Provincial Nominee Programs

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs offer a passage for interested individuals obtaining Canadian permanent residence to immigrate to a specific Canadian province or territory. 

Each Canadian province and territory targets specific types of immigrants and manages its own PNPs designed to meet its specific economic and demographic needs. As these streams are designed by the provinces to help meet their unique immigration goals, the eligibility criteria and application procedures vary. However, PNPs are a popular option because they allow immigrants to choose the province or territory where they want to live and work, and can be the easiest route to Canadian permanent residence.

Except for Quebec which has its own selection process, all Canadian provinces and two territories participate in the Provincial Nominee Programs.

To apply for permanent residency in a specific province of Canada, a candidate is required to first determine which immigration program is suitable for them and then follow an online process through the non-Express Entry process, or through Express Entry. Successful Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) applicants obtain a provincial nomination, which allows them to apply to the federal government for permanent residence.

Our experienced Immigration Consultants can advise you on the steps forward during your application process to avoid possible mistakes.

Apply through the non-Express Entry process

Some provinces issue nominations to applicants who do not qualify for Express Entry.

1. Apply to the province or territory for nomination under a non-Express Entry stream

2. If nominated, apply for permanent residence as a provincial nominee through Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)

A non-Express Entry PNP application is typically subjected to longer processing time.

Apply through Express Entry

Before applying through Express Entry, you must check the eligibility requirements for both of the following:

• the PNP program of the province or territory where you want to live and work

• the Express Entry program you want to apply for

Application process through Express Entry:

1. Create an account and submit an Express Entry profile

2. Decide on the preferred province and apply to an Express Entry-aligned PNP

3. Receive an Express Entry stream nomination certificate

4. Confirm the Express Entry on the profile

5. Wait to receive an invitation for permanent residence

6. Apply for permanent residence through the Express Entry system within 60 calendar days

7. Attend an interview with a visa officer (if required)

8. Receive your permanent residence visa

As all PNPs are different, the process for applying and receiving a nomination through the Express Entry system varies depending on the program.

The PNP application process can be confusing, and applications can be refused if they are submitted incorrectly or if they are incomplete. Applicants should take care to ensure that applications are completed correctly and submitted through the proper channel.