Provincial Sponsorships (PNP)

Different from the federal arranged employment track, a company-sponsored Provincial Nominee Program consists entirely of work permit flips.

Similar to our federal skilled worker offering, our firm will prepare both provincial and federal forms on behalf of the company sponsor and employee (foreign worker), assemble relevant supporting documents, and represent the foreign worker in government correspondence at the Embassy or Consulate.

Prior to committing to a PNP strategy, our firm will also explore the option of filing under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and the arranged employment track (FSW2).

Since there are dozens of PNPs, there is not adequate space here to discuss all the variants in each province. The common elements, however, are relatively straight forward. The position must be highly skilled, the foreign worker must have a valid work permit, and both the employer and employee must be residing in the relevant province for a certain period of time.

The advantages of a PNP versus FSW2 are several. A PNP may not include formal post-secondary education (although many do) or factor age as a criteria. A PNP does not require an approved LMIA (LMO). A PNP may not require a language proficiency test (although many do). While relevant in the past, speed, as in the amount of time to process a permanent visa, is NOT a factor when considering this stream. Both PNP and FSW2 appear to have similar time-lines from beginning to final approval.

Aside from assessment factors that may vary from the federal to a provincial program, the main disadvantage of a PNP versus FSW2 is geographical. If the employer wishes to transfer the worker to another province, there may be limitations when filing the provincial paperwork. The federal program, however, allows for complete mobility (except in Quebec).

Standard Deliverables to PNP-based Employers:

• Assessment if the position qualifies for a PNP and if another immigrant visa program such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program under Arrangement Employment (FSW2) is more viable
• Preparation of provincial forms on behalf of the employer (sponsor)
• Preparation of provincial and federal forms on behalf of the employee (candidate)
• Preparation of cover letter and Assembly of relevant supporting documentation
• Interview preparation at the border
• Post filing correspondence with the provincially-administered PNP as required