The Work Visa to Canada offers various Federal, State and Provincial work visas that provide workers at all levels the opportunity to live and work in Canada.

• Federal Skilled Worker Visa Canada

The Federal Skilled Worker visa is designed for individuals who have the qualifications, skills or experiences to fill Canada's skill shortages and contribute to the Canadian economy. Up to 80,400 Federal Skilled Worker Visas will be made available between 2011 and 2012.

Applicants to the Federal Skilled Worker visa demonstrate that they meet the minimum visa requirements including having work experience in a designated occupation, or a Canadian job offer. In addition, applicants must meet the pass mark on a points-based assessment. Successful applicants will obtain Canadian permanent residence, which will entitle them to live and work in Canada with few restrictions. Canadian permanent residents may also be eligible for Canadian citizenship.

Federal Skilled Worker Visa Basic Requirements

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has set specific basic requirements that all applicants must meet in order to apply for a Federal Skilled Worker visa.

To qualify for skilled migration, applicants must be able to satisfy the basic visa requirements related to an applicant's health and character. In addition, to qualify for a Federal Skilled Worker visa, applicants must meet at least one of the following requirements:

• Possess an offer of arranged employment in Canada; OR
• Have at least 1 year's work experience in a designated high-demand occupation. Applications based on a designated high-demand occupation will be restricted to 20,000 until June 30, 2011, with a limit of 1,000 applications per occupation, processed on first-come, first-served basis.

In addition to meeting the basic visa requirements, applicants must also pass a points-based assessment. Points can be claimed in areas related to an applicant's age, English or French language ability, work experience, qualifications and ability to adapt to life in Canada. The current pass mark for the Federal Skilled Worker visa is 67 points.

Federal Skilled Worker Visa Entitlements

Successful applicants and holders of a Canadian Federal Skilled Worker visa become permanent residents of Canada. Permanent resident are entitled to live, work and study in Canada on a permanent basis.

Additional benefits of Canadian permanent residences includes access to government-subsidised education and healthcare (Medicare), as well as unrestricted access to Canada's labour market and associated insurance and pension benefits. Permanent residents also have the ability to apply for Canadian citizenship and the opportunity to sponsor family members to join them in Canada

• Quebec Skilled Worker Visa Canada

The Canadian Quebec Skilled Worker Program is designed to attract skilled immigrants who wish to work and live in the province of Quebec. It is because of Quebec's unique position within Canada that the province of Quebec manages its own immigration program for migrants intending to settle in Quebec. This is an excellent opportunity for potential applicants not meeting the requirements for the Federal Skilled Worker visa to apply to settle in the picturesque province of Quebec. Up to 33,000 Quebec Skilled Worker Visas have been allocated for issuance in 2011.

The Quebec Skilled Worker visa allows applicants with at least 6 months of work experience to file an application. Candidates must also meet additional requirements, including a points-based assessment, and basic requirements including health and character. This program allows migrants to live and work in any capacity in the province of Quebec and are free to travel anywhere in Canada, and to take employment as they see fit. Migrants may be eligible for Canadian citizenship after the required duration of permanent residence in Canada.

Quebec Skilled Worker Visa Basic Requirements

To be selected as an immigrant worker under the Quebec Skilled Worker visa, applicants must:

• Hold at least one diploma that corresponds to a Secondary School Diploma in Quebec;
• Possess at least 6 months of eligible work experience;
• Have acquired training and occupational skills that will facilitate the applicant's insertion into the job market; and
• Have adequate knowledge of French. Knowledge of English is also an asset not to be overlooked.

Applicants must also satisfy basic visa requirements relating to the applicant's health and character. In addition to the above, a points-based assessment is conducted where points can be claimed for the applicant's schooling, work experience, age, having a valid offer of employment, knowledge of French and English, stays in Quebec, relationships with a Canadian citizen or a permanent Quebec resident, characteristics regarding their accompanying spouse or common-law spouse and dependent children, capacity for financial self-sufficiency and adaptability. The current pass mark is set at 55 points for single applicants and 63 points for applicants with accompanying partners/spouses.

