Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Almost 250,000 people are expected to become permanent residents through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) between 2021 and 2023, which is a key part of Canada’s immigration policy.
Canada’s provincial nominee programs are the fastest-growing immigration pathway for economic reasons. The federal government has gradually increased provinces’ annual PNP allocations over the past few years, demonstrating the increase in the importance of these programs within Canada’s immigration landscape.
Am I eligible for a Provincial Nominee Program?
Under PNPs Canada’s provinces and territories are empowered to nominate individuals and families who wish to settle in their provinces and territories based on criteria established by each province.
Provinces and Territories determine their own eligibility requirements for Provincial Nominee Programs. One province might prioritize bringing in provincial nominees with experience in a certain occupation, while another province might prioritize bringing in provincial nominees with French-language experience. This depends on the needs of each province or territory.
Candidates must meet the set criteria in order to qualify as provincial nominees. In this way, the applicant will be able to demonstrate that he or she has the skills, education, and work experience to make a positive contribution to the local economy and society. The province or territory will evaluate the application based on the needs of the province or territory as well as the applicant’s sincere intention to settle there.
PNPs have different sub-programs and categories, typically referred to as “streams”.
How do I apply for a Provincial Nominee Program?
The federal government makes all final immigration decisions in Canada, not the provinces. PNPs are therefore a two-part process. The first step is to apply to your province for a nomination. You must then apply for your Canadian permanent residency status with the federal government if your application is approved by the province.
To apply for your PNP of choice, follow these steps:
- Find out your eligibility: Check for available PNPs and determine your eligibility for the many options available.
- Complete a Provincial Nominee Program application: Submit your application to the province or territory.
- Receive your Provincial Nomination certificate: If your application is complete and you are eligible, you will receive an official Provincial Nomination certificate, allowing you to continue to the next step.
- Submit your permanent residence application: Apply to the federal government for Canadian permanent resident status. If you were nominated through an Express Entry-aligned PNP, you can apply through Express Entry. Otherwise, you must submit a paper-based application.
Some PNP streams operate on a first-come, first-served basis, while other PNP streams require potential applicants to first register an Expression of Interest. Further, some PNP streams operate outside the federal Express Entry immigration system – these are known as “base” streams – while other PNP streams are aligned with Express Entry.
Provincial Nominee Programs and Express Entry
Most provinces and territories have streams that are connected with the federal Express Entry selection system, through which “enhanced” nominations are available that award nominees 600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points.
A provincial nomination is the single most valuable factor in the CRS, effectively guaranteeing that the candidate receives an Invitation to Apply (ITA) at a subsequent draw from the pool.
The CRS is a score out of 1,200 assigned to Express Entry candidates, which decides who should get an ITA for permanent residency. In almost every round of Express Entry draws, these 600 bonus points would guarantee that the applicant would receive an ITA.
Individuals who wish to apply for a provincial nomination under an enhanced PNP stream must first create an Express Entry profile and enter the pool.
What Provincial Nominee Programs are available in Canada?
Find out about the Provincial Nominee Programs offered by each participating province and territory below. Note that Quebec does not have a Provincial Nominee Program, though it does operate its own Skilled Worker Program.
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
Ontario has one of the most varied and dynamic of Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs. Skilled workers, graduates, and businesspeople can plan their immigration to Ontario. Find out about the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program
British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP)
British Columbia offers wide-ranging streams and categories for workers, graduates, and entrepreneurs in its Provincial Nominee Program. It includes categories aligned with Canada’s federal Express Entry immigration selection system. Find out about the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program
Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)
Alberta is one of Canada’s most popular destinations for new immigrants, offering PNP streams for Express Entry candidates and non-Express Entry candidates. The Alberta Provincial Nominee Program welcomes workers, graduates, and entrepreneurs to the province. Find out about the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program
Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program
The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program has been undergoing changes over the last several years. Check here to ensure that you have the latest information about the MPNP. Find out about the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program
Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program
This province in the Canadian Prairies is looking to welcome Express Entry candidates, as well as workers in in-demand occupations. Find out about the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program
Nova Scotia Nominee Program
With many Express Entry-aligned streams and room to welcome graduates and entrepreneurs, Nova Scotia is an increasingly popular destination for newcomers. Find out about the Nova Scotia Nominee Program
New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program
The NBPNP includes a popular Express Entry-linked stream, as well as opportunities for workers with job offers and immigrant entrepreneurs. Find out about the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program
Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)
The PEI PNP welcomes applications from Express Entry candidates, skilled workers, graduates, and business investors. Find out about the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program
Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)
The NLPNP includes Canadian immigration pathways for Express Entry candidates, graduates, workers, and business people.