After Express Entry, the Provincial Nominee Program is the most popular pathway to immigrate to Canada as a permanent resident. The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate eligible foreign workers, students, and entrepreneurs. Once candidates get a provincial nomination, they can apply to the IRCC for a Canada PR visa through the PNP program within 6 months.
Each Canadian province and territory has its own Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
- Alberta – The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
- British Columbia – The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
- Manitoba – The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
- Ontario – The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
- Saskatchewan – The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
- New Brunswick – The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NB PNP)
- Newfoundland and Labrador – The Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)
- Nova Scotia – The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
- Prince Edward Island – The Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)
- Yukon – The Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)
- Northwest Territories – Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)
Note: Even though Quebec is a Canadian province, it does not have a Provincial Nominee Program. The province selects eligible applicants through the Quebec-Selected Skilled Worker (QSSW) program.
Nunavut is the only Canadian territory that does not have any specific nomination or selection program. You can still settle here after arriving in Canada as a Permanent Resident.
Overview
How Does the Provincial Nominee Program Work?
There are two kinds of Provincial Nominee Programs – the Express Entry streams and the non-express streams. Both work differently.
The Express Entry PNP Streams
Each Canadian province has an Express Entry stream that nominates candidates with an eligible Express Entry profile. This means that you need to be eligible for Express Entry and have an active profile in the pool to qualify for provincial nomination.
If you are applying through any of the Express Entry PNP streams, follow the steps below.
- Be eligible for one of the three pathways managed by the Express Entry system – the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
- While creating a profile, select the particular province you want to settle in.
- Have an active profile in the Express Entry pool with a CRS score out of 1,200 points.
- Apply to the Provincial Nominee Program of the province you want to settle in. For example, if you aim to settle in Ontario, apply to the OINP Human Capital Priorities stream.
- In some provinces, you might not need to contact the province. In this case, the province will select the eligible candidates from the Express Entry pool and send them a Notification of Interest (NOI). Once you get a NOI, you can then apply to the province for provincial nomination.
- Once you get the provincial nomination, accept the nomination in your Express Entry profile.
- You will then get an additional 600 CRS points by the Comprehensive Ranking System
- Get an ITA or Invitation to Apply in the latest Express Entry draw.
- Apply for a Canada PR visa through the Express Entry program within 60 days of getting the ITA.
The Non-Express Entry or Base PNP streams
If you do not have an active Express Entry profile, you can apply to the non-Express Entry Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams. This involves the following steps.
- Select the province you want to settle in and apply to.
- Create an Expression of Interest (EOI). This will notify the province that you are interested in working and settling there. While creating an Expression of Interest (EOI), you will get a score based on your language proficiency, work experience, education, age, and many other factors.
- In most cases, the provinces announce PNP draws and invite the most suitable EOIs to apply for provincial nomination.
- If you are invited to apply in the PNP draw, you can then apply for the provincial nomination.
- If the nomination application is approved by the province, they will issue you a provincial nomination certificate. You will then become a provincial nominee.
- As a provincial nominee, apply to IRCC for Canada PR through the Provincial Nominee Program.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for every province are different. However, there are some mandatory requirements for almost all cases.
- Be at least 18 years old or above
- Candidates must have completed their high school education. If your education is not from Canada, you must submit an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report.
- Score at least CLB/NCLC 4 in English or French language tests. Most provinces accept IELTS, CELPIP, and PTE-Core for English tests, and TEF and TCF for French tests.
- A relevant work experience of 1-3 years in an in-demand occupation is required by most provinces. The pathways exclusively for students might not require prior work experience.
- Many provinces have a points-based system to rank candidates based on their Expression of Interest (EOI). Score the minimum score if applicable.
- Aim to settle and work in the province permanently.
- Clear the medical exam (IME) and get the Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
- Be admissible in Canada.
Documents Required for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Every Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) requires specific documents according to the eligibility requirements and applicant’s profile. However, some documents are required by most PNPs. This mandatory document checklist is given below
- Valid Passport – This is required by all the PNPs. You will need to upload the personal details page and all the pages that include any visa in your passport.
- Proof of Language Proficiency – You will need to upload language test results to prove proficiency in French or English. The test results are valid for 2 years.
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) – If your education is not from Canada, upload the ECA report. The ECA report is valid for 5 years.
- Academic Proficiency – You will need to upload copies of your diploma, degrees, or certificates.
