Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Application to PNP is based on which stream is being applied for as some use a paper based process and others the Express Entry online process.

The process includes a medical exam that has to be passed and the acquiring of a police check certificate. These checks are mandatory, irrespective of where the applicant is hoping to live in the country.

Paper-based process features:

• The application for nomination has to be made under the non-Express Entry stream.
• All eligibility criteria set by the nominating province must be met.
• A paper application has to be submitted on nomination for permanent residence to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
• The applicant must pass the medical exam and get the police check certificate. These checks are mandatory, irrespective of where the applicant is hoping to live in the country.
• Processing time is longer than that of Express Entry.

Express Entry process features:

The process is online and there are two methods to apply. These include:

• Under Express Entry, the applicant contacts the province or territory and applies for a nomination. If the nomination is approved by the province or territory, the applicant creates an Express Entry profile to indicate the nomination has been made.
• The applicant creates a profile in Express Entry and states the provinces and territories he or she is interested in.
  A ‘notification of interest’ from the province or territory to the account allows the applicant to contact them directly.
  The applicant then applies to the Express Entry stream and if nominated will be offered the same through the account which the applicant will need to accept electronically.

In both cases, the applicant must:
Meet the eligibility standards set by the province or territory.
Submit an Express Entry profile that states all minimum criteria for Express Entry are met. This includes eligibility to one of the immigration programs covered by it.

Acceptance letter from a designated learning institute (DLI)
Valid passport or travel document
Proof of ability to support yourself and any family members who might accompany you for the duration of your time in Canada.

Ideally applications for study permit must be made before entering the country. Based on which option applies to the individual, application can be made from within Canada, outside Canada or at the port of entry.

• Study permit application from outside Canada Students from India, China, Philippines and Vietnam can use the Student Direct Stream option to expedite the study permit. Applications must be made online.
• Study permit application from within Canada. Those who can apply for a study permit from within Canada include:
  • Primary or secondary school minor child.
  • Exchange or visiting student.
  • A student who has completed a short-term course or study program, which is a condition for being accepted at a DLI.
  • Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) holder with a validity of at least 6 months.
  • A spouse or common-law partner (and their family members) being sponsored to immigrate, who are in Canada, and have applied for permanent residence, if eligible.
  • A person who wants to keep studying and has a study permit issued before entering Canada, from a visa office abroad.
  • Family member of:
    • Athletes on a Canadian-based team
    • Media representatives
    • Members of the clergy
    • Military personnel assigned to Canada
  • Family member or private staff member of a foreign representative who is accredited (90 days before or after the student is no longer authorised to study without a study permit.)
  • A foreign national or their family member with a valid study permit who wishes to pursue further studies in Canada.
  • Please note:
    After your passport expires, you cannot stay in Canada.
    If your passport is renewed after you entered Canada, you are required to submit photocopies of new passport as well as the stamp placed in the old passport at the time of application.
• Study permit application at port of entry (POE)
  The following students can apply on arrival at Canada:
  • Citizens of the United States of America
  • Permanent residents of the United States of America
  • Person who has lawfully been admitted to the United States of America for permanent residence.
  • Resident of Greenland
  • Resident of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon.

Please note:
Ensure you have all relevant document at the port of entry.
A lawful permanent resident of the United States of America, travelling to Canada must apply for and obtain an eTA before boarding the flight to Canada.