The majority of Canadian provinces have entered into a federal-provincial agreement authorizing their participation in a Provincial Nominee Program which allows each province to nominate a specific number of immigrants who will settle in and contribute to their provincial economic development.  Each province, through negotiation with the federal government, is authorized to establish its own selection criterions and procedures to select their immigrants to settle in that province. Applicants must intend to reside in the province in which they apply. 

Once an applicant has been nominated under the program, the province a Provincial Nominee Certificate to the applicant. The applicant will thereafter apply for Canadian Permanent Residence to Citizenship and Immigration Canada who has the final decision regarding admissibility. At present the following provinces are participating in this program:

PROVINCE OF ALBERTA

The Alberta Provincial Nominee Program is an employer-driven immigration program operated by the Government of Alberta, in conjunction with Citizenship and Immigration Canada  Employers unable to fill skilled positions with Canadian residents may present their business case to the Alberta PN Program and apply for approval to recruit a specified number of foreign candidates to fill these positions. Employers may also apply to the  Program to nominate individuals already working in Alberta, under a Temporary Foreign Worker Authorization.

When will Applications be Considered

The employer's application under the Provincial Nominee Program will be considered where the position:

a.                   cannot be filled by a Canadian resident;

b.                   is for permanent, full-time employment in Alberta;

c.                   meets provincial employment and wage standards;

d.                   is offered to an individual who meets the required qualifications; and

e.                   does not conflict with existing collective bargaining agreements.

Who will be considered

Employee candidates may be considered for the Program nomination if:

a.                   they are recruited by a pre-approved Alberta employer; and,

b.                   they have a valid job offer.

Canadian Government Approval

Successful candidates nominated by the Government of Alberta will be required to meet all Federal statutory requirements regarding health, criminal and security checks before an immigration visa is issued. 

PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA

The government of British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program  supports the recruitment of foreign workers with highly specialized skills, to meet critical skill shortages faced by British Columbia employers. The program will also support the expedited immigration of foreign residents with strong business experience and skills, and a solid business project already identified in BC.

The program enables the province to nominate 1000 people plus their families between now and May, 2003. The program is available to all sectors of the economy that experience critical skill shortages. However, the initial implementation will be staged into selected sectors, where skill shortages are already well established.

The program is employer driven and nominees are required to have arranged employment prior to progressing with the application process. Employers must clearly demonstrate that domestic recruitment efforts have been unsuccessful and that a legitimate skill shortage exists before offering employment to a nominee.

Who may Apply

The Program will accept applications from:

a.      B.C. employers in sectors (public or private) facing critical skill shortages.

b.      Business people from outside Canada who can demonstrate that their immigration will bring significant economic benefits to B.C.

Categories of Applicants

Applications will be accepted in three categories:

Strategic Occupations: for skilled individuals who have a guaranteed job offer and are qualified to work in selected occupations with a persistent shortage of qualified workers in B.C.

The Program will be staged into selected sectors. During this initial stage, applications will only be accepted from employers in the health care sector. Please check this site again for updated information for B.C. employers in other economic sectors.

To immigrate to Canada in the Strategic Occupations category, you must have a guaranteed job offer from an employer in British Columbia.

Business Skills: for individuals with specific business projects who have proven abilities and financial resources to establish a business in B.C.

Projects: for individuals such as key managers, employees or business owners who are essential to the success of identified economic projects.

PROVINCE OF MANITOBA

The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program seeks potential immigrants who are acceptable candidates for settlement in Manitoba but who otherwise may not qualify under Canada's rigorous immigration criteria.  An applicant nominated by Manitoba should receive favorable consideration from Citizenship and Immigration Canada as long as they comply with medical and statutory requirements. There are two categories of immigrants under this program; Skilled Workers and the Business Immigrants.

Skilled Workers

General:  Skilled workers may apply if they:

a.    are 18 years of age or older;

b.   they meet the selection criteria;

c.    can provide all required supporting documents, and

d.   reside outside of Canada OR have proof of legal status in Canada

Foreign temporary workers in skilled occupations may apply if they:

a.    Have an employment authorization for work in Manitoba that was validated by Human Resources Development Canada.  The current employer may be contacted to determine the need for permanent workers in that occupation, and/or a willingness to hire on a permanent basis.

Foreign temporary workers in semi-skilled occupations* may apply if they:

a.    Have been working in Manitoba for at least 12 months in a semi-skilled job that was validated by Human Resources Development Canada;

b.   Have an employment authorization for work in Manitoba that is valid for longer than 12 months, or one that has been renewed beyond the initial 12 months; and

c.    Have a guaranteed job offer from their current Manitoba employer that meets the criteria as explained in the Self-Assessment Guide.

International students in Manitoba may apply if they:

a.    Are 18 years or older when their application reaches Manitoba Labour and Immigration;

b.   Have completed a course of post-secondary studies in a Manitoba educational institution;

c.    Have completed at least six months of post-graduate employment (E08 Exemption) and are working in a study-related job; and

d.   Have a guaranteed job offer in Manitoba that meets the criteria explained in the Self-Assessment Guide.

