Provincial Nominee Program
| Business PNP |
Skilled worker PNP |
|
|
|
BC PNP Business
There have been major changes in the Business Immigrants categories. The categories in the Business Immigrants category are Business Skills, Regional Business and Strategic Projects. In general the requirements under the categories have been made less onerous. There are reduced amounts being required for net worth and investment. The employment requirements to create new employment for Canadians have been reduced. The percentage required to be owned of the business has been reduced.
The most interesting development is the creation of a "Fast Track" option under which the applicant pays a $125,000 performance bond that will allow the applicant to have the application immediately "fast tracked" to obtain Canadian permanent resident status. Applicants in the Business Immigrants categories should note that the Fast Track option of paying the $125,000 performance bond is NOT available to key staff included in their application.
Business Skills
An application under Business Skills allows the applicant to set up the business anywhere in BC, including Vancouver.
The new requirements are:
Net Worth: $800,000
Investment Required: $400,000
Additional Jobs to Create: 3
Areas Covered: Anywhere in BC
Minimum Ownership: 33 1/3%
Number of Key Staff Principal Applicant can include: 1
The applicant now has two options:
1. getting BC PNP approval, getting the two year work permit, meeting the requirements and then applying for the permanent resident status; or
2. getting BC PNP approval, taking the "Fast Track" option and paying the $125,000 performance bond and getting immediate nomination for permanent residence and being "fast tracked" for expedited processing of the permanent residence part of the application.
If the applicant performs what the applicant has agreed to the applicant will get the $125,000 performance bond returned to the applicant. If the applicant fails to do what the applicant has agreed to do, the the Province of BC and BC PNP will keep the $125,000 amount but the applicant will keep the permanent residence status.
BC PNP has indicated the applicant must make a "good faith" effort to perform or BC PNP prior to the applicant finalizing the permanent residence status reserves the right to return the $125,000 and not allow the applicant to get permanent residence status.
Regional Business
An application under Business Skills allows the applicant to set up the business anywhere in BC, that is outside the Greater Vancouver Regional District ("GVRD") and Abbotsford.
The new requirements are:
Net Worth: $400,000
Investment Required: $200,000
Additional Jobs to Create: 1
Areas Covered: Outside GVRD and Abbotsford
Minimum Ownership: 33 1/3%
Number of Key Staff Principal Applicant can include:? None allowed
Under the Regional Business program the applicant has the same two options and $125,000 performance bond options as described above concerning Business Skills.
Strategic Projects
Strategic Projects is the third category in the Business Immigrant categories.
Strategic Projects generally are bigger investment projects. Strategic Projects applications allow the applicant to include larger numbers of additional key staff in the application.
The new requirements are:
Investment Required: $500,000
Additional Jobs to Create: 3 jobs for each nominee applicant involved in a Strategic Projects venture
Areas Covered: Anywhere in BC
Minimum Ownership: 33 1/3 %
Number of Key Staff Principal Applicant can include: Up to 5
If you require assistance with any of these categories, contact
us.
[ back to top ]
Manitoba Business PNP
Under Manitoba Business PNP the minimum requirements are:
1. $150,000 investment into a business that is a going concern or into a new business
2. Possess minimum net worth of $250,000
3. Completion of a business plan
4. Make an exploratory trip to Manitoba with a meeting with a program officer of Manitoba Trade & Investment
5. $75,000 cash deposit that will only be returned to the applicant if after the first two years of landing they have made a bona fide effort to either implement their original business plan or implement changes to the original business plan
The processing time is 12-15 months for the whole process. This includes both the Manitoba PNP and the Federal part. It should be noted you receive your Canadian Permanent Resident status when the application is approved. Failure to implement the business plan results in a loss of the $75,000 cash deposit but the applicant retains the Canadian Landed Immigrant status.
If you require assistance with any of these categories, contact
us.
[ back to top ]
New Brunswick Business PNP
To be considered as a New Brunswick Business PNP the following is required:
Previous management experience with a proven track record of success as a senior executive and/or business owner;
- Business skills must be relevant to the business you intend to pursue in New Brunswick;
- Must have sufficient funds to finance the first phase of the planned business venture without third party assistance and be able to support your family for two years; and
- Required to participate in the business in an active managerial role.
