How To Apply For Provincial Nomination Through Express Entry

By Nneka Odilichukwu

There are several ways a foreign skilled worker, can immigrate to canada, they can immigrate through express entry, provincial nomination, etc.

To immigrate to Canada, through it's provincial nominee program, either through express entry stream or non-express entry stream, there some steps you need to take, towards actualizing your dream. 

To apply for a Provincial Nomination in Canada , through the Express entry stream, the first step is.

To create and submit an express entry profile

This is the first step to take, towards your permanent resident application. Create and submit an express entry profile, 
There are several ways a foreign applicant can immigrate to Canada, the Canadian federal government has ensured this by creating various pilots through which foreign applicants, can be assessed in order to come, work and live in their country permanently. 

Examples are, Express entry, Provincial nomination, etc
You should create an account, this will help you to create an express entry profile, submit and pay for your application. It will also help you to get every update and message related to your application and also to update your profile if the need arises.

           
 If you meet all the requirements of any of the three major federal immigration programs.

They are

• The Federal Skilled Worker Program
• The Federal Skilled Trade Program
• The Canadian Experience Class

You will enter the express entry pool, where the other qualified and eligible Express entry candidates are. If you have already gotten a nomination from a province or territory, it must be stated in your express entry profile, that you already gotten a provincial  nomination from a province. 
You will do this by clicking a "yes" in the nomination selection section in your express entry profile to confirm that you have already gotten a provincial nomination through express entry and also choose the province or region that nominated you.

Read Canada Express Entry Program for Skilled workers

  
How to confirm your nomination through the express entry stream

  
To have your provincial nomination through the express entry stream confirmed, you must contact the province or territory that nominated you and send them your job seeker validation code, that is your express entry profile number.

If your space or partner is not coming with you to Canada or they are already Canadian citizens or Permanent Resident, you will gain points as if you don't have a spouse or common law partner.

This must be done after a province has accepted to nominate you because the province is expected to confirm your nominated electronically. The province will use the information you sent to them to confirm your nomination with immigration refugees and citizenship Canada (IRCC). 
Once this is done, a confirmation message will be sent to your profile, you can either reject or accept the nomination.

      
If you choose to accept the nomination from the province or territory. You will be assessed by the system to confirm that you meet all the requirements, of a Provincial Nominee Program.
You will receive a letter in your account that confirms your nomination.

After you have submitted your profile, it will be placed in the express entry pool and you will be granted 600 additional points, that will automatically help you get an invitation to apply.
That is the highest extra point a permanent resident applicant can get.

If you have already gotten points from study in Canada or points for Canadian job offer the only points that will be added to you is the 600 extra points.

If on the other hand you ignore the nomination and did not accept the nomination, you won't be eligible for the provincial nomination, unless you are invited by another province.

NB - Once you create your express entry profile, its advised that you register for the job bank within 30 days, so that you will be invited to apply for any program you have been found to be eligible for or qualified for.

             
There are two ways an express entry applicant can get a nomination under a province or territory's express stream if the applicant is already in the express entry pool and wish to be considered for the provincial nomination.

Examples are

•  Apply directly to the province or territory
• A province or territory finds your profile and contacts you through your account

Read Everything you need to know about Provincial Nomination

You can only have one nomination at a time, but you can get more than one notification  of interest at a time. You must reject the nominated by clicking the "do not accept" button in your profile or account if you have an offer or nomination in your profile, but have the desire of being nominated by a different province.

You will receive an invitation to apply in your account after accepting your nomination, stating the program you have been invited to apply for and the next step to take.

After receiving the message you can then apply online, when you receive an invitation to apply you are expected to provide all the proof and the information that you have stated in your profile or account.

You will be given a maximum of 60 days to submit your online application for permanent resident.

It's better to start filling the online form immediately in order to get all the required documents and information needed, before your invitations expires.

NOTE - You will be granted an extra 600 points, when your accept a nomination, this will enable you to get an invitation to apply

      
To fill the online form for permanent residence.

• Sign into your account
• Click the link to apply  for permanent resident under express entry.

You will be sent a letter to your account stating that: 

• The program you may apply to
• The number of Comprehensive Ranking System points you were granted
• The deadline for submitting your application and the next step you should take.