Quebec Skilled Worker Visa Entitlements

Successful applicants and holders of a Quebec Skilled Worker visa become permanent residents of Canada. Permanent residents are entitled to live, work and study in Canada on a permanent basis. Additional benefits of Canadian permanent residence includes access to government-subsidised education and healthcare (Medicare), as well as unrestricted access to Canada's labour market and associated insurance and pension benefits. Permanent residents also have the ability to apply for Canadian citizenship and opportunity to sponsor family members to join them in Canada

• Experience Class (Foreign Worker/Foreign Student) Visa Canada

The Canadian Experience Class for Foreign Workers/Students provides an exciting transition for qualified foreign students and workers seeking to become permanent residents of Canada and live outside the province of Quebec. Canada's 2011 Immigration Program includes over 2,000 Canadian Experience Class visas.

Eligible study permit and work permit holders who have either graduated from an eligible program of study in Canada or have gained the required Canadian work experience are deemed to have the qualities needed to make a successful transition from temporary to permanent residence. Applicants also enjoy priority processing of their applications for permanent residence by Citizenship & Immigration Canada (CIC). This is a relatively new category that has been created to offer temporary residents in Canada an excellent opportunity to remain in Canada.

Experience Class (Foreign Worker/Foreign Student) Visa Basic Requirements

There are two main components of the Canadian Experience Class; foreign workers and foreign students.

Under the Foreign Worker component, applicants must have at least 2 years of full-time work experience in Canada in an eligible occupation and have gained the experience with the proper work or study permit. In addition, successful candidates will be required to provide satisfactory language testing results and apply while working in Canada or within one year of leaving their job in Canada.

As for the Foreign Student component, graduates of a Canadian post-secondary educational institution must have one year of full-time (or equivalent) work experience in Canada, in an eligible occupation after their graduation.

The work experience must be gained within the two years preceding the submission of the application under the Canadian Experience Class. In addition, graduates must have completed either a full-time Canadian post-secondary educational program of at least two years or a one-year Master's program and an additional year of education in Canada, within a private or public post-secondary educational institution such as a college or a university that is provincially recognized, or Private CEGEPs and provide satisfactory language testing results.

Experience Class (Foreign Worker/Foreign Student) Visa Entitlements

Successful applicants and holders of a Canadian Experience Class visa become permanent residents of Canada. Permanent residents are entitled to live, work and study in Canada on a permanent basis.

Additional benefits of Canadian permanent residence includes access to government-subsidised education and healthcare (Medicare), as well as unrestricted access to Canada's labour market and associated insurance and pension benefits. Permanent residents also have the ability to apply for Canadian citizenship and the opportunity to sponsor family members to join them in Canada.

• International Graduates Visa Canada

The Canadian International Graduates Visa provides an attractive bridging option for foreign students with offers of employment from Canadian employers. International Graduates are provided with the chance to obtain permanent residence while applying their newly acquired skills and education and filing current labour shortages. Individuals who demonstrate their study in Canada and their unique ability to contribute to the economy are nominated by the designated participating provinces. Nominees also enjoy priority processing of their applications for permanent residence by Citizenship & Immigration Canada (CIC).

International Graduates Visa Basic Requirements

The International Graduates visa is currently available through the provincial nominee programs for the following provinces: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Saskatchewan. The requirements differ according to the respective program and as outlined below.

For Alberta, Manitoba, Newfoundland & Labrador, Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan programs, the graduate must have completed a post-secondary educational program within the province (or within Canada for some programs) at an eligible institution, have obtained an offer of full-time employment related to their field of study and provide evidence of having been employed with the same employer for a minimum duration of between 3-6 months prior to the submission of the International Graduate application. Some of these requirements do not apply for certain provinces.

For Ontario, 3 streams of application are available for international graduates; applicants with a job offer, applicants who are PhD Graduates and Masters Graduates (offered currently as a pilot project).

For British Columbia, 2 streams of application are available for international graduates: applicants having graduated from an eligible program and approved institution, applicants holding a Master's or PhD degree awarded for studies in the natural, applied or health sciences (currently offered as a pilot project).

