This section covers immigration programs of Canadian provinces (states). Except Quebec, all such programs are referred to as Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP).

The Quebec immigration program is referred to as such, due to the wider latitude it enjoys.

Other provinces have introduced special immigration programs for economic growth and development as also to address the skill shortages faced by them. These programs attract prospective immigrants to come and settle in the respective provinces.

All Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) have specified criteria that must be fulfilled in order to succeed. Generally, the provinces look for the ties that the immigrant can demonstrate to the province to improve the possibility of long-term settlement in the province. Most PNPs do not require a recognized language test like IELTS to be taken by the applicant. The provinces make the selection decision, but the final decision to issue the visa rests with the federal immigration department. The federal government (CIC) issues the PR visa after determining the medical and security admissibility factors. PNPs are attractive as the processing time is significantly lower compared to federal program.

At present, the following provinces have active programs:

Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland & Labrador
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Prince Edward Island
Saskatchewan
Yukon

The PNPs have provision for accommodating skilled workers, self-employed and business people. A job offer from an employer or a business plan in the province is a requirement in most PNPs. Many PNPs have points system for evaluation and certain no. of points are required to apply. However, scoring the qualifying points does not guarantee success as in the federal program.

Many provinces have also introduced special programs for international students graduating in Canada, family members of their residents and community supported immigrants.

Some provinces have additional special programs for select occupational groups (e.g. Saskatchewan has programs for Truck Drivers and Healthcare professionals)

Because of the wide range of provincial programs and frequent changes, we have not included specific province- wise and program- wise discussion.

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