Then you will fill your application and upload your supporting documents and pay your application fees. Your application must be submitted through your account.

Also read Minimum amounts needed by Express Entry applicants (Proof Of funds)

IF YOUR NOMINATION IS WITHDRAWN FROM A PROVINCE

If your application is withdrawn from a province or territory, before you are invited to apply, for  permanent resident. You are expected to withdraw from the express entry  pool and submit a new profile.

If your nomination is withdrawn from the province, after you have been invited to apply, but before you submit, your application for permanent residence. You must reject the invitation and withdraw your application/profile, then submit a new one.

If you decide to go ahead with the permanent residence application, it will be rejected  and your money will not be refunded.

If you do not follow the instruction or directions, in either way. You could be found inadmissible and be banned from applying to come to Canada, for the next five years.

NB: You need to give your finger prints and biometrics in most cases, after you apply, you must must apply through the online system, if your  nomination is through an express entry system.

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The Canada Express Entry Program For Skilled Workers

Express Entry Programs

By Nneka Odilichukwu


The express Entry program is basically created for skilled workers in foreign countries or nationals, who desires to come, work and live in Canada on a permanent bases. It is an entirely electronic process that involves the Canada Federal Government, the Government of all the provinces in Canada and the Canadian employers.

   
Canada launched it's express entry program on Jan 15, 2015. 
Apart from the Australian and New Zealand express entry programs, which also invites foreign skilled workers to come, work and live, permanently in their country too, the Canadian express entry happens to be, the most preferable and the most sought after immigration program, among these express entry programs, due to the technicality of their own immigration programs and various immigration pilots, which they created and still creating, for foreign applicants, from all works of life, no matter their level of education or occupation, the easy access they gave the applicants, the welcoming arms and adaptability programs, in order to give everyone the platform to apply for permanent resident no matter their age, skill or level of education provided the foreign applicant is talented, skilled and honest, without any criminal record.

These and more reasons, not mentioned, made the Canadian Express Entry program, one of the best and the most desired immigration programs.

The canadian federal government created some economic programs which allows the potential immigrants to be evaluated and assessed based on the requirements, criteria and needs of their country and its provinces, as regards to their economy.

      
These 3 are program manages the permanent resident applications received from these foreign skilled workers to be assessed for permanent resident and also check their eligibility.

These programs are designed to choose skilled workers, for immigration to canada.

The federal skilled worker program.

The federal skilled Trades program.

The canadian experience class

The Canadian express entry program, has minimum requirement and the applicants must meet all the necessary requirements, before they will be allowed to go further with the permanent resident visa application.

They must meet the minimum requires for;

• Language Proficiency (french and English)
• Qualification (education)
• Work experience (You will be evaluated using the six (6) selection factors. 

If you are qualified and meet the minimum requirements and criteria for the express entry program, your application will be assessed using the personal details in your profile.

They are

• Age
• Education
• English and French language proficiency
• Work Experience
• Valid job offer from an employer with LMIA
• Your Adaptability factors.

Read: Minimum amount needed for Express Entry application (Proof of funds)

Express entry, is a point based system, the applicants will be awarded points based on the major selection factors listed in their profile and will also be used to check their eligibility. 
The express entry applicants will be awarded points, on how well, they do in the selection factors.

The passmark is 67 points out of 100, the applicant must score a minimum of 67 point in their profile factors, example, age, qualifications etc to be eligible for express entry application.
The overall score is 100. 

The more points you have, the higher your chances. If you qualify and score 67 and above. You may be qualified for the Federal Skilled Worker program and can submit your profile to the express entry pool, provided you meet all other requirements too.
You won't be eligible for the express entry program, if you score lower than the 67 points. 

But not to worry, because they made the whole application process a lot easier for the applicants. They created several ways through you can improve your Comprehensive Ranking System  points, in order to be eligible for the permanent resident application through express entry or provincial nomination.

such as

• Improving your language proficiency
• Applying for another degree or program etc.

You must be found to be admissible to Canada, before you can proceed with your application. This is because some people may be found in-admissible to Canada and may not be allowed to enter Canada.

