PNP programs are another option to immigrate to Canada if you do not have enough points to be selected under Express Entry or are not eligible for any other immigration category.
The Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) allow Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals who wish to immigrate to Canada and who are interested in settling in a particular province.
Each Canadian province (except Quebec, which has a different selection system) and two territories have their own unique Provincial Nominee Programs. Participating provinces and territories sign agreements with IRCC that allow them to select immigrants who meet the requirements that they have set forth.
Provinces with PNP programs each have their own selection criteria to find immigrants with skills that the province needs which they cannot hire locally. The selection criteria and occupations vary across provinces from information technology, medical, agriculture, trades, business, investors, and people who have ties to Canada.
Each Canadian province (except Quebec, which has a different selection system) and two territories have their own unique Provincial Nominee Programs. Participating provinces and territories sign agreements with IRCC that allow them to select immigrants who meet the requirements that they have set forth.
Provinces with PNP programs each have their own selection criteria to find immigrants with skills that the province needs which they cannot hire locally. The selection criteria and occupations vary across provinces from information technology, medical, agriculture, trades, business, investors, and people who have ties to Canada.
How does the program work?
Candidates must first be entered into the Express Entry System with their CRS score, then apply to a PNP program (which is a separate application). You will remain in the Express Entry pool for a year, or until you are selected to apply for Permanent Residence.
After the province processes your PNP application (typically 3-4 months), you will be granted 600 points to add to your Express Entry score. With these additional 600 points, you will be selected and invited to apply for PR at the very next draw, which occurs about every 2 weeks.
After the province processes your PNP application (typically 3-4 months), you will be granted 600 points to add to your Express Entry score. With these additional 600 points, you will be selected and invited to apply for PR at the very next draw, which occurs about every 2 weeks.
Benefits of applying under a PNP Program:
Once a Provincial Nominee Certificate is granted, you receive 600 point that goes towards your Express Entry score. On average, individuals without a PNP certificate will score between 300 and 500. The most recent cutoff scores to be selected for Express Entry have been in the 440 - 500 range. Individuals with a PNP Certificate automatically are granted 600 points to add to their Express Entry score. The PNP certificate would give a final Express Entry score above 900 which is significantly higher than the current cutoff selection score of around 440-500 points.
