-skilled persons working in high-demand professions)

Manitoba Provincial Nominee Programme (MPNP)

Manitoba is one of Canada’s western prairie provinces. The Manitoba province is built upon a long history of rich agricultural production. Manitoba is bordered on the west by the province of Saskatchewan, on the east by Ontario province and hosts the city of Winnipeg.

The PNP is deliberately created to benefit the province by bringing immigrants in areas like skilled workers, employees in industries where there is a scarcity of workforce, agricultural entrepreneurs and recent graduates.

For the Manitoba PNP, you can take the following streams:

• Business Investor Stream
• International Education Stream
• Skilled Workers Stream

New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Programme (NBPNP)

New Brunswick is in the east of Canada on the Atlantic Ocean. The New Brunswick province’s Provincial Nominee Programmes attract and keep foreign nationals who have the ability to fill workforce gaps and meaningfully contribute to the communities and local economies.

You can apply for the NBPNP through the following streams:

• NB Express Entry Stream
• NB Skilled Worker Stream
• NB Business Immigration Stream

Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Programme (NLPNP)

The Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Programme (NLPNP) is designed to bring prospective foreign nationals with skills and experience to help meet the need of the labour market and economy of the province. This program offers immigrants with experience and skills the opportunity of being nominated for permanent residency in the province.

The following PNP streams are for the NLPNP:

• International Entrepreneur Category
• Skilled Worker
• Express Entry Skilled Worker
• International Graduate Entrepreneur Category
• International Graduate

Northwest Territories Nominee Programme (NTNP)

The NTNP brings in skilled, low-skilled and semi-skilled workers through immigration streams that are employer-driven. The other stream is business driven, focusing on bringing business owners and entrepreneurs to build businesses in the province.

The streams for this NTNP Provincial Nominee Program include:

• Express Entry Stream
• Employer-Driven Stream
• Business Stream

Nova Scotia Nominee Programme (NSNP)

The province hosts several distinctive Provincial Nomination Programmes (PNPs) intended to draw in and keep immigrants who can fill labour shortages and contribute significantly to local economies and communities.

The streams for the NSNP include:

• Entrepreneur
• Physician
• Skilled Worker
• Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities
• Labour Market Priorities for Physicians
• Occupations in Demand
• International Graduates in Demand
• Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry
• International Graduate Entrepreneur

Ontario Immigrant Nominee Programme (OINP)

The city of Toronto and Canada’s capital Ottawa are in the province of Ontario. The Ontario PNP is designed to bring workers with labour shortages, entrepreneurs, skilled workers and investors into the province.

The following are the paths for the OINP:

• French-Speaking Skilled Workers path
• Human Capital Priorities path
• Skilled Trades path
• Employer Job Offer. International Students path, is designed for International students and is based on an expression of interest structure
• Employer Job Offer. Foreign Worker path, is designed for foreign employees and is based on an expression of interest structure
• Employer Job Offer. In-Demand Skills path, is designed for skilled workers in-high demand professions and is based on an expression of interest structure
• Masters Graduate path, is designed for Master graduates and is based on an expression of interest structure
• Ph.D. Graduate path, is designed for PhD graduates and is based on an expression of interest structure.

Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Programme (PEI PNP)

The PEI PNP has several immigration pathways to bring immigrant skilled workers, young graduates from post-secondary education and business people.

Through the following streams, you can apply for the PEI PNP:

• Prince Edward Island Express Entry Stream
• Prince Edward Island Critical Workers Stream
• Business Start-Up and Entrepreneurship
• The Atlantic Immigration Pilot
• Skilled Worker in Prince Edward Island Stream
• International Graduate Stream
• Skilled Workers Outside Canada Stream.

Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)

One of the hubs of the agricultural industry in Canada is the province of Saskatchewan, which is situated in the prairie region of Western Canada. The province, which is abundant in farms, is home to Regina and Saskatoon, two significant Canadian cities.

The SINP is aimed at luring immigrants to provinces in need of skilled labour, workers in fields where there is a labour shortage, people with job offers, and entrepreneurs.

