one of the most fundamental forms of immigration to Canada is through provincial programs. This matter is crucial and impactful because immigrants have the option to choose among different provinces, and this choice will profoundly affect their lives. On the other hand, Canadian provinces also compete to attract immigrants for their economic development.
In this writing, we will explore provincial immigration to Canada and its effects on the quality of life and choices of immigrants. We recommend staying with us until the end of this text so that we can share with you everything you need to know about provincial programs.
The impact of provincial programs on the immigration process to Canada
Prior to the introduction of Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), most immigrants to Canada settled in the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia. In the 1990s, other provinces, often characterized by flat regions with vast plains like Manitoba and Saskatchewan, as well as the Atlantic provinces such as New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, were concerned about a decline in immigration to these areas. Consequently, the Canadian federal government decided to implement a provincial immigration program in the country, which began in 1998. The primary goal of Canada’s PNP was to enhance the benefits of immigration across all provinces and regions.
By 2009, all provinces (except Quebec and Nunavut) had signed immigration agreements with the federal government, allowing them to launch their own provincial immigration programs. Since the implementation of Canada’s provincial programs, the Atlantic provinces and the Prairies region (including Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba) have successfully attracted a higher percentage of immigrants. This has contributed to the economic development and vitality of these provinces.
Therefore, many provinces in this country have embraced provincial programs and formulated specific conditions to attract immigrants. Although these laws will undergo changes over time, in the continuation of this writing, we will share with you the fundamentals of immigration to Canada through provincial programs.
Implementation process of provincial programs
Provincial programs in Canada operate in a way that allows individuals with different skills, education, and work experience to immigrate to the country and contribute to the economic development of a specific province or region. Generally, each province and region has a specific immigration stream that includes immigration programs and individual requirements for specific groups.
In addition, each provincial immigration program to Canada has at least one immigration process that is aligned with the Federal Express Entry immigration system. In these streams aligned with Express Entry, provincial immigration candidates are recognized as “advanced candidates.” These streams, by allocating an additional 600 points to the Federal Express Entry Immigration Selection System (CRS), enable immigrants to Canada to apply for permanent residence through Express Entry and increase their chances of obtaining residency.
How to apply for immigration to Canada through the Provincial Nominee Program
Regarding immigration to Canada through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), there are two main options available:
- Paper-Based Application:
- This option is suitable for individuals who want to migrate to Canada through the PNP.
- In this process, you need to first submit your application in the relevant province or territory.
- If your occupation is on the job list of the respective province and you meet the migration criteria for that province, they may accept your application and send you an invitation letter.
- After receiving the invitation letter, you can apply for permanent residency (PR) in Canada. This application is submitted in paper form.
- Processing these types of applications usually takes more time than the Express Entry system.
- Express Entry System:
- In this option, you nominate yourself for a job by contacting the relevant province or territory.
- If your application is approved, you can create an Express Entry profile or update your existing profile for migration to Canada through Express Entry.
- Ultimately, if the province responds positively to your request, you can proceed with immigration to Canada through Express Entry.
In any case, for success in both options, you must meet the necessary conditions for immigration to Canada and adhere to the regulations and requirements of each province. The choice of the option that seems more suitable depends on the job and migration characteristics specific to you.
For the best option based on your circumstances, we recommend consulting with the specialists at PIS Group & Immigration services. In this way, you can assess your chances for each of these programs and successfully navigate your migration plan with the full knowledge of the laws and regulations of each province, with the assistance of the PIS group.
The stages of applying for residency through Canada’s provincial programs
The steps for applying for permanent residency through provincial programs in Canada are generally as follows:
Selecting Province, Region, or Territory:
- Initially, you must decide which province or region in Canada is suitable for your provincial migration. The choice of province is usually based on your occupation and expertise.
Submitting the Application to the Province:
- You need to submit your application to the desired province or region. This can be done online or by sending paper documents. Your application will be assessed based on the specific requirements and conditions of each province.
Assessment and Nomination:
- If your application is accepted by the province, and you meet the criteria for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) of that province, they may nominate you for the Permanent Residency (PR) program.
Applying for Permanent Residency (PR):
- After being nominated by the province, you can submit your PR visa application to the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This application is part of the PNP and requires relevant documents and information.
Review and Processing of the Application:
- After submitting the application to the IRCC, it will be reviewed based on the regulations and conditions of the PNP and the province through which you were nominated.
Obtaining the PR Visa:
- Upon approval of your application, you can obtain your Permanent Residency (PR) visa for Canada.
It’s important to note that the assessment criteria for the PR program may vary in each province. Therefore, carefully read and ensure that you meet the specific conditions and regulations of your chosen province.
Closing remarks
In this text, we have attempted to review the entire process and stages of migration to Canada through the provincial program with you. Although obtaining residency through provincial programs in this country can be time-consuming in some cases, many skilled individuals and qualified workforce migrate to Canada every year through provincial programs. Therefore, with the assistance of precise and up-to-date consultation from our offices in Tehran and Canada, you can also take advantage of this opportunity.