Global Graduates Paving Paths Through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP’s)

In recent years, Canada has emerged as a preferred destination for international graduates seeking opportunities for higher education and career advancement. With its welcoming immigration policies and diverse range of educational institutions, Canada offers global graduates a pathway to pursue their dreams and build a successful future. One of the key avenues for immigration to Canada is through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), which provide tailored pathways for skilled workers, including international graduates, to obtain permanent residency (PR) in specific provinces or territories. In this blog post, we will explore how global graduates can leverage PNPs to pave their paths to success in Canada.

Understanding Provincial Nominee Programs

Provincial Nominee Programs are initiatives run by individual provinces and territories in Canada that allow them to nominate individuals for permanent residence based on their specific economic needs. These programs provide an alternative route for immigration, allowing provinces to address their unique labor market demands and welcome skilled individuals who can contribute to local economies. They allow provinces to nominate individuals who possess the skills and qualifications required to contribute to their regional development for permanent residence.

Global Graduates and PNPs:

Recent graduates, armed with their education and skills, are finding PNPs to be an attractive avenue for immigration.As, PNPs present a unique opportunity for these graduates to leverage their education, skills, and adaptability, aligning with the specific needs of Canadian provinces and territories. Many provinces are actively seeking individuals with advanced education, professional skills, and the ability to contribute to their local economies. Global graduates often possess the qualifications and attributes that align with these criteria, making them ideal candidates for nomination.

Key Advantages for Global Graduates:

• Express Entry Linked Streams- Express Entry Linked Streams are specific immigration pathways within Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) in Canada that are connected to the federal Express Entry system. Express Entry is a federal immigration system that manages applications for three economic immigration categories: Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, and Canadian Experience Class. These streams are designed to streamline the immigration process for skilled workers who meet the eligibility criteria and have expressed their interest in immigrating to Canada through the Express Entry pool.

• Priority Processing- Provinces recognize the value that international graduates bring to their communities. As a result, many PNPs offer streamlined processes and priority for individuals who have completed their education in Canada or have acquired relevant qualifications from recognized institutions.

• Nomination for PR- Successful Nomination through a PNP stream can lead to permanent residency in Canada. This status offers benefits such as access to publicly funded healthcare, education, social services, and the opportunity to live and work in Canada. PR is a significant step towards Canadian citizenship, providing stability and security for international Graduates and their families.

• Enhanced Job Opportunities- Graduates nominated through PNPs often have increased job opportunities within the nominating province. Provinces may collaborate with local employers to identify and recruit skilled workers, providing graduates with a smoother transition into the Canadian workforce.

Provincial Nominee Programs Welcoming Global Graduates

• OINP Masters Graduates Stream- The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) Masters Graduate Stream is a specific immigration pathway designed for international graduates who have completed a master’s degree from an eligible Ontario university. This stream is part of the broader Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program, which allows the province of Ontario to nominate individuals for permanent residence based on its economic and labor market needs. 

You must first register in the OINPs Expression of Interest System and receive an invitation to apply before you can apply online to be nominated by the Ontario government for permanent residence. Periodically, OINP conducts draws from the EOI pool and issues ITAs to the highest-scoring candidates. Receiving an ITA allows candidates to submit a complete application for nomination.

Eligibility Requirements –

1. You should have received an invitation to apply and applied within the deadline identified.
2. Applicants should have completed a master’s degree in a program at an eligible publicly funded Ontario university.
3. The degree should be at least one academic year of full time study from an eligible Ontario University.
4. Applicants should demonstrate language proficiency in English or French at a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 or above.
5. You should have enough money to support yourself and your dependent family members when you settle in Canada.

Application Process– The application process involves several steps. Eligible candidates need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the OINP e-Filing Portal. The EOI profile is then entered into a pool, and candidates are issued a score based on factors like education, language proficiency, and work experience.

• British Columbia International Graduate Stream- The British Columbia International Graduate (BC IG) Stream was part of the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP). This stream is designed for international students who have graduated from eligible Canadian post-secondary institutions in British Columbia and wish to apply for permanent residence in the province. The Eligibility Criteria may keep changing over time, so it’s important to check the official BC PNP website for the latest information.

