Provincial Nominee Programs

Canada is divided into ten provinces and three territories. All of Canada's provinces have their own immigration programs. These programs are based on agreements between the federal government and the province. In general, the province adopts its own standards for attracting immigrants, which are different from the federal immigrant programs. For instance, the province may accept immigrants with certain job skills that are needed in that province. Once an immigrant is accepted by the province, the province issues a certificate of nomination. The person then applies for an immigrant visa from a Canadian consulate. The federal government conducts the standard security and medical checks. The person and his or her family members are then issued immigrant visas. The person is then expected to take up residence in the province that issued the certificate of nomination.

There are two advantages to the provincial nominee process: (1) it may be much quicker than the federal process and (2) it may provide opportunities to people who do not qualify under the federal system. If Canada places new restrictions on the federal skilled worker program, the provincial programs will become even more important.

Recently provinces like Alberta and British Columbia have experienced a growing need for unskilled workers, such as counter attendants and hotel workers. These have been added to the provincial nominee programs. This is a good opportunity for people who do not have extensive education or job training. Almost all people who qualify for these programs are already working in these provinces on temporary work permits. Alberta has also started a new pilot program for workers in H-1B status in the United States. This program does not require a job offer in Alberta. Click here to learn more about the Alberta H-1B program.

The province of Quebec maintains its own immigration system for skilled workers and investors. All persons intending to live in the province of Quebec must go through the Quebec system. There is no limit to the number of people Quebec can nominate. The other provinces have systems that are not exclusive. A person can choose to apply through the provincial system or through the federal system.

Through our office in Nova Scotia, we have assisted families who wish to apply through the Nova Scotia nominee program. There are currently four "streams" that are accepting applications. These are skilled workers with job offers in Nova Scotia; a community nominee program; a family job offer program; and a program for international students. It is anticipated that a new program for investors will be started soon.

 Click here to learn more about the different provincial nominee programs.

The purpose of the provincial nominee program is to attract immigrants to live permanently in the sponsoring province. All the programs provide incentives for this to happen such as settlement services. The application procedures include an interview to assess whether the person honestly intends to reside in the sponsoring province. However, under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, an immigrant cannot be legally compelled to live in a particular province after landing.