Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs are one of the most popular ways to secure permanent residency for people who want to settle in a particular province or territory.

Each province and territory has its own immigration streams, tailored to fill local labour shortages and support economic growth. By applying through a PNP, you can boost your chances of being selected for permanent residence while also choosing a community that fits your lifestyle and career goals.

Each year, Canada expands the number of invitations issued to Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) applicants, making it one of the fastest-growing pathways for skilled workers and professionals to gain permanent residency.

If you’re interested in living and working in a specific region of Canada, the PNP could be your best pathway.

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What are Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)?

With the exception of Quebec and Nunavut, every Canadian province and territory offers its own Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). These programs are created to address each region’s specific immigration needs, which means the requirements and application steps can differ from one province to another. Many newcomers choose the PNP route because it is often one of the most straightforward pathways to permanent residency in Canada.

It’s important to note that provinces and territories cannot grant permanent resident status directly. Final approval always comes from the federal government. That’s why these are called “nominee” programs.

In practice, this means immigrating through a PNP involves two stages:

First, you must be nominated by a province or territory.
Then, you submit your application for permanent residence to the federal government.

Provinces and Territories

Across Canada, almost every province and territory (except Quebec and Nunavut) runs its own Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). These programs are tailored to meet local labour market demands and demographic priorities, which means eligibility rules and application processes differ depending on where you want to live.

If you’re considering a PNP, it’s important to review the criteria for each province or territory to see where your skills and background are in demand.

Provincial and Territorial PNPs include:

How to Apply for a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) in Canada

Applying through a PNP is a two-stage process. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:

Choose the right PNP for you

Review the programs offered by the provinces and territories to find the ones that match your skills, experience, and goals. Each province has its own criteria, so be sure to confirm your eligibility before applying.

Apply to the province or territory

Once you’ve selected your preferred PNP, submit your application directly to that province or territory.

Receive a Provincial Nomination Certificate

If your application is approved, you will be officially nominated by the province or territory. This nomination allows you to move forward with applying for permanent residency.

Apply for Canadian permanent residence

With your nomination, submit your application to the federal government.

How to Apply through the ‘Base’ PNP Process

Some Provincial Nominee Programs do not require an Express Entry profile. These are known as ‘base’ PNPs. Although each province may have slightly different steps, the process generally looks like this:

Apply for a provincial nomination

Submit your application directly to the province or territory under one of its base PNP streams.

Apply for permanent residence

If you receive a nomination, you can then apply for Canadian permanent residence through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) using the Permanent Residence Portal.

Processing Times

It’s important to understand the difference in processing times between the two pathways:

How to Apply through the Express Entry PNP Process

If your chosen Provincial Nominee Program is linked to Express Entry, the application process follows these steps:

Create an Express Entry profile

Open an account and submit your profile to the federal Express Entry system.

Apply to an Express Entry–aligned PNP

Choose a province or territory and apply to one of its Express Entry streams.

Receive a provincial nomination

If successful, the province will nominate you through the Express Entry system.

Accept your nomination

Confirm the nomination in your Express Entry profile to gain an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points.

Accept your nomination

Confirm the nomination in your Express Entry profile to gain an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points.

Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

With the added points, you are highly likely to be invited to apply for permanent residence.

Submit your permanent residence application

Apply online through the Express Entry system for Canadian permanent residence.

Since every Provincial Nominee Program is different, the process for applying through Express Entry depends on the province or territory.

Open intake streams – Some PNPs accept applications year-round from candidates who meet the eligibility requirements.
Expression of Interest (EOI) systems – Other provinces require you to submit a profile that is scored and ranked on a points system. The highest-ranked candidates are then invited to apply for nomination.
Direct invitations – Certain PNPs select candidates directly from the Express Entry pool or issue invitations after individuals submit a formal Expression of Interest.

Because the rules and procedures vary, the PNP application process can be complex. Errors or incomplete submissions often lead to refusals. It is important to carefully follow the correct process for your chosen program and ensure your application is accurate and complete.

How Many PNPs Are There in Canada?

With the exception of Quebec and Nunavut, every Canadian province and territory runs its own Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Within these programs are multiple immigration streams, adding up to more than 80 different PNP pathways across the country.

Express Entry–Aligned PNPs

Since the launch of Express Entry in 2015, many provinces and territories have created “enhanced” PNP streams that are directly linked to the federal Express Entry system.