- Proof of Work Experience – In most cases, you will need to upload proof of previous work experience such as your designation, date of employment, and salary.
- Proof of Settlement Funds – You will be required to demonstrate that you have enough money to sustain yourself and your family after settling in the province.
- Medical Examination Report
- Police Certificates (PCC)
- Passport size photographs
- Provincial Nomination certificate (specifically for Express Entry PNP streams)
Canada PNP: Step-by-Step Application Process
The application process for the Provincial Nominee Program has two stages:
- Getting the provincial nomination from the province. This entirely depends on the provincial government.
- Becoming a provincial nominee and applying for the Canada PR visa. This is managed and controlled by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
| Express Entry PNP Streams | Base PNP streams |
|---|---|
| – Create an Express Entry Profile and be in the pool – If eligible, apply for one of the Canada Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) – Get a provincial nominee – The province will send the nomination notification to the IRCC account. – Accept the nomination – Get an additional 600 points in the CRS points calculator – Get an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in the Express Entry draws – Apply to IRCC for Canada PR within 60 days. | – Select the province you want to settle in. – Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the province. – Get an invitation to apply in the draws – Apply to the province for provincial nomination – If the application is approved, you will get a provincial nomination from the province. – Apply to the IRCC for Canada PR through the Provincial Nominee Program within 6 months. |
Latest PNP Draw
British Columbia
03 Dec, 2024
- Streams – Skilled Worker, International Graduate
- 06+ – ITAs
- 102 – Min. Score
Provincial Nominee Program – Total Nominations allocations for 2024
IRCC has allocated nominations for each province. This means that every province can nominate only a set number of eligible candidates. The nomination allocations of each province are given below.
| Provincial Nominee Program | Estimated Nominations allocated in 2024 |
|---|---|
| Alberta PNP | 10,500 |
| British Columbia PNP | 9,800 |
| Ontario | 21,500 |
| Manitoba | 9,600 |
| Saskatchewan | 8,000 |
| Nova Scotia | 6,000 |
| New Brunswick | 5,800 |
| Prince Edward Island | 2,500 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 2,100 |
| Northwest Territories | 300 |
| Yukon | 300 |
The Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) and their Streams
Each Canadian province and territory has its distinct nomination program. Below are all the Provincial Nominee Programs and their sub-streams.
Alberta PNP or Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
| Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) | |
| Sub-Categories for Foreign Workers | Eligibility Criteria |
| Tourism and Hospitality Stream (Non-Express Entry stream) | – Must be living and working in Alberta – Have a full-time job offer in the tourism and hospitality sector. |
| Alberta Opportunity Stream (AOS)(Non-Express Entry stream) | – Must be living and working in the province – Have a full-time job offer |
| Alberta Express Entry stream(Express Entry stream) | – Have an active Express Entry profile – Has sub-categories: (i) Dedicated Healthcare Pathway (ii) Accelerated Tech Pathway (iii) Law Enforcement Pathway (iv) For Priority sectors – agriculture, construction, tourism and hospitality |
| Rural Renewal Stream | – Requires an Endorsement letter from a designated community in Alberta – Must have a job offer |
| Sub-Categories for Businesspersons | Eligibility Criteria |
| Rural Entrepreneur Stream | If you aim to begin a business or buy an existing one in rural Alberta |
| Graduate Entrepreneur Stream | International graduates graduated from an Albertan institution who want to start a business in the province |
| Farm Stream | For experienced farmers who want to buy a farm or start one in Alberta |
| Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream | Foreign graduates with a degree from outside Canada who want to launch a start-up or an innovative business. |
British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) or British Columbia PNP
| British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) | |
| Skills Immigration Streams | Eligibility Criteria |
| Skilled Worker stream Skilled Worker stream – Express Entry option | – Job Offer in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 – 2 years of work experience – An active Express Entry profile |
| Health Authority stream | – A full-time employment offer from a B.C. public health authority or a health authority that confirms that you are a midwife, nurse, or physician in the province |
| Entry Level and Semi-Skilled (ELSS) | – Job offer in NOC TEER 4 or 5 |
| International Graduate stream International Graduate Express Entry stream | – Have completed a degree/diploma/certificate from a Canadian institution in the last 3 years – Job Offer in NOC 1, 2 or 3 – An active Express Entry profile |
