How the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Works Across Canada for Permanent Residence
(PNPs)
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are a key part of Canada’s immigration policy, with nearly 250,000 people expected to obtain Canadian permanent residence through a Provincial Nominee Program between 2021 and 2023
Canada’s provincial nominee programs (PNPs) offer a pathway to Canadian permanent residence for individuals who are interested in immigrating to a specific Canadian province or territory. .
Each Canadian province and territory operates its own PNP designed to meet its specific economic and demographic needs.
Am I eligible for a Provincial Nominee Program?
Under Provincial Nominee Programs, provinces and territories in Canada can nominate individuals and families who wish to settle in their province or territory based on criteria set by the province.
Each province and territory determines their own eligibility criteria for Provincial Nominee Programs. For example, one province might prioritize bringing in provincial nominees with experience in a certain occupation, while another province might prioritize bringing in provincial nominees with French-language experience. It depends on the needs of each specific province and territory.
In order to become a provincial nominee, applicants must show that they meet the set criteria. This will show that the applicant has the skills, education, and work experience to be able to make a positive contribution to the local economy and society. The province or territory will consider the application based on the needs of the specific province, as well as the applicant’s genuine intention to settle there.
Within each PNP, there are multiple sub-programs and categories, usually known as “streams”. You can find out which PNP streams and categories are open right now, in our PNP Canada Live Tracker, which includes a tool to help you find the right PNP stream for you.
How Do I Apply For A Provincial Nominee Program?
Create an account and submit an Express Entry profile. In your profile, you must indicate that you have been nominated by a Canadian province or territory.
Once your nomination has been confirmed electronically, you will be placed into the Express Entry pool and awarded and additional 600 points towards your CRS score. With these additional points, you are all but guaranteed to receive an invitation to apply for Canadian permanent residence!
As all PNPs are different, the process for applying varies depending on the program in question.
Some PNPs accept applications from qualified applicants at all times, so if you are qualified for the PNP you can submit whenever you are ready. Other PNPs use a first-come, first-served system, where they keep the program closed for the majority of the year, only opening for a few hours at a time where they accept several hundred applications. Finally, some PNPs invite foreign nationals to submit applications, either by selecting candidates directly from the Express Entry pool, or by having interested individuals submit a formal Expression of Interest.
The PNP application process can be confusing and applications can be refused if they are submitted incorrectly or if they are incomplete. Applicants should take care to ensure that applications are completed correctly and submitted through the proper channel.
Provincial Nominee Programs And Express Entry
Most Provinces And Territories Have Streams That Are Connected With The Federal Express Entry Selection System, Through Which “Enhanced” Nominations Are Available That Award Nominees 600 Additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Points.
A Provincial Nomination Is The Single Most Valuable Factor In The CRS, Effectively Guaranteeing That The Candidate Receives An Invitation To Apply (ITA) At A Subsequent Draw From The Pool.
The CRS Is A Score Out Of 1,200 Assigned To Express Entry Candidates, Which Decides Who Should Get An ITA For Permanent Residency. In Almost Every Round Of Express Entry Draws, These 600 Bonus Points Would Guarantee That The Applicant Would Receive An ITA.
Individuals Who Wish To Apply For A Provincial Nomination Under An Enhanced PNP Stream Must First Create An Express Entry Profile And Enter The Pool.