The number of immigration applicants to Canada under provincial nomination programs (PNP) has increased recently. PNP allows you the freedom to choose the province and increase your score in Express Entry after provincial nomination to boost your chances of securing permanent residence in Canada.
However, coming to Canada through a PNP imposes obligations different from immigrating through federal programs. In a recent article, CIC News discussed the means of getting a nomination from a province or territory and any obligations to settle in the province or territory which nominated you.
Top immigration consultants in Dubai conduct free consultations to check your eligibility and requirements and suggest a suitable program. Here at DM Immigration Consultants, we try to explain the process to you in a simpler way.
Canadian permanent residents and citizens have the right to live and work in any province as per the Charter of Rights and Freedoms in Canada (Section 6). It means that after securing Canada PR through Provincial Nomination Program or federal program, PR holders can eventually relocate anywhere across Canada.
Selection process for Province or Territory
Canada encourages applications for permanent residence from foreigners with exceptional abilities, quality education and work experience that will add to the already robust Canadian economy and address labour gaps. The Provincial Nominee Class (PNC) is created to allow provincial and territorial governments to attract immigrants according to the specific economic needs of the province or territory. Foreign nationals are members of the PNC if they intend to reside in the province or territory that has nominated them.
Each province and territory:
- Create the right conditions to attract and, more importantly, retain immigrants.
- Each province or territory establishes the processes and standards by which it selects its nominees,
- tries to nominate those candidates who show strong intent to settle in the province and are likely to adjust well to the social and economic fabric of the region.
An applicant must apply to the PNC in two (2) steps:
- Apply directly to the region where you want to live and be nominated.
- The candidates from provincial or territorial nomination programs should comply with specific regional program requirements and stay true throughout the application process.
- After a regional government nominates you, you must apply to IRCC for permanent residence. An IRCC (Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada) officer will thoroughly assess your application based on Canadian immigration rules.
The strong intention to settle in a particular place under an immigration program must be presented upon landing. The applicant must have a solid intention to settle in the province selected in their PR application and add to the province’s economy before moving to another province or territory in Canada.
These efforts should also be documented to provide as proof if questions are raised later.
In comparison, Federal immigration applicants who do not receive a provincial nomination may decide to reside in any Canadian province or territory upon arriving.
Canada issues 4,500 ITAs under STEM Occupations
Meanwhile, IRCC, in the first category-based draw of Express Entry for candidates in STEM occupations last week, issued 4,500 invitations to apply (ITAs). Candidates required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 491 to be considered.
It followed a general draw where IRCC invited 1,280 candidates with a lower CRS score of 549, the highest minimum CRS score so far of any draw in 2024.
The first general draw this year, on January 10, required a CRS score of at least 546 to be considered. The last general draw on March 25 issued 1,980 ITAs with a CRS score 524.
General draws select applicants from all three Express Entry-managed programs: the Federal Skilled Worker, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades.