| International Post-Graduate stream International Post-Graduate Express Entry stream | – Have completed either a master’s or a doctoral degree from British Columbia – Job offer not required – Express Entry profile in the pool |
| Entrepreneur Immigration | Eligibility Criteria |
| Base Stream | Establish a new business or buy an existing enterprise |
| Regional Stream | For entrepreneurs who want to begin a business in one of the smaller regions in British Columbia |
| Strategic Projects | This is for foreign companies who aim to invest in British Columbia and establish their operations in the province. |
The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) or the Manitoba PNP
| Manitoba PNP Categories | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| Manitoba Skilled Worker stream | |
| Skilled Worker in Manitoba (SWM) | – Ongoing job in Manitoba of at least 6 months – A valid work permit – A full-time job offer in Manitoba |
| Skilled Worker Overseas (SWO) | – Has three sub-categories (i) Manitoba Support (ii) Manitoba Experience (iii) Manitoba Invitation – Score at least 60 points |
| MPNP International Education Stream (IES) | |
| Career Employment Pathway | – Job offer – NCLC/CLB 7 – Graduation from Manitoba |
| Graduate Internship Pathway | – Master’s or Doctoral degree from Manitoba within the last 3 years – NCLC/CLB 7 – Finished an Internship in Manitoba (Mitacs Elevate or Accelerate) |
| International Student Entrepreneur Pilot | – Be 21-35 years old – CLB/NCLC 7 – Completed a 2-year educational program in Manitoba and aim to establish a business in the province |
| The Manitoba Business Investor Stream (BIS) | |
| Entrepreneur Pathway | For experienced business owners or senior managers planning to establish or purchase a business in the province. |
| Farm Investor Pathway | This is for individuals with proven farm business experience who want to establish and operate a farm in rural Manitoba |
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
| Ontario PNP | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| Employer Job Offer | Be eligible for one of the three categories – Foreign Worker Stream – International Student Stream – In-Demand Skills Stream |
| OINP Masters Graduate Stream | For international students with a master’s from a university in Ontario |
| OINP PhD Graduate Stream | For foreign students with a PhD degree from Ontario |
| Ontario Express Entry streams | Be eligible for one of the three Express Entry pathways: – Human Capital Priorities Stream – Skilled Trades stream – French-speaking Skilled Worker stream |
The Saskatchewan PNP or the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
| SINP categories | Eligibility criteria |
|---|---|
| International Skilled Worker | Be eligible for one of the six pathways – ISW: Employment Offer – Agriculture Talent Pathway – Health Talent Pathway – Tech Talent Pathway – ISW Occupation in-demand – International Skilled Worker Express Entry stream |
| Worker with Saskatchewan Work Experience | Qualify for one of the five sub-categories – Skilled Worker with Existing Work Permit – Students – Agriculture Talent Pathway – Health Talent Pathway – Tech Talent Pathway |
| Entrepreneur | For foreigners who want to own or partner in a business located in Saskatchewan |
| International Graduate Entrepreneur Category | For foreign students who have graduated from Saskatchewan and aim to become an entrepreneur in the province. |
| Farm Owner and Operator | This is for experienced farmers with capital who want to establish or buy a farm in the province. |
The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NB PNP)
| New Brunswick PNP Streams | Qualifying criteria |
|---|---|
| New Brunswick Strategic Initiative Stream | For eligible French-speaking candidates |
| New Brunswick Express Entry stream | Meet one of the three connections: – Employment connection – Students connection – Priorities connection |
| NB Skilled Worker Stream | For foreign workers with a job offer in New Brunswick. |
| NB Private Career College Graduate Pilot Program | For graduates from a private career college with a valid job offer |
| New Brunswick Business Immigration Stream | This pathway is for experienced businesspersons who aim to establish and manage a business in the province. |
The Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)
| Newfoundland and Labrador PNP | Eligibility criteria |
|---|---|
| NLPNP Skilled Worker | This stream is for foreign workers with a full-time job offer in NOC TEER 0,1,2,3,4 or 5 within the province. |
| NLPNP Express Entry | For foreign workers with an active Express Entry profile and a full-time job offer in Newfoundland and Labrador |
| NLPNP International Graduate | This pathway is for international graduates with a job offer in Newfoundland and Labrador who want to settle in the province. |
| International Entrepreneur stream | Be eligible for one of the categories: – Starting a New Business – Purchasing an Existing Business |
| International Graduate Entrepreneur | For recent graduates who want to start or operate a business in Newfoundland and Labrador. |
The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