- You are required to have a basic knowledge of English or French sufficient to allow you to carry out business in New Brunswick. You must also make a commitment to settle in New Brunswick.
- You must score a minimum of 50 points in an assessment test. To qualify the Applicant must also obtain a minimum number of points (50 points out of 98 points) under the categories of an assessment test. The categories are: age; language skills; education; work experience; adaptability; and job offer. The test is the same as for the skilled worker except there is an additional 15 points available for business experience.
- You must make an exploratory visit to New Brunswick, pass an interview, submit a business plan, and file and application. You will receive written notice of the final decision.
The processing time of the New Brunswick portion of the PNP is 4-6 months. The Federal portion of the New Brunswick PNP application is 9-12 months.
If you require assistance with any of these categories, contact
us.
[ back to top ]
Newfoundland and Labrador Business PNP
There are two types of Business categories: Immigrant Entrepreneur and Immigrant Partner.
Immigrant Entrepreneur
To qualify under Immigrant Entrepreneur some of the key requirements are: establishing an active business or purchasing and expanding an existing business in Newfoundland or Labrador in a strategic sector category; net worth of $750,000; minimum liquid assets of $350,000; minimum investment of $200,000 (within Greater St. John’s region) or minimum investment of $100,000 outside of Greater St. John’s region; minimum 5 years business experience; good faith deposit of $25,000; exploratory visit; and business plan.
It should be noted upon applicant being nominated the applicant receives Canadian Landed Immigrant status. The applicant will receive a refund of the $25,000 deposit if the applicant within one year is able to show:
1. the required minimum investment was indeed made;
2. the business is fully operational;
3. immigrant entrepreneur maintains residence in Newfoundland; and
4. immigrant entrepreneur is self-employed in the business.
Failure to meet these requirements will result in forfeiture of the $25,000 deposit.
Immigrant Partner
The Immigrant Partner category is intended for prospective immigrants with business and/or entrepreneurial skills and expertise who wish to partner, in a limited manner, with other additional immigrants (to a maximum of 3 additional immigrant partners) in establishing a new business to be located in Newfoundland or Labrador or invest in expanding existing Newfoundland or Labrador company. The net worth and liquidity requirements, investment/equity requirement and good faith performance deposit is the same as the Immigrant Entrepreneur category. There is a slight difference in that the applicant will receive a refund of the $25,000 deposit if the applicant within one year is able to show:
1. the required minimum investment was made;
2. the applicant is actively involved in the investee company; and
3. the immigrant partner maintains a residence in Newfoundland.
Failure to meet these requirements will result in forfeiture of the $25,000 deposit.
After the applicant, has been nominated Newfoundland and Labrador Business PNP will on a case by case basis, provide the standard letter to the relevant CIC post as well as the nominee stating that the person is nominated and eligible for a work visa.
If you require assistance with any of these categories,
contact us.
[ back to top ]
Nova Scotia Business PNP
Nova Scotia Business PNP is seeking experienced managers with basic literacy skills in English or French, to make a financial contribution to Nova Scotia business and enter into an employment contract with that business.
The requirements to qualify as an Economic Nominee are:
- Owned and operated a business, either on your own or in partnership with someone else, or you must have two years of management experience during the last five years this experience may have been accumulated in business, government, or another type of institution;
- Must have legally accumulated by your own efforts, a minimum net worth of $300,000 Canadian; documentation is required to support the dollar amount and method of acquisition;
- Basic literacy skills in English or French, including speaking, reading and writing, and must be able to function in business situation;
- Minimum of Grade 12 education;
- Will be given preference if between 25 to 60 years of age;
- Must make a one-time, non-refundable contribution of $128,800, once accepted will be held in trust. This amount will be returned without deduction or interest if the Applicant is refused a Canadian residence visa.
Upon visa issuance and subsequent landing in Canada the nominee will be able to then select a six month, middle management employment contract from a list of companies approved by the Province of Nova Scotia; you will receive a salary of $20,000 for the six month term of the work experience contract.
If you require assistance with any of these categories,
contact us.
