Canada admits more than 140,000 economic immigrants each year. Every province has implemented its own unique immigration program – known as a Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) – in response to the province’s particular needs.

 

As a result, provinces have a role in the selection of economic immigrants.

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Under a PNP, an application for permanent residence can completely bypass the usually quite lengthy federal immigration selection process.

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First, a provincial-government-approved employer must nominate the skilled worker. Without a government-approved employer sponsorship, the application will either not be approved, or will be routinely passed over in favour of applications with an employee sponsor.

 

During initial stages, a qualified employer-sponsored applicant could receive temporary, renewable, work permits.

 

The position being filled must generally conform to a National Occupation Classification skill level of O, A, B. Or, alternatively, the position must meet the conditions of a particular pilot project designed for a specific critical skill shortage identified by the province.

 

Following is an overview of policies and procedures governing the acquisition of Canadian permanent residence under the more popular PNPs in Canada.