| Nova Scotia PNP | Eligibility requirements |
|---|---|
| The Skilled Worker stream | For foreign workers and international students (21-55 yrs old) with a job offer in Nova Scotia |
| Occupations in Demand | For applicants who have a job offer in one of the in-demand NOC codes: – NOC 33102 (Nurse Aides) – NOC 65310 (Light duty cleaners) – NOC 73300 (Transport truck drivers) – NOC 73400 (Heavy equipment operators) – NOC 75110 (Construction trades helpers and laborers) |
| The Critical Construction Worker Pilot | This is for foreign workers who have a full-time job offer in the construction sector of the province. |
| International Graduates in Demand | Fresh foreign graduates with education and a job offer in an in-demand field or NOC code: – NOC 32102: (Paramedical occupations) – NOC 32124: Pharmacy technicians – NOC 33102: (Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates) – NOC 42202: (Early childhood educators and assistants) |
| International Graduate Entrepreneur | Recent graduates from a Nova Scotia university or the provincial community college who have already started a business in the province and have been managing it for at least a year. |
| Nova Scotia Entrepreneur stream | For experienced business owners or managers who aim to live in the province |
| Physician stream | This stream is for foreign physicians with signed opportunities with the Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) or the Izaak Walton Killam Health Centre (IWK) in NOC codes: – NOC 31102 – NOC 31100 – NOC 31101 |
| Labour Market Priorities for Physicians | This is an Express Entry stream for physicians with a job offer from NSHA or IWK. |
| Labour Market Priorities stream | This is an Express Entry stream that issues Letters of Interest (LOI) to eligible candidates in the federal pool. |
| The Experience: Express Entry stream | This stream selects applicants with an active Express Entry profile who have at least 1 year of work experience in Nova Scotia. |
The Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)
| PEI PNP streams | Eligibility criteria |
|---|---|
| PEI Skilled Worker Stream | This is for eligible skilled workers with a full-time job offer in Prince Edward Island and a 2-year work experience in the last 5 years |
| Critical Worker stream | For foreign workers of 18-59 years who have a valid job offer in NOC TEER category 4 or 5. |
| International Graduate stream | Foreign graduates from Prince Edward Island (PEI) with a full-time job offer in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3. |
| Occupations in-demand stream | This pathway is for eligible foreign workers with a job offer in an in-demand occupation such as: – NOC 33102 (Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates) – NOC 73300 (Transport truck drivers) – NOC 75110 (Construction trades helpers and labourers) – NOC 65310 (Light duty cleaners) – NOC 95109 (Other labourers in processing, manufacturing and utilities) – NOC 75101 (Material handlers) – NOC 94140 (Process control and machine operators food and beverage processing), or – NOC 94141 (Industrial butchers and meat cutters, poultry preparers and related workers) |
| Intermediate Experience stream | For skilled workers with a job offer in NOC TEER category 4 |
| PEI Express Entry stream | You must have an active Express Entry profile to be eligible for this pathway. |
The Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)
| Yukon PNP Streams | Eligibility criteria |
|---|---|
| Critical Impact Worker | Employers can hire workers for jobs in TEER 4 or 5 categories |
| Skilled Worker | This pathway allows employers to hire skilled workers for jobs in the NOC TEER category 0, 1, 2, or 3 |
| YNP Express Entry | Through this YNP stream, employers can hire eligible foreign workers who have an active Express Entry profile |
Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)
The Northwest Territories PNP has the following streams:
- Skilled Worker
- Entry Level/Semi-Skilled Occupations
- NWT Express Entry
Over time, the Provincial Nominee Program has expanded and evolved, becoming a critical component of Canada’s overall immigration strategy. It now includes multiple streams and categories targeting skilled workers, business people, and students. Between 2024 and 2026, it is expected that over 350,000 people will gain permanent residency in Canada through the PNP.
Which PNP is the easiest to get in Canada?
The easiest Provincial Nominee Program depends upon your profile. What makes PNP one of the easier pathways to get in Canada is the variety of programs and options available to applicants. Canada PNP offers as many as 80 streams through which you can get a nomination in one of the provinces.
Does PNP guarantee PR?
No. Getting a nomination certificate from a Canadian province only improves your chances of getting a Canada PR visa. It does not guarantee a PR. The decision to grant a PR visa solely depends on the Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Once you become a provincial nominee, you will still need to apply to the IRCC for Permanent Residence.
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