Immigrating to another country is no easy task.
Even when you’re wanting to immigrate to a western country like Canada, you still have a lot to figure out.
What path should you take to immigrate?
How long will it take?
What’s the easiest route?
Well, one of the best paths to immigrate to Canada from the US is through the Provincial Nominee Program.
According to the Government of Canada, over 240,000 foreign nationals are expected to immigrate to Canada through the Provincial Nominee Program between 2021 and 2023.
If you’re wanting to immigrate from the US to Canada, then you’ll want to consider the Provincial Nominee Program route.
In this article, we’ll share with you what the program is, how it works, and whether or not it’s the right path for you.
Let’s dive in.
What Is Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program?
The Provincial Nominee Program is a major part of Canada’s immigration policy.
It’s one of the fastest-growing Canadian immigration pathways with over 80 Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) across Canada.
In recent years, the government of Canada has begun increasing each province and territory’s annual allocations for their Provincial Nominee Programs, which has proven that these programs have became a cornerstone of the overall immigration system.
So, what exactly is the Provincial Nominee Program… And how does it work?
To put it simply, the PNPs make room for accelerated immigration processing according to the needs of the individual provinces.
This means if you qualify for a PNP from any province or territory, you can fast-track your immigration process from the United States into Canada.
There are two main types of PNPs: skilled worker PNP and a business immigration program:
Skilled Worker PNP
The skilled worker PNP allows foreign nationals to expedite their immigration processing if they’re considered a “skilled worker”.
This means they must have a legitimate job offer from a local provincial business in a specific business sector or occupation that meets certain local provincial needs.
Here are a few requirements for the skilled worker PNP:
- Legitimate job offer from a local provincial employer
- Work experience in the specific province or territory
- Familial ties to someone living in the province or territory
- Adaptability
Business Immigration Program
The second PNP program is the business immigration program.
This business PNP program also allows foreign nationals to expedite their imigration process if they do one or more of the following in the local province or territory:
- Establishes a brand new business
- Invests their own money into a local business
- Establishes a joint venture with a local business
If you are able to align your work and personal goals with either of these two Provincial Nominee Program types, you may be able to fast-track your immigration process, making for a much smoother immigration into Canada.
How Does the Provincial Nominee Program Work?
So, how does the PNP work?
Essentially, it works the same as many of the other immigration routes: if you meet certain criteria, you can apply to the program online or by mail with the correct documents that prove your eligibility.
If you’re eligible, you can apply for greater odds of a quick immigration process.
Here’s how you can apply for one of Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs:
Even though the Provincial Nominee Programs are very much locally-focused, all final Canadian immigration decisions are made by the federal government.
This means the Provincial Nominee Program is a two-part process.
First, you must apply to the specific province or territory for your specific provincial nomination.
Then, if you are approved, you’ll have to submit another application to the Canadian federal government for your permanent resident status.
Here is the 4-step process to apply for your desired PNP:
1. Find out if you’re eligible for a PNP
The first step is to make sure you’re eligible for one of the 80 Provincial Nominee Programs. You can use the PNP Live Tracker to discover which PNPs are up-to-date and available. Once you have the list of possible PNPs, you can then determine which PNP(s) you are eligible for.
2. Submit Your PNP Application to the Provincial Government
Once you’ve chosen your PNP of choice and determined you are eligible to apply, it’s time to gather your paperwork.
You’ll need to gather personal documents such as identification, and secondary documents like proof of job offer or business plan if you intend on starting a business through the Business Immigration Program.
Then, fill out your application and submit it to the local province or territory.
3. Receive Your PNP Certificate
If you’re accepted into a PNP, you will receive an official certificate in the mail, which completes the first stage of the application process.
4. Submit Your Permanent Residence Application to the Federal Government
Once you’ve been accepted into a PNP, you’ll need to apply for permanent residency to the Canadian federal government.
If your PNP was an Express Entry program, you’ll be able to apply through Canadian immigration’s Express Entry online. Otherwise, you’ll have to submit a paper application.
Immigrating to Canada through Ontario’s Provincial Nominee Program?
Are you a US citizen?
Are you looking to immigrate to Ontario, Canada through the Provincial Nominee Program?
If so, you’ll want to reach out to a Canadian lawyer to help you with the application process.
Immigrating to Canada from the US can be a complex and exhaustive process depending on your specific situation.
If you need help immigrating through Ontario’s Provincial Nominee Program, or if you have any questions regarding living, working, studying, or immigrating from the US into Canada, reach out to us at Falcon Law.
Right now, we’re offering free virtual consultations to help Americans immigrate to Canada through the Provincial Nominee Program.
Click here to book a consultation today.
