Success of the Provincial Nominee Program

Following the Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP), the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is the second biggest immigration program in Canada. Provinces and territories participating in this program nominate potential immigrants based on their labor market needs. At present the PNP has paved the way to permanent residency for more than 36, 000 people, a six-times increase from 2004.

“Clearly, provincial nominees have strong economic outcomes and are making a positive contribution to Canada,” said Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney. Minister Kenney made this remark following a newly released study on the success of the PNP made by Citizenship and Immigration Canada. According to the study, 90% declared earnings at the end of one year in Canada and at the end of three years, average incomes ranged between $35,200 and $45,100.

Earlier, most of the PNs were headed for the provinces of Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec. Now, there is a marked increase in the number of nominees headed for provinces other than these three. The report does point out that though there has been this increase in immigrants going to other provinces, the retention rates vary widely, between 23% and 95%.

While the study confirmed the PNP ‘s role in spreading the benefits of immigration across the country, it also pointed to areas for improvement – design, delivery and accountability. The report recommends more interaction and involvement by the CIC with the provinces and a common reporting and monitoring framework to strengthen the accountability of the program.