The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is a Canadian immigration program that permits provinces and territories to propose applicants for permanent residency based on specific economic and demographic needs. The PNP is intended to alleviate regional labor market shortages, promote economic development, and help local communities prosper.
Except for Quebec, each Canadian province and territory has its PNP with its own qualifying criteria and selection processes. These programs are adapted to each region’s specific needs and priorities. The participating provinces and territories can nominate applicants with the necessary skills, education, work experience, and language proficiency to contribute to their local economies.
How the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) operates
This program is for employees who
- Having the talents, education, and job experience to help a certain province or territory’s economy
- Would like to live in that province
- Wish to become Canadian permanent residents
Each province and territory is unique. Footnote has its own immigration “streams” (programs that target specific categories) and requirements. Provinces and territories, for example, may be targeted in a program stream.
- Students
- Business people
- Skilled workers
- Semi-skilled workers
Understand the application options
How you apply is determined by the Provincial Nominee Program Canada stream you use. Applicants can submit their application through the non-Express Entry or Express Entry pathways.
You will be required to undergo a medical exam and obtain a police check (certificate) as part of the process. Regardless, if you want to live in Canada, everyone must have these checks.
Non-Express Entry process
In the case of non-Express Entry:
- You apply for nomination to the province or territory using a non-nominal entrance stream.
- It is essential to fulfill the criteria set by the nominating section.
- You apply for permanent residence online if you are nominated.
- You must obtain a
- Medical examination
- Police check (certificate)
- The processing time for applications is longer compared to the Express Entry system.
Express Entry process
There are two available methods to apply for the Express Entry process online:
- You apply to the province or territory for an Express Entry nomination.
- If the province or territory agrees to nominate you, you must build an Express Entry profile (or update your existing profile) and prove that you have been assigned.
Or,
- You build an Express Entry profile and indicate the provinces and territories you are interested in.
- You contact a province or territory directly if they send a “notification of interest” to your account.
- Furthermore, you can apply using their Express Entry program.
- If you are nominated, the province or territory will send you a nomination certificate, which you must accept electronically.
You must, in both circumstances
- Meet the province’s or territory’s eligibility standards and
- Submit an Express Entry profile and demonstrate that you match the Express Entry minimal criteria, including eligibility for one of the immigration programs it covers.
- If you are requested to apply, you must complete an electronic application and send it to the IRCC.
Which PNP Streams Do I Qualify For?
With over 80 province immigration streams, determining the right Canadian immigration option for you may be difficult. The Canada PNP Finder is intended to assist you in selecting the best immigration path to Canada PR under PNP program and keeping track of the most recent Canada PNP developments. To use this tool, click on the red button and make an appointment with us.
Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program, formerly known as the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP), has eight streams divided into two main categories: workers and entrepreneurs. Foreign nationals who meet program-specific criteria and exhibit a desire to live in the prairie province are eligible for provincial nominations.
British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) encompasses the Skills Immigration, Express Entry BC, and Entrepreneur Immigration Streams, offering different pathways for skilled workers, international graduates, and professionals with the required qualifications and experience in British Columbia. These streams are further categorized to specifically target individuals who possess the necessary skills and capabilities in the province, thus providing opportunities for various groups of applicants.
Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program is divided into streams intended to nominate talented workers and their families who seek to work and live permanently in the province. The MPNP is currently being updated.
New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)
The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) is the province’s immigration program, featuring streams aimed at entrepreneurs, international graduates, skilled employees with employer support, and skilled workers through the federal government’s Express Entry selection system.
Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)
The Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) welcomes immigration applications from skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs who meet specific program criteria. These criteria typically include having a job or job offer, demonstrating an intention to live in the province, and exhibiting the potential to establish themselves economically.
Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) is specifically tailored for the nomination of skilled workers, international graduates, entrepreneurs, and professionals seeking permanent residency in Nova Scotia. The program consists of three economic immigration streams, one aligned with Canada’s Express Entry system.
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
Ontario nominates foreign workers, international students, business owners, or entrepreneurs with the skills, experience, education, and intent to settle in the province as permanent residents through the OINP.
Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)
The Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) is the economic immigration program for the island province, targeting skilled professionals, international graduates, and entrepreneurs who express their intention to reside and work in PEI. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate their capacity to establish themselves economically within the province.
Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
The Saskatchewan Immigration Nominee Program (SINP) is an exclusive immigration program of the province designed to select and nominate eligible foreign individuals through various streams, including the prominent International Skilled Worker: Express Entry and Occupation In-Demand categories.
Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)
The Northwest Territories accepts applications for economic immigration to settle in Northern Canada through two main streams: Employer Driven and Business, each of which has three distinct streams, including an Express Entry-aligned route for skilled workers.
Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)
Yukon’s official immigration program for the province aids eligible companies in Canada’s Northern Territory to nominate internationally trained foreign workers and entrepreneurs for permanent residency in Canada.
Tracker for Provincial Nominee Program Updates
Each province and territory in Canada has its own set of immigration programs, known as Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). The Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) differ from one another as each province has unique demographic and labor requirements. Programs may be available at various seasons and for varying lengths. Because PNPs are continually changing, visit this page frequently to get the most up-to-date information on Canada’s PNPs.
How are points for the Provincial Nominee Program calculated?
Because each province has its own qualifying rules, multiple-point systems determine who can apply for or receive an invitation. Points are usually awarded based on age, employment experience, education, language skills, and ties to the province. Not all nominee programs rank their candidates using a point system.
How can I improve my chances of being nominated?
You can boost your chances of earning a provincial nomination by completing an Express Entry profile. Provinces routinely search the Express Entry pool for shapes that can assist in filling labor or demographic needs. Ensuring your strong profile and interest in several areas helps you get invited through an Express Entry PNP. As several PNPs require applicants to demonstrate a connection to the province, having a history of studying or working in Canada can be advantageous.
What makes a good PNP candidate?
The ideal PNP applicant will have work experience and abilities to assist a province in responding to the labor market or demographic needs. Other elements that may improve one’s chances are:
- Establish a strong connection with the host province through work experience, a job offer, past studies, or family ties.
- Work experience in a desirable occupation
- Excellent command of the English language
- French proficiency
Is it possible to apply for a Provincial Nominee Program without a job offer?
Various Provincial Nominee Program for India are also available to overseas candidates who still need a job offer in Canada. These programs frequently seek people with talents or work experience who will help the province fill the labor market or demographic shortfalls. Check out our dedicated blog post on the finest Canada immigration PNP program for candidates without ties to Canada to learn more on our Khanna Immigration Services website.