With the IRCC process for PR application, you must first apply to the province or territory where you want to live and be nominated, and. After a province or territory nominates you, you must apply to IRCC for permanent residence.
An IRCC officer will then assess your application based on Canadian immigration rules.
IRCC is committed to processing complete Express Entry applications in six months or less.
Application package
This application package has:
- an instruction guide, and
- the forms you need to fill out.
The instruction guide:
- has information you must know before you submit your application, and
- explains how to fill out the forms and gather your supporting documents.
Read the instruction guide completely and then fill out each of the applicable forms.
The forms are designed with questions that will help the processing of your application.
Who may use this application?
Applications for permanent residence under the PNC can be submitted by people who have been nominated by one of the following provinces or territories:
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Ontario
- Prince Edward Island
- Saskatchewan
- The Yukon Territory
Provincial and Territorial Contacts
Before you can apply to immigrate to Canada as a provincial nominee, you must first be nominated by a province or territory. Each province or territory has its own application and nomination procedures. However IRCC retains the authority to make the final decision on an application for permanent residence using existing selection and admissibility criteria, including security, criminal, and medical components for candidates who hold Provincial Nominee Certificates.
Funds required to settle in Canada
The government of Canada provides no financial support to new immigrants. You must prove that you have enough money unencumbered by debts or obligations to support yourself and your family members after you arrive in Canada.
We strongly recommend that you research the cost of living in the region of Canada where you intend to live. Bring with you as much money as possible to make your establishment in Canada easier.
Disclosure of funds
If you arrive in Canada with an amount greater or equal to CAN$10,000, or its equivalent in a foreign currency, you must tell this to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer. These funds could be in the form of:
- cash,
- securities in bearer form (for example, stocks, bonds, debentures, treasury bills), or
- bankers’ drafts, cheques, travellers’ cheques or money orders.
Note: Failure to disclose funds can result in fines and imprisonment.
Working in Canada
Finding employment in Canada requires planning. You should obtain as much information as possible before you apply to immigrate. There is no guarantee that you will be able to work in your preferred occupation.
Although credential assessment and licensing are not required for the provincial nominee application, you need to be aware of these issues when considering immigrating to Canada.
Please consult regulated and non-regulated occupations (PDF, 2.12MB) for more information.
Regulated occupations
Twenty percent of people working in Canada work in occupations that are regulated to protect the health and safety of Canadians. Examples include:
- nurses
- engineers
- electricians
- teachers
Provincial and territorial regulatory bodies are responsible for establishing entry requirements for individual occupations; for recognizing prior credentials, training and experience; and for issuing licences required to practice.
The recognition process varies between provinces and territories and between occupations. Recognition of qualifications and issuance of licenses can generally only be completed in Canada. The process can take time. You may be asked to:
- provide documentation of qualifications
- undergo a language examination (which may differ from those required for immigration)
- complete a technical exam (with accompanying fee)
- do supervised work
Non-regulated occupations
For non-regulated occupations, there are no set requirements and there is no legal requirement to obtain a licence. The employer will set the standards and could request registration with a professional association.
Credential assessment
A credential assessment is advice on how qualifications from another country compare to Canadian qualifications. An assessment does not guarantee that:
- a regulatory body will issue you a licence to practice
- your credentials will be accepted by a Canadian employer
However, a credential assessment will help you understand the Canadian educational system and assist you with your job search.
To have your credentials assessed by one of the provincial evaluation services, consult the Foreign credentials referral office (PDF, 2.12MB).
Labour market information
Job opportunities and labour market conditions are different in each region of Canada. It is important to research conditions in the area in which you want to live.
Please consult the Working in Canada tool for information on the Canadian labour market, job banks, and provincial and territorial labour market information.