Note: Whichever canadian province you decide to live and work, must be outside the province of Quebec. Because they have their own separate program, through which they select their own skilled workers, who has shown interest in working and living in their province. 

Required documents for your Express entry application 

Some documents take sometime to get, 
example, Educational Credentials evaluation report, so it will be better to get your document ready, before applying.

To fill your profile successfully, you may need some informations from any of your documents, however, you must not upload your document to submit a profile. You definitely will need certain documents at different stages of your express entry application.
such as. 

Required documents for the express entry application

LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY - 

Canada has 2 major languages, namely, English and french. 
For you to be eligible for express entry, you must show them your language proficiency report, to show that you can understand and communicate in english language.

You are also expected  to reach, the minimum cut off for language proficiency to be eligible. It is mandatory.

The abilities tested in the language test are;

• writing 
• listening
• Reading
• Speaking

You must take the approved English language test and include the test report when you complete your express entry profile For federal skilled worker program.

The minimum cut off for these skills 

• English-CLB 7    
• French-NCLC 7.

The language proficiency test result is valid for only 2 years and it must be less than 2 years when you submit your permanent resident application.

FRENCH - Any express entry applicant with a strong french language skills can now be awarded with extra 30 points, especially if its their second language.

EDUCATIONAL CREDENTIALS ASSESSMENT (ECA)

This report is a mandatory requirement if you are applying for permanent resident through the federal skilled worker program or in a case where you want  to get points, for foreign educational acquired outside Canada. 

Your ECA report and reference number must be included in your express entry account or profile.

The report will be used to verify that your foreign credentials and degrees are equal to a canadian degree and valid. 
You are expected to do the credential assessment for immigration purposes and not any other type of ECA, if you have a regulated or professional, you must get a licence to practice from the provinces you plan to work and live in, before you will be able to or be allowed to practice.

EMPLOYMENT OFFER

Some Canadian express entry programs requires the applicants of that particular program, to have a full time time employment offer from a canadian employer, with LMIA (labour market impact Assessment).

LMIA is a document, which is issued to Canadian employers, who wishes or intends to bring in foreign workers. a valid LMIA must show that there's a position to be filled and there's no available Canadian that can fill the position or do the job.

The job must not be from any embassy and must be in writing, after you are gotten the job offer, the next step is to update your account stating the name and address of the employer.
The date you are starting, The NOC related to the job and LMIA number.

PROVINCIAL NOMINATION

When you are invited to apply, you will upload copies of your;

• Medical tests 
• Police certification  
• Proof of funds

After you have submitted you profile and found to be eligible you will be added into the express entry pool, where the other eligible, candidate are. 

The express entry profile is where you should state everything consigning about you, all the necessary information. because your score you will be awarded, depending on the information you provided in your express entry profile.

The higher your points have, the great you chance of being invited because any candidate that falls within the Comprehensive Ranking System points of any draw will be invited, that is if you are one of the candidate with the highest points you will be invited to apply invitation to apply for permanent receiver.

When you receive an invitation to apply you will given 60 days to apply for permanent residence

it it's always a good to start filling in the online application immediately without delay before the expiration of the invitation. during your online application

Make sure you fill the necessary and compulsory fields if not you may not be able to submit your application

Avoid misrepresenting yourself, give all the information about you and they must be truthfully, because if you misrepresent youself or lie in your application and you are found out, your application will rejected and you will be banned from applying for 5 year.

When you start your application and completed all the field in your online application from you will be given a checklist, endevor to provide all the documents stated on your checklist.

PASSPORT EXPIRATION

Ensure that your passport wouldn't expire within 6 months of your application if not there is need for you to renew the passport and update the new passport information in your permanent resident application.

SCAN YOUR DOCUMENTS.

Before you do this check the accepted format for scanning, scan all your document and make electronics copies,once that is done, upload the scanned document in document checklist express entry fee.
once you have done everything else,you will be showed a list of fees to pay by the system and they are;

• Biometrics fee   
• Processing fees for you and your dependents   
• Right of permanent resident fee.

These fees should be paid with credit or debit card and be paid through your online account.
pay all your fees to avoid delays.

