Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) has grown exponentially since its establishment in the 1990s and now stands second only to the federal Express Entry system as the leading pathway to Canadian permanent residence for skilled foreign workers.
The Provincial Nominee Program gives nine Canadian provinces and two territories (except Nunavut and Quebec) the power to select immigrants who meet local labour market needs and priorities. Each PNP is tailored to the province’s/territory’s specific needs to select nominees who will be able to settle into life and work in the region and to effectively contribute to the community.
In order to become a provincial nominee, candidates need to demonstrate that they meet the set criteria in terms of skills, education, and work experience to be able to make a positive contribution to the province’s economy and society. The province or territory will then consider the application based on the province’s needs, as well as the candidates’ genuine intention to settle there.
PARTICIPATING PROVINCES AND TERRITORIES
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Ontario
- Prince Edward Island
- Saskatchewan
- Yukon
THE PROVINCIAL NOMINATION STREAMS ARE OF TWO TYPES
- Enhanced nomination streams, which are aligned with Express Entry
- Base nomination streams, which are not aligned with Express Entry
- 1. Enhanced nomination streams
All Canadian provinces and territories that take part in the Provincial Nominee Program have enhanced nomination streams linked to the federal Express Entry system. Many of these streams hold their own monthly draws that often invite candidates with lower minimum CRS scores than Express Entry draws.
Candidates who receive an invitation to apply for provincial nomination through enhanced nomination streams, receive additional 600 points towards their CRS score, which effectively increase their chances to get an invitation to apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residence in subsequent Express Entry draw.
- 2. Base nomination streams
Provinces participating in PNP also have their own “base” nomination streams that are not linked with Express Entry. Many Canadian provinces have base streams that give preference to specific qualifications or occupations (e.g., physicians, daycare workers, or long-haul truck drivers). While other base streams are suited for those who have a strong connection with the province in terms of family or friends or have spent time in the province as a student or visitor.
Provincial Nominee Programs