Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are a key part of Canada's immigration policy, with nearly 250,000 people expected to obtain Canadian permanent residence through a Provincial Nominee Program between 2021 and 2023.
Provincial Nominee Programs are the fastest-growing economic Canadian immigration pathway. Over recent years, the federal government has gradually increased provinces' annual allocations for their respective PNPs, showing the increasing importance of these programs within the overall Canadian immigration landscape.
Under Provincial Nominee Programs, provinces and territories in Canada can nominate individuals and families who wish to settle in their province or territory based on criteria set by the province.
Each province and territory determines their own eligibility criteria for Provincial Nominee Programs. For example, one province might prioritize bringing in provincial nominees with experience in a certain occupation, while another province might prioritize bringing in provincial nominees with French-language experience. It depends on the needs of each specific province and territory.
In order to become a provincial nominee, applicants must show that they meet the set criteria. This will show that the applicant has the skills, education, and work experience to be able to make a positive contribution to the local economy and society. The province or territory will consider the application based on the needs of the specific province, as well as the applicant's genuine intention to settle there.
Most provinces and territories have streams that are connected with the federal Express Entry selection system, through which "enhanced" nominations are available that award nominees 600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points.
A provincial nomination is the single most valuable factor in the CRS, effectively guaranteeing that the candidate receives an Invitation to Apply (ITA) at a subsequent draw from the pool.
The CRS is a score out of 1,200 assigned to Express Entry candidates, which decides who should get an ITA for permanent residency. In almost every round of Express Entry draws, these 600 bonus points would guarantee that the applicant would receive an ITA.
Individuals who wish to apply for a provincial nomination under an enhanced PNP stream must first create an Express Entry profile and enter the pool.
Find out about the Provincial Nominee Programs offered by each participating province and territory below. Note that Quebec does not have a Provincial Nominee Program, though it does operate its own Skilled Worker Program.
Ontario has one of the most varied and dynamic of Canada's Provincial Nominee Programs. Skilled workers, graduates, and businesspeople can plan their immigration to Ontario.
British Columbia offers wide-ranging streams and categories for workers, graduates, and entrepreneurs in its Provincial Nominee Program. It includes categories aligned with Canada's federal Express Entry immigration selection system.
Alberta is one of Canada's most popular destinations for new immigrants, offering PNP streams for Express Entry candidates and non-Express Entry candidates. Its Provincial Nominee Program welcomes workers, graduates, and entrepreneurs to the province.
The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program has been undergoing changes over the last several years. Check here to ensure that you have the latest information about the MPNP.
This province in the Canadian Prairies is looking to welcome Express Entry candidates, as well as workers in in-demand occupations.
With many Express Entry-aligned streams and room to welcome graduates and entrepreneurs, Nova Scotia is an increasingly popular destination for newcomers.
The NBPNP includes a popular Express Entry-linked stream, as well as opportunities for workers with a job offers and immigrant entrepreneurs.
The PEI PNP welcomes applications from Express Entry candidates, skilled workers, graduates, and business investors.
The NLPNP includes Canadian immigration pathways for Express Entry candidates, graduates, workers, and business people.
If you have a job offer up north in the Northwest Territories, the NTNP could be your immigration route. Express Entry candidates have a dedicated stream under the NTNP.
Yukon is looking for Express Entry candidates and other workers, as well as business people, to contribute to life in the territory.