Some Provincial Nominee Programmes to consider
Dear Ms. Powell,
I have been reading your articles for a while now and I am interested in living in Canada. I contacted you a few years ago and you emphasised the importance of having enough funds for my family. I have the required savings for my wife and three children now, but the problem is that I am now 40 years old, and my wife is 35 years old. We were just wondering if the Express Entry route is still the best option for us. Just to remind you, I have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, and my wife also has a nursing degree. We don’t have a job offer but we are hoping to get a provincial nominee, but not sure which province to choose. We look forward to your advice.
KB
Dear KB,
The Express Entry System remains t he best route for individuals and family to qualify to become permanent residents of Canada. The first step is to ensure that you qualify under one of the programmes, such as the Federal Skilled Worker Programmes, Federal Skilled Trade Programme, the Canadian Experience Class and some Provincial Nominee Programmes (PNP).
The Express Entry System is a points-based system and candidates are given points based on their personal skills, language and experience factors, their spouse or common-law factors, and skills transferability factors such as education and work experience. Additional points will be given if an individual has Canadian education and work experience, a valid job, nomination from a province, a sibling in Canada who is a citizen or permanent resident, and strong French language skills.
Individuals must apply via the Express Entry portal, where each candidate is placed in a pool of candidates and then selected based on the comprehensive ranking system score and, in some cases, based on their work experience in select categories. Candidates who have strong French language proficiency and/ or work experience in the fields of healthcare, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics professions, work experience in transport, agriculture, and agri-food sectors stand a good chance of being selected.
PROVINCIAL NOMINEE PROGRAMME
The Provincial Nominee Programmes is managed by each province and is an economic immigration pathway to permanent residence. Each province creates its own programmes based on its social and economic needs. Individuals who have a desire to reside in a province is usually required to submit an expression of interest in being nominated, or they may be invited to apply based on the Express Entry profile. Being nominated by a province will raise an applicant’s comprehensive ranking score by 600 points, which means that you will most likely get an Invitation to Apply for permanent residency in the next Express Entry draw.
Canada has over 80 PNPs, so I understand how challenging it is to select the best programme for you and your family. I would recommend that you schedule an appointment to discuss the details of your profile, so that the best option can be selected based on your background, skills, and family circumstances. Nevertheless, I will outline a few of the provinces that have favourable programmes that can help you to start a conversation with your immigration lawyer.
SASKATCHEWAN
Saskatchewan is becoming one of the more favourable provinces, owing to the low cost of living and the high demand for certain category of workers. The main cities are Regina and Saskatoon. Saskatchewan’s International Skilled Worker Programme (SINP) offers two streams, the Occupations In-Demand and Express Entry, targeting workers with experience in occupations which are in high-demand in the province.
Candidates must meet certain criteria, such as having at least one year of experience in a nonexcluded occupation and postsecondary education. To qualify, you need to score a minimum of 60 points on the Points Assessment Grid. If you qualify, you may submit an Expression of Interest profile to be eligible for selection or the SINP draws. Once you receive a provincial nomination, you will need to update your Express Entry profile, or if you did not have an
Express Entry profile, you will be required to create one so that you can be granted an invitation to apply for permanent residence by the federal government.
ALBERTA
Alberta is in western Canada and has thriving cities like Calgary and Edmonton. Alberta is known to have a strong job market and education system, making it an attractive province for newcomers. The Alberta Express Entry stream selects candidates with comprehensive ranking scores (CRS) as low as 300, giving more individuals a chance at receiving a Notification of Interest. Meeting the CRS threshold does not guarantee an invitation, but factors such as having a relative in Alberta, a job offer, or work experience in the province. Since Alberta has a low CRS requirement, this province is often seen as one of the easiest provinces to obtain permanent residene in Canada.
ONTARIO
Ontario is a top choice for immigrants i n Canada. The province is known for the job opportunity, entertainments, accessibility to international flights, and, according to Statistics Canada, Ontario has the highest average salary for newcomers of all the provinces.
The Human Capital Priorities stream of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Programme is a good option for skilled workers outside Canada, provided that you have an Express Entry profile. Ontario selects candidates based on their CRS score and invites them to apply for the PNP. Recently, the province has selected a high number of candidates under the Human Capital Priorities stream, with almost half being tech and healthcare professional draws. Ontario also has a PNP stream for French-speaking skilled workers in the Express Entry pool.
NOVA SCOTIA
Nova Scotia is situated on Canada’s east coast by the Atlantic Ocean. In recent years, the province has become more attractive to newcomers because of its affordable living costs and relaxed lifestyle. The province’s Labour Market Priorities programme operates via the Express Entry System, where candidates are selected, including those with no ties to the province, thus making it one of the easiest PNPs for international applicants to obtain permanent residence. Successful candidates are invited to apply for a provincial nomination. The main programmes are Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities, Labour Market Priorities for physicians, entrepreneur, international graduate entrepreneur, international graduates in demand, sk illed wor ker, occupations in demand, critical construction worker pilot, Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry.
You may request an online or telephone consultation to discuss the best course of action for you and your family.