Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) are now a key element to Canadian immigration – and with good reason. Upon arrival, most nominees already have a Canadian job. They are therefore poised to make a speedy entry into the Canadian workforce and thus are likely to transition into Canadian society smoothly. In addition, PNP’s allow provinces to hand select the immigrants that can fill regional skill shortages, allowing them to exert more control over provincial economic growth.
Provincial Nomination for Canadian Permanent Residency has seen tremendous growth over the past few years with 13,300 newcomers arriving in Canada under these programs in 2006 – up threefold from 2003. By allowing provincial governments some control over selecting their new immigrants, the integration process is smoother for both newcomers and provincial business and society.
First introduced in the province of Manitoba in 1998, the program is a fast-track option for Canadian Permanent Residency, following a two-step process. Applicants must first pass provincial background and qualification screening before the province will nominate them for Permanent Residency to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). The second step involves federal medical and security clearances through CIC. Each provincial program has its own qualifying criteria and its own process; most revolve around a permanent job offer or plans to invest in the province. Manitoba is the clear leader among Provincial Nomination Programs, admitting 6,661 nominees in 2006 – nearly half of the national total. The Philippines was the top source country for Provincial Nominees last year with 887, followed by China, Korea, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program is featured this month with a fairly straightforward qualifying process. To be considered for Provincial Nomination by New Brunswick, applicants must either have a guaranteed job offer from a New Brunswick employer or an approved plan to operate a business in the province. Applicants can qualify as either Job Offer Applicants or Business Plan Applicants.
Job Offer Applicants – As the name implies, applicants must have a guaranteed job offer from a New Brunswick employer. Additionally, they must satisfy minimum requirements for age, language, education, work experience, and adaptability and must have the intention to live and work in the province.
Business Plan Applicants – In addition to meeting requirements for age, language, education, work experience, and adaptability, Business Plan Applicants must submit a preliminary Business Immigration Evaluation form. Upon an exploratory visit to New Brunswick, applicants, must research the business environment and consult with economic development agencies before meeting with a New Brunswick Program Officer. Following a positive interview, applicants will submit a Business Plan outlining the details of their new business in New Brunswick.