[ back to top ]
Prince Edward Island Business PNP
Prince Edward Island Business PNP has two different categories. There are Entrepreneur and Partner categories.
Under the Entrepreneur category the applicant must have a net worth of $400,000 with liquid assets such as cash, bonds, and stocks of $350,000. There must be an investment of $200,000 in your business. A complete business plan and $100,000 are to be submitted along with their PNP application. Once the business is established this $100,000 will be returned to the applicant. Immigrant Entrepreneurs are also required to place $25,000 in escrow with the Government of PEI as a good faith deposit. This deposit also gets returned after applicant has resided for one year in PEI. You are starting your own business and being self-employed.
Under the Partner category the applicant must have a net worth of $400,000 with liquid assets such as cash, bonds and stocks of $350,000. There must be an investment of $200,000 by way of preferred shares in an eligible PEI company and to place $25,000 in escrow with the PEI government. The applicant must make an exploratory visit to PEI and it is encouraged the applicant meet with the principals of the company they will invest in.
Under PEI PNP the PEI company being invested in must be engaged in a business which is a strategic priority.
Aerospace; bio resources; life sciences; information and communication technologies; film, television and new media; manufacturing and processing; tourism and tourism accommodations excluding cottage or recreational development; exportable technology including proprietary products, processes or other intellectual property; and up to ten retail companies, in aggregate.
Business applicants must visit PEI and submit a business plan. It is advisable the Applicant meet with a PEI PNP government official while in PEI.
PEI PNP requires a $25,000 deposit from the successful applicant. The deposit will be returned to the successful applicant after the applicant has lived in PEI for one year after receiving Canadian Landed Immigrant status. PEI is concerned with retaining successful applicants and the deposit is a means of obtaining at least one year of retention.
The PEI PNP portion of the processing time is stated to be 15 business days. Generally it takes 2-5 weeks to get the provincial portion of the processing time completed. The Federal portion takes 6-8 months.
If you require assistance with any of these categories, contact
us.
[ back to top ]
Saskatchewan Business PNP
Under Saskatchewan Business PNP a business nominee will be a person who identifies a business opportunity in the province’s key sectors or industries that will enhance the production of goods, the provisions of services, exports, technology and research in Saskatchewan.
Each application will be considered on its individual merit to determine if the proposed business will be of significant economic benefit to the key sectors of the provincial economy.
Business applicants will:
- Have proven experience in managing a business;
- Have significant funds for establishing a new business, or a joint venture or partnership in an existing Saskatchewan business, in which the applicant will have an ongoing management role;
- Complete a business plan;
- Make a fact finding trip to Saskatchewan and meet government officials;
- Provide disclosure of business assets and debts including national and international business activities.
The province’s key sectors are:
- Agriculture and Agri-value;
- Biotechnology;
- Culture;
- Energy;
- Environmental Industries;
- Forestry;
- Information Technology and Telecommunications;
- Mining;
- Tourism; and
- Value Added Processing and Manufacturing.
In summary, the applicant must have sufficient proven experience in operating a business and significant funds to invest through a direct investment, joint venture or partnership. The applicant is required to become a resident of Saskatchewan and directly manage the proposed business to qualify. The applicant is required to have a business plan, visit Saskatchewan and meet with Saskatchewan PNP officials. There is no minimum net worth amount or net investment amount required.
It generally takes 8-10 weeks for Saskatchewan to process the business application. The Federal portion will take 6-8 months. The total time of the Saskatchewan PNP Business application will generally be 8-12 months from the date it is filed.
If you require assistance with any of these categories, contact us.
[ back to top ]
Yukon Business PNP
The Yukon is seeking people with a business background and experience that would enhance the production and marketing of goods, services, exports, technology or research in the priority sectors.
Eligibility is restricted to persons that have:
1. Sufficient proven experience operating a business to implement the proposed business plan;
2. Minimum net worth of $250,000;
3. Visited the Yukon at least once within last three years;
4. Reasonable language skills; and
5. Minimum equity investment of $150,000 is required.
Applicant must be involved in the active management of the business. Investment in a business previously used by a business immigrant is not allowed unless at least 50% of the new investment amount is used to expand the business.
