The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is a vital part of Canada's immigration strategy, allowing provinces and territories to nominate individuals who have the skills, education, and work experience needed to contribute to their specific economy.
If you wish to immigrate to a particular Canadian province, the PNP could be your express ticket. Each province and territory has its own unique PNP streams, targeting students, business people, skilled workers, and semi-skilled workers based on their individual needs.
While specific requirements vary greatly by province and stream, most PNPs are built around a core set of criteria to select candidates who are most likely to succeed economically.
Provinces nominate candidates whose work experience aligns with their specific labour market needs. You must typically have experience in an in-demand occupation listed by the province.
A valid, full-time, permanent job offer from an employer in the province is a cornerstone of many PNP streams. The job must meet the province's skill level (NOC/TEER) and wage requirements.
You must demonstrate a minimum level of proficiency in English or French by submitting results from an approved language test like IELTS or CELPIP. The required score (CLB/NCLC) varies by PNP stream.
You must have completed a level of education that meets the requirements of the stream. For education obtained outside Canada, an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is usually required to prove it is equivalent to Canadian standards.
A crucial requirement for all PNPs is a genuine intention to live, work, and establish your life in the province that nominates you. This can be demonstrated through factors like a job offer, family ties, or a detailed settlement plan.
While many provinces offer excellent programs, some are particularly popular due to their high nomination allocations and diverse streams. One of the most prominent is:
As Canada's economic engine, Ontario attracts a large number of immigrants. The OINP offers a wide range of streams for skilled workers, graduates, and entrepreneurs, including several that are aligned with the federal Express Entry system.
Learn More about OINPAlmost every province and territory has its own Provincial Nominee Program. Here is a list of the participating regions (note that Quebec has its own distinct selection system):
There are two primary ways to apply for a PNP:
You apply directly to a province's PNP stream. If you receive a nomination, you then submit a separate paper-based application for permanent residence to IRCC. This process is generally longer than the Express Entry-aligned pathway.
You first create an Express Entry profile. Then, you either apply to an Express Entry-aligned PNP stream or receive a "notification of interest" from a province. A nomination through this stream grants you 600 additional CRS points, effectively guaranteeing you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in a subsequent Express Entry draw.
"The OINP seemed so complicated, but the team at BritishOxford made it simple. They identified the right stream for my profile, and the provincial nomination gave me the points I needed for Express Entry. I am now a proud permanent resident of Ontario!"
"I was struggling with a low CRS score. BritishOxford advised me to apply for the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program. Their expertise was incredible, and I received a nomination for my occupation. I can't thank them enough for their guidance."