The following are the streams for the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program:

• International Skilled Worker Stream
• Entrepreneur and Farm Stream
• Saskatchewan Experience Stream

Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)

To meet the strong demand for skilled and semi-skilled professions in the Yukon labour market, there is an apparent need for foreign skilled workers.

The following are the streams for this PNP:

• Yukon Skilled Worker
• Yukon Express Entry
• Yukon Community Pilot
• Yukon Business Nominee
• Yukon Critical Impact Worker

How the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Works

The Canadian Provincial Nominee Programme (PNP) is designed for workers who are educated, possess skills and have work experience they will contribute to the economy of the specific province they have chosen to settle in permanently.

Each Canadian province has its own specific needs and its own immigration programmes that target certain groups (Streams) and requirements. For instance, provinces’ or territories’ targets in a programme stream may be students, skilled workers, semi-skilled workers, or business people.

Understand the Application Options

The Provincial Nominee Programme stream you’re applying to will determine how you will apply. Therefore, you might need to apply through the Express Entry or non-Express Entry Process.

No matter where you plan to settle in Canada, you must pass a medical examination and have a police check as part of the application process.

Express Entry Process

There are two ways you can apply during your online Express Entry Process. You may reach out to the province or territory and apply to be nominated under an Express Entry Stream.

Therefore, if the province or territory accepts to nominate you, then you have to show that you have been nominated by creating an Express Entry profile or updating your already existing profile.

The second way you can apply is by creating an Express Entry profile and showing the territories and provinces you’re interested in.

If you get a “notification of interest” to your account from the province or territory then you have to contact them directly. The province or territory will also send into your account a nomination certificate which you must accept electronically.

In these two ways of applying for your Express Entry, you must meet the territory or province’s eligibility criteria. You will also have to show that you’ve met the eligibility criteria for the Express Entry and that you’re eligible for one of the immigration programmes it covers by submitting your Express Entry profile.

Upon receiving an invitation to apply, go ahead and submit your electronic application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Non-Express Entry Process

For the non-Express Entry Process, you need to apply to the province or territory for nomination under a non-Express Entry stream.

You also need to meet the eligibility requirements of the province that nominated you. Thereafter, once you’re nominated, you should apply for permanent residence online.

Ensure you provide your medical examination result and police check (certificate). It should be noted that the application processing time for the non-Express Entry process is longer than that of Express Entry.

Express Entry Provincial Nominee Programs

Canada launched Express Entry in 2015 as a way to handle applications for permanent residence submitted under the same important economic immigration programmes.

Enhanced PNP streams that are aligned with Express Entry have since then been created by a number of Canadian provinces and territories. It entails that in order to be eligible for various PNPs, a candidate must have an Express Entry profile.

On how to get provincial nomination for express entry, if you’re nominated through a PNP which is aligned with Express Entry, you can then claim 600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points. This almost certainly guarantees that you will receive an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residence in the coming Express Entry draw.

In contrast, if you receive a nomination that is not aligned with Express Entry through a PNP, then as a provincial nominee, you must submit a non-Express Entry federal application for permanent residence.

How to Apply for a Provincial Nominee Program in Canada

How to apply for PNP Canada is simple. You must determine which stream of the provincial nominee programme best suits you first.

Therefore, ensure you conduct thorough research. Make a careful pick because some programmes have streams that are similar.

You must submit an application to the relevant province or territory once you have determined which provincial nominee programme stream you are eligible for.

The province or territory is responsible for taking the following action. If your application is accepted, the province will nominate you for permanent residence in Canada.

At this stage, you will also receive a provincial nomination certificate. After your nomination, you may submit an application to the Canadian government for permanent residency.

For applicants selected for Express Entry, the permanent residency application can be completed online. While the application process for other applicants will be done on paper.

How to Apply through the ‘Base’ PNP Process

Some PNPs known as ‘base’ PNPs do not require an Express Entry profile for the application. However, there is a general process, although the nomination process differs across the programmes.

