Canada's Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Overview

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals who wish to immigrate to Canada and settle in a specific province. It is a key pathway to permanent residence for skilled workers, semi-skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and international graduates.

Each province has its own PNP streams tailored to its economic needs and labor market requirements. Nominees receive a provincial nomination certificate which significantly speeds up the permanent residence application process with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Eligibility Criteria

While criteria vary by province, most PNP streams target applicants with:

• Skills and experience relevant to local job markets
• A valid job offer from an employer in the province (depending on the stream)
• Language proficiency in English or French
• Intent to reside in the nominating province
• Education credentials that meet Canadian standards

Some provinces offer streams without job offers, focusing on graduates, entrepreneurs, or workers in in-demand occupations.

Provincial Nominee Programs by Province and Territory

Here is a brief overview of PNP options available across Canada:

1. Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)

Streams for skilled workers, semi-skilled workers, and graduates with job offers in Alberta.

2. British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)

Includes Skills Immigration, Express Entry BC, and Entrepreneur Immigration streams. Focus on tech workers and international graduates.

3. Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)

Streams for skilled workers, international graduates, and business investors, with emphasis on ties to Manitoba.

4. New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)

Streams include Express Entry Labour Market, Skilled Workers, International Graduates, and Entrepreneurial streams.

5. Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)

Streams for skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs, focusing on the local labor market.

6. Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)

Offers Express Entry streams, skilled worker streams, and entrepreneur streams.

7. Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)

Includes Employer Job Offer streams, Human Capital streams aligned with Express Entry, and Business streams.

8. Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)

Streams for skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs.

9. Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)

Includes International Skilled Worker, Saskatchewan Express Entry, and Entrepreneur streams.

10. Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)

Streams for skilled workers and entrepreneurs with intent to live in the Northwest Territories.

11. Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)

Offers Skilled Worker, Critical Impact Worker, and Business nominee streams.

12. Nunavut

Currently does not have an active PNP but participates in federal immigration programs.

Application Process for PNP

The general steps to apply for a Provincial Nominee Program include:

• Check eligibility requirements for the specific province or territory.
• Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) or application to the province’s immigration office.
• Receive a provincial nomination if your application is approved.
• Apply to IRCC for permanent residence using the provincial nomination.
• Complete medical exams, background checks, and biometrics as part of the federal process.

Some provinces participate in the federal Express Entry system, allowing faster processing of PR applications for qualified candidates.

Benefits of the Provincial Nominee Program

• Faster permanent residence processing compared to regular immigration streams.
• Improved chances of immigration success due to provincial support.
• Access to a wide range of immigration streams tailored to specific skills and experience.
• Opportunity to live and work in a preferred province of Canada.