Check the fees list for insight on the amount you are expected to pay. Your biometer fees should be paid when you submit your application. 
This is for finger print and digital photo collection. After the payment you will be sent a letter, telling you when and where to go for biometrics and also confirming that you need to take the biometrics. 

Endevor to book an appointment for your biometrics when you get the letter and it must be done in person [link] find a biometrics collection center close to you

After submitting your application you can still update your application if there is any changes in application no matter how small, because if it is not done or updated, it may affect the decision what will be made consigning your application.

Candidates who have existing work permit and are in canada may be given a bridging work permit , if their work permit is about to expire waiting when a final decision will be made on their permanent resident application.

After you apply
you will be contacted,through your account,when a decision is made on your application.

If your application is approved

If your application is approved, the confirmation of permanent resident (COPR) will be mailed to you.
If you are from a country that requires visa, you will be given a permanent resident visa.

If your application is rejected, in order to be considered for future rounds of invitation, you must submit a new express entry application or profile.
Meet all the requirements, in order to be considered eligible and be re-admitted into the Canadian express entry pool.



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Citizenship Expectation In Canada

Becoming a Canadian citizen is one of the defining  moment for Canada’s immigrants, because It marks the end of their newcomer journey and the beginning of their journey as a Canadian with the same rights as those born in Canada.

These rights includes the right to vote, to run for political office, to be to apply for any government office, if they wish, to travel with a Canadian passport, and to travel outside of Canada whenever they want.

Policy changes made by Canada over the past decade have hurt naturalization rates, but recent reforms could change that, because presently, Canada expects a 40 per cent increase in citizenship among immigrants by 2024.

A recent study (Statistics Canada study) has shown, that fewer recent immigrants, are gaining Canadian citizenship and this is seen as a cause for concern, but improvements are on the horizon.

A study carried out by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in 2018, reported that about 91 per cent of immigrants who had lived in Canada for at least 10 years has gotten their citizenship, compared with the OECD average of 63 per cent. Other top destinations for immigrants such as Australia (81 per cent) and the United States (62 per cent) lag behind Canada by a wide margin.

The country’s high rate of citizenship acquisition is an important indicator that Canada does a good job of facilitating integration and has also shown that Canada takes pride in supporting the citizenship journey of immigrants.

The Low possession of Citizenship

Statistics Canada’s new study finds that citizenship acquisition was 86 per cent at the time of the 2016 Census compared with 82 per cent during the 1991 Census.

However, this great insight has been overshadowed by the obvious decline in citizenship acquisition among more recent immigrant cohorts.

Statistics Canada’s analysis found that the citizenship rate for most immigrant cohorts fell in 2016 compared with the 2006 Census. Immigrants with low income, official language proficiency, and education have experienced the sharpest drop in naturalization.

In 1996, for example, 68 per cent of eligible immigrants who had been in Canada for five years were citizens, but this figure fell to 43 per cent in 2016.

Read Employment Increase and decrease in Canada


Decline in Citizenship possession among recent immigrants

The Statistics Canada’s study on this, suggests that the citizenship policy changes made by Canada over the past decade  massively affected the rate in naturalization.

In 2010, Canada introduced new language requirements and a new citizenship exam. Immigrants between the ages of 14 and 64 had to demonstrate a minimum language proficiency and obtain a pass mark of at least 75 per cent on their citizenship exam (the previous pass mark was 60 per cent). In 2017, these requirements were reversed to only apply to those aged between 18 and 54.

Strict language proficiency and citizenship test requirements have made it more difficult for immigrants with low education to become citizens and weak language proficiency skills.

The rationale for these changes was to ensure immigrants were integrating into Canadian society by demonstrating their language proficiency and understanding of Canada’s history, geography, politics, laws, and economy. The government also introduced multiple versions of the citizenship test to reduce cheating and ensure immigrants had a strong knowledge of the topics that it covered.

The fee hikes also played a role in affecting the acquisition of citizenship, the fees were said to help the government recover the costs of processing citizenship applications.

The citizenship acquisition currently costs a total of $630 per person to apply for citizenship. A family of four needs to pay $1,500,

these increase in citizenship fees made it to be less affordable for low-income earners and immigrants to apply for citizenship.

