Issue date: 2/28/08 Section: News

International students listen attentively to Minister Chan (centre) as he explains the new PNP program

Last year, Ontario introduced its pilot Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), enabling the province to select immigrants with skill sets matching market need. This is the first time a province has been permitted a say in the immigrant selection process in Canada.

This program helps fill labour shortages in specific occupations throughout a variety of sectors. There are three categories by which to qualify for PNP: Professional, Skilled Worker and International Student.

Multinational investors can benefit from this, easing the process of bringing in key employees who will contribute to the long-term success of their investment.

Last week, the Ontario government expanded PNP. The Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, while in Waterloo, announced changes in the program that are meant to promote attracting international students to the province and keeping them here in high-value jobs.

International students across the country are eligible to participate in this new program as long as they are graduates of a publicly-funded Canadian college or university and have a job offer in Ontario. Students can now apply with any job offer as long as they can make some argument as to how that job is relevant to their program of study. Decisions are then made on a case by case basis.

As a result, more international students than ever have a chance to become permanent residents of Ontario.

In a normal case, going through the immigrant process takes an average of three to five years. Here, international students are able to fast-track this course and gain permanent resident status in 9-12 months. In addition, the application fee of $2,000 is reduced to $200 for student applicants.

Coralie D'Souza, a recent Vic grad now working for Minister Chan's office, expressed her thoughts on the matter.

"International students come to Ontario and fall in love with it. Its very different than living anywhere else. By making it easier for them to stay, we are providing them a service... but if anything, they are doing more for us. We are being paid tenfold for them staying.

"They bring culture, new insights and so much more. These students are going to be the bridges between Ontario and the rest of the world."

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools