Canada Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) provide an option to immigrate to Canada for individuals who do not have enough points to be selected under the federal Express Entry system or not eligible for any other immigration category.
NOTE: Later on this page we provide a summary of each program with a link to their full detail and requirements. Please use our Canada Provincial Nominee Finder to quickly find your best provincial immigration pathways to Canadian permanent residence and for detailed requirements.
The PNP allow Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals who wish to immigrate to Canada and who are interested in settling in a particular province.
Note that each Canadian province (except Quebec, which has a different selection system) and the two territories have their own unique PNPs and each has its own selection criteria to find immigrants with skills that the province needs which are not sufficiently available locally. The selection criteria and occupations vary from province/territory to province/territory.
PNP Requirements
You must first be entered into the Express Entry System with their CRS score (calculate your CRS points here). You then have to make a separate application to a PNP program. You will remain in the Express Entry pool for a year, or until you are selected to apply for Permanent Residence. If you are not selected after being in the pool for 12 months you should make a new expression of interest by creating another profile.
After the province/territory processes your PNP application (typically 3-4 months), you will be granted 600 points to add to your Express Entry score. With these additional 600 points, you will be selected and invited to apply for PR at the very next draw, which occurs every 2 weeks.
Benefits of applying under PNP program
Once a Provincial Nominee Certificate is granted, you receive 600 point that goes towards your Express Entry score. On average, individuals without a PNP certificate will score between 300 and 500. The most recent cutoff scores to be selected for Express Entry have been in the 400 – 500 range. Individuals with a PNP Certificate automatically are granted 600 points to add to their Express Entry core of 300-500 points. The PNP certificate would give a final Express Entry score above 900 which is significantly higher than the current cutoff selection score of around 400-500 points.
Occupation based PNP
Each province/territory in Canada is looking for candidates with skilled job experience to fill labour shortages in their province. The list of occupations vary from province to province, depending on their needs. If you are granted a PNP nomination by a province/territory, you most likely will be able to find a job since you are granted a PNP for a job category where their is a shortage of your skill set.
Job Experience Categories
If you have job experience in one of the categories below and you are interested in applying for Permanent Residence in Canada, please contact us for assistance and we can help you get PR under these PNP programs.
Administrative Assistants
Administrative assistants
Aerospace
Aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanics, technicians and inspectors
Advertising and Marketing
Professional occupations in advertising, marketing and public relations
Agriculture
Landscape and horticulture technicians and specialists
Managers in agriculture
Engineers
Civil Engineers
Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Drafting Technologists and Technicians
Mechanical Engineers
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Finance and Accounting
Accounting and related clerks
Financial Auditors and Accountants
Financial and Investment Analysts
Financial Sales Representatives
Other Financial Officers
Mathematicians, statisticians and actuaries
Information Technology
Computer Programmers and Interactive Media Developers
Computer Network Technician
Information Systems Analysts and Consultants
Health information management occupations
User Support Technicians
Law
Paralegal and related occupations
Medicine and Health
Biological technologists and technicians
Health information management occupations
Licensed Practical Nurses
Registered Nurses
Teacher
College and other vocational instructor
Trades
Appliance servicers and repairers
Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers
Heavy-duty equipment mechanics
Gas fitters
Miscellaneous
Facility operation and maintenance managers
Geoscientists and Oceanographers
Managers in social, community and correctional services
Social and community service workers
Property administrators
Recreation, sports and fitness program and service directors
Technical occupations in geomantic and meteorology
Available Provincial and Territorial PNP Programs
NOTE: the following is a summary of each program with a link to their full detail and requirements. Please use our Canada Provincial Nominee Finder to quickly find your best provincial immigration pathways to Canadian permanent residence and for detailed requirements.
Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program
The Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) nominates individuals for settlement in Alberta as Canadian permanent residents. Nominees must have skills and abilities to fill job shortages in Alberta. They must also be able to provide for their families over the long term.
The program is run by the Alberta government in conjunction with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Nominees and their spouse/common-law partner and dependent children apply through IRCC who makes final decisions on all permanent resident applications.
For details, forms and processing timelines visit:
Alberta Provincial Nominee Program
Alberta Government Portal – Immigrant Nominee Program
British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
The BC PNP is a way for high-demand foreign workers and experienced entrepreneurs to gain permanent residency in B.C. Through the BCPNP, prospective immigrants with the skills and experience targeted by the province may receive a British Columbia Provincial Nomination Certificate, which will allow that foreign national to apply for Canadian permanent residence with processing times that are faster than other Canadian immigration classes.