In addition, the federal government increased the citizenship application fee from $100 to $300 for adults in February 2014 and then raised it again to $530 in January 2015.

The fee for children remained the same at $100. Both adult and child applicants also had to pay an extra $100 for right of citizenship fee.

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U.S IMMIGRATION NEWS

US has increased the cost of tourism, student and business visa fees. The United States Embassy in Nigeria says effective from Thursday, August 29, 2019, Nigerians applying for student and business and student visas will not only pay the N59,200 fee but will have to pay an extra $110 (N40, 700) after the visa has been issued to them bringing the total cost to N99, 900.

Applicants seeking the L1 Visa (work permit) will pay an extra N112, 100 if given visas while those applying for H4 Visa (dependency/spousal) will pay an extra N66, 600.

Applicants who are denied visas are exempted from paying the said N40,700.
Before this new development, hundreds of Nigerian visa applicants has also complained that they had not been able to secure US visa appointment dates despite making payments for visas.

The US embassy released a statement blaming the Nigerian Federal Government, that the increment was done in order to get back to the Nigerian Government, for what they meted out on it's citizens.

The US Embassy adopts the rate of N370/$1 for Nigerians which is higher than both the official rate and the black market rate.

Read Questions, Answers, Advice and Insight on US Visiting Visa

US Embassy denies report on student visa ban

 A statement by the Embassy of the United States of America in Nigeria denying a report that it had stopped issuing student visa to Nigerians has drawn criticisms on social media.

The Embassy, had through it's verified Twitter handle @USEmbassyAbuja denied and described as false and fake, the report by an online medium that it had placed a ban on study visa for Nigerians until further notice.

FakeNews Alert! Be advised, reports of Student Visa ban for Nigerians is false. If you have seen such manufactured item on Facebook and Twitter or received it via WhatsApp, please communicate that it is false,” the tweet read.

President Donald Trump has suspended the entry of newcomers into the United States, if they are not covered by American health insurance within 30 days of entering the country, or do not have the financial means to pay for their own healthcare costs. 

This measure was set to come into effect on November 3rd, 2019.

The proclamation will apply to those seeking immigrant visas; a platform that has remained a known route for people seeking a green card from the U.S. The only group exempted from this rule are asylum seekers, refugees, children, or people who are already in the United States. 

The spouses and parents of the US citizens would likely be affected most, as immigration to the United States is majority-family-based.

The US Embassy has suspended the Interview Waiver

The Embassy and Consulate of the United States in Nigeria have suspended the interview waiver “Drop Box” application process effective May 14, 2019. All applicants are required to schedule regular appointments until further notice.

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QUEBEC NEEDS 80,000 IMMIGRANTS PER YEAR, NOT 50,000

Report has shown that Quebec needs 80,000 immigrants per year, not 50,000.

Quebec has Exercised its economic right and interest, under the Canada-Quebec Accord.

Quebec needs almost twice as many immigrants as it is currently targeting, in order to sustain a stable economy.

Canada’s second largest province has welcomed around 50,000 immigrants annually, in recent years. ranking second behind Ontario.

Quebec’s newcomer intake ranked sixth among Canada’s provinces and territories, on a per person bases.

The province’s decision to reduce its newcomer intake to a maximum of 41,800 in 2019, last year, in order to create programs that will help in improving and increasing the new comer integration made Quebec to lag even further behind.

A recent Conference Board of Canada study shows, that Quebec is aging faster than the national average, coupled with a a decrease in birth rate.

These characteristic realities could have a negative effect on the quality of life of people in the province of Quebec.

Because, due to that, there will be a decrease in economic growth and the tax revenues needed for funding the social services, the Quebecers enjoy such as, health care, subsidized daycare and education.

The study speculates that Quebec may have a higher death rate than birth rate by 2028. This is not expected to happen at the national level until 2034.

This means that Quebec will have to strategize and work on how to grow its population urgently than most other provinces, territories or regions.

Study has shown that Immigration is the most realistic solution to increase population growth.

Strategies to promote higher birth rates in western countries have not brought much success and Quebec is evidence of this.

