Canada Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) – all you need to know
Canada Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Under the Canada Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), provinces nominate individuals to reside in the province as PR and in order to meet their economic needs.
Each Canada Provincial Nominee Program has its own unique selection criteria. The selection criteria and occupations vary from province/territory to province/territory.
Importantly, Canadian provinces do not have the ability to give out permanent residency status. However, as a result of a nomination you get a whopping 600-point boost to your CRS score. See Tips to boost your CRS Score.
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Applying for a provincial nomination is not the same as applying for Canadian permanent residence.
Canada Provincial Nominee Programs – Eligibility Requirements
Most importantly, to be searched for nomination candidates need create an Express Entry profile.
You may pre-qualify for a Canada immigration program.
After that, you have to make a separate application to a PNP program.
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You can receive a permanent residence invitation by applying through Express Entry directly and skipping the PNP process.
However, the additional 600 points from a nomination effectively guarantees that you will be invited to apply for PR by IRCC.
Occupation based PNP
Each province/territory in Canada is looking for candidates with skilled job experience to fill labour shortages in their province. Important to note that the list of occupations vary from province to province, depending on their needs.
Job Experience Categories
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
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
Summary of Canada Provincial Nominee Programs
Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program
The Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) nominates individuals for settlement in Alberta as Canadian permanent residents.
First and foremost, nominees must have skills and abilities to fill job shortages in Alberta.
Candidates must also be able to provide for their families over the long term.
Nominees and their spouse/common-law partner and dependent children apply through IRCC who makes final decisions on all permanent resident applications.
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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 BCPNP is a way for high-demand foreign workers and experienced entrepreneurs to gain permanent residency in B.C.
Similar to other PNPs, candidates with the skills and experience targeted by the province may receive a nomination
This will allow that foreign national to apply for Canadian permanent residence with processing times that are faster than other Canadian immigration classes.
In short, the BC PNP accepts applications under two main streams:
- Skills Immigration (including Express Entry British Columbia)
- Entrepreneur Immigration
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.
“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 nominees are employed within their first year in Manitoba.
- Manitoba retains almost 90% of Provincial Nominees.
- Some 130,000 Nominees have landed since 1998
- Similarly, more than $308 million invested in Manitoba by Business nominees to date.
- Over 90% of economic immigrants to Manitoba arrive through the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program
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)
The NBPNP selects, and nominates, qualified business people and skilled workers who will live in New Brunswick and contribute to the local economy.
The NBPNP accepts applications under these 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 these immigration categories:
- Newfoundland & Labrador Express Entry Skilled Worker
- Skilled Worker Category
- International Graduate Category
- Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program
The NLPNP offers efficient immigration process for qualified skilled workers and international graduates.
In general, Newfoundland and Labrador nominate up to 1,050 individuals annually.
The NLPNP streams are 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.
NTNP attracts qualified individuals to fill critical labour shortages and promote business development.
Furthermore, NTNP assists employers to recruit and retain foreign workers. In the same vein, it 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.
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.
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.
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.
Furthermore, Ontario is the most popular landing destination for immigrants.
The OINP accepts candidates under categories of Business, Employer Job Offer and Human Capital.
Each category is comprised of various streams under which applicants may submit an application.
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).
To be eligible for nomination through PEI Express Entry
- Above all, be eligible for one of the Federal Express Entry 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 through IRCC website.
Very importantly, priority will be given to applicants that are living and working in PEI.
To create a profile you will be asked to provide a valid email address, and identification information including your passport details. Applicants can only have one active profile at any one time.
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.
Most importantly, its selection criteria are distinct from those of federal and other PNPs
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
- Candidates must be selected by the Ministère de l’immigration, de la Diversité et de l’Inclusion (MIDI).
Selected applicants will receive a Quebec Certificate of Selection (CSQ). This is an official document issued by Quebec immigration authorities.
Overall, purpose is to attest that the candidate has been selected by the province.
Important NOTE of clarification
- CSQ is not a visa. Consequently, CSQ cannot be utilized to enter into Canada
- CSQ is valid for 24 months. Or until IRCC decides on the PR application.
2. Important that CSQ holder file a PR application with IRCC within 24 months of issue.
Very importantly, the federal government’s role in evaluating a Quebec application is mainly limited on health and criminality.
What are the programs administered by Quebec?
Summary of Quebec categories:
- Skilled Worker Program
- Business Immigration
- 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. SINP attracts immigrants from around the world.
Consequently, here are SINP 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 uses YNP 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:
- 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.
- Critical Impact Worker Program is for qualified workers who fit into National Occupational Classification (NOC) C or D categories.
- 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
You may pre-qualify for a Canada immigration program.