International Graduates Visa Entitlements

Successful applicants and holders of an International Graduates visa become permanent residents of Canada. Permanent residents are entitled to live, work and study in Canada on a permanent basis.

Additional benefits of Canadian permanent residence includes access to government-subsidised education and healthcare (Medicare), as well as unrestricted access to Canada's labour market and associated insurance and pension benefits. Permanent residents also have the ability to apply for Canadian citizenship and opportunity to sponsor family members to join them in Canada.

• Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) Visa Canada

The Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) visa is designed to support Alberta's economic growth by attracting prospective immigrants to the labour-market of Alberta. As a province with friendly inhabitants and an expansive landscape, many diverse opportunities await newcomers in Canada's fastest growing province.

Individuals nominated by the province of Alberta, together with their spouse and dependent children are eligible to apply for a permanent resident visa through CIC as a provincial nominee. CIC expedites permanent resident applications from provincial nominees and makes final decisions on the permanent resident applications.

Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program Visa Basic Requirements

Under the AINP program, two options exist for skilled applicants; the Skilled Worker Category and the Semi-Skilled Worker Category.

Under the Skilled Worker Category, candidates are required to have an offer of employment from a local employer in any eligible skilled occupation which meets provincial employment and wage standards. The applicant must possess the required qualifications for the position. Additional requirements apply for persons seeking employment as a childhood educator or care staff, manager/supervisor in the service, retail and food service industries.

Under the Semi-Skilled Worker Category, candidates are required to have an offer of employment from a local employer only in a designated semi-skilled occupation which meets provincial employment and wage standards.

Occupations in the following industries will be considered:

• Food and beverage processing industry
• Hotel and lodging industry: front desk agents and clerks, food and beverage servers and room attendants
• Manufacturing industry, long-haul trucking industry
• Foodservices industry

Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program Visa Entitlements

Successful applicants and holders of an Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) visa become permanent residents of Canada. Permanent residents are entitled to live, work and study in Canada on a permanent basis.

Additional benefits of Canadian permanent residence includes access to government-subsidised education and healthcare (Medicare), as well as unrestricted access to Canada's labour market and associated insurance and pension benefits. Permanent residents also have the ability to apply for Canadian citizenship and opportunity to sponsor family members to join them in Canada.

• New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) Visa Canada

Through the Canadian New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program, the province actively seeks qualified immigrants who will fill a growing number of permanent labour market shortages, creating employment and satisfying local labour needs.

Selected nominees must have a guaranteed job offer in their intended occupation. Provincial nominees also enjoy priority processing of their applications for permanent residence by Citizenship & Immigration Canada (CIC).

New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program Visa Basic Requirements

To qualify for the New Brunswick Job Offer Applicants program under the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee visa, applicants require a full-time job offer from an established New Brunswick company. The position must meet provincial employment standards and offer comparable industry rates of pay. In most cases, the skills offered by the potential immigrant must not be readily available in New Brunswick. Greater consideration will be given to applicants whose employment fills a local skills shortage.

Successful candidates will be required to obtain at least 50 points on a points-based assessment including an assessment of the applicant's age, language skills, education, work experience and adaptability. In addition, a signed commitment to work, live and settle permanently in beautiful New Brunswick must be completed.

New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program Visa Entitlements

Successful applicants and holders of a New Brunswick Provincial Nominee visa become permanent residents of Canada. Permanent residents are entitled to live, work and study in Canada on a permanent basis.

Additional benefits of Canadian permanent residence include access to government-subsidised education and healthcare (Medicare), as well as unrestricted access to Canada's labour market and associated insurance and pension benefits. Permanent residents also have the ability to apply for Canadian citizenship and opportunity to sponsor family members to join them in Canada.

• Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) Visa Canada

The Canadian Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) is a government immigration program that selects skilled workers who demonstrate they have the potential and the desire to immigrate and settle themselves and their families in the dynamic Canadian province of Manitoba.

In summary, the MPNP accepts applications from skilled workers who can make a positive contribution to Manitoba's distinctive economy and society as permanent residents. Provincial Nominees also enjoy priority processing of their applications for permanent residence by Citizenship & Immigration Canada (CIC).

Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program Visa Requirements

The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) includes various streams which include the General Stream, the Employer Direct Stream and the Strategic Initiative Stream.

To be eligible for nomination under the MPNP, applicants must; have legal status in the country where they are living, be able to provide proof that they possess the required training, work experience and language ability to find employment in their intended occupation in Manitoba; have the required settlement funds to cover the relevant immigration fees, travel expenses to Manitoba, support themselves and their dependents while they are looking for employment and ensure the applicant's successful settlement in Manitoba.

Under the General Stream, successful nominees must possess either; a close relative in Manitoba who has signed an Affidavit of Support (MAS); or two friends or distant relatives in Manitoba who have each signed an affidavit of support; or have completed education in Manitoba or have previous work experience in Manitoba (six months minimum).

Under the Employer Direct Stream, suitable nominees must have an offer of a long-term, full-time job in Manitoba, have a work permit issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada(CIC) and be currently working(for at least 6 months) for the Manitoba employer offering a permanent full-time position.

Under the Strategic Initiatives Stream, an applicant may be eligible if they have either; participated in an exploratory visit to Manitoba, had an interview with a MPNP officer, received a letter of invitation to apply as part of a MPNP targeted overseas promotional initiative.

Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program Visa Entitlements

Successful applicants and holders of a Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program visa become permanent residents of Canada. Permanent resident are entitled to live, work and study in Canada on a permanent basis.

Additional benefits of Canadian permanent residence includes access to government-subsidised education and state of the art healthcare (Medicare), as well as unrestricted access to Canada's labour market and associated insurance and pension benefits. Permanent residents also have the ability to apply for Canadian citizenship and opportunity to sponsor family members to join them in Canada.

• Newfoundland & Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) Visa Canada

The Canadian Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) seeks to recruit migrants who have specialized occupational skills. Through an agreement with the Government of Canada, the province of Newfoundland and Labrador selects nominees who can contribute to the economic and social goals of the province to obtain permanent resident status.

Nominees must settle in beautiful Newfoundland and Labrador and have sufficient ability to communicate in either English or French. Provincial Nominees also enjoy priority processing of their applications for permanent residence by Citizenship & Immigration Canada (CIC).

Newfoundland & Labrador Provincial Nominee Program Visa Basic Requirements

Through this program, persons with specialized skills that are deemed as having a critical impact on the operations of an employer and which are not otherwise obtainable in Canada are eligible for nomination. Applicants submitting an application in this category will be required to have a bona fide offer of paid employment, at prevailing market rates, from a Newfoundland and Labrador employer.

The applicant may also be required to visit scenic Newfoundland and Labrador for a pre-employment interview with the employer and the local officials and will be required to have been in the province for a six-month period prior to submitting a NLPNP application. Applicants already in the province on a work permit may also be required to attend an interview. The skilled worker will also be required to meet with department officials within fourteen days after landing. In most cases, skilled workers must satisfy provincial credentials standards and/or professional licensing requirements prior to the final decision on the issuance of a nomination certificate by the province.

In some circumstances, a temporary work permit may be arranged by the NLPNP officials to allow the prospective immigrant to accept employment and to assess whether he/she and the family will be able to settle successfully in Newfoundland and Labrador. This will not, however, guarantee issuance of a nomination certificate by the province.

Newfoundland & Labrador Provincial Nominee Program Visa Entitlements

Successful applicants and holders of a Newfoundland & Labrador Provincial Nominee Program visa become permanent residents of Canada. Permanent resident are entitled to live, work and study in Canada on a permanent basis, while enjoying the unique hospitality of the province.

Additional benefits of Canadian permanent residence includes access to government-subsidised education and state of the art healthcare (Medicare), as well as unrestricted access to Canada's labour market and associated insurance and pension benefits. Permanent residents also have the ability to apply for Canadian citizenship and opportunity to sponsor family members to join them in Canada

• Ontario Provincial Nominee Program (Ontario PNP) Visa Canada

Ontario recognizes that newcomers play a critical role in the province's economic success and that represent a valuable source of skilled workers and professionals. The province also recognises that multinational firms establishing or expanding their businesses in Ontario may also want to bring key executives, managers or employees to work in their Ontario operations. The Opportunities Ontario Provincial Nominee Program (Ontario PNP) is designed to contribute to job creation, job retention and economic development by seeking to attract and retain qualified employees for most jobs for which there are currently labour-market needs.