Quebec’s birth rate remains as low as the national average, despite it's universal input on the daycare program.

The Conference Board of Canada study has stated that about 100 per cent of Quebec’s population growth will come through immigration by 2023, compared with the 2034 at the national level.

The province announced that it will increase its 2020 immigration target to a maximum of 44,500 newcomers, and could restore immigration to the 50,000 threshold by 2022.

The province has announced that it's working on ensuring that immigration is restored to the 50,000 threshold by 2022 and also to ensure, that the province's immigration target is increased to a maximum of 44,500 newcomers.

The lower levels may cause a little difficulty, in Quebec's ability to attract businesses and investment.

But these levels remain too low in light of the province’s characteristics circumstances.
If it continues on this level of immigration between now and 2040, its economy would only grow by about 1.4 per cent annually in real terms compared with the perceived Canadian average of 1.9 per cent.

Quebec’s lower immigration targets will now slow population growth and that could have negative economic consequences.

For instance, businesses could choose to invest in other provinces with stronger and higher population growth since those regions or territories will have more available workers to produce and consume goods and services.

Why invest in a province or region with a low population and slow economic growth when others, such as the neighbouring Ontario will enjoy higher rates of growth due to immigration..

Why Quebec Needs 80,000 Newcomers Annually

If Canada continues to increase its immigration level, and if Quebec exercised its prerogative under the Accord, the province would be on track to welcome over 80,000 newcomers annually moving
forward.

This number may sound high, but on a per person bases, most provinces are already welcoming Immigrants at this rate today.

Quebec’s economic growth would strengthen to an average of 1.7 per cent over the next two decades, if it welcomed its proportionate share of newcomers, as it is eligible to do under the Canada-Quebec Accord.

This federal-provincial agreement enables Quebec to admit a percentage share of immigrants in proportion to its demographic weight in Canada.

Given Quebec’s population size today, this means it can welcome at least 23 per cent of Canada’s immigrants each year, or around
75,000 newcomers.

Economic integration is improving Although Quebec’s decision to reduce levels was based on the rationale of improving the social and economic integration of newcomers,

Statistics Canada data shows that economic integration in the province has been improving in recent years.

Immigrant participation and employment rates, as well as their wages, have gone up, while their unemployment rates have gone
down.

Quebec’s demographic challenges should help to further these positive developments. The scarcity of labour in the province will likely benefit both Canadian-born and
immigrant workers.

Moreover, numerous reforms made by Quebec over the years such as the introduction of its online Arrima expression of interest system will likely result in continued positive economic integration outcomes.

Given its rapidly aging population and low birth rate, Quebec would serve the best interests of its citizens by exercising its right under the Canada-Quebec Accord to welcome immigrants into their provinces.

Every province pursues policies that it genuinely believes is in the best interests of promoting higher living standards and ensuring quality life for its citizens. 

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EMPLOYMENT INCREASE AND DECREASE IN CANADA

The new labour force survey has shown that Canada has added 443,000, new jobs in the 12months between October 2018, October 2019, led by gains in full time work, with a rise in employment in the province of British Columbia and New Foundland, last month.

Statistics Canada's new labour force Survey report states that Bristish Columbia and New Foundland leads Canada's other provinces in employment gains.

In October Canada shed 1,800 net jobs, leading to an overall drop in Employment, but the rate in National employment, remained steady at 5.5 per cent.
The small halt in net jobs in October, was followed by a large increase in employment gains in Aug and September.

Bristish Columbia led Canada's other provinces with a of 15,000 net jobs in October.
Statistics Canada's report states that this was driven by the increase in full time work for people aged 55 and over.

The province’s unemployment rate remained stable at 4.7 per cent, making it the lowest in Canada.

But the unemployment and employment rate in Canada's other provinces remained mostly unchanged in October.

Newfoundland and Labrador also posted a gain of 2,700 net jobs in October, the report was mostly of part time work among those between the core working ages of 24 and 54.

Employees who are over 55 make
gains.
Employment among working men and women aged 55 and above increased in
October by a total of 31,000 net
jobs.
The unemployment rate for this group stood at 4.7 per cent, down 0.2 percentage points.

