It's no secret that immigration processes to Canada are extremely competitive. The candidate needs to achieve the highest points possible in categories such as education, work experience and fluency in one or both country's official languages – English and French.
In addition, a factor that weighs heavily on the score is the age of the candidate, who starts to lose points by the age of 30.
For some people, especially for those over 30, immigration may seem like a more difficult process, but what many don't know is that there are other ways, such as the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
When an applicant receives a provincial nomination in Canada, they become eligible for an additional 600 points under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) of the Express Entry program. This is because a provincial nomination is considered a significant factor in the immigration process, and the additional points are designed to recognize the value that such a nomination brings to the applicant's overall profile.
To receive a provincial nomination, an applicant must first meet the eligibility criteria set by the province they are interested in. Each province has its own immigration programs and selection criteria, which may include factors such as language proficiency, work experience, education, and ties to the province.
Once an applicant has received a provincial nomination, they must update their Express Entry profile to reflect this achievement. This will automatically trigger the awarding of the additional 600 CRS points. With these extra points, the applicant's overall CRS score will increase significantly, improving their chances of being invited to apply for permanent residence in Canada through Express Entry.
It's important to note that receiving a provincial nomination does not guarantee permanent residence in Canada. However, it does increase an applicant's chances of being selected and can make a significant difference in their overall CRS score.
To be awarded 600 points under the Comprehensive Ranking System for having a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nomination, you must have a provincial nomination certificate that:
- was issued after January 1, 2015,
- was issued for a PNP Express Entry stream,
- is valid (i.e., not expired) when you submit your application for permanent residence, and,
- is accepted in the system by both you and the province or territory.
The following Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) in Canada currently offers a pathway to obtaining an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for the Express Entry system:
- Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)
- British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
- Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
- New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)
- Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)
- Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)
- Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
- Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
- Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)
- Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
- Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)
Applicants who receive a provincial nomination through any of these programs will be eligible to receive an additional 600 CRS points, which will significantly increase their overall CRS score and improve their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residence through the Express Entry system.
Each program has its own specific requirements and categories, such as Express Entry-linked streams, skilled worker streams, business and entrepreneur streams, and more. It's important to carefully review the eligibility criteria for each program before applying, as well as any updates or changes to the program requirements. Additionally, each PNP operates independently, so the application process and timelines may vary.
