The following is an excerpt from Canada Countdown, How to Immigrate to Canada - A Guide Book. 

Canada’s fastest-growing immigration program is actually several programs across Canada, known as Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).

They are employer-driven immigration programs that give provinces and territories an active role in immigrant selection to meet specific local labour market needs, although each province is only allowed a certain number annually.

About 42,000 to 45,000 people are expected to have immigrated under PNPs in 2012, including the nominees themselves, their spouses and dependants.

PNPs are an increasingly attractive option for people who want to immigrate to Canada, given the increasing restrictions in other immigration categories. As an immigrant, you can obtain a direct sponsorship or nomination from an employer, municipality or province to come to Canada, most commonly in the form of an employment offer.

PNPs vary across the country, but virtually all provinces and territories have one. In all PNPs, you can immigrate as a skilled worker, and with some programs you can even be nominated as a semi-skilled worker, a student or graduate student or as a business person, which is an alternative to the currently suspended federal Investor and Entrepreneur program.

Of course, you must also meet the basic criteria of the specific provincial program, as well as Canada immigration requirements including medical exams, and criminal and security checks.

Employers facing labour shortages also consider the program a good option for them to fill their staffing needs. 

Your first step is to identify which province you want to live and seek employment in.

Each province has its own rules for this program, tailored to their own special requirements. Currently, all provinces and territories, with the exception of Quebec and Nunavut, have PNPs. 

In order to be nominated, you have to show that you have the skills, experience and education necessary to make an immediate contribution to the economy of the province or territory that nominates you.

You must also demonstrate that you have the intention to settle permanently in that province or territory. 

 

Canada Countdown is written by Nick Noorani and Catherine Sas QC. It is available for download online from www.canadacountdown.ca .