In the general process, you will need to apply for nomination. Then if you’re nominated you’ll have to apply for Canadian permanent residence through the Permanent Residence Portal.

You can submit your application for Canadian permanent residence to IRCC through their online Permanent Residence Portal immediately after the Canadian province or territory nominates you.

Permanent residency applications filed through the Base PNP are processed much more slowly than electronic applications made through Express Entry. A paper-based application takes, on average, 18 months to process while a permanent residence application submitted through Express Entry takes, on average, 6 months to process.

How to Apply through the Express Entry Process

In order to apply through the Express Entry process you must:

• Submit an Express Entry profile after creating an account
• Apply to a PNP that is aligned with Express Entry
• Get an Express Entry stream nomination
• Receive 600 additional points after confirming the Express Entry on your profile
• Await your permanent residence invitation letter
• Through the Express Entry system, you can now apply for your Canadian permanent residence

PNPs in Canadian provinces and territories are different. The application process for a nomination and its reception through the Express Entry system differ depending on the programme.

Some PNPs accept applications from qualified candidates at all times, so if you meet the requirements, you can submit your application whenever you are ready.

Certain PNPs employ an Expression of Interest (EOI) method, in which qualified candidates submit a profile that is scored using a points-based system for the opportunity to get an invitation to apply for nomination.

Some PNPs invite foreign nationals to apply by either choosing applicants right from the Express Entry pool or by requesting formal Expressions of Interest from interested individuals.

The PNP application procedure can be complicated, and incomplete or poorly submitted applications may be rejected. Applicants must take care to submit their applications through the appropriate channel and with the relevant information.

How Much Does it Cost to Immigrate through a PNP?

To immigrate through a PNP will cost you about CAN$2,300 to CAN$3,800. However, this depends on the programme you’re immigrating through.

Provinces like Ontario and some others charge as much as CAN$1,500 for processing fees. While some other provinces do not charge applicants processing fees.

The cost of CAN$2,300 to CAN$3,800 is broken down as follows:

• Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) (if required) average cost is CAN$200
• Language test’s average cost is CAN$300
• Biometrics cost is CAN$85 per person
• Government fees are CAN$1,325 per adult & CAN$225 per child
• The police clearance certificate average cost is CAN$100 per country
• Medical examination fees average cost is CAN$450 per adult & CAN$250 per child
• Processing fees for Provincial Nominee Program are up to CAN$1500.

Can I Immigrate through a PNP Without a Job Offer?

There are a number of Provincial Nominee Programmes (PNPs) available for foreign applicants who do not have a job offer from Canada. These programmes often seek applicants who have the knowledge or professional experience to assist the province in filling demographic or labour market gaps.

Am I Eligible for a Canadian PNP?

You can be qualified for a Canadian PNP if you have ties to a province, employment experience, or talents that are listed as in-demand.

The eligibility criteria for PNP differ from one province to another. PNPs are often designed to recruit individuals who can quickly contribute to the economy and who have a high possibility of staying in that province because they are a component of an economic immigration strategy.

As a result, several PNPs prioritise immigrants with experience in fields that are in high demand in the province priority. Other PNPs favour immigrants who have connections to the province since it enhances the likelihood that they will stay there.

Young applicants with great language abilities, high levels of education, and professional work experience are more likely to be successful, as is the case with the majority of economic immigration programmes.

What Are the Requirements for Canada’s PNPs?

Together with other language and educational requirements, provinces and territories frequently search for candidates who have the job experience needed for their particular labour market.

Each province establishes its own standards for language proficiency, educational attainment, and skill set. You must also show that you will contribute to the local economy and that you genuinely intend to settle in that province or territory in order to be eligible.

What Is the Processing Time for a PNP Application?

The time it takes to process a nomination application varies from province to province, although it usually takes a few months. Through a PNP programme, applying for permanent residence in Canada entails two steps.

You must submit your application to the federal government after it has been approved by the province.