Eligibility Requirements to qualify for this stream- 

• You should have completed a degree, diploma or certificate from an eligible post-secondary institution in Canada in the Past three years.
• Have accepted an indeterminate* (no defined end date), full-time job offer from a B.C. employer. The job must be classified as NOC TEER category 1, 2, or 3
• Be qualified to work in your occupation in B.C.
• Meet minimum language requirements
• Show you can support yourself and your dependant

Application Process- An applicant can submit an application to the BC PNP at any time, if they are supported by any employer established in British Columbia. Once they get an invitation to apply, they have 30 days to gather the required documentation, submit their application, and pay the fee.

Employers who can Support any applicant, must meet certain requirements-

• Established in British Columbia
• Offer a full-time, permanent employment
• Meet domestic labor market recurring requirements

• Manitoba Career Employment Pathway- Under MPNP International Student Stream, the Career Employment Pathway provides faster nomination pathways for post-secondary students who graduated from institutions in Manitoba that have the skills needed by employers in the province.

Eligibility Requirements to be eligible for this stream-

• You should  have graduated in the past 3 years from a designated post-secondary institution in Manitoba from a full-time program of at least one year in length.
• You should  have a minimum level of CLB/NCLC 7.
• You should  have a full-time job offer from an eligible Manitoba employer with a minimum 1-year contract in an occupation on Manitoba’s In-Demand Occupations that is consistent with your completed program of studies in Manitoba.

(You Should be working full-time in Manitoba, with a valid work permit at the time your application is submitted and assessed.)

• You should  be residing in Manitoba at the time of application, and you must show the intent to continue to reside in Manitoba after nomination. Including the submission of a Career Employment Plan demonstrating opportunities for a successful career in Manitoba.
• You need to show sufficient liquid funds, equivalent to the low-income cut-off (LICO) requirements i.e. at minimum, CAD$10,000 plus CAD$2,000 per each accompanying family member, to cover your living expenses independently for a continuous six-month period. Alternatively, you can meet this requirement by being employed in a full-time, long-term position in Manitoba.

The LICO requirements may keep changing over time, so it’s important to check the official MPNP website for the updated information.

Application Process- Begin by crafting an Expression of Interest (EOI) profile. If you receive a Letter of Advice to Apply (LAA), proceed to submit a comprehensive application to the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP). Your application will undergo a thorough assessment by an MPNP officer, and successful candidates will be nominated by the MPNP. Within 180 days from the date of application, applicants must apply for PR to the federal government.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) offer tailored pathways for global graduates to immigrate to Canada and build a successful career. By leveraging the advantages of PNPs, international graduates can gain valuable Canadian experience, obtain Permanent Residency, and contribute to the economic and cultural vibrancy of their chosen provinces.  Provinces and territories across Canada have introduced diverse PNP streams, each addressing unique economic needs. Whether it’s the Atlantic Immigration Program in the eastern provinces, the international skilled worker stream in Saskatchewan, or the skilled workers stream in Manitoba, these alternative PNP pathways provide global graduates with a range of options to seamlessly integrate into the Canadian workforce and contribute to the social and economic vibrancy of their chosen communities. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can international graduates without job offers apply for PNPs?

• Yes, some PNPs, like the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) Masters Graduate Stream, do not require a job offer for eligibility.

Q2. How do I know which PNP stream is right for me?

• Research and assess the eligibility criteria of various PNP streams. Consider factors such as your education, work experience, language skills, and the specific needs of different provinces. Otherwise you can consult regulated consultancies for professional guidance.

Q3. What are Express Entry Linked Streams?

• Express Entry Linked Streams are PNP pathways that connect with the federal Express Entry system, offering a streamlined process for skilled workers, including global graduates.

Q4. Do PNPs consider language proficiency?

• Yes, language proficiency in English or French is often a key criterion for PNP eligibility, ensuring that candidates can effectively communicate in the Canadian workplace.

Q5. Are there any advantages to having Canadian education when applying for PNPs?

• Absolutely. Many PNPs value candidates with Canadian education, as it demonstrates familiarity with the Canadian academic system and often enhances adaptability to the Canadian workforce.

Q6. How long does the PNP application process take?

• The processing times vary depending on the province and the specific PNP stream. It’s advisable to check with the respective PNP official websites for the most accurate information.

Q7. Can I apply for multiple PNPs simultaneously?

• Yes, you can express interest in multiple PNPs, but you’ll typically need to choose one to pursue when invited to apply.