The BC PNP accepts applications under two main immigration streams:
- Skills Immigration (including Express Entry British Columbia)
- Entrepreneur Immigration
These streams are further divided into categories.
All the information, forms and guides you need can be found at:
British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
The BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
Manitoba has the oldest PNP in Canada, being first to establish one in 1998. It was was created “to provide Manitoba with a mechanism to increase the economic benefit of immigration to Manitoba based on industrial and economic priorities and labour market conditions.” The MPNP drives population growth in Manitoba, nominating skilled working-age people who are staying in the province. Because of the MPNP, Manitoba’s population has had net positive growth since 2006.
According to the Manitoba Government:
- Without the MPNP, Manitoba’s GDP growth would be up to 30% lower.
- Over 90% of Provincial Nominees are employed within their first year in Manitoba.
- Manitoba retains almost 90% of Provincial Nominees.
- Over 130,000 Provincial Nominees have landed since 1998.
- Over $308 million invested in Manitoba by MPNP Business nominees to date.
- Over 90% of economic immigrants to Manitoba arrive through the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program
The Government of Manitoba unveiled its restructured Provincial Nominee Program on November 15, 2017. Becoming a permanent resident of Canada through the MPNP is a two-step process. Successful applicants are nominated by Manitoba. Nomination enables them to make a separate, expedited application to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) for Canadian permanent residence for themselves and their dependants.
For details of requirements and step-by-step processes visit:
Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
General MPNP Process and Policies
New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)
NBPNP is a provincial immigration program made possible through an agreement with the Government of Canada. As an economic program, the NBPNP selects, and nominates, qualified business people and skilled workers from around the world who will live in New Brunswick and contribute to the local economy.
The NBPNP accepts applications under the following immigration categories:
- Express Entry Labour Market Stream
- Skilled Workers with Employer Support
- Post-Graduate Entrepreneurial Stream
- Skilled Workers with Family Support
- Entrepreneurial Stream
- Succession Connect pilot program
For full information on requirements and guidelines visit:
New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBNPP)
Immigration and Settlement in New Brunswick
Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)
The NLPNP accepts applications under the following immigration categories:
- Newfoundland & Labrador Express Entry Skilled Worker
- Skilled Worker Category
- International Graduate Category
- Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program
The NLPNP offers aefficient immigration process for qualified skilled workers, international graduates and their families who wish to settle permanently in Newfoundland and Labrador. It also provides assistance from provincial Immigration Program Development Officers who are available to explain the program requirements, and guide applicants throughout the application process. Newfoundland and Labrador may nominate up to 1,050 individuals annually through the NLPNP, through the Skilled Worker, International Graduate, and Express Entry-Skilled Worker categories.
For details and requirements visit:
Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)
Information for NLPNP Applicants
Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)
The NTNP accepts applications under two immigration programs, each with their own set of stream:
- Northwest Territories Express Entry
- Employer Driven Program
- Business Driven Program
The NTNP helps strengthen the Northwest Territories economy by attracting qualified individuals to fill critical labour shortages and promote business development. The Program can assist employers in recruiting and retaining foreign workers and can help foreign workers and their families make the Northwest Territories their permanent home. As with the other Canadian PNPs, the federal IRCC makes the final decision on all nominees.
For more information on requirements and guidelines visit:
Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)
Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
The province of Nova Scotia is composed of the Nova Scotia peninsula, Cape Breton Island, and over 3,000 smaller islands. Through the Nova Scotia Provincial Nominnee Program (NSNP), prospective immigrants who have the skills and experience targeted by Nova Scotia may be nominated to immigrate.
The application process depends on the stream you qualify for. Review the different NSNP streams to determine if you qualify:
- Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities
- Physician
- Entrepreneur
- International Graduate Entrepreneur
- Skilled Worker
- Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry
- Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry
The processing time for eligible applications can be three (3) months or more.
Within six (6) months of receiving your nominee certificate, apply to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) for your permanent resident visa. You, your spouse and your dependents must meet all requirements for medical, security and criminal admissibility. In some cases you may be asked to go for an interview. CIC has the final authority to issue a permanent resident visa.
For full information on requirements and guidelines, visit: Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
Ontario is Canada’s most populous province, with over 40% of Canada’s population. It is also the most popular landing destination for immigrants from around the world.
