UPDATE: OCTOBER 2013. -- Check the Official website links for detailed information.
PNPs:
1. Alberta -
With new changes to the program applying for permanent residence is now easier than ever. It's still free to apply and processing times are fast. New changes include:
Choose to apply with or without an employer
You only need one (1) year of post-secondary education
Apply right away if you are employed in a full-time occupation
Your job does not have to be related to your education
NOC C occupations are now eligible (some additional criteria apply)
There are two categories international students can choose from for permanent residence.
Apply without your employer through the Strategic Recruitment Stream Post-Graduate Worker Category (PGWC)
OR
Apply with your employer through the Employer-Driven Stream International Graduate Category (IGC)
Differences between the International Graduate Category (IGC) and Post-Graduate Worker Category(PGWC).
1) How you apply - under the PGWC you apply on your own; this means you must meet all of the criteria and provide all required documents. Under the IGC you must apply with your employer. This means both you and your employer have criteria that each of you must meet as part of the assessment process and both of you have documents to provide for the application.
2) Employer criteria - for the IGC, your employer must show they have offered you a permanent, full-time position and show that you are working full-time in an eligible occupation. Under the PGWC, your employment does not have to be permanent, but does still have to be full-time, and you must show you are working full-time in an eligible occupation.
3) Education - under the IGC you must have completed your post-secondary education at an eligible institution in Canada (including Alberta); under the PGWC you are only eligible if you completed your post-secondary education at an eligible institution in Alberta.
These main differences are reflected in the document checklists; documents are slightly different in each one. It is up to you to review the criteria and document checklists for these categories and decide if you qualify to apply. If you think you qualify under both categories, it is up to you to select which one of the categories is the best fit for your personal circumstances.
You may also be eligible for other categories like the Strategic Recruitment Stream Alberta Work Experience Category, the Engineering Occupations Category, the Compulsory and Optional Trades Category or some of our other new AINP initiatives
www.albertacanada.com/immigration/immigrating/ainp.aspx
www.albertacanada.com/immigration/immigrating/srs-post-graduate-worker.aspx
www.albertacanada.com/immigration/immigrating/ainp-eds-international-graduate-criteria.aspx
Ineligible Occupations list, to appply under PGWC or IGC:
www.albertacanada.com/files/albertacanada/AINP_SRS_IntlpostGrad_ineligible_occList.pdf
www.albertacanada.com/immigration/immigrating/ainp-srs-compulsory-optional-trades-criteria.aspx
www.albertacanada.com/immigration/immigrating/ainp-srs-engineering-occupations-criteria.aspx
www.albertacanada.com/files/albertacanada/SRS_Engineering_NOC_List_Managers_Added_Comms.pdf
2. British Columbia (B.C)
International students:
Usually should have completed a min. 12 months course in or outside B.C. Should have pursued an approved degree programme form an approved educational institute. Should have a full time skilled (NOC O,A or B) job offer. The job offer must be from an approved employer. There is no need to work for certain number of months.
The BC PNP will also consider applications for positions under Skill Levels C and D of the NOC Matrix where the employer can demonstrate that there is a structured plan for career progression to an occupation at Skill Level 0, A or B. Nominee applicants whose eligibility is based on a job offer in a NOC C or D occupation may be required to submit a language proficiency test.
www.welcomebc.ca/Immigrate/immigrate-BC/Provincial-Nominee-Program-Home/Strategic-Occupations-Home/International-Graduates-Home.aspx
International Post-Graduates Stream:
Nominee Applicants to the International Post-Graduates category must have satisfied the requirements for an eligible masters or doctorate degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in BC within the last two years.
Provided they meet certain conditions and have passed out with an eligible graduate degree, direct PNP nomination and PR is possible, without any job offer. No caps.
Eligible Graduate Degree Programs
A graduate degree (masters or earned doctorate) awarded for studies in the natural, applied or health sciences. This includes programs in the following fields of study:
•Agriculture
•Biological and Biomedical Sciences
•Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services
•Engineering
•Engineering Technology
•Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences
•Mathematics and Statistics
•Natural Resources Conservation and Research
•Physical Sciences
www.welcomebc.ca/Immigrate/immigrate-BC/Provincial-Nominee-Program-Home/Strategic-Occupations-Home/International-Post-Graduates-Pilot-Project-Home.aspx
Designated Health Professionals Stream:
Applications in this category are limited to:
Registered nurses, psychiatric nurses and physicians recruited by provincial and regional health authorities administered through Health Match BC, and who meet the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)'s requirements
Midwives who meet the Provincial Nominee Program's requirements
www.welcomebc.ca/Immigrate/Provincial-Nominee-Program-Home/Strategic-Occupations-Home/Designated-Health-Professionals-Home.aspx
There is another Entry Level and Semi-Skilled stream for foreign workers, where NOC C and D jobs are usually considered under 2 years pilot project (till March 2014) in Northeast Development Region of B.C for 3 specific sectors -
•Tourism and Hospitality
•Long-Haul Trucking
•Food Processing
where, applicants need to gain 9 months work experience. So, students after getting PGWP..can go for PR via this route too.