Statistics Canada has reported that employment for this age group has increased by 187,000 net jobs between October 2018 and October 2019, or 4.6 per cent.

Employment among men aged 25 to 54 declined by 29,000 net jobs in October.

Statistics Canada's report has stated that there was a slight difference in employment among women aged 24 to 54 and no change was noticed in employment for people between the age of 15 to 24

However, employment in this group was up by 94,000 net jobs compared to October 2018.


Industrial Employment Increase and Decrease..

There has been a noticeable decrease in people employed in the manufacturing and construction sector in October, by 23,000 and 21,000 respectively.

A great part of the loss in the manufacturing
came from Ontario while the decline in construction was spread across five provinces led by Quebec and Ontario.

There was an increase in employment in public administration by 20,000 in October, with gains reported in British Columbia,

Employment in New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Quebec.

Statistics Canada has reported that the 18,000 net job gains reported in this field was the second increase in three months. Compared to October 2018, employment was up by 64,000.

Employment was also up in October for people working in the real estate, insurance, finance, rental and leasing industry

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Everything you need to know about Provincial Nomination and various ways of applying for a Provincial or Regional Nomination

Tips and things you need to know about Provincial Nomination

By Nneka Odilichukwu

There are some countries that give foreign skilled workers, easy access to relocate to their country, to work and live in their country permanently and also help in developing and building the country's economy.

The provinces, territories or regions of most of these countries, also have their own immigration programs, through which they invite , select and nominate foreign skilled workers,  for provincial or regional nomination.

These provinces  also work hand in hand with their Federal governments to invite highly skilled workers to apply for permanent residency in their country.

Examples of such countries are - Australia, Canada, New Zealand, etc.

Permanent residency is a status granting a foreign applicant the right work and live in a particular country, eg, like these countries mentioned above.

These applicants may not be citizens after they've been granted their permanent card, but they will have the same right and responsibilities that a citizen has, such as, to work, live and study anywhere in the country and also there's provision for them to apply for Citizenship in their chosen country, after living and working there for a certain number of years.

Canada welcomes immigrants twice a month through it's Provincial Nominee Program. Provincial Nominee offers a valuable route to Canadian Permanent Residence.

Canada PNP Stream is inviting applicants who have already applied through Express Entry for Canada PR.

These countries have several programs through which they accept applicants into there country, but the two (2) most popular programs that potential immigrants constantly apply for are...

• Express Entry
• Provincial or Regional Nomination

EXPRESS ENTRY

Express Entry is a straight forward application to the countries Federal Government. 
The successful applicants/skilled workers invited, will be given the freedom to live in any province of there choice in the said country and to move to another province at will.  

PROVINCIAL NOMINATION

The applicants will first research and choose a province of their choice, then seek for relocation and Permanent resident approval from these provinces or regions, who are looking for skilled workers to come, multiply, build and live in there province.

For instance, there are about 10 provinces in Canada and all these provinces has their own criteria and requirements that you as a foreign applicant is expected to fulfil, before you will be invited or accepted into their province, territories or region.

Each province has it's own criteria, requirements and target.
For example, a province may be in need of qualified medical practitioners, Tech experts or Teachers, while some will be targeting skilled workers, lawyers or business men and women.
Example, to apply for provincial nomination in Saskatchewan (a province in Canada), you're expected to have at least a minimum of one (1) year work experience in the course you studied in school, to be eligible.

It simply varies from province to province and the way you apply depends on the provincial nomination stream, you are applying for.

The province of Quebec has it's system of selecting immigrants, for it's province.
A foreign applicant who wants to reside in Quebec, will not be able to apply through the express entry system, they have their own rules, criteria and expectations from foreign applicants, who wants to work and live in their province.

There are two (2) ways you can apply for Provincial Nomination

• Direct Application to a Province or Region
• Application through the Express Entry Route

DIRECT APPLICATION TO A PROVINCE OR REGION

To put in an application for provincial nomination, you should first choose a province, from all the provinces and regions in your chosen country, check their application requirements and criteria and apply directly to them.

The province will review your application using their point system, if you're able to meet all the requirements, you will be given a nomination, which you will use to apply for permanent residence in their country.

