There has been an almost seven-fold increase of admittance to Canada under this program since 2004, and in 2012 between 42,000 and 45,000 immigrants are projected to come into Canada this way.

“The Government of Canada recognizes the crucial role the Provincial Nominee Program plays in meeting local labour market needs,” said Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Jason Kenney. “The PNP has made great strides in sharing the benefits of economic immigration across the country.”

Today, 26 percent of all economic immigrants are destined for provinces other than Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec, compared to 11 percent in 1997.

Among the winners under PNP are Manitoba and Alberta.

Manitoba’s PNP has more than tripled, from around 4,000 people in 2004 to nearly 12,200 people admitted in 2010. Provincial nominees accounted for 92 percent of economic class admissions and 77 percent of total immigration to Manitoba in 2010.

While Alberta’s PNP has increased by more than 18-fold in recent years, from just over 400 people admitted in 2004 to almost 7,500 in 2010. Provincial nominees accounted for 33 percent of economic class admissions and 23 percent of total immigration to Alberta in 2010.

All provinces and territories, with the exception of Quebec and Nunavut, have Provincial Nominee agreements. The PNP gives provinces and territories an active role in immigrant selection as they may nominate for permanent residence individuals who meet specific local labour market needs. Under the Canada-Quebec Accord, Quebec has the sole authority for selecting immigrants to its province.

To see if you quality for the Provincial Nomination Program for particular provinces, or under any other immigration program, you can use our assessment form.