If you are a skilled professional with experience in technology, finance, education, marketing or healthcare, now is the perfect time to explore your options through the PNP program.

You can apply under the PNP option to migrate to Canada if you want to live in a province, contribute to its economy and wish to become a permanent resident of Canada.

There are two options when filling an application through the PNP program:

• Paper based process
• Through Experss Entry

The first step is to apply to the province or territory for nomination under the non-Express Entry stream. If you meet the eligibility requirements and qualify through the individual In-demand Occupation Lists of some provinces, you will get a nomination from the province if your occupation is on the list. You can then apply for a Canada PR Visa.

You will now have to submit a paper application for your PR visa. The processing time is usually longer than through the Express Entry system.

There are 2 ways to apply:
You can apply for a nomination by contacting the province or territory and apply for a nomination under the Express Entry stream.
If you get a positive response from the province or territory to nominate you, you can create an Express Entry profile or update your profile if it already exists.

The other option is to create an Express Entry profile and indicate the provinces or territories you are interested in. If the province sends a ‘notification of interest’ you can then contact them and then apply through the Express Entry system.

You must meet the eligibility requirements for a successful outcome of your application.

1. Apply in the province or region where you desire to settle.
2. If your profile meets the eligibility criteria, you could be nominated by the province to apply for a PR visa.
3. Apply for your PR visa after you are nominated by a province.

The criteria for evaluating the PR application varies from province to province.

To apply for the Canadian PNP program, applicants need to present their:

• Current passport and travel history
• Educational credentials
• Professional credentials
• Recent medical report
• Police clearance certificate
• Other supporting documents

Canada offers nearly 80 different PNPs which have their individual eligibility requirements. The PNP program allows provinces to meet their individual immigration needs by helping them fill jobs that are in demand and meet labor shortages in their province.

Most PNPs require applicants to have some connection to the province. They should have either worked earlier in that province or studied there. Or they should have a job offer from an employer in the province for a job visa.

A provincial nomination can help you in two ways to get your PR visa. It can add 600 CRS points to your Express Entry application and makes you eligible to apply for your PR visa directly to IRCC.