As recently reported by CIC, the Express Entry system has brought with it many changes, especially for Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs.
A proportion of PNPs are closely aligned with the federal Express Entry system, paving the way for thousands of immigrant hopefuls to become Canadian permanent residents. Provinces including British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan, and Prince Edward Island have so far revealed their new Express Entry categories, with applications already coming in from eligible candidates;
Below, we’re going to explain exactly how these new opportunities with PNPs work:
Express Entry and PNPsÂ
Canada is made up of 10 provinces and 3 territories. Aside from Quebec and Nunavut, these territories can nominate individuals to participate in their own immigration programs. Health and security matters are taken care of by the federal government.
A certain portion of candidates can be given “enhanced nominations” via Express Entry in order to ensure both local and provincial labor market needs are met.
If you’re a candidate who receives a nomination via a Provincial Program, you will automatically be awarded 600 points as part of the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) with a maximum of 1,200 points.
With 600 extra points added to your overall score, you’ll be issued with an invitation to apply for permanent residence when the next Express Entry pool draw occurs. Another way to receive these extra points is if you are offered a job.
Eligible Programs
In order to apply to the Express Entry pool, you must be eligible for one of the following programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Additional criteria can also be added by each province and territory to determine eligibility for their respective immigration streams.
Depending on which province you choose to settle in, you may be eligible to complete your online profile and enter the Express Entry pool before receiving your nomination for a Provincial Program, or afterwards.
Increase your chances
It’s wise to note that PNPs are modified and introduced as part of an ongoing process, so we recommend keeping up-to-date with each province and only applying for the programs you are eligible for – you may apply for multiple PNPs to give yourself the best chance of success. You may also be eligible for “base nominations” (as an alternative to Express Entry).
Are you interested in immigrating to Canada via a Provincial Program?Â
Would you like to immigrate to Canada through the provincial nomination program? If yes, we can help. Our job here at Niren and Associates is to make sure that your application is put together the right way and that you have the best possible chance to be accepted into the program. All you need to do is use our free online immigration assessment form here or contact us here. Once you fill out that form, we will get back to you (within 24 hours) to discuss your eligibility and immigration options.
President & CEO
Michael Niren
Mr. Niren is CEO of VisaPlace LLC and the President and Managing Partner of VisaPlace Legal Canada, an immigration law firm based in Toronto, and VisaPlace Legal US a law firm registered in The District of Columbia, USA. Mr. Niren is a graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto, a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada, the Canadian Bar Association’s Citizenship and Immigration Section, American Lawyers Association, and an Associate Member of the American Bar Association.
