Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
Immigrate to Canada Through Provincial Nomination
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows Canada’s provinces and territories to nominate individuals for permanent residence based on their skills, education, work experience, and ability to contribute to the local economy. Each province and territory has its own unique PNP streams targeting skilled workers, international graduates, entrepreneurs, and semi-skilled workers.
Through the PNP, applicants can demonstrate their genuine intent to settle in a specific province or territory. Once nominated, candidates receive a nomination certificate, which they include in their application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to apply for permanent residency.
Why Choose Provincial Nominee Programs?
- Region-specific immigration → Tailored to provincial economic needs.
- Faster pathway to PR → Many PNP streams allow quicker permanent residency compared to federal programs.
- Multiple options → Provinces can select applicants for skilled work, business investment, or semi-skilled roles.
- Supports Canadian labor market → Helps provinces fill local job vacancies and foster economic growth.
Eligibility Criteria for Sponsors
Federal Eligibility
To enter an Express Entry-based PNP stream, applicants must meet federal program requirements for at least one of the following:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Provincial Requirements
- Demonstrate skills, work experience, and education aligned with provincial labor needs.
- Show intention to live and work in the nominating province or territory.
- Additional criteria vary by province or territory.
Provinces & Territories Offering PNP
- Alberta Nominee Program
- British Columbia Nominee Program
- Manitoba Nominee Program
- New Brunswick Nominee Program
- Newfoundland & Labrador Nominee Program
- Nova Scotia Nominee Program
- Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program
- Prince Edward Island (PEI) Nominee Program
- Quebec Nominee Program
- Saskatchewan
- Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon
PNP Through Express Entry
Check Eligibility
- Confirm you meet federal and provincial requirements.
Get a Nomination
- Create an Express Entry profile and indicate preferred provinces.
- Provinces may send a notification of interest for specific streams.
- Apply for provincial nomination as per their criteria.
Update Express Entry Profile
- Include nomination in your profile → Receive 600 additional CRS points.
- Boosts chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
Apply for Permanent Residence
- Submit application online through Express Entry once ITA is received.
PNP Outside Express Entry
Check Eligibility
- Meet provincial/territorial criteria for specific PNP streams.
Apply for Nomination
- Submit application directly to the province/territory.
Apply for Permanent Residence
- Once nominated, apply online for PR through the provincial nomination process.
Eligibility Criteria for Sponsors
For Immigrants
- Faster route to permanent residence
- Ability to immigrate to specific provinces matching skills and experience
- Clear path to Canadian citizenship once settled
For Provinces & Territories
- Attract skilled migrants for local labor market needs
- Fill job vacancies and promote business development
- Support economic growth and demographic stability
Required Documents
- Passport and travel documents
- Proof of work experience and education
- Language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF, depending on stream)
- Proof of funds (if required)
- Nomination certificate from province/territory
- Police certificates and medical exams (if required)
Ontario
British Columbia
Alberta
Manitoba
Prince Edward Island (PEI)
New Brunswick
Saskatchewan
Newfound Land & Labrador
Nova Scotia
Northwest Territories
Yukon
Nunavut
Quebec
Frequently Asked Questions
The PNP is an immigration program that allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals who wish to immigrate to Canada and settle in a specific province. Each province (except Quebec) manages its own program with unique streams based on local labor market needs.
Yes, but each province may have different criteria and separate applications.
Depends on the stream. Some provinces nominate through Express Entry, others via a direct PNP application.
Yes, if you have a valid work permit or qualify under the province’s requirements.
Processing times vary by province and stream, typically 6–12 months, faster with Express Entry streams.
No. Nomination is a key step, but final PR approval depends on IRCC assessment.
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