Retail, as a stand alone operation, is not a priority sector and includes activities such as merchandising and food services.
The investment must create new employment opportunities or maintain and enhance existing employment for
Yukoners.
Under Yukon Business PNP the applicant submits a preliminary business plan, shows a commitment to live in the Yukon, demonstrates net worth and ability to invest the minimum amount in a key sector. If the preliminary business plan is approved the applicant submits a detailed business plan and has an interview. If the applicant is approved the applicant receives permanent status. The applicant receives Canadian Landed Immigrant status.
If you require assistance with any of these categories, contact
us.
[ back to top ]
Skilled worker PNP
Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program
Alberta PNP
As of April 2009, the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program has introduced a US Visa Holder Category focused on H-1B Visa holders. This immigration program enables skilled foreign workers on US Work Visas to apply for Canadian Permanent Residence with the intention of working in Alberta. This program is designed to fill occupational shortages in certain high priority employment sectors in Alberta. The US Visa Holder Category is a fast track application process resulting in Canadian Permanent Residence.
-
In order to qualify for the US Visa Holder Category, the following has to be met:
The Applicant must demonstrate an intention to live permanently in Alberta;
-
The Applicant must be currently working in the US and possess a visa in one of the following categories: H1-B, H1-B1, H-1C, E-3;
-
The Applicant must continue to hold the US work visa at the time a final decision is made on the application;
-
The Applicant must have a minimum of one year of work experience in the US while holding one of the qualifying visas; and
-
The Applicant’s current occupation must be on the Alberta “Occupations Under Pressure List.”
There are currently some 80 occupations on the list. The general categories of listed occupations include: · Information Technology Occupations · Management Occupations · Business, Finance and Administration Occupation · Natural and Applied Sciences and Related Occupations · Health Occupations · Occupations in Social Science, Education, Government Service and Religion · Occupations in Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport · Sales and Service Occupations · Occupations in the Primary Industry · Occupations in Processing, Manufacturing and Utilities
For further information or to assess your eligibility for the Alberta category, please fill out the general assessment form
[ back to top ]
British Columbia PNP Skilled Worker
British Columbia Skilled Worker PNP has basically two main categories: Skilled Worker/Strategic Occupations and International Students.
The benefit for the prospective immigrant of participating under BC PNP is twofold. The first benefit is there are certain persons who will qualify for immigration under BC PNP that would not qualify under the Federal immigration program. The second benefit is the processing time is much faster under the BC PNP program (6 to 9 months) than the Federal immigration program (18 to 30 months). BC PNP portion processing time is 2-3 weeks. Federal portion is 6-8 months.
The emphasis under BC PNP is to have employers nominate qualified non-Canadians that do certain types of work that will be given priority. For example, some of the areas of interest are high technology, biotechnology, aerospace, university and college educators and professors, skilled tradesmen, nurses and other health care professionals. A job offer from a local BC employer is required.
Another special situation is for employers outside of the Greater Vancouver and the Greater Victoria areas. An additional special situation is in new and developing area of industry. BC PNP will be more flexible in the types of occupations that qualify in these special situations.
The BC PNP International Students program will allow students who have graduated from a BC university in a science, applied science or business program to obtain Canadian Landed Immigrant status if they obtain a job offer from a local BC employer.
If you require assistance with any of these categories, contact
us.
[ back to top ]
Manitoba Skilled Worker PNP
In order to qualify for the Manitoba Skilled Worker PNP a person will have the best chance of being nominated if the person has:
- sufficient training and work experience in your occupation;
- sufficient language ability to begin working soon after arrival;
- pre-approved job offer consistent with your training and experience;
- and Settlement supports in Manitoba to assist you upon your arrival.
There are 6 different assessment streams under Manitoba Skilled Worker PNP.
Priority assessment streams: there are five streams allow applicants who meet clear criteria indicating that they have strong potential to establish successfully in Manitoba to have their applications assessed more quickly.
General assessment stream: This stream features a new adjusted point system so that applicants with a strong connection to Manitoba and demonstrated employability in this province have a greater potential for a successful application.
