Frequently Asked Question
These Are The Most Commonly Asked Questions About Our Service And What We Do
PNP
What are the Provincial Nominee Programs?
The Provincial Nominee Programs were established by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC, formerly CIC) to allow Canada’s different provinces and territories to select individuals who indicate an interest in settling in a particular province/territory and who will be able to contribute to that province/territory’s economic development. Most, but not all, provinces and territories of Canada participate in the Provincial Nominee Program.
Is the province of Quebec part of the Provincial Nominee Program?
No. Quebec has a separate agreement with the Government of Canada, which allows the province to select individuals who indicate a desire to reside in that province. The government of Quebec is the only provincial government with the authority to determine the selection of individuals outside of the Provincial Nominee Program. Quebec has its own immigration selection criteria.
How do the Provincial Nominee Programs work with the Express Entry immigration selection system?
Provinces and territories are able to nominate a certain number of candidates through the Express Entry system to meet local and provincial labour market needs. These portions of the PNPs are known as “enhanced” nominations.Candidates in the Express Entry pool who obtain an enhanced nomination from a province are awarded 600 points under the Comprehensive Ranking System, out of a possible total of 1,200. When these additional points are added to a candidate’s human capital and skills transferability points, it will result in an invitation to apply for permanent residence at a subsequent draw from the Express Entry pool.All candidates must meet the eligibility criteria of one of the following federal economic immigration programs in order to enter and be selected from the Express Entry pool:Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)Federal Skilled Trades (FST)Canadian Experience Class (CEC)Provinces and territories may add additional criteria for their own immigration streams.Depending on the province, candidates eligible to enter the Express Entry pool may either enter the pool first and then be nominated by a province or territory, or be nominated by a province or territory before completing an online Express Entry profile and entering the Express Entry pool.
What is a "base" Provincial Nomination?
Provinces and territories are also able to make nominations under their regular, or “base”, PNPs outside the Express Entry system. Individuals who wish to immigrate to Canada, but who are not eligible to enter the Express Entry pool, May still be able to make an application to immigrate to Canada through a base PNP, as long as they are eligible for the provincial program. Base nominations may therefore provide Canadian immigration opportunities to individuals who are not eligible for Express Entry.Candidates who receive a base nomination have their applications processed outside Express Entry. The route from a successful base nomination to permanent residence is a two-step process. Candidates must first satisfy the criteria for a PNP stream, apply, and receive a nomination certificate. With this certificate in hand, candidates may apply to the federal government for permanent resident status.
Which provinces participate in the provincial nominee program?
The following provinces participate in the Provincial Nominee Program:
Where and when does an application under the Provincial Nominee Program get submitted?
An application under the Provincial Nominee Program is submitted to the appropriate provincial government office, before submitting an application for a Canada Immigration (Permanent Resident) Visa.
Does receiving a Provincial Nomination guarantee a Canada Immigration Visa?
No. IRCC must be satisfied that a Provincial Nominee meets statutory requirements — health, security and authenticity of documents — before issuing a Canada Immigration Visa.
What criteria do most provinces look for in their Nominees?
Most provinces are looking for individuals who will contribute to the province’s economic growth, and are willing to settle in that province. Criteria that provinces take into consideration may include the following:Job offer in the province Education Work experience in critical industries English and/or French language skills Close relations in that province Ability to adapt to life in that province
Start-up Visa Program
What is the application process for the Start-up Visa Program?
First, you must pitch your business idea to a designated organization and convince it to support your start-up company. Once a designated organization decides to support your business, it will send us a commitment certificate and give you a letter of support. The process to pitch your idea varies for each designated organization. You must contact the designated organization to find out what you must do to seek its support. If you meet all eligibility criteria, you can submit a completed application, which must include your letter of support.
Who will review my Start-up Visa Program application?
First, the designated organization(s) that you seek support from will review the viability of your business proposal.Next, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada will review your immigration application, if you have received the necessary support to apply, to make sure you’re eligible to become a permanent resident.Finally, your application may also be subject to an independent peer review process. This is designed to protect against fraud and to ensure that your activities and those of the designated organization are in line with industry standards for this type of support.
What is an essential person under the Start-up Visa Program?
An essential person is considered to be critical to the business and will be specifically identified as essential by the designated organization on the commitment certificate and letter of support. If we refuse the application of an essential person, all related applicants will be refused.
How can I qualify for the Start-up Visa Program?
To qualify for the Start-up Visa Program, you must meet all 4 eligibility requirements, as well as the admissibility requirements to enter Canada.Eligibility requirements for the Start-up Visa ProgramYou must:have a qualifying businessA qualifying business means you created a business that meets the following conditions.At the time you get a commitment from a designated organization:each applicant holds 10% or more of the voting rights attached to all shares of the corporation outstanding at that time (up to 5 people can apply as owners)applicants and the designated organization jointly hold more than 50% of the total voting rights attached to all shares of the corporation outstanding at that timeAt the time you receive your permanent residence:you provide active and ongoing management of this business from within Canadaan essential part of the operations of the business happens in Canadathis business is incorporated in Canadahave a letter of supportfrom a designated organizationA letter of support is given to the applicant by the designated angel investor group or venture capital fund. It is proof that they will support your business idea.meet the language requirements,To apply for a start-up visa, you must show that you have reached Canadian Language Benchmark 5 in listening, reading, writing and speaking.have enough moneyto settle and live in Canada before you make money from your businessThe Government of Canada does not give financial support to new start-up visa immigrants.When you apply, you’ll need to give proof that you have the money to support yourself and your dependants after you arrive in Canada. You can’t borrow this money from another person.The amount you need depends on the size of your family. We update these amounts every year.Admissibility requirements to enter CanadaTo be eligible to come to Canada, you must meet the admissibility requirements to enter Canada. These apply to all applicants, not just Start-up Visa Program applicants.
Can an entrepreneurial team immigrate to Canada together through the Start-up Visa Program?
Yes. Up to 5 people can apply through the Start-up Visa Program as owners of a single business.When reviewing your proposal, the designated organization will decide who is essential or non-essential to the business. An essential person is critical to the proposed start-up. Without this person, the designated organization would not invest or support the proposal.If we refuse the application of an essential person, all related applicants will be refused.
If I immigrate through the Start-up Visa Program, what happens if my business fails?
If your business fails, it doesn’t affect your permanent resident status. We recognize that not every business will succeed and this program is designed so that the risk is shared between the public and private sector.
What level of language proficiency do I need for a start-up visa?
To apply for a start-up visa, you must show that you have reached Canadian Language Benchmark 5 in listening, reading, writing and speaking.With your application, you must submit the results of a third-party language test that show that you meet the requirement.Find out more about the Start-up Visa Program’s language requirements.
