What are an employer's responsibilities when sponsoring a provincial nominee?

When an employer supports a provincial nomination, the obligations vary by province and stream, but there are consistent themes. The employer typically must demonstrate that the job offer is genuine, full-time, and permanent; that the offered wage meets the provincial median or stream minimum; and that the occupation is on the stream's eligible list. Many provinces also require the employer to operate legally in the province (e.g., be registered, in good standing) and to have no history of violating employment standards.

Some streams overlap with federal Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) requirements — a process through which IRCC confirms no qualified Canadian worker was available. Other streams bypass the LMIA if the occupation is exempt or the nomination itself satisfies that function.

Employers should understand that misrepresenting a job offer in a PNP application can have consequences for both the employee and the employer, including refusals and potential bars from participating in future programs. Immigration is a federal matter, so IRCC can review employer conduct as part of its admissibility assessment.

If you are an employer considering supporting a nomination, reviewing the specific stream's employer guide — and speaking with an immigration professional — is advisable before making any commitments to a foreign worker.