The six assessment streams are briefly described below:
1. Employer Direct Stream: for applicants with a pre-approved guaranteed offer of employment form an employer who has a prior agreement with the Manitoba PNP to issue jobs to applicants, or for applicants currently working full-time in Manitoba with a job offer.
2. International Student Stream: for applicants who have graduated from a post-secondary education program in Manitoba, have a job offer related to their field of studies and have been issued a post-graduation work permit allowing them to work in Manitoba.
3. Family Support Stream: for applicants with sufficient training, work experience, language ability who have close family members in Manitoba who have completed a Manitoba PNP Affidavit of Support.
4. Community Support Stream: for applicants with sufficient training, work experience and language ability who have a Letter of Support from an organization that has a Community Support Agreement with the Manitoba PNP.
5. Strategic Recruitment Initiative: for applicants with sufficient training, work experience and language ability who meet the requirements of current recruitment initiatives and have received an Invitation to Apply letter from the Manitboba PNP.
6. General Stream: for applicants with sufficient training, work experience, language and with evidence of close relatives in Manitoba, or family-like support from friends and relatives in Manitoba, or previous education or previous work experience in Manitoba. Applicants must score sufficient points for consideration and demonstrate their ability to establish successfully in Manitoba.
Estimated processing time of Manitoba PNP part is 3-12 months.
Estimated time of Federal part is 6-8 months.
Total estimated processing time of Manitoba PNP application is 9-20 months from the date the application is submitted.
If you require assistance with any of these categories, contact
us.
[ back to top ]
New Brunswick Skilled Worker PNP
To be considered for nomination as a skilled worker under New Brunswick Skilled Worker PNP the applicant is required to have a permanent, full time job offer from an established New Brunswick employer. In most cases the skills offered by the potential immigrant are not available in New Brunswick and employers must demonstrate they are having difficulty finding these skills in the local job market.
An applicant must sign a declaration that the applicant will settle permanently in New Brunswick. To qualify the Applicant must also obtain a minimum number of points (50 points out of 83 points) under the categories of an assessment test. The categories are: age; language skills; education; work experience; adaptability; and job offer.
The processing time for a successful New Brunswick Skilled Worker PNP application is 4-6 months for the PNP portion. The federal part is 9-12 months processing time.
If you require assistance with any of these categories, contact
us.
[ back to top ]
Newfoundland and Labrador Skilled Worker PNP
To qualify under the Skilled Worker category some of the key requirements are: occupation is on Strategic Sector List; job offer from employer in Newfoundland; job offer is in an area listed on the Strategic Sector List; work experience; education; spousal employment; age; language; personal finances; spousal employment; and enough points (50 points out of 100 points) to pass under the assessment test.
Strategic Sector List categories are:
- Knowledge-based industries;
- Manufacturing;
- Natural Resources;
- Agricultural and Agrifoods;
- Healthcare;
- Tourism;
- Creative and Cultural Industries; and
- Fisheries.
If you require assistance with any of these categories, contact
us.
[ back to top ]
Nova Scotia Skilled Worker PNP
Nova Scotia Skilled Worker PNP is aimed at highly skilled occupations. To qualify as a Skilled Worker Nominee:
- Must have a guaranteed job offer in a skill area where a Nova Scotia employer has identified as a skill shortage;
- Job offer must be for a permanent, full time vacancy, for which no Nova Scotian is available;
- Must have basic language skills in English or French;
- Must have minimum education of Grade 12; and
- Be given preference if age is between 25 and 60 years old.
If you require assistance with any of these categories, contact
us.
[ back to top ]
Ontario Skilled Worker PNP
Ontario's Pilot Provincial Nominee Program (“Pilot PNP” or “Ontario PNP”) launched on May 24, 2007. In the first year the Ontario PNP will nominate 500 persons.
Ontario PNP only has a Skilled Worker Program.
Some basic points about Ontario PNP procedure:
1. Applications processed on first come first served basis
2. Employer driven
3. Employer makes pre-screening application to Ontario PNP
4. Employer must certain minimum requirements including: being in business for 3 years; sales of $1,000,000 for previous fiscal year; 5 full time permanent employees; have business premises in Ontario where nominee will work.
