Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) offer pathways to Canadian permanent residence for skilled workers, graduates, and entrepreneurs who are nominated by a province or territory. These programs help provinces and territories address specific economic and labour market needs by attracting qualified immigrants.
Once nominated through a PNP, applicants can submit an application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to immigrate to Canada for permanent resident status. Each province and territory designs and manages its own PNP streams and categories, with unique eligibility criteria based on local priorities.
PNPs have become the fastest-growing route for economic immigration to Canada, with over 80 PNP streams now available across the provinces. The federal government has recently increased provincial and territorial allocations for these programs, reflecting their rising importance within Canada’s broader immigration system.
What are Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)?
Provincial Nominee Programs allow the 13 provinces and territories (excluding Quebec) to nominate, or “pre-select”, immigrants who have the skills, experience and other attributes to help drive local economic growth.
Each PNP is designed by the province or territory to select applicants who meet specific labour market needs or help grow local populations. Popular PNP streams include skilled worker programs, business and investment programs, and international graduate programs.
Once an applicant meets the eligibility criteria and is nominated through a PNP, they can submit an application to the federal government for Canadian permanent resident status. Provincial/territorial officials assess PNP applications and issue nominations, while the federal government decides to grant permanent residence.
This two-step process gives provinces more control over immigration selection. At the same time, the federal government retains responsibility for medical, criminality, and security screening as part of the final permanent residence application.
Why Apply through a Provincial Nominee Program?
5 main key benefits make PNPs an attractive pathway to permanent residence in Canada:
Faster Processing Times: PNP applications are often processed faster than other federal economic immigration programs, with current processing times as short as 6 months.
Immigrate to a Specific Province: PNPs allow applicants to choose their preferred destination in Canada rather than being placed wherever there is demand.
No Job Offer Required: Many PNPs, unlike federal express entry programs, have at least one stream or category that does not require a job offer.
600 Express Entry Points: Applicants nominated through an Express Entry-aligned PNP receive 600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System points, virtually guaranteeing an invitation to apply for permanent residence.
More Options for Candidates: With over 80 PNP sub-categories available, candidates can find a PNP stream that suits their specific situation.
What are the Eligibility Requirements for PNPs?
PNP eligibility criteria vary significantly between provinces and streams. Each PNP has its requirements for:
- Work experience: Minimum years of experience in specific occupations.
- Education: The level of education (high school, post-secondary, etc.), credentials, and areas of study may be specified.
- Language ability: Minimum language test scores in English and/or French.
- Investment funds: Some streams require proof of minimum funds.
- Job offer: Some streams require a valid Canadian job offer.
- Business/farm: Ownership or transfer of an existing business/farm or starting a new enterprise. Minimum investment amounts may apply.
Always check the specific requirements for your stream of choice before applying.
How to apply through the ”base” PNP process
Some Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams operate outside the federal Express Entry system. These are known as “base” streams and do not require an Express Entry profile.
To immigrate through a base PNP stream, applicants must follow these steps:
- Research the base PNP streams in your preferred province to find one that matches your skills and experience.
- Carefully review the eligibility criteria and application guide to ensure you qualify.
- Prepare your complete application, including all required documents such as educational credentials, work letters, language results, and funds proof.
- Submit your paper-based application directly to the provincial PNP office per their instructions.
- If nominated, you will receive an email or mailed certificate from the nominating province.
- You can apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence through the paper process and wait 12-24 months for processing.
Popular base PNP streams include the BC Skills Immigration categories, the Ontario French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream, and the Alberta Opportunity Stream.
How to apply through the Express Entry PNP process
For PNP streams aligned with Express Entry, applicants must follow this two-stage process:
- Create an Express Entry profile and enter the pool.
- Research PNP streams linked to Express Entry in your preferred province. Apply directly to the province.
- If you receive provincial nomination approval, you will get an email through your Express Entry account.
- Accept the nomination to automatically get 600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System points.
- Wait for an invitation to apply for an upcoming Express Entry draw, which is virtually guaranteed.
- Apply for permanent residence through Express Entry within 90 days. Processing takes around 6 months.
What are the Different Categories of PNP Streams?
While each province designs unique streams, most PNPs contain categories for skilled workers, graduates, and business immigrants:
Skilled Worker Streams: These programs are for immigrants with qualified work experience, normally in an occupation listed as “in-demand” in the province. Most require a minimum level of education, language ability, funds, and/or work experience.
International Graduate Streams: Designed for graduates from a Canadian university or college who wish to stay and work in the province. Often have minimum education, language and work requirements.
Business/Entrepreneur Streams: This stream is for experienced business owners or investors who plan to invest capital and actively manage a company in the nominating province. Minimum net worth and/or investment requirements are required.
Many PNPs also contain streams specifically aligned with the federal Express Entry system. These “enhanced” streams provide nominations to Express Entry candidates, awarding 600 additional points toward permanent residence.