Base PNPs

Other PNP streams operate outside of Express Entry. If nominated, you must apply for permanent residence through a paper-based federal process. These applications typically take much longer to finalize compared to the electronic Express Entry system.

How Much Does It Cost to Immigrate Through a PNP?

The cost of immigrating to Canada through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) usually ranges between $2,300 and $3,800 CAD, depending on the province and your personal situation. Some provinces do not charge processing fees, while others — such as Ontario — charge up to $1,500 CAD.

Here’s a breakdown of the typical expenses:

Language test (IELTS/CELPIP): ~ $300 CAD
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA, if required): ~ $200 CAD
Biometrics: $85 CAD per person
Federal government processing fees: $1,325 CAD per adult / $225 CAD per child
Medical examination: ~ $450 CAD per adult / $250 CAD per child
Police clearance certificates: ~ $100 CAD per country
Provincial nominee processing fee: Up to $1,500 CAD (varies by province)

Estimated Total: $2,300 – $3,800 CAD

Can I Immigrate Through a PNP Without a Job Offer?

Yes — several Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are open to applicants who do not have a job offer in Canada. These streams are often designed to attract skilled workers, graduates, or professionals with experience in occupations that meet the province’s labour market or demographic needs.

Even without a job offer, you may still qualify if you have:

Am I Eligible for a Canadian PNP?

You may qualify for a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) if you have skills, work experience, or connections that match a province’s immigration needs.

Since each province manages its own PNP, the eligibility factors can vary. Most programs are designed to bring in people who can contribute to the economy and are likely to stay long term. For example:

Generally, applicants who are younger, have strong English or French language skills, higher education, and skilled work experience have the best chances of success. To be certain, it’s important to review the eligibility criteria for the specific PNP you’re interested in.

What Are the Requirements for Canada’s PNPs?

Each province and territory sets its own requirements, but most look for:

To qualify, you must be able to show that you can actively contribute to the province’s economy and genuinely intend to establish yourself there.

What Is the Processing Time for a PNP Application?

The time it takes to process a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) application can vary by province, but most nomination applications are finalized within a few months.

Applying through a PNP is always a two-step process:

Your federal processing time depends on the type of PNP stream:

Can I Qualify for a PNP If I Don’t Qualify for Express Entry?

While many Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) require applicants to have an active Express Entry profile, there are exceptions. Certain provinces operate nomination streams that are open to candidates who do not meet Express Entry requirements.

These non–Express Entry PNPs have their own eligibility criteria, which vary from one province to another. If you receive a nomination through one of these programs, you must then apply for permanent residence at the federal level. Unlike Express Entry–aligned applications, these are typically submitted through the Permanent Residence Portal or by paper application and usually involve longer processing times.

How Are PNP Points Calculated?

Each province sets its own rules, so the way points are awarded can differ. Common factors considered include:

Not all PNP streams use a points system, but when they do, it’s usually to rank candidates and decide who will be invited to apply.

How Can I Increase My Chances of Receiving a Nomination?

Submit an Express Entry profile – Many provinces regularly select candidates from the pool.
Show provincial interest – Indicate openness to multiple provinces in your profile.
Strengthen ties to Canada – Working, studying, or having relatives in a province can improve your chances.
Improve your profile – Higher language scores, more skilled experience, and updated education credentials make you more competitive.

What Is the Ideal PNP Candidate?

Provinces generally look for applicants who can support local labour and demographic needs. The strongest candidates usually have:

How Does My IELTS Score Affect My PNP Chances?

Your IELTS (or other approved language test) score can significantly influence your eligibility for a Provincial Nominee Program. Many provinces set minimum language requirements to ensure candidates can integrate successfully into the local workforce.

A higher IELTS score can increase your points in PNP ranking systems, improving your chances of receiving an invitation.
Some programs use language ability as a core eligibility factor, while others treat it as part of their overall scoring criteria.
Strong English (or French) proficiency also makes you more competitive in occupations where communication skills are essential.

In short: the better your IELTS score, the stronger your PNP profile.

How to Calculate Your PNP Points

Each province has its own scoring system and eligibility requirements, so there is no single PNP points calculator. To calculate your score:

Review the eligibility criteria of the provincial stream you are applying to.
Check if the stream uses a points system (not all do).
Match your credentials (age, education, work experience, language scores, ties to the province, etc.) against their scoring grid.
Add up your points across all relevant factors to determine your score.

If your score meets or exceeds the province’s cut-off, you may be invited to apply for nomination.

Do I Need an ECA Report for PNPs?

