Description of the visa, its purpose, conditions, peculiarities of issuance, and guidelines for utilization.
A provincial nomination stream that operates outside the Express Entry system. It allows provinces to select candidates who meet their economic needs but do not qualify under Express Entry requirements. This option is suitable for applicants who lack sufficient Express Entry points, have an in-demand occupation in a specific province, or wish to immigrate to a particular region of Canada. The candidate submits an application to the selected province under a specific stream. After approval, the province issues a nomination — a document confirming that the region wishes to accept the applicant. The next step is to submit a PR application to IRCC through the Non-Express Entry online process.
The primary characteristics that define the conditions for obtaining and using a visa. These conditions may vary depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant and the decision of the immigration authorities of the country.
to 1 year
Visa validity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
The PR visa or/and COPR is issued once, and its validity is limited only to the period allowed for entry into Canada. The PR visa’s validity usually corresponds to the date on the COPR, typically up to 12 months from the date of the medical exam or application approval. After entering Canada, the PR visa is no longer required—the applicant becomes a permanent resident.
Unlimited
Duration of stay
The maximum duration for which one is permitted to stay in the country continuously from the date of entry.
From the moment of crossing the border, the applicant officially becomes a permanent resident (PR) of Canada. Usually, the PR card is mailed to an address in Canada within a few weeks to four months after entry. This card is the official proof of permanent resident status and is required for re-entry into Canada after traveling abroad.
Unlimited
Extension of stay
The extension of the maximum duration of stay in the country initially permitted by the visa, subject to approval by the immigration authorities. This is typically processed within the country without the need for departure.
To maintain PR status, the foreigner must reside in Canada for at least 730 days within every five-year period.
single-entry
The possibility of entering the country only once during the visa's validity period. After departure from the country with such a visa, re-entry is not possible, even if the visa's validity period has not yet expired.
Number of entries
A parameter specifying the number of times the visa holder can enter the country during its validity period. Visas can be single-entry, multiple-entry, or with a specified number of entries.
The PR visa or COPR allows a single entry into Canada.
from 1 year 6 months to 2 years
Processing time
The period during which the immigration authorities review the application and make a decision regarding the issuance of the visa. Only business days are counted, excluding weekends and public holidays.
The review of an application for provincial nomination usually takes 2 to 6 months, depending on the stream and the workload. After receiving the nomination, the applicant submits a PR application through the regular IRCC process (not Express Entry). Federal processing typically takes 12 to 18 months for most streams, and sometimes up to 24 months, especially for family applications or when offices are heavily backlogged. Overall, the entire process from submitting to the province to obtaining PR takes about 18–24 months, sometimes faster for in-demand occupations and less busy streams.
$1,525 (~$1,097)
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
Applying through the Provincial Nominee Program (Non-Express Entry) involves both federal and provincial fees. Federal fees are approximately CAD 1,525 for the principal applicant (processing and the right of permanent residence), around CAD 260 for each dependent child, and biometrics — CAD 85 per person (maximum CAD 170 per family). In addition, each province may charge an additional fee, ranging from 0 to 2,500 CAD depending on the stream. Beyond the official fees, applicants may incur costs for medical examinations, police certificates, document translations, photographs, and postal or courier services.
A list of documents required for visa application. The exact list depends on the chosen visa type, the purpose of the visit, and the individual conditions of the applicant.
The essential minimum documents required for a visa application, such as a passport or visa application form. These are necessary regardless of the location, method, or conditions of the application.
Passport
Should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel to Canada, with at least 2 blank pages.
Photograph
Must be taken within the last 6 months, have a plain white or light background, and be clear, with no shadows or retouching. The standard size is 35×45 mm (or 50×70 mm for certain application categories). The face must be fully visible, with a neutral expression and eyes looking directly at the camera. Only medical or religious head coverings that do not obscure the face are permitted; eyeglasses are allowed as long as there are no glare and the eyes are clearly visible. The photo must meet IRCC requirements for quality, lighting, and facial proportions.
Certificate of criminal record
Confirming no criminal record in the applicant’s home or residence country.
Proof of completing a medical exam
Proof that applicant has a medical exam with a panel physician approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
Documents that specify, substantiate, and confirm the purpose of the visit, as well as provide necessary information about the applicant and their future activities in the country.
Job offer
If the candidate has an official job offer in Canada, it must be confirmed by the employer and meet the NOC requirements. An LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) may sometimes be required, especially if the job is not exempt.
Letter of explanation
Explains any special aspects of the application, such as employment gaps, atypical qualifications, or missing documents. Helps the officer better understand the applicant’s situation.
Proof of education
Diplomas, certificates, transcripts, and academic records. Sometimes an ECA evaluation is required (not always mandatory, depending on the province).
Proof of work experience
Reference letters or employment verification from employers, employment contracts, payslips, and documentation of job duties corresponding to the NOC.
Proof of funds
Requirements depend on the province: in some provinces it is mandatory (for example, Manitoba), in others it is not required if there is a job offer, and in some it is not required at all. The amount depends on the size of the family (approximately CAD 14,000–30,000).
Provincial nomination
Certificate of Provincial Nomination (obtained from the province after its approval).
Proof of language proficiency
Results of IELTS/CELPIP or TEF/TCF (depending on the province’s requirements).
Documents required vary depending on individual circumstances, specific visa conditions, the place, and the method of application.
Travel history
Includes copies of previous visas in a passport.
Authority to release personal information to a designated individual
Authority to release personal information to a designated individual The applicant needs this form if it's necessary to allow Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to release the personal information to someone applicant choose. If applicable.
Current immigration or residence status
National passport or ID card; visa, residence permit or other supporting document confirming resident status if the country of residence is different from that listed in applicant's passport.
Receipt of fee payment
Confirmation of the visa application processing fee.
Family documents
If included in the application. - Birth certificates of children and marriage certificate. - Medical records and vaccination documents (if required). - Proof of financial support for the family.
*Foreign official documents must be apostilled and legalized in accordance with the regulations of the country whose consular or diplomatic mission they are being submitted to. Additionally, they must be accompanied by a certified translation into the official language of that country or into English, unless otherwise specified by the mission's requirements.
**Prior to submitting the documents, it is strongly advised to verify the specific procedures and requirements with the relevant mission.
The minimum criteria that each visa applicant must meet. If these criteria are not met, justifications and convincing evidence of intent to visit the country must be provided.
Clear purposes of the visit and documents confirming them, in accordance with the visa conditions.
Sufficient means to support oneself and their dependents for the duration of their stay in the country.
The applicant does not pose a threat to public order, internal security, public health or international relations of the country.
The characteristics of a visa according to its classification by types, categories, and visit purposes. These are selected by the applicant during the application process, typically indicated on the visa application form and reflected in corresponding annotations on the visa itself.
Type of visa
The primary purpose of the visa and the conditions under which it is issued. This typically includes several general categories of visas and/or visit purposes based on the type of activity or reasons for entering the country.
Immigrant visa
Category
The classification within a visa type that specifies more specific conditions, characteristics of obtaining, and using the visa. Categories may vary in terms of duration, stay conditions, and the rights granted by the visa.
Visa for non-express entry PNP
Links to official resources upon which the information presented on the website is based. Information portals of government bodies or diplomatic representations of the country responsible for visa issuance and immigration policy in general.
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support@terrana.orgEligible individuals
The main categories of individuals for whom the visa is intended and who it is best suited for.
Skilled trades and technical worker, service and hospitality worker, transportation and logistics worker, social care and caregiving worker, farmer, IT or highly skilled specialist, entry-level or low-skilled personnel
Last updated 2026-03-17