What are the Requirements for Provincial Nominee Programs?
In addition to the eligibility criteria for specific PNP streams, the following are typically required for permanent residence applications under PNPs:
Language Testing: Proof of English and/or French proficiency through approved standardized tests like IELTS or TEF.
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): Required for post-secondary degrees, diplomas or certificates completed outside Canada.
Police Certificates: Recent police certificates from each country lived in for 6+ months in the past 10 years.
Medical Examination: Completed by an IRCC-designated doctor, including physical exam, bloodwork, chest x-rays, etc.
Biometrics: Fingerprints and photos captured at IRCC Visa Application Centre.
Settlement Funds: Proof of funds to support initial settlement costs in Canada.
Passport: Valid passport from country of citizenship.
Provincial and Territorial Nominee Programs
Find out about the Provincial Nominee Programs offered by each participating province and territory below:
British Columbia PNP
The BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) contains three categories: Skills Immigration, Express Entry BC, and Entrepreneur Immigration. 9 different streams across these categories are aimed at skilled workers, international graduates, and business immigrants.
Alberta Advantage Immigration Program
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) offers various streams for skilled workers, international graduates, semi-skilled workers, and business investors. Priority is given to applicants with skills and experience in high-demand occupations.
Saskatchewan PNP
The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) has over 15 streams across three categories: International Skilled Workers, International Graduates, and Entrepreneurs and Farm Owners. Applicants with skills in healthcare, IT, and trade occupations are in high demand.
Manitoba PNP
The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) contains three immigration categories: Skilled Workers, International Education Stream, and Business Investors. Opportunities exist through both Express Entry and direct provincial streams.
Ontario PNP
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has several Express Entry streams and direct entry streams for skilled workers, graduates, entrepreneurs and employers. Applicants with tech skills are highly sought after.
New Brunswick PNP
The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) offers Express Entry, skilled workers and business streams. Priority is given to applicants with experience in IT, engineering, business, health care and trades.
Nova Scotia PNP
The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) contains over 10 streams for skilled workers, physicians, international graduates and business applicants. Occupations in highest demand include IT, health and engineering.
Prince Edward Island PNP
The PEI PNP features Express Entry, Critical Worker, skilled worker, international graduate and business streams. Applicants with backgrounds in healthcare, agriculture, IT and hospitality are strongly desired.
Newfoundland & Labrador PNP
The Newfoundland and Labrador PNP targets Express Entry candidates, skilled workers, international graduates and business investors. Key occupations include engineering, business, health care, natural resources and tourism.
Yukon PNP
The Yukon Nominee Program (YNP) offers skilled workers, businesses, and critical impact worker streams. Key target occupations are trades, tourism, childcare, healthcare, and service industries.
Northwest Territories PNP
The Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) features Express Entry, Employer-Driven, Skilled Worker and Business streams. Key industries include mining, oil/gas, construction, health care, and hospitality.
Quebec PNP
The Quebec Provincial Nominee Program (QPNP) offers several immigration pathways, such as the Quebec Skilled Worker Program and the Quebec Experience Program. These programs help Quebec select qualified candidates to address labour shortages in key industries like information technology, manufacturing, and agriculture.
PNPs allow Canada’s provinces and territories to directly select immigrants who can help drive local economic growth in areas of labour shortage.
As PNP allocations continue to rise, these programs will only become more prominent and provide an accessible pathway to permanent immigration in Canada. Candidates are encouraged to explore their PNP options to find the best fit based on their background, skills, experience and settlement goals.
FAQs related to Provincial Nominee Programs in Canada
What are the different categories of PNP streams?
The main categories are Express Entry streams, base streams, business/investor streams, international graduate streams, and skilled worker streams.
How many PNP streams are there across Canada?
There are over 80 different PNP streams across the provinces. Each province has multiple streams under their provincial program.
Which PNP streams use Express Entry?
PNPs with Express Entry streams include Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, BC, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland/Labrador among others.
What is the maximum age to apply for a PNP?
While there is no maximum age limit specified, applicants typically must show they can actively participate in the labor market over several years.
Which occupations do not qualify for PNPs?
Jobs like cashiers, laborers, clerks, and general retail salespersons do not currently qualify for most PNPs as they are not considered skilled occupations.
How often do PNP criteria change?
PNP criteria are updated often, sometimes every few months, based on the changing economic and labor market priorities of each province.
What is the difference between Express Entry and PNP?
Express Entry manages permanent residence applications for FSWP, CEC, and FSTP. PNPs allow provinces to nominate candidates who will then apply through Express Entry or paper-based PR process.
Can I lose my nomination if I don't apply for PR quickly?
Yes, nominations through PNPs have expiry timelines. If candidates do not submit their PR application before nomination expiry, they could lose PR eligibility.