Provincial Nomination Program

All Canadian Provinces have their unique immigration programs that can either support a Federal Immigration application via ‘Express Entry’ or through a stand-alone PNP application. The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) gives provinces and territories an active role in immigrant selection as it authorizes them to nominate for permanent residence individuals who will meet specific local labour market needs. Most PNPs include one or more employer-driven streams which allow workers to be nominated based on a permanent, full-time job offer, provided they meet provincial or territorial nomination requirements (these may include specific occupations, education, work experience, official language proficiency and age).
The provinces have various streams in their PNPs, but they tend to fall into following clusters:

  • Skilled workers
  • Semi-skilled workers
  • Business/Investors
  • International Graduates
  • Family/community connections

PNPs are a key part of Canada’s immigration policy and are the fastest-growing economic Canadian immigration pathway. Over recent years, the federal government has gradually increased provinces’ annual allocations for their respective PNPs, displaying the increasing importance of these programs within the overall Canadian immigration landscape.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) currently available in Canada?

Nunavut (northern territory) does not currently have a PNP and Quebec does not participate in the federal government’s PNP.

PNP FAQ’s

What is Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)?

PNP allow Canadian provinces/territories to nominate individuals for immigration to their province/territory based on criteria set by the provincial/territorial government. Successful applicants obtain a provincial nomination, which allows them to apply for permanent residence.

What is the Express Entry Stream of PNP?

The Express Entry stream is aligned with federal express entry system. Under this stream a Canadian province can select the candidates from express entry pool and notify them to apply in their Provincial Nominee Program.

Which PNP has the lowest language (IELTS/CELPIP) score requirements?

Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Northwest Territories require the lowest language (IELTS/CELPIP) score (CLB 4) out of all the Canadian provinces.

Does receiving a Provincial Nominee guarantee a Canada Immigration Visa?

No! Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC) must be satisfied that a provincial nominee meets statutory requirements (e.g., health, security, and authenticity of documents) before issuing a Canada Immigration Visa.

Can I qualify for a PNP if I do not qualify for Express Entry?

Yes! Some provinces issue nominations to applicants who do not qualify for express entry.

What are the requirements for PNPs?

The requirements are different for each PNP in Canada. Provinces and territories are often looking for candidates with work experience that meets the needs of their specific labour market. Factors like language, education, experience, and close relatives are key selection factors. Candidates need to demonstrate that they will be able to contribute to the local economy and have a genuine intention to settle in that province/territory.

Are there any benefits to applying for the PNP?

PNP’s aligned with federal government’s express entry program award 600 CRS additional points which automatically triggers an ITA. PNP may also issue work permit support letter (WPSL) which can be used to apply/extend the work permit application.

Where do I submit my PNP application?

It depends on which province/territory you intend on applying for. Therefore, you must submit your application to the appropriate provincial or territorial government office.

What is the processing time for a PNP application?

Processing times vary from one province to the next, but it typically takes a few months for your application to be processed. Applying for Canadian permanent residence through a PNP is a two-step process. First, you must apply to the province. Once the PNP has been approved, you must then submit your application to the federal government. Only the federal government can grant you Canadian PR.

How we can help?

  • The Provincial Nominee Program is a great opportunity to gain permanent residence in Canada. However, the criteria and/or requirements for PNP differ in every province/territory, and therefore an applicant cannot afford to make a single error. We will help you understand which province and PNP stream might be the best option for your application, and what specific requirements are necessary.
  • We review the documents and submit the PNP application.
  • We review the documents and submit the final Permanent Residence application to IRCC.
  • We track the application throughout the process while communicating with the government on client’s behalf.