The OINP accepts candidates under the following categories: Business, Employer Job Offer and Human Capital. Each category is comprised of various streams under which applicants may submit an application.
Business Category:
- Corporate Stream
- Entrepreneur Stream
Employer Job Offer Category:
- Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream
- Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream
- Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream
Human Capital Category:
- Masters Graduate Stream
- PhD Graduate Stream
- Ontario’s Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream
- Ontario’s Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream
- Ontario’s Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream
For more information and guidelines on OINP visit:
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)
You can apply for a PEI Express Entry nomination for permanent residency through the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP). Your nomination through PEI PNP will increase your chance of being issued an Invitation to Apply from the Federal Government.
To be eligible for nomination through PEI Express Entry, you must:
- meet the requirements of at least one of the Federal Economic Immigration programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program;
- Federal Skilled Trades Program; or
- Canadian Experience Class
- create a Federal Express Entry Profile and be placed in the pool of candidates. You can create a profile at any time through IRCC.
There are two pathways to permanent residency through the PEI Express Entry Category, depending on if you have a job offer in PEI or not. Priority will be given to applicants that are living and working in PEI.
If you meet the eligibility criteria listed above you must first read the Express Entry Guide then you or your representative must create a profile in the Prince Edward Island Expression of Interest system. To create a profile you will be asked to provide a valid email address, and identification information including your passport details. Once your account has been verified, you will be able to proceed to complete your profile. Applicants can only have one active profile at any one time.
Note: An Expression of Interest is not an application, but an indication of your interest in being considered to apply to the PEI PNP Express Entry. The Office reserves the right to limit intake or make exclusions from Expressions of Interest draws.
For additional information and guidelines on PEI PNP visit:
Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program
Quebec Immigration Programs Overview
The province of Quebec administers its own immigration programs with selection criteria that are distinct from those of federal and other provincial immigration programs.
The Quebec Ministry of Immigration (MIDI) selects candidates considered most likely to successfully settle in the French-speaking province.
Foreign nationals wishing to settle permanently in Quebec must undergo a two-step immigration process.
1. They must be selected by the Ministère de l’immigration, de la Diversité et de l’Inclusion (MIDI), Quebec’s immigration authority.
Selected applicants will receive a Quebec Certificate of Selection (CSQ). This is an official document issued by Quebec immigration authorities to attest that the candidate has been selected by the province. It is not a visa, so it cannot be utilized to enter into Canada.
According to the Regulations of August 2nd 2018, a CSQ is valid for 24 months or until a decision has been rendered by the Immigration, Refugees and citizenship Canada (IRCC) with respect to the permanent resident visa application.
2. An approved CSQ holder must file a permanent residence application with IRCC within 24 months since the date the CSQ was issued.
The federal government’s role in evaluating a Quebec application for permanent residence is mainly limited to issues of health and criminality.
At this stage, an application will be submitted to IRCC, including police certificates and medical exams, when requested.
What are the programs administered by Quebec?
Currently, candidates who want to settle in Quebec can apply for a CSQ in one of the following categories:
- Quebec Skilled Worker Program
- Quebec Business Immigration
- Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)
For detailed requirements and guidelines visit: Quebec Immigration Programs
Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
Saskatchewan is one of the Canada’s most rapidly growing economies and populations, thanks largely to immigrants from around the world.
The SINP accepts applications under the following categories:
- International Skilled Worker
- Saskatchewan Experience
- Entrepreneur and Farm
Each these categories may have one or more sub-categories. For complete information visit:
Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
Official Site of Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)
The Government of Yukon works with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to bring foreign, skilled workers and business owners to Yukon. This allows the province to nominate qualified foreign nationals to the federal government for permanent residency.
These are the Yukon Nominee Programs:
- The Skilled Worker Program is for qualified workers who fit into National Occupational Classification (NOC) 0, A or B categories.
- Express Entry is for skilled workers who fit into National Occupational Classification (NOC) A, 0 and B.
- The Critical Impact Worker Program is for qualified workers who fit into National Occupational Classification (NOC) C or D categories.
- The Business Nominee Program is for individuals with proven business skills who want to own and operate businesses in Yukon.
For more information visit:
Yukon Immigrants Nominee Program (YNP)
Yukon Nominee Program Official Site
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
CLICK TO CALCULATE YOUR EXPRESS ENTRY CRS POINTS. A detailed CRS score summary will be emailed to you with advice on which areas you can improve your score.
CLICK HERE TO SEE IF YOU ARE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR OTHER PROGRAMS