Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals who want to immigrate to Canada and settle in a specific region. Each province and territory (except Quebec and Nunavut) selects candidates based on its labor market and economic needs.
Quebec manages its own economic immigration programs and does not participate in the PNP, and Nunavut does not currently have a provincial nomination stream.
How the PNP Works
Canada’s immigration system is shared between the federal government and provinces/territories. The PNP helps distribute the benefits of immigration across the country. Since the PNP’s launch in 1998, more immigrants have settled in provinces beyond Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec, including the Prairie provinces and Atlantic provinces.
Each PNP may have multiple streams, including:
1. Enhanced (Express Entry-aligned) Streams
- These streams are linked to the federal Express Entry system.
- Successful nominations give candidates 600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, making it very likely to receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence.
- Express Entry PNP applications are typically processed faster by the federal government, usually within 6 months, though timelines may vary.
2. Base (non-Express Entry) streams
- Candidates apply directly to the province.
- Once nominated, applicants submit a permanent residence application to IRCC, which can take longer than Express Entry timelines, depending on the province and stream.
Provinces and Territories with PNP Streams
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Nova Scotia
- Ontario
- Prince Edward Island
- Saskatchewan
- Northwest Territories
- Yukon
How to Apply
The application process depends on the province or territory and may be done either through Express Entry or directly (paper-based):
1. Direct / Paper-based PNP
- Check the eligibility criteria for the province you wish to settle in.
- Submit a nomination application to the province.
- If nominated, apply to IRCC for permanent residence.
- Processing times vary and may take over a year, depending on the province and application stream.
2. Express Entry PNP (Enhanced Stream)
- Create an Express Entry profile on the federal system.
- Provinces may issue a Notification of Interest (NOI) to eligible candidates.
- Submit a PNP application through the province’s portal.
- If nominated, the profile receives 600 CRS points, greatly increasing the chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
- Federal processing of PR applications typically takes around 6 months, though this may vary.