To know more about this B.C PNP pilot Entry Level and Semi-Skilled stream see:
www.welcomebc.ca/Immigrate/immigrate-BC/Provincial-Nominee-Program-Home/Strategic-Occupations-Home/Entry-Level-and-Semi-Skilled-Workers-Home.aspx
3. Ontario
Only for Ontario based universities -Master and PHD graduates.. no job offer needed, direct PNP provided, provided 1 meets certain conditions such as showing 11,083$ consistently for past 6 months (at the time of applying without job). One also needs to spend atleast 1 year in Ontario and can apply in the final sem of their studies (like if Master is of more than 1 year).
A graduate or will soon be graduating from a Masters program from one of Ontario's publicly funded universities, may be able to apply to Opportunities Ontario for nomination as a permanent resident, under the International Student Category's Masters Graduate Stream. Opportunities Ontario has a target of 1,300 nominations in 2013.
A graduate of a PhD program in one of Ontario's publicly funded universities, may be able to apply to Opportunities Ontario for nomination as a permanent resident, under the International Student Category's PhD Graduate Stream. Opportunities Ontario has a target of 1,300 nominations in 2013.
www.ontarioimmigration.ca/en/pnp/OI_PNPSTUDENTS_MASTERS.html
www.ontarioimmigration.ca/en/pnp/OI_PNPSTUDENTS_MASTERSAPPLY.html#_qualify
www.ontarioimmigration.ca/en/pnp/OI_PNPSTUDENTS_PHD.html
www.ontarioimmigration.ca/en/pnp/OI_PNPSTUDENTS_PHDAPPLY.html#_qualify
For other graduates (of both Ontario based educational institutes and graduates of other provinces ) who are not Master or PHD degree holders.. one must apply under International Students with a Job Offer.
There is a whole set of rules including getting a skilled job offer (NOC O,A or B) from a pre- approved employer is required. No need to work for certain number of months, and direct PNP nomination if shown skilled approved employer 's job offer.
www.ontarioimmigration.ca/en/pnp/OI_PNPSTUDENTS_JOB.html
4. Manitoba
Starting 1st April 2013, MPNP has brought changes to the entire process. Now, proof of strong connection to Manitoba is MUST, to qualify under this new points based scheme. One can show strong connection in 3 ways - 1. By studying in a Manitoba based institution, 2. Previous work experience in Manitoba (atleast 6 months) or 3. Have a close or distant relative or a friend who is PR/citizen residing permanently in Manitoba willing to nominate you. Students of Manitoba means to be a student studying a minimum 1 year course in a recognized Manitoba based institution. All Manitoba based students MUST apply under this new points criteria, where one MUST score minimum 60 points. No work ex or finding a job required for Manitoba students. Perhaps the easiest route, if one already has 60 points. In-case, if Manitoba based student is falling short of 60 points, then must find any job, do it for minimum 6 months, and get 12 points for Manitoba work ex under Adaptability. Outside province students must work for minimum 1 YEAR in ANY job in Manitoba, and hence establish strong connection to Manitoba thereby securing 12 points under adaptability and pass the points test with minimum 60 points.
www.immigratemanitoba.com/how-to-immigrate/eligibility/
Self Assessment Points calculator: www.immigratemanitoba.com/asset_library/2013/05/manitoba-immigration-mpnp-points-worksheet-interactive.pdf
5. Saskatchewan
Rules remain same as before for students applying to SINP under Post-Graduation Work Permit Stream (any job with min. 960 hours/ approx. 6 months work ex. for Sask. students and min 1920 hours / approx. 1 year work ex. for outside province students)) OR Sask. Master's and PhD Graduate Stream (no job offer required, provided one meets certain conditions).
BUT Effective May 21, 2013 the SINP will accept a maximum number of applications in each category for the remainder of the calendar year but will continue to process all applications currently in inventory.. This means every year only a very few limited number of students can apply on 1st come 1st serve basis (provided they meet the eligibility criteria).
APPLICATION INTAKE THRESHOLDS AS OF September 30, 2013
APPLICATION QUOTA
Students - Out of Province Graduates 175
Students - Saskatchewan Graduates 100
Hence, it has become difficult to qualify, given limited number of places.