A score of  at least 55 points is required to qualify for the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program:

Once nominated by Manitoba, the applicant must then apply for Canadian Permanent Residency through Citizenship and Immigration Canada.  

Business Nominees

A business person seeking admission to Canada under the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program for Business must have the intention and ability to settle in Manitoba and establish, or purchase a business. To following qualifications are required to be satisfied by the applicant;

a.      Minimum personal net worth of CDN$250,000.

b.      Minimum amount of equity investment in Manitoba of CDN$150,000.

c.      Demonstrated business experience or extensive experience in senior management of a successful company.

d.      Conducted a visit or planning a visit to Manitoba within a few months of applying to investigate business opportunities and Manitoba's quality of life.

e.     Supply a Letter of Credit from a recognized financial institution to the Government of Manitoba, in the amount of CDN $50,000 guaranteeing the establishment or purchase of a business in Manitoba. The Letter of Credit will be released when the investment is made and the intended business is undertaken as outlined in your application.

PROVINCE OF NEWFOUNDLAND

The Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program identifies and recruits immigrants who have specialized skills which will develop the provincial economy, and allows the province to recruit persons with occupational and entrepreneurial skills. The cost to apply for this program is CDN $1,000, which is a non-refundable government fee which does not guaranteed the approval of your application.

Skilled Worker

To qualify for nomination, applicant's must have a confirmed offer of employment in one of the following strategic sectors:

a.   Health

b.   Oil and Gas

c.   Biotechnology

d.   Environmental Industries

e.   Manufacturing

f.     Tourism

g.   Film

h.   Research and Development 

Business Person

An applicant's business skills and business plans must be consistent with the strategic growth sectors, which are as follows:

            a.   Health

b.   Oil and Gas

c.   Biotechnology

d.   Environmental Industries

e.   Manufacturing

f.     Tourism

g.   Film

h.   Research and Development 

All applications are assessed according to a point system based on age, education, intended occupation, work experience, language, adaptability, and  guaranteed employment in Newfoundland.  A minimum score of 40 points is required in order to qualify.  

The nominee must apply for their permanent resident visa within six (6) months of the date appearing on the Nominee Certificate. 

PROVINCE OF NEW BRUNSWICK 

There are two qualifying categories under the Nerovincial Nominee Program;

       Guaranteed Job Offer

An applicant must have a guaranteed written offer of employment from an employer in New Brunswick. The employer must apply to have the worker nominated. The guaranteed job offer must meet the following criteria:

a.   Employment is permanent and full-time (training or internship positions that terminate on a specific date do not qualify).

b.   Employment in the intended occupation is consistent with the applicant's education, training, and experience;

c.   All positions must meet provincial employment standards and comparable industry rates of pay;

d.   If provincial licensing or accreditation is a condition of employment, the applicant must prove his or her eligibility to work in that occupation in New Brunswick;

e.  Employment must be in the Province of New Brunswick;

Business Plan

              An applicant with a business plan must meet the following conditions:

a.    The business plan must be approved by the province to be of economic benefit to the province.

b.   Clearly demonstrate that he/she has had proven experience in successfully operating or managing a business prior to filing an application.

c.    Have made at least one exploratory visit to New Brunswick and have met with provincial officials to develop the business plan submitted.

d.   The applicant will be required to become a resident of New Brunswick  to implement the business plan, assuming either active ownership or a managerial role.

e.    The applicant must provide proof of sufficient funds to implement the business plan and to sustain the applicant and all dependents. All questions regarding the legitimacy of the source of funds must be satisfactorily answered.

PROVINCE OF QUEBEC

Quebec selects its own Independent Immigrants.  Similar to the Provincial Nominee Program, if you wish to live in Quebec, you are required to obtain a Certificat de selection du Quebec (CSQ).  Applications must be submitted to the nearest Quebec Immigration Office in which you currently reside. 

PROVINCE OF SASKATCHEWAN 

Under the Saskatchewan Provincial Nominee Program;

       Skilled Worker

A Skilled Worker is an individual whose specific educational credentials and skills qualify for potential employment in occupations in Saskatchewan in key sectors or industries where there are labor shortages. Only applicants who are on the designated skill shortage list are eligible to apply. These occupations currently include

a.     Assistant Hog Barn Managers

b.     Beam Developer

c.     CNC Punch Machine Operators

d.     Gear Design Engineer

e.     Gear Grinders

f.       Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanics

g.     Hog Barn Managers

h.     International Export Manager

i.       Machinist

j.       Specialty Welders/Fabricators

k.     Motor Vehicle Body Repairer

l.       Pork Production Technicians

m.   Veterinarians

All positions are assessed against federal and provincial industry standards.  As many occupations have set regulations and licensing requirements, the applicant must provide qualification credentials for review in relation to federal and provincial standards.   5