Canada is formulating a strategy to invite over 105,000 immigrants every year for the next three years through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP). The Immigration Levels Plan 2023-25 projects a gradual increase in the number of immigrants in Canada through the PNP with the numbers rising from 105,500 in 2023 to 117,500 by 2025.
The PNP was originally launched in 1998 when only 400 immigrants arrived in Canada through this program.
The unique labour shortages in the provinces and territories can be addressed through Provincial Nominee Programs. The program allows them to select and nominate those skilled immigrants who possess the required qualifications, education and work experience to meet the needs of the region.
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Consequently, the regions can spread the benefits of immigration which includes social, economic and cultural, throughout the country.
Canada targets to achieve the goal of increasing the number of PNP immigrants while selecting candidates for permanent residency opportunities. Apart from Nunavut and Quebec, all the other 11 provinces and territories operate a PNP of their own. Quebec has an entirely separate economic class immigration program with its agreement with the federal government.
Presently, PNPs have exceeded the federal Express Entry system and become the primary way for economic-class candidates to obtain permanent residence in Canada.
Earlier in July 2022, the immigration ministers of federal, territorial and provincial governments came to an agreement to draw a multi-year immigration plan which is specific to the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
The plan aims to enable the two government levels to formulate a better plan and attract skilled immigrants to specific provinces or territories in Canada.
There are two types of nomination for PNP; base and enhanced. The enhanced nominations have a shorter processing time than base nominations. Enhanced nominations take 11 months to process while base nominations take an average of 20 months.
Also Read: PGWPs Expiring in 2023 Can Be Extended for 18 Months
Skilled workers with the potential to integrate quickly into the local labour market can use enhanced nomination as a fast-track option to contribute to the local economy.
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Source: LiveMint
