Why Provincial Nominee Programs Should Not Be The Investors’ Top Choice

The conditions of the program and the amounts of minimum investment vary from province to province, but in general, the process involves 2-steps:

  • getting the provincial nomination first, and then
  • applying for permanent residence to the federal government.

Although there are many interesting provincial nominee programs with modest investment amounts (as low as $150,000 for Prince Edward Island and Manitoba) and low English/French language skills (as low as CLB 4 for Ontario and British Columbia, for example), business streams of Provincial Nomination Programs are not our favourite choice when advising our clients.

And here is why:

PNPs take a long time

Since PNPs are a 2-step process (getting nomination first and then applying for permanent residence), it takes on average 2 to 4 years for foreign investors to complete the application process and receive permanent residence status in Canada.

PNPs require higher investment amounts

PNPs generally require a higher investment, around $400,000 on average. For example, British Columbia requires an applicant to be worth at least $800,000 and to invest at least $400,000 in more than 33.33% of an eligible business in that province.

PNPs are too competitive

Many provinces operate their investment programs through the expression of interest system, which makes the program very competitive. All prospective investors are required to first register their profiles with the province of their choice, and the provinces periodically select the best candidates from the pool of candidates to apply for nominations. All candidates in the pool are rated against each other based on certain criteria. Generally, those with higher net worth, bigger investment amounts, good language skills and investment proposals in key economic industries will be nominated to apply for permanent residence.

PNPs are very bureaucratic

Generally, the PNP nomination process is lengthy and involves many steps.

First, candidates must register their profile with the province and express their interest to be nominated for the PNP program.

Second, once the candidate is selected from the pool and invited to apply for nomination, the candidate must successfully pass due diligence conducted by the province and provide proof of how capital has been accumulated.

Third, many provinces require candidates to visit that province before submitting their applications.

Fourth, almost all provinces will conduct in-person interviews with the prospective candidates to check if the candidates understand the business environment in that province and whether or not their proposed investment is well-researched and feasible.

Fifth, once candidates pass the interview with the province, they usually sign a performance agreement with that province and invest in a business in that province.

Sixth, they also have to play an active role in the management of their business in that province and will often be required to spend at least 75% of their time in that province running their business.

Seventh, once the candidate meets all the conditions of the Performance Agreement with the Province (such as to invest the minimum required funds, create at least 1-2 jobs for Canadians and operate a business in that province for at least 12 months), they may apply for Provincial Nomination.

Eighth, if the province issues the Nomination Letter, the candidate may then apply for permanent residence status in Canada as a business investor under the PNP program to the federal government. The federal government’s process is a separate process altogether.

You must stay in one province

While you wait for your paperwork to be processed in the PNP program, you must maintain a primary residence in that province. Some provinces may disqualify you if you have ties to another province, including if your kids attend school in another province or you own a property in the province other than your home province.

Permanent Resident status is not guaranteed

Provinces may refuse to nominate foreign investors for permanent residence if the conditions set in the Performance Agreement with the province are not met.

Who is an ideal candidate for investor PNPs?

Given the disadvantages of provincial business immigration programs, we do not advise our clients to choose this pathway to permanent residence, unless our clients have a high net worth, good education, substantial amounts of cash to invest, significant managerial or business ownership experience, adequate language skills and family ties in the province of their choice.

The better approach to business immigration

If you are a high-net-worth individual considering moving to Canada through investment, there are better pathways to achieve your immigration goals.

There are many immigration programs offered by the federal government to foreign investors and entrepreneurs who have sufficient funds to buy/start a business in Canada. We suggest you take a closer look at these programs first and see if you qualify under any of them.

For example, you can consider the following business immigration programs:

  • Start-up Visa Program
  • Intra-Company Transfer Program
  • Owner-Operator Program
  • Treaty Investor Program
  • Significant Benefit Program
  • Self-Employed Program

Apply for PNPs as a last resort

The PNP route has too many disadvantages, therefore, consider it as a last resort. First, try the other options available for businesspeople.

At Sobirovs Law Firm, we focus only on business immigration. That is, we help entrepreneurs, business owners and investors with sufficient funds and business experience to relocate to Canada using the most suitable immigration programs. We take time to learn about you, your goals and capabilities, and choose the best pathway(s) to Canadian permanent residence and, ultimately, Canadian citizenship for you and your family.

Contact us today and see how we can help you and your business!

Bringing You, Your Tech Talent & Your Business To Canada

Get started and make your first step towards Canada. Book your 1-hour strategy meeting with a licensed Canadian immigration lawyer.

Immigration to Canada can be very complicated for businesses, business owners, and foreign employees. Hiring business immigration lawyers with the skill, experience, and patience is often crucial to successfully navigating this complex process. The experienced professionals at Sobirovs Law Firm offer tailored legal services in all business and corporate immigration matters. Contact us for more information on how we can help you meet your immigration needs.

We have worked with & represented clients from all walks of life. Always just one call – or click – away, weʼre happy to help you begin your & your familyʼs journey to Canada.

