Migrating to another country without the family can be daunting and emotionally draining on individuals, whether male or female. However, migrating from Nigeria with your family is possible through several legal pathways. In today’s post, we will highlight some of these legal pathways but focus on one to start us up on our migration adventures to Canada.
These are some of the common pathways to migrate with the family to Canada:
- PROVINCIAL NOMINEE PROGRAM
- STUDY PERMIT
- FEDERAL SKILLED WORKER PROGRAM
- FAMILY SPONSORSHIP
- START UP VISA/BUSINESS IMMIGRATION
Today, we will focus on the basics of the PROVINCIAL NOMINEE PROGRAM
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is one of the key pathways for immigrating to Canada as a skilled worker. It allows Canadian provinces and territories (except Quebec and Nunavut) to nominate individuals who want to immigrate to Canada and who are interested in settling in a particular province. To get nominated for the PNP, you must be selected by a Canadian Province based on their specific immigration needs. The nomination means that the province supports your application for permanent residency in Canada.
Each province and territory has its own immigration programs that target specific groups such as:
- Skilled workers
- Semi-skilled workers
- Business investors
- International graduates
A province nominates applicants, and then they apply to the federal government for Permanent Residence.
There are 2 major pathways for the PNP application and these are:
1. Base PNP
In the case of Base PNP, you apply directly to the province or territory. If nominated, you apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence. Processing time may take 15–19 months.
2. Express Entry-linked PNP
For Express Entry-linked PNP, you need an active Express Entry profile. Provinces can invite you from the Express Entry pool. If nominated, you get 600 extra CRS points, nearly guaranteeing an ITA (Invitation to Apply) for PR. Processing time is faster (around 6–8 months).
Participating Provinces, Their Programs and their links to apply
1. Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-immigrant-nominee-program-oinp
2. British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
https://www.welcomebc.ca/Immigrate-to-B-C
3. Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
https://www.alberta.ca/aaip.aspx
4. Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
5. Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
https://www.saskatchewan.ca/immigration
6. Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
https://novascotiaimmigration.com
7. New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)
8. Prince Edward Island PNP (PEI PNP)
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/topic/immigrate-to-pei
9. Newfoundland and Labrador PNP (NLPNP)
https://www.gov.nl.ca/immigration
10. Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)
11. Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)
https://yukon.ca/en/immigration
In part 2 of this post, we will delve further into the PNP by looking at the eligibility criteria, steps to apply, fees and tips for successful application!
