A province-driven pathway helping skilled individuals achieve Canadian permanent residence faster.
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is one of the most popular pathways for skilled workers to immigrate to Canada. Almost every province and territory operates its own PNP to attract skilled workers from around the world and support local economic growth. The program allows provinces and territories to nominate individuals who wish to immigrate to Canada and settle in a specific province.
All final decisions related to Canadian permanent residence are made by the federal government. Provinces and territories cannot grant permanent resident status independently, which is why these programs are known as nominee programs.
Applicants who receive a provincial nomination may then apply for permanent residence through the federal government. This makes the PNP a two-step process, where candidates must first receive provincial approval before submitting a federal application.
Applicants under the Provincial Nominee Program must possess the skills, education, training, and qualifications that benefit the province or territory’s economy, along with a genuine intention to reside there. Provincial nomination is considered one of the faster options for obtaining permanent resident status in Canada.
All provinces and territories in Canada, except Quebec, participate in the Provincial Nominee Program through agreements with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Well-known programs include the British Columbia PNP, Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program, Manitoba PNP, Alberta Advantage Immigration Program, and Nova Scotia Nominee Program.
Under the Provincial Nominee Program, provinces and territories can nominate individuals and families who wish to settle in their region based on criteria established by the province. Applicants must meet these requirements to demonstrate they have the skills, education, and work experience needed to contribute positively to the local economy and society. Each application is assessed based on provincial needs and the applicant’s genuine intention to settle in that province.
Each province and territory operates different PNP streams, which target specific groups of applicants. Some provinces give preference to candidates who have close relatives, family members, or connections living in the province.
The application process varies depending on the PNP stream. Applicants may need to apply directly to the province or through the Express Entry system.
As part of the process, all applicants are required to obtain a police clearance certificate and complete a medical examination, regardless of the province in which they plan to live.