You can only receive Canadian permanent residence from the federal government. Whether you filed a “base” or “enhanced” PNP application will determine how quickly your application for permanent residence is processed.

Can I Qualify for a PNP if I Don’t Qualify for Express Entry?

An active profile in the Express Entry pool is a requirement for many PNPs. There are, however, certain exceptions to this rule, where some provinces nominate candidates even if they are not eligible for Express Entry.

The eligibility requirements for these programmes differ, therefore it is essential to speak with a representative to go over your eligibility. A Permanent Resident (PR) application must be submitted to the federal government after submitting a PNP that results in a nomination.

The federal permanent residency application must be submitted through a different portal or on paper if the PNP is not compatible with Express Entry. The processing period for a PNP application that is not Express Entry is normally longer.

ow Are Provincial Nominee Program Points Calculated?

Because each province establishes its own eligibility standards, they employ various point systems to choose who can submit an application or receive an invitation. Points are often assigned based on a combination of factors including age, employment history, education, language proficiency, and ties to the province. Not all nominee programmes rank their candidates using a points system.

How Can I Increase My Chances of Receiving a Nomination?

Your chances of getting a provincial nomination can be raised just by completing an Express Entry profile. Provinces routinely search the Express Entry pool for profiles to invite in order to fill demographic or labour shortages.

Your chances of receiving an invitation through an Express Entry PNP might be improved by making sure your profile is excellent and expresses your interest in several provinces.

Working or studying in Canada can also help to improve your prospects since many PNPs demand candidates to have a link to the province.

What Is the Ideal PNP Candidate?

An ideal PNP candidate is an individual that has skills and work experience that are contributed to meeting the needs of a province’s labour market and demographics. Additionally, an ideal PNP candidate must have:

• Work experience in an in-demand occupation
• Proficiency in English or French
• Strongly related to the province by previous work experience, family, studies, or job offer there.

How Does My IELTS Score Affect My PNP Chances?

A number of provinces take into account a candidate’s results on the language test when deciding whether to invite them to participate in the PNP draw or not.

Most programmes will take the language test score into account when determining their minimum eligibility standards or, if appropriate when determining their scoring criteria.

How to Calculate Your PNP Points

You must first understand the eligibility requirements of the provincial programme you are applying through, as well as whether and how points are awarded to prospective nomination candidates, in order to calculate your PNP points. You can compute your points against each factor to establish your score if the programme you’re applying for has a scoring system in place. Therefore you need to understand how the PNP Canada point calculator works.

Do I Need an ECA Report for PNPs?

To prove that an applicant’s international credentials are equivalent to those recognised in Canada, the majority of PNPs demand an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report.

Check the eligibility conditions for the programme you are applying under to see if you need an ECA. Some provinces in Canada may want you to authorise the organisation to share your ECA results with the PNP.

What Does It Mean to Be Invited to Apply by a Provincial Nominee Program?

You will be invited by a province to submit your application for nomination with an “Invitation to Apply” which is also known as a Letter of Interest or Notification of Interest. The province will specify a deadline for you to submit your application when they issue you the invitation. Depending on the programme you are invited through, the deadline varies.

How Can IAS Help?

Meeting the eligibility criteria for a Provincial Nominee Programme isn’t a guarantee that the province or territory you applied to will nominate you.

It must be noted that you have to meet certain requirements for any immigration programme or path you intend to navigate. And these requirements are not always identical to the general requirements for Canada PR.

You need to be assisted in your immigration process. Our lawyers at IAS are experienced with Canadian immigration programmes and laws. We have a long history of assisting many applicants and helping them relocate to Canada. This is what we can do for you as well.

We can help you complete the process of getting your provincial nomination and also help create an Express Entry profile for you. All of this will help increase the chances of being granted permanent residence in Canada you have always wanted.

For more information regarding PNP Canada – Provincial Nominee Programme for Nigerians, disadvantages of PNP Canada and other services we offer, get in touch with one of our friendly lawyers at IAS today. Call us on +2342013438882 or +44 (0) 3316300929 or contact us online.