PROVINCIAL NOMINEE PROGRAMS
Skilled Workers
All twelve nominee programs allow skilled workers to apply for permanent residence by way of sponsorship by their current employers. They must be in Canada on a valid work permit and meet the basic requirements of the employment category under which they wish to apply. Their profession can be in any of those listed under the Federal government’s National Occupational Classification in Skill Type 0 (managerial occupations), Skill Level A (professional occupations), or Skill Level B (technical occupations or skilled trades). This means applicants can apply in any of the aforementioned occupations and are not limited to the occupations under the Federal Skilled Worker program. There are also no language test or interview required. Applications can be approved by most nominee programs within six months, after which their permanent residence visa applications can be approved by the consulate in about one year. While their visa applications are being processed, nominee programs will provide applicants with a letter asking the Federal Immigration department to renew their work permits without the need for approval of a labour market opinion by the Federal Human Resources department.
In all cases, the applicant must remain in the employment of the sponsoring employer until they receive their permanent residence visa. If they change employers for any reason, they will normally be required to start the application again from the very beginning.
