WESTERN CANADA
British Columbia & Alberta
Provincial pathways may target workers, graduates, entrepreneurs and candidates who meet specific provincial economic priorities.
IMMIGRATE
Provincial Nominee Program
Explore immigration pathways offered by Canadian provinces and territories for candidates whose skills and experience meet regional immigration needs.
Explore Your PNP OptionsPROVINCIAL NOMINEE PROGRAM
What Is the Provincial Nominee Program?
Canada's Provincial Nominee Program, commonly known as the PNP, allows participating provinces and territories to nominate individuals who want to immigrate to Canada and settle in a particular province or territory.
Each participating jurisdiction operates its own immigration streams and establishes criteria based on its economic, demographic and labour market priorities.
Depending on the stream, candidates may be selected based on factors such as occupation, education, work experience, language ability, employment, previous study or work in the province, or other provincial connections.
A provincial nomination is an important step, but the federal government remains responsible for making the final decision on permanent residence.
APPLICATION ROUTES
Two Ways to Apply Through the PNP
The permanent residence process depends on whether the provincial stream is connected to Express Entry.
1
Express Entry PNP
Some provincial streams are connected to Express Entry. Candidates must meet the requirements of the provincial stream and also qualify under the Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program or Federal Skilled Trades Program.
2
Non-Express Entry PNP
Other streams use a non-Express Entry process. Candidates first seek nomination from the province or territory and, after nomination, apply federally for permanent residence.
EXPRESS ENTRY PNP
A Provincial Nomination Can Add 600 CRS Points
Candidates who receive an Express Entry-aligned provincial or territorial nomination and accept the nomination in Express Entry can receive 600 additional CRS points once the nomination is verified.
This substantial increase can significantly improve a candidate's ranking in the Express Entry pool.
To use an Express Entry-aligned PNP pathway, the candidate must also remain eligible for an Express Entry federal immigration program.
+600 CRS Points
An accepted and verified provincial or territorial nomination under Express Entry currently provides 600 additional CRS points.
Review My Express Entry ProfileDESTINATION OPTIONS
Participating Provinces and Territories
Most Canadian provinces and territories operate provincial or territorial nominee programs. Individual streams and eligibility requirements vary significantly.
PRAIRIES
Saskatchewan & Manitoba
Streams may consider skilled employment, provincial connections, labour market needs and other factors established by each province.
CENTRAL CANADA
Ontario
Ontario operates provincial immigration streams for eligible workers, graduates and selected Express Entry candidates, based on current provincial priorities.
ATLANTIC CANADA
Atlantic Provinces
New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador operate their own provincial nominee streams.
NORTHERN CANADA
Yukon & Northwest Territories
Territorial nominee pathways may be available to candidates who meet local labour market and settlement requirements.
IMPORTANT
Quebec & Nunavut
Quebec and Nunavut do not operate Provincial Nominee Programs. Different immigration arrangements apply in these jurisdictions.
ELIGIBILITY
What Provinces May Consider
There is no single set of eligibility criteria for every PNP stream. Provinces and territories establish their own requirements.
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Occupation
Some streams target specific occupations or sectors based on provincial labour market priorities.
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Work Experience
The type, length and location of your work experience may affect eligibility.
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Job Offer
Some PNP streams require qualifying employment or a job offer, while other streams may not.
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Language Ability
English or French language requirements vary depending on the province, stream and occupation.
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Education
Educational background and credential assessments may be relevant under many provincial streams.
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Provincial Connection
Previous work, study, family connections or other ties to a province may be relevant under certain streams.
INTENT TO RESIDE
Applicants Must Intend to Settle in the Nominating Province
A key requirement of the PNP is a genuine intention to settle in the province or territory providing the nomination.
When assessing a nomination application, provincial or territorial authorities may examine whether the applicant genuinely plans to live and establish themselves in that jurisdiction.
Your employment, family connections, previous study or work history, community ties and settlement plans may therefore be relevant, depending on the specific stream.
Province Selection Matters
PNP applications should not be based only on which province appears easiest. Your eligibility, background and genuine settlement plans should all be considered.
Discuss My OptionsAPPLICATION PROCESS
A Typical PNP Process
Exact procedures vary by province and stream, but most PNP applications involve both a provincial stage and a federal permanent residence stage.
1
Identify a Province
Review provincial programs and determine where your background may fit.
2
Find an Eligible Stream
Confirm that you satisfy the requirements of the applicable provincial or territorial stream.
3
Seek Provincial Nomination
Submit the required expression of interest, registration or nomination application, depending on the program.
4
Receive Nomination
If approved, the province or territory issues a nomination under the applicable stream.
5
Apply for Permanent Residence
Complete the federal permanent residence process through Express Entry or the applicable non-Express Entry process.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
PNP Programs Can Change Frequently
Provincial nominee programs are closely connected to provincial labour market and immigration priorities.
Provinces may modify eligibility criteria, occupation priorities, scoring systems, nomination allocations, intake periods or application procedures.
Some streams may accept applications continuously, while others may use invitation rounds, expressions of interest, targeted selections or limited intake periods.
For this reason, a PNP strategy should be based on the current requirements of the specific province and stream being considered.
Which Province Fits Your Profile?
AddPlus Immigration Solutions Inc. can review your occupation, education, work experience, language results and Canadian connections to identify provincial pathways that may be worth exploring.
Review My PNP OptionsEXPLORE CANADA PROVINCE BY PROVINCE
Find a Provincial Pathway That Fits Your Goals
Tell us about your occupation, work experience, education, language ability and connections to Canada, and our team can help you assess potential Provincial Nominee Program options.
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