How to Immigrate to Canada from the US - Provincial Nominee Programs
Canadian Immigration Options Available to Americans (and potentially other foreign nationals).
At COMPASS Immigration Solutions, we understand the growing demand for clear, reliable guidance on Canadian immigration for US citizens. It is important to note that no specific immigration programs exist solely for Americans; however, a variety of pathways are available. This blog series will identify the programs applicable to US citizens to move to Canada, detailing the pros and cons of each, and providing the essential knowledge required to navigate your potential move to Canada successfully.
Our second post in the series looks at Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) that facilitate immigration to specific provinces and territories with the goal of attracting and retaining workers long-term.
Provincial Nominee Programs
These are programs managed by the provinces and territories to address regional economic needs. Skills and eligibility criteria vary considerably, some require TEER* 0-3 work experience and minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 English, while others accept TEER 4-5 work experience and CLB 4-5 English, and some provinces have programs that link to the federal Express Entry system, while others don’t. If you do not have a high Comprehensive Ranking Score (CRS) score in Express Entry, which determines your likelihood of getting an Invitation to Apply, or you are not eligible for one of the federal programs, you may be eligible for a PNP. If the program you are interested in is linked to the Express Entry system, you need to first be eligible for one of the Express Entry programs.
There are many provinces and many programs within each province, so it’s important to do your research based on your needs and interests.
Pros of Immigrating to Canada through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Age is less important than other routes
Values education and experience
Lower skilled experience (TEERs 4-5)* are sometimes eligible
Pros of Immigrating to Canada through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Long processing times
Job offer often required
Required to choose only one province
Because the provinces make their own selections based on regional needs, having experience and skills in identified sectors can often result in a nomination without high CRS scores. People over 30 with broad experience are often competitive relative to other alternatives to immigration.
If your Express Entry CRS score is not high enough to get an Invitation to Apply (ITA), or you don’t qualify for the Express Entry platform, a PNP can be a good alternative to work toward, with or without a job offer. If you have ties to a particular province, it is best to start there. If you have never visited Canada, you could consider any province, as long as you intend to make it your home.
Are you planning your move to Canada from the US and want to talk to a professional immigration consultant about your options? Book a 30-minute call with our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC-IRB) licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants to learn more about what options you have in immigrating to Canada.
*If you’re wondering what a TEER is and how to identify yours, fill out the form below to gain access to our free PDF explaining NOCs and TEERs and why they are important for Canadian immigration.