This program is relevant for individuals interested in permanent residency in Canada. It is of particular interest to those who want to work or study in a specific province, except Nunavut and Quebec, which don’t have their own PNPs.
How do PNPs work?
In a Provincial Nominee Program, provinces invite certain “streams” of individuals who they believe will stimulate the economy and contribute to provincial growth. Some groups who are targeted may include:
- Students
- Business people
- Skilled workers
- Semi-skilled workers
How can I apply?
There are two ways to apply to a PNP. Each province has its own program website and has a detailed list of requirements under the same—keep reading for province-wise instructions.
The two pathways to PNP application are:
| Express Entry | Non-Express Entry |
| Fees: Starting from $1,525 | Fees: Starting from $1,525 |
| Current Processing time: 6 months | Current Processing time: 11 months |
| You must be eligible for the PNP of the province you wish to live in and either: – the Federal Skilled Worker Program, – The Federal Skilled Trades Program, – or Canadian Experience Class. These three programs are the three that are managed by Express Entry. | You must be eligible for the PNP of your province of interest. |
| Nomination: Get a nomination directly from the province. OR Apply through Express Entry, create your profile, choose a province of interest, apply for a nomination. ONCE YOU RECEIVE A NOMINATION: – Update your Express Entry application. A provincial nomination counts for 600 additional points. | Nomination: Get a nomination directly from the province. |
| Apply for permanent residence after receiving an invitation to apply. | Apply for permanent residence after receiving an invitation to apply. |
To contact the province about applying for a PNP, use the program links below:
- Alberta Advantage Immigration Program
- C. Provincial Nominee Program
- Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program
- Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program
- New Brunswick PNP
- Newfoundland PNP
- Northwest Territories PNP
- Nova Scotia Nominee Program
- Prince Edward Island PNP
- Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program
- Yukon Nominee Program
Through the Express Entry process, an applicant’s eligibility for permanent residency through a PNP is determined by whether:
- They meet the requirements outlined in the PNP programs listed above.
- They are nominated by the province after applying to the PNP.
- They are eligible for
- The Federal Skilled Worker Program,
- The Federal Skilled Trades Program,
- or Canadian Experience Class.
*Sawubona Canada has guides for all three of the above programs.
Through the Non-Express Entry Process, an applicant’s eligibility for permanent residency through a PNP is determined by whether:
- The PNP that the applicant applied to nominates the applicant.
- This nomination could depend on factors such as the immigration requirements in the province.
- Whether the province believes that you genuinely want to reside there, proven through:
- An admission into an educational institution.
- A job offer with a clear timeline and job expectations according to the National Occupation Classification (NOC).
- On a range of factors outlined by the PNP in question, which could include:
- Having a job offer in the province.
- If you are a recent graduate of a recognised Canadian institute.
- If you work in an in-demand profession that has been targeted by PNP streams of provinces nationwide.
- If you are proficient in French, which is a factor given priority by several PNPs.