For example, if your chosen country is Canada, your application will be received and reviewed by the IRCC (Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada), your medicals, biometrics and character will also be verified by them.

APPLICATION THROUGH THE EXPRESS ENTRY ROUTE

To apply for Permanent residence to any province or region, through the express entry  route, you will first create an express entry profile, using your IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and ECA (Educational Credentials Assessment) report.

Read List of Organizations that Evaluate Credentials


Then you will be assessed and verified by the Federal Government  of that country, if you have enough points and meets the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut off points and able to make the express entry pool, your profile will be reviewed by other provinces and territories in the country.

If you meet the criteria of any of the provinces or you have the qualifications and experiences, they were looking for, you will be invited by the province, to be considered for any of their programs.
This way, you will be sent an invitation to apply from the province.

After the provinces or regions has processed your Provincial Nomination application (the processing time is about 3 -4 months), you will be granted 600 points, which will be added to your Express Entry score, with this additional 600 points, you will be selected and invited to apply for Permanent Resident, in the very next draw, which occurs every 2 weeks.

Candidates are expected to be in the Express Entry pool first, before applying to these provinces for a Provincial Nomination, because they must be assessed and verified by Federal government, before they can be picked or nominated by any of these provinces.

Each province has the ability and permission to invite skill workers to apply for permanent residence, in their province, you will be accepted provided you have all the skills and qualifications they need. Example in Canada and other countries, each province or region has their own separate Provincial Nominee Program and also have one immigration stream that corresponds with the
Federal Express Entry Immigration Selection System.

There are are basically two (2) formats or process through which you can apply for provincial nomination and they are

• Express Entry Process
• Paper Based Process

EXPRESS ENTRY PROCESS

This process is for applicants who wants to apply for provincial nomination through Express entry.

A Provincial Nominee applicant can apply in 2 ways.

• By contacting the province and applying for a nomination under their express entry stream. If you are nominated by a province, you can now create an express entry profile or update your existing profile, if you have any. You will get a nomination through your account and accept it electronically.
• By creating an Express Entry profile and indicating the provinces, you're interested in. If you receive a notification of Interest from a province in your account, you can the contact them directly and apply to their Express Entry stream. If you're nominated by the province, it will be offered to you through your account and you will also accept it electronically.

In these 2 application processes, you are expected to create an Express Entry profile, so it's always good to create it, right from the beginning.

If you're nominated by a province or Express Entry stream. It will be listed on your nomination certificate and can be confirmed through the province or territory.

HOW TO APPLY FOR PROVINCIAL NOMINATION THROUGH EXPRESS ENTRY

PAPER BASED PROVINCIAL NOMINATION

The process for the paper based provincial nominee is of 2 types.

• The first thing you have to do is to chose a province or region you want to reside in and send them your application for nomination. When they receive your application, will be reviwed based on

1. Their application and immigration needs.
2. Whether you really plan to work and live there.

• After you've been nominated by a province, you must apply to the IRCC (immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada), your application will be reviwed and assessed by them, using the Canadian immigration Law.

HOW TO APPLY FOR A PAPER BASED PROVINCIAL NOMINATION.

To submit an application for a provincial nomination, you are expected to meet the minimum requirements of the province and be nominated under that stream.

To be nominated, you are expected to have followed all the rules of application and instructions on their websites..

Alberta

British Columbia

Manitoba

New Brunswick

Nova Scotia

Ontario

Saskatchewan

North West Territories

Prince Edward Island

Yokun 

Provincial Nominee FAQS

If you have low Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, then this is a great opportunity for you to get Permanent Residence Visa through Provincial Nominee Program.

If you are not selected after being in the pool for 12 months, make a new expression of interest by creating another profile for yourself.

BENEFITS OF APPLYING FOR A PROVINCIAL NOMINEE PROGRAM (PNP)

Once a Provincial Nominee Certificate is granted, you receive 600 point that goes towards your Express Entry score.

You don't need a job offer, from a Canadian employer to apply.

Fast application processing

Accepts Low IELTS

Applicants with low Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, are given the opportunity to apply and be nominated.

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