Same quota rule applies for applicants to the SINP Health Professions Category, who must already be working full-time in Saskatchewan as a physician, nurse or other health professional on a temporary work permit for at least six months in order to apply. Hence, now SINP/Saskatchewan is no longer an option for easy PR.
www.saskimmigrationcanada.ca/sinp
www.saskimmigrationcanada.ca/student
www.saskimmigrationcanada.ca/health-professions
6. Newfoundland & Labrador (NL)
If the recognized course of minimum of two years in length at the undergraduate level or a minimum of one year at the graduate/PG level. ,is done from an educational institute based in NL province, then no need to work for any duration. 1 can directly apply for PNP nomination , provided they have a skilled job offer (NOC O,A or B), in their field of study in province of NL. Students who have completed their studies from an educational institute based outside the province of NL, must work for 12 months in a skilled job before applying for NL PNP.
www.nlpnp.ca/student.html
7. Quebec
Quebec graduate stream (PEQ) :
Do any 2 acd. years/ 1800 hours (usually 13-16 months, depending upon the DVS diploma) UG diploma course or 2 UG courses combining to total 1800 hours of study in Quebec, or Bachelor/Master/PHD degrees.. in Quebec in FRENCH medium OR if studies done in English medium then show minimum UPPER intermediate level FRENCH language proficiency (from Aug 1 2013).. like passing DLEF B2 exam (with required marks of 16/25 in Listening and Speaking and overall minimum 50/100). Then once can qualify for direct CSQ/ Quebec selection certificate within 20 days under this stream . No questions asked but French UPPER intermediate level compulsory. In reality one of the easiest PR programme.. no work ex or job offer needed nor need to wok for any number of months... nothing.
www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/immigrate-settle/students/stay-quebec/application-csq/students-peq/index.html
Quebec Regular program :
Foreign student in Québec studying high demand qualifications (only Quebec degrees/diplomas under Section A -16 points or Section B- 12 points are considered, as mentioned on the new 2013 List of Area of Training) which are atleast 900 hours/ 1 acd. year long can qualify under this route. It is a points based stream where French was not compulsory till Dec. 2012. On Jan 2013, Quebec govt. amended their charter of language, where ALL immigrants MUST know minimum Basic DELF A1 level proficiency... BUT now since new rules from 1 Aug. 2013, applicants will need to get till level 4 or pass atleast DELF B2 French exam even to get minimum points for French proficiency (If one wants to claim points for French proficiency, under this regular route).
(www.canadavisa.com/quebec-immigration-language-proficiency.html).
However, under this Regular route, knowledge of French proficiency till level 4/DELF B2 is NOT compulsory. Here, one must get minimum 49 points to get called for interview (where remaining 6 points will be given on adaptability factors) or directly get min. 55 points so as to get direct CSQ without interview or need for any adaptability points. One must study a minimum 12 or 16 points category Quebec qualification (see new 2013 List of Area of Training pdf document) to qualify under this stream. It's comparatively a lengthy route with much much longer processing times (as compared to Quebec graduate stream) . Biggest negative point is that, this route has limited seats as it is clubbed with Quebec skilled worker's program,where the Ministère will receive a maximum of 20,000 new applications per year for a Certificat de séléction du Québec under the Program for skilled workers. This 20,000 quota is not applicable for students who have a valid job offer (minimum NOC C). But, despite risks (only 20,000 limited seats or finding a valid job and long processing times), it's the only way for international students studying 16 or 12 points recognized Quebec diploma and with Basic French proficiency to have a chance at qualifying for CSQ, provided they have advanced English abilities (IELTS score) and preferably study a 16 points diploma.
www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/immigrate-settle/students/stay-quebec/application-csq/students-quebec/index.html
To know about High demand qualifications for applying under regular program see new 2013 List of Area of Training: www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/publications/en/diverses/list-training.pdf
New Quebec immigration rules and procedures starting 1 Aug. 2013: www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/informations/rules-procedures.html
AND
8. Federal
CEC (Canadian Experience Class): International students need to find ANY full time skilled job in any province (outside Quebec) and do it for 1 year. Then, will be eligible for direct PR under federal CEC.
FSW PHD stream: Any international student enrolled in a PhD program in Canada who has finished at least two years of study toward a PhD and has accumulated atleast 1 year of full time or equivalent part time work experience as teaching assistant ( skilled occupation - 4012 Post-secondary teaching and research assistants) can apply for PR directly. Limited to only 1000 applications. per year.
The last cap year began on November 1, 2012, and ended on May 3, 2013. The new cap year began on May 4, 2013, and will end on April 30, 2014.
www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/apply-who-instructions.asp
Provinces of NEW BRUNSWICK and NOVA SCOTIA as well as the three territories of Canada- YUKON, NUNAVUT and NORTHWEST TERRITORIES, DO NOT have any kind of provincial/territorial nominee programmes for the International students at present.
***All opinions expressed are purely personal, and pieces of information mentioned are to the best of my knowledge... check official links too.
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