Individuals who meet all Ontario PNP requirements may be nominated by the province for permanent residence as provincial nominees and will also enjoy the priority processing of their applications for permanent residence by Citizenship & Immigration Canada (CIC).

Ontario Provincial Nominee Program Basic Visa Requirements

To qualify for the General Category program, the employer offering the job must meet various criteria. The job offer must be for a permanent and full-time position within the designated occupation and meet the current wage levels for that profession or skilled occupation. The Ontario PNP allows candidates with offers of permanent full-time employment in any managerial, professional or skilled trades occupation with a local employer to be nominated.

Approved positions include those which are abroad or in Canada. The position must be directly related to, and necessary for, the company's core operations, meet current wage levels for the occupation, and be offered to individuals who meet the criteria for the offered employment.

Ontario Provincial Nominee Program Basic Visa Entitlements

Successful applicants and holders of an Opportunities Ontario Provincial Nominee Program visa become permanent residents of Canada. Permanent resident are entitled to live, work and study in Canada on a permanent basis.

Additional benefits of Canadian permanent residence includes access to government-subsidised education and state of the art healthcare (Medicare), as well as unrestricted access to Canada's labour market and associated insurance and pension benefits. Permanent residents also have the ability to apply for Canadian citizenship and opportunity to sponsor family members to join them in Canada.

• Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) Visa Canada

The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) provides an alternative means of entry into Canada. It allows Saskatchewan to nominate applicants, who qualify under criteria established by the province, to the federal government for landed immigrant status.

The SINP allows for the nomination for permanent residence for selected applicants whose skills and abilities are deemed to be best fit the province's ever growing needs. Individuals will also enjoy the priority processing of their applications for permanent residence by Citizenship & Immigration Canada (CIC) and the assistance of provincial immigration officers who are readily available to assist.

Canadian Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program Basic Visa Requirements

The SINP allows the nomination of applicants who possess either an offer of permanent full-time employment in Saskatchewan in an occupation/trade in Saskatchewan, or an offer of permanent full-time employment in a management position, or has worked in Saskatchewan for at least six months on a temporary work permit in a designated occupation. This program has several different categories which are outlined below.

Under the Skilled Workers Category, applicants which are skilled workers, professionals or managers who have a full-time, permanent job offer from a Saskatchewan employer can be nominated and includes the following three sub-categories: Skilled Workers/Professionals, Critical Occupations, and Existing Work Permit.

Under the Health Professions Category, internationally-trained health professionals, who have been working in Saskatchewan for at least six months under a temporary work permit, can apply for landed immigrant status under the SINP. This program is geared towards physicians, nurses and other health professions.

Under the Hospitality Sector Project Category, foreign workers which are currently working in Saskatchewan in one of the following categories: Food/Beverage Server Food Counter Attendant/Kitchen Helper or Housekeeping/Cleaning Staff may be nominated for permanent residence.

Under the Long Haul Truck Drivers Category, foreign workers may be selected for occupations requiring a high school diploma or on-the-job training under Service Canada's Temporary Foreign Worker policy.

Canadian Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program Visa Entitlements

Successful applicants and holders of a Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee visa become permanent residents of Canada. Permanent residents are entitled to live, work and study in Canada on a permanent basis.

Additional benefits of Canadian permanent residence includes access to government-subsidised education and state of the art healthcare (Medicare), as well as unrestricted access to Canada's labour market and associated insurance and pension benefits. Permanent residents also have the ability to apply for Canadian citizenship and opportunity to sponsor family members to join them in Canada.