Book 1-Hour Strategy Meeting

tried and tested

Our Clients Say…

Peter Gromer
Peter Gromer
Competent, perfectly calibrated to our needs and on top of that very kind immigration consulting expertise. Nity is the best!
Lardjani Lardjani
Lardjani Lardjani
Good
Victor Arakaki
Victor Arakaki
We're incredibly grateful for the fantastic work done by the entire Sobirovs team!. While our work permit application had its share of challenges, Feruza, an outstanding lawyer with extensive expertise in business immigration, played a pivotal role. Her leadership and guidance were so important in getting our Work Permits approval. We must also acknowledge the exceptional contributions of Judy Lee, Nitty, Monique, Rachel and the rest of the team who supported us on this journey. It's clear that we'll continue to entrust Feruza and her team with any of our future legal needs. We have full confidence in Feruza and her team and highly recommend their services.
Juliet Eke
Juliet Eke
My family and I are indeed happy with the approach and manner of professionalism in handling their clientèle. Aside from a fee hurdles here and there..we would still be using Sobirovs Law for all our legal documentation. It is quite commendable..keep up the good work 👍 👌
Hardik Vyas
Hardik Vyas
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I cannot express enough how impressed and satisfied I am with Sobirovs Law Firm's immigration services. Their professionalism and extensive knowledge in the field of immigration are truly outstanding. We recently applied for an ICT (Intra-Company Transfer) application, and to our amazement, we received a decision within just two months from the date of application. This prompt and efficient service reflects the exceptional quality of Sobirovs' work. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Feruza, Mariam, Monique, Owen, and the entire post-submission team who guided us through every step of the application process. Their dedication, expertise, and willingness to assist were invaluable throughout the entire journey. We are now filled with excitement as we embark on our new journey, thanks to Sobirovs Law Firm's assistance. Without a doubt, we will be relying on their services for all our future matters related to permanent residency or immigration services. I wholeheartedly recommend Sobirovs Law Firm to anyone seeking top-notch immigration assistance. Their commitment to their clients and their ability to deliver results is truly commendable. Thank you, Sobirovs, for making our dreams a reality!
sunday okunbor
sunday okunbor
Our PR journey in Canada has been full of ups and downs, but Sabirovs Law Firm was there for us every step of the way. The wealth of experience that the Sabirovs team possesses has made a significant impact on the manner in which they assess the problems and the technicalities. They took care of everything for us, from getting LMIA clearance to submitting ITA documents to getting PR approval. My family and I would want to express our gratitude for the support and help that you have provided, as well as the positive experience we have had working with the Sabirovs' team.
Dinesh Soundararajan
Dinesh Soundararajan
The Professional Immigration Law firm with every member structured approach . The knowledge and how they convey the experience to customer is to the dot. I have come across many consultants but take my word Sobirov is best in the Industry ,I wish them to address other immigration clients too apart from Business Immigration. I declare the Top Lawyer in country is Feruza Djamalova based on how she approached my request and tracked me this short and successful path
Yu Chee T
Yu Chee T
Sobirovs Law Firm helped my family member greatly throughout her PR application process. A big thank you to Feruza, Yulia and the team for their professional assistance. We couldn't be more grateful of Sobirovs Law Firm's help.
Bryan Le
Bryan Le
I am absolutely thrilled to share my heartfelt appreciation for the remarkable services provided by Sobirovs Law Firm, especially Feruza and her team. From the moment I engaged with them, it became evident that I was in the hands of consummate professionals who truly care about their clients and possess an unparalleled mastery of immigration law. Navigating the complex world of immigration can be overwhelming, but Feruza and her team made the entire process seamless and stress-free. Their team of attorneys and legal experts displayed an extraordinary level of knowledge and proficiency. Their attention to detail and commitment to staying updated with the ever-evolving immigration regulations is truly commendable. One of the standout features of Sobirovs Law Firm is their dedication to personalized service. They treated my case as unique, taking the time to understand my individual circumstances and crafting a tailored strategy that best suited my needs. This personal touch not only reassured me but also demonstrated their genuine concern for my successful immigration journey. Communication is often the key to any successful partnership, and Feruza and her team excels in this regard. They maintained clear and open lines of communication throughout the entire process. My questions were always answered promptly and comprehensively, making me feel informed and empowered every step of the way. Furthermore, Feruza and her team demonstrated a remarkable track record of success. Their expertise ensured that my case was meticulously prepared, minimizing the chances of any setbacks. This level of diligence and thoroughness is a testament to their unwavering commitment to achieving positive outcomes for their clients. In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend Sobirovs Law Firm to anyone in need of immigration assistance. Their expertise, personalized approach, and genuine care for their clients make them an invaluable partner in what can often be a complex and challenging journey. My experience with Sobirovs Law Firm has been nothing short of exceptional, and I am truly grateful for their unwavering support.
Mohamed Faraaz Yusuf
Mohamed Faraaz Yusuf
Sobirovs got me my C11 work permit in 2021 and permanent residence August 2023 Process started in 2020 and ended now Thanks to All at the firm

insights

Our Lastest Insights

We publish helpful tips about Canadian immigration programs and are happy to share our knowledge with you.
Entrepreneur from China is Approved to Come to Canada Cover Photo November 8, 2023

Entrepreneur from China is Approved to Come to Canada to Start His Own Business

If you are an entrepreneur from China and would like to move to Canada to start your business, you should consider the multiple business immigration...
Farm Worker Visas in Canada Cover Photo November 7, 2023

Farm Worker Visas in Canada: Process and Requirements

Canada’s immigration policies aim to facilitate the entry of skilled farm workers to meet the country’s agricultural demands. The Farm Worker Visa programs are an...
From a Student to an Owner-Operator of a Business Cover Photo November 2, 2023

From a Student to an Owner-Operator of a Business: PR in Canada as an International Student

Can an international student open a business in Canada and later become a permanent resident? Our answer is yes. Read our most recent success story...