PNP’s opening up to new types of Canadian immigration applicants

Provincial Nomination Programs (PNP) across the country have seen much success in the recruitment and retention of Canadian immigrants based on regional socio-economic priorities.  They are constantly evolving and expanding to make room for more newcomers and to adapt to the provinces/territories' changing needs.  Saskatchewan and Newfoundland Labrador have both made additions to their PNP's this month, adding a category for hospitality workers and international graduates, respectively.

The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) introduced the Hospitality Sector Project in response to the Saskatchewan Hotel and Hospitality Association and the Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association's identification of acute labour shortages in three occupational groups: food counter attendants, food and beverage servers, and light-duty cleaners.  Saskatchewan employers have been unable to find local workers to fill these positions and have been looking to temporary foreign workers to staff their businesses.

To be nominated for fast-track Permanent Residency under this category, applicants must have been working in Saskatchewan on a temporary work permit for at least six months.  They must have a minimum of Grade 12 education (or equivalent) and the necessary English language abilities to continue to work in their occupation.

More and more PNP categories, such as Saskatchewan's Hospitality Sector Project, are being created for semi-skilled and lower-skilled workers as a means to retain them as Canadian Permanent Residents.  The goal is to keep these temporary foreign workers, who were brought over and trained to respond to regional labour shortages, from having to leave.

Newfoundland and Labrador has introduced an International Graduate category to its PNP in order to encourage foreign students in its post-secondary institutions to stay in the province and contribute to the work force.

To qualify for this program, applicants must have graduated, within the past two years, from a recognized Newfoundland and Labrador post-secondary institution.  They must have obtained a degree, diploma, or certificate for a program of at least two years in length.  They will also need a full-time permanent job offer from a Newfoundland and Labrador employer (that is related to their field of study) or have the reasonable expectation of employment in the near future.  Applicants must obtain a Post-Graduation Work Permit and have the necessary qualifications and sufficient English or French language ability for the position being offered.

Newfoundland and Labrador's PNP joins six other provincial programs in offering an international graduate category.