• British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) Visa Canada

The Canadian British Columbia's (BC) Provincial Nominee Program visa provides an exciting opportunity for qualified skilled workers, experienced entrepreneurs and international graduates to settle in scenic BC and become permanent residents of Canada. Individuals who demonstrate an ability to contribute to both BC's community and economy are selected and nominated by the province as potential migrants. Provincial nominees who apply for permanent residence also enjoy accelerated processing by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC).

British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program Basic Visa Requirements

The Strategic Occupations component is designed specifically for British Columbia's employers who wish to recruit or retain qualified foreign labour. The following categories exist within this component:

• Skilled Workers include professionals, managers, technicians and skilled trades persons;
• Designated Health Professionals include registered nurses, physicians, psychiatric nurses and midwives;
• Entry Level and Semi-Skilled Pilot Project accommodates those in the hospitality, tourism, food processing and transport industries.

To be eligible for nomination under the Strategic Operations component of BC's Provincial Nominee Program, the candidate must have accepted a permanent, full-time offer of genuine employment in a skilled occupation from an employer in British Columbia. A skilled occupation normally requires the candidate to have obtained a formal qualification and several years of related work experience.

British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program Entitlements

Candidates who are nominated under British Columbia's Provincial Nominee Program can immediately apply for a Canadian work permit and are eligible to submit an application for permanent residence to Citizenship and Immigration Canada. An applicant's spouse and any dependent children are also eligible to immigrate provided they meet the Canadian immigration requirements.

Canada's permanent residents are entitled to live, work and study in Canada on a permanent basis. Additional benefits of Canadian permanent residence includes access to government-subsidised education and state of the art healthcare (Medicare), as well as unrestricted access to Canada's labour market and associated insurance and pension benefits. Permanent residents also have the ability to apply for Canadian citizenship and opportunity to sponsor family members to join them in Canada.

• Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) Visa Canada

The Nova Scotia Office of Immigration works with the Federal Government of Canada to promote immigration through the exciting Nova Scotia Nominee Program which is designed to encourage people from around the world to settle in the province.

This program allows Nova Scotia to recruit and select immigrants who can contribute to meeting the labour market and economic needs of the province. Nominated individuals together with their spouse/partner and dependent children, are eligible to apply for expedited processing of a permanent resident visa from Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC).

Nova Scotia Nominee Program Basic Visa Requirements

Under the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP), various streams of eligibility allow for the selection of eligible nominees.

All nominees must have:

• A guaranteed, full-time, permanent job offer must have legal status in his/her country of residence;
• Wish to settle permanently in charming Nova Scotia;
• Have sufficient settlement supports;
• Meet the minimum criteria for age, education, work experience;
• Language ability requirements for the stream

The Skilled Worker Stream allows for the fast-tracking of skilled migrants with a permanent full-time job offer from an established local business, which includes a benefits package that meets provincial employment standards and prevailing wage rates.

The Family Business Worker Stream aims to help family-owned businesses to hire close relatives who have skills that cannot be found locally. The worker must have a guaranteed, permanent job offer in Nova Scotia from an employer who is a close relative and who owns an established business in Nova Scotia. Priority will be given to workers whose family employer can demonstrate that they will provide additional supports to assist the worker and accompanying dependents with their settlement needs.

The Community Identified Stream is geared for individuals who are employable, have strong established connections to a Nova Scotia community and can contribute to the labour market and economy of that specific community. The applicant must have a Letter of Identification from an organization mandated by the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration before submitting an application to the Nova Scotia Nominee Program.

Nova Scotia Nominee Program Visa Entitlements

Successful applicants and holders of a Nova Scotia Nominee Program visa become permanent residents of Canada. Permanent resident are entitled to live, work and study in Canada on a permanent basis.

Additional benefits of Canadian permanent residence includes access to government-subsidised education and state of the art healthcare (Medicare), as well as unrestricted access to Canada's labour market and associated insurance and pension benefits. Permanent residents also have the ability to apply for Canadian citizenship and opportunity to sponsor family members to join them in Canada.

• Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEIPNP) Visa Canada

The Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program is designed to select individuals who appear to be suitable for immigration to Prince Edward Island. Applicants are nominated for permanent residence once it has been determined that they appear to fit the province's unique economy and culture.

The Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program expedites immigration for individuals and their families who meet provincial criteria and provides the fast-tracking of their applications for permanent residence. This province has also recorded the second fastest growth rate of any Canadian province.

Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program Basic Visa Requirements

The Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program provides the following two skilled categories for nomination.

The Family Connections Stream allows a foreign close family relative to be nominated by a Prince Edward Island relative who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and has lived in PEI for more than two years, and has a regular source of sufficient income to support themselves and their dependents. The Canadian relative will be required to make an informal, but written commitment that they will take every possible action to ensure that the nominee is integrated into the dynamic Prince Edward Island community. The applicant must show their relationship to the Canadian relative, their offer of employment in the province and have a clearly identified capacity to work. They must intend to live on the Island, be of good health and not have a criminal record. Designated applicants simply commit to make the arrangement work, to the best of their ability.

The Skilled Worker Stream permits the nomination of an applicant with specialized skills and experience who fills a labour market need in Prince Edward Island. In particular, there are currently openings for workers in aerospace, information technologies and bioscience, among others.

The skilled worker must:

• Obtain in the vicinity of 50 points on the Self Assessment form;
• Have a bona fide offer for paid employment at prevailing wage rates in their field of study/experience;
• Possess the education required training consistent with the position offered;
• A moderate command of English or French language
• The intention to settle in unique Prince Edward Island.

Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program Visa Entitlements

Candidates who are nominated under Prince Edward Island's Provincial Nominee Program can immediately apply for a Canadian work permit and are eligible to submit an application for permanent residence to Citizenship and Immigration Canada. An applicant's spouse and any dependent children are also eligible to immigrate provided they meet the Canadian immigration requirements.

Additional benefits of Canadian permanent residence includes access to government-subsidised education and state of the art healthcare (Medicare), as well as unrestricted access to Canada's labour market and associated insurance and pension benefits. Permanent residents also have the ability to apply for Canadian citizenship and opportunity to sponsor family members to join them in Canada.

• Yukon Nominee Program (YNP) Visa Canada

The Canadian Yukon Nominee Program was developed to allow the Government of Yukon to nominate potential immigrants based on industrial and economic priorities and labour market conditions; and who are deemed to have a strong likelihood of successfully establishing themselves in the territory of Yukon. Nominated individuals together with their spouse/partner and dependent children are eligible to apply for expedited processing of a permanent resident visa from Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC).

Approved nominees will be nominated for permanent residency and a letter of recommendation will be issued for use by the nominee to obtain a temporary work permit if needed, thereby facilitating temporary entry to Canada while the permanent residence application is processing.

Yukon Nominee Program Basic Visa Requirements

The program is intended to assist Yukon employers with critical labour shortages that cannot be filled by local residents. The program is designed to increase the labour pool for entry level jobs in the hospitality and service sector, in an effort to address the critical need of semi-skilled workers in the Yukon.

To qualify for the Yukon Skilled Worker/Critical Impact Worker Program, the offer of employment must be for a permanent full-time position, be in a trade or skill that usually requires secondary school and/or occupation-specific training or on-the-job training. In addition, it must meet the minimum requirements of territorial labour standards and must provide a comparable industry rate of pay.

The nominee must have a temporary work permit and have worked in the position for six months or obtain at least 45 points or higher on the Pre-Assessment, have sufficient financial supports or settlement supports in Yukon, have the required work experience for the specific occupation, be able to conduct basic communications in either English or French, depending on the official language of the work place.

Yukon Nominee Program Visa Entitlements

Candidates who are nominated under a Yukon Nominee Program visa can immediately apply for a Canadian work permit and are eligible to submit an application for permanent residence to Citizenship and Immigration Canada. An applicant's spouse and any dependent children are also eligible to immigrate provided they meet the Canadian immigration requirements.

Additional benefits of Canadian permanent residence includes access to government-subsidised education and state of the art healthcare (Medicare), as well as unrestricted access to Canada's labour market and associated insurance and pension benefits. Permanent residents also have the ability to apply for Canadian citizenship and opportunity to sponsor family members to join them in Canada.