5. Employer able to apply for positions for prospective foreign employee in limited occupations in four sectors of: health; education; manufacturing; construction
6. There are only 20 eligible occupations
Professional Stream Health Sector (8 occupations)
Specialist Physicians; General Practitioners and Family Physicians; Pharmacists; Audiologists and Speech Pathologists;
Physiotherapists; Registered Nurses; Medical Laboratory Technicians; Medical Radiation Technologists
Professional Stream – Education Sector (2 occupations)
University Professors; High End Researchers
Skilled Worker Stream – Manufacturing Sector (5 occupations)
Machinists and Machining and Tooling Inspectors; Tool and Die Makers; Industrial Electricians; Construction Millwrights and Industrial Mechanics; Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanics
Skilled Worker Stream – Construction Sector (5 occupations)
Carpenters; Bricklayers; Cement Finishers; Tilesetters; Drywall Installers and Finishers
After Ontario PNP approves the Ontario employer's PNP application the Ontario employer can send the prospective individual foreign employee an application package for nomination as a nominee under Ontario PNP.
Prospective employee will have 60 days after the date of issue of the Pre-screen position form from Ontario PNP to Ontario employer to submit the completed application to Ontario PNP. There is the possibility of obtaining one 30 day extension.
The Ontario PNP will attempt to process each PNP application within 60 days of filing.
There are two categories:
-
Employer Category
-
Multinational Investor Category
Details of these categories appear below
Employer Category
Employers can recruit professionals and skilled workers in the eligible occupations in the Ontario PNP Occupation list.
Streams within the Employer Category
The Employer Category has three streams: Professional; Skilled Worker; and International Student.
Professional Stream
Consists of 8 occupations in the health care sector. It also includes two occupations in the education sector. (Maximum 200 nominations)
Skilled Worker Stream
Consists of 10 occupations in the manufacturing and construction sector. (Maximum 200 nominations)
International Student Stream
Targets recent graduates from Ontario colleges and universities in eligible occupations in the Ontario PNP Occupation List. (Maximum 50 nominations). Only occupations on the Occupation List? are eligible for positions in the first year of the Ontario PNP. They are subject to change in future.
Ratios of Employees to Number of PNP Nominees
The general rule is for an employer in Greater Toronto Area (GTA) it is eligible for one PNP nominee for each 5 employees. Outside of the GTA employers are eligible for slightly more than one PNP nominee for each 5 employees
Multinational Investor Category
Multinational Investor Category is intended to assist human resources needs of companies making major investments in Ontario by allowing expedited granting of nominations for nominated employees. Approximately 50 nominations in this category will be available in first year of Ontario PNP.
Employer eligibility for Multinational Category. Employer must:
1. Make a qualifying investment in Ontario of minimum of $10 million
2. Create minimum 25 full time jobs
Employer may request up to 5 nominees for each qualifying investment.
If you require assistance with any of these categories, contact
us.
[ back to top ]
Prince Edward Island Skilled Worker PNP
Prince Edward Island Skilled Worker PNP targets applicants who:
- Intend to settle in PEI;
- Have language ability in English or French (speak, read, write, understand);
- Have university degree, diploma or trade certificate;
- Have 14 or more years of education;
- Offer of employment from a PEI company; and
- Score approximately 50 points in the self assessment.
It will be helpful if the applicant’s occupational skills are consistent with the list of targeted occupations on
the Skilled Shortage List.
The Prince Edward Island PNP review takes 2-4 weeks. The Federal part takes 6-8 months.
If you require assistance with any of these categories, contact us.
[ back to top ]
Saskatchewan Skilled Worker PNP
You may apply to the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (PNP) under the Skilled Worker category if you have an offer of permanent full time employment in Saskatchewan as:
1. As a skilled worker or a professional;
2. In a management position; or
3. Have worked in Saskatchewan for a minimum of six months on a temporary work permit.
Estimated processing time of Saskatchewan PNP part is 8-10 weeks.
Estimated time of Federal part is 6-8 months.
Total estimated processing time of Saskatchewan PNP application is 8-12 months from the date the application is submitted.
If you require assistance with any of these categories, contact
us.
[ back to top ]
|