In most cases, yes. Many Provincial Nominee Programs require an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to confirm the Canadian equivalency of your foreign education.

Having an ECA report ensures your education is recognized and can be factored into your eligibility and points calculation.

What Does It Mean to Be Invited to Apply by a PNP?

An Invitation to Apply (ITA) — sometimes called a Notification of Interest (NOI) or Letter of Interest (LOI) — is an official invitation from a province to submit a full application for nomination.

Receiving an ITA means the province has reviewed your profile and determined that you may meet their program requirements.
Provinces will provide a submission deadline, which varies depending on the stream.
If your application is successful, you will receive a provincial nomination, which can then be used to apply for Canadian permanent residence.

How Does the PNP Application Process Work?

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) application process varies depending on the province and the stream you are applying to. Generally, there are three main types of PNP processes:

1. Expression of Interest (EOI) Process

Some provinces require candidates to first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) profile to the province’s candidate pool. Provinces then hold EOI draws, where invitations are issued to selected applicants.

2. Notification of Interest (NOI) Process

In this process, provinces directly invite candidates from the federal Express Entry pool—even if the candidate has not applied separately to that province.

3. Apply Directly to the Program

Some provinces allow eligible candidates to apply directly for nomination without going through an EOI or NOI process.

Documents Required for a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Application

When applying to a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), candidates must provide documents that prove their eligibility. While requirements may vary by province and stream, most PNPs typically request the following:

Language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF/TCF for French)
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report to verify the Canadian equivalency of foreign education
Proof of work experience (reference letters, employment records, or contracts)
Proof of settlement funds (bank statements or financial documents to show sufficient funds for settlement in Canada)
Civil documents (birth certificate, marriage certificate, dependents’ documents, etc.)
Status documents (passport, visa/permit copies, or any Canadian immigration status documents if applicable)

Additionally, many provinces require applicants to submit proof of intent to reside in the nominating province (such as a letter of intent, job offers, or ties to the community).

Other documentation may be requested depending on the specific PNP stream you apply under. Always check the province’s official guidelines for the most accurate list of required documents.

Canadian PNPs by Occupation or Applicant Category

Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are designed to meet regional labour market needs and attract newcomers with specific skills. Many provinces have created dedicated streams for priority groups such as healthcare professionals, international graduates, IT professionals, and entrepreneurs.

1. PNPs for Healthcare Professionals

Healthcare workers are in high demand across Canada. Several provinces run targeted streams to attract doctors, nurses, and other health professionals:

2. PNPs for International Students

Canada views international students as ideal candidates for permanent residency, given their Canadian education and adaptability. To retain international graduates, many provinces offer PNP streams such as:

Manitoba International Education Stream
British Columbia International Graduate
British Columbia International Post-Graduate
Nova Scotia International Graduate Entrepreneur
Ontario International Students with a Job Offer
Ontario Masters Graduate
Ontario PhD Graduate
PEI International Graduate
Saskatchewan Students
Alberta Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
Alberta Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

3. PNPs for IT Professionals

With Canada’s tech sector booming, many provinces have tailored immigration streams for IT and tech talent:

4. PNPs for Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs play a key role in job creation and economic growth. To attract innovative business owners, provinces offer entrepreneur-focused PNPs, including:

British Columbia Entrepreneur Immigration Stream
Manitoba Entrepreneur Pathway
Manitoba Farm Investor Pathway
New Brunswick Entrepreneurial Stream
Newfoundland International Graduate Entrepreneur Category
Northwest Territories Entrepreneur
Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Stream
Ontario Entrepreneur Stream
PEI Work Permit Stream
Saskatchewan Entrepreneur
Saskatchewan Farm Owners and Operators
Yukon Business Nominee
Alberta Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

Frequently Asked Questions About PNPs

Do I need work experience to immigrate through a PNP?

In most cases, yes. The majority of Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) require at least one year of work experience to be eligible.

However, there are exceptions. Some programs specifically designed for international graduates do not require prior work experience or even a job offer. Examples include:

These pathways are ideal for students who have completed advanced studies in Canada and want to transition directly to permanent residency.

Can I immigrate through a PNP without IELTS or CELPIP?

In almost all cases, no. Nearly all PNPs require applicants to prove their proficiency in English or French through an approved language test such as:

Each program has its own minimum language requirements, which may vary depending on whether you are applying as a skilled worker, graduate, or entrepreneur. Always check the specific program’s guidelines before applying.