Part 01: The Provincial Nominee Programs - Overview

By now - anyone remotely interested in Immigration (whether they are immigrating themselves or have family/friends they would like bring over to Canada) has heard of the Provincial Nominee Program.

In essence the Provincial Nominee Programs are founded on an agreement (supported by the Canadian Constitution), that allows each province to control the flow of immigrants in and out of the province. It is primarily needs based (that is skills/occupations that are in need) and some provinces (although very few) implement some degree of familly reunification. And then - there are the provinces that already get a great deal of new comers (Ontario and British Columbia, can you hear me?)- these provinces have centered their Nominee Programs around entrepreneurs and businesses.

Over the new few weeks I will be visiting each Province's Provincial Nominee Program. It is important to note that Quebec's Nominee Program (which I will not be visiting) is language based. Quebec actually operates under a different set of rules and so if you are looking to immigrate to Quebec, you would really benefit from the advice of local immigration consultants (CSIC Licensed of Course) or local lawyers. Both Yukon and North West Terrorities also have Nominee Programs (Nunavat is actually the only Province/Territory that does not have a program in place yet.)

But of course, aside from the world of differences there are few elements common to each of the Provincial Nominee Programs:

1. Ties to the Province or Territory: Since Immigration operates on a quantam of quotas (try saying that really fast), and each province is looking to fill their own economic needs first - retention becomes really important. Provinces do not what to spend thousands, if not millions of dollars attempt to settle immigrants who have no plans have establishing themselves in that province. And would best like to use their immigrantion quotas (determined by the Federal Government) to bring over people that are going to fill their needs. So showing ties to the province/territory becomes important - which is why many of these programs ask if you have any friends or relatives in the province/territory.

2. Skills are in demand: Call it brain drain - or something, but provinces want skilled and experience (not to mention educated) immigrants, people who would require the least capital in settlement costs and will benefit the province greatly - by either taxes, CPP contributions, whatever.

3. The Federal Government is still involved: While each Province/Territory can nominate immigrants - the Federal Government still has its say. Each application is a 2 part process where you are nominated by the province/territory first and you then have to apply to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). WHY?! Because... No really, think of it as shopping for fruit. You go down to the fruit department and theres some really nice apples, as a province or territory you are going to find the nices, shiniest, most delicious looking apple (the immigrant - with good skills, great experience and ties to the province). But you cannot just start eating the apple right then and there - you have to go to the Check Out. (Yes, sad, CIC is the proveriabl Check Out). They will check things like criminal history, medicals and may even do a final check to make sure that everything you submitted was bona fide. If CIC agrees with you, they will allow you to have the apple.

Would you like the receipt in the bag?

Next Week... Provincial Nominee Program - British Columbia