Canada Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Introduction: What is the Canada PNP?

The Canada Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows Canadian provinces and territories (excluding Quebec) to nominate candidates for permanent residency who meet their specific labor market requirements. The program offers over 80 different streams tailored for skilled workers, recent graduates, entrepreneurs, and semi-skilled workers.

PNPs are categorized as Express Entry-aligned (enhanced) or non-Express Entry (base) streams. A provincial nomination grants you 600 additional points in your Express Entry profile, increasing the chances of getting an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

Pathways To Canada PNP

The Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) in Canada are some of the immigration program networks available in the provinces or territories where the program is established. PNPs typically fill the gaps in local labor markets by providing nominations for permanent residents.

As of 2025, there are over 80 distinct PNP streams across the country, each tailored to address unique economic and demographic objectives.

Express Entry-Aligned vs. Non-Express Entry Streams

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are grouped into two categories based on their connection to the federal Express Entry system:

1. Express Entry-Aligned PNP (Enhanced Streams)

These streams are linked to the Express Entry system, allowing for faster processing, typically around six months. Receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) becomes much more likely for candidates who gain 600 additional CRS points through a nomination from an enhanced stream.

2. Non-Express Entry PNP (Base Streams)

Base streams operate separately from Express Entry. Applicants are required to submit their application directly to the specific province or territory. These streams usually have longer processing times, ranging from 15 to 21 months, and do not automatically lead to Express Entry unless the applicant later becomes eligible.

Overview of Provincial Nominee Programs

Except Quebec and Nunavut, all provinces and territories of Canada have their own PNP, generally with different streams targeting immigrants under different categories, such as:

• Skilled Workers: Experienced people with in-demand occupations in skilled fields of the province.

  
  

• International Graduates: For those who are fresh graduates from Canadian post-secondary institutions, to settle in the province.

  
  

• Investment and Business: For individuals planning to start or invest in a business within the province.

  
  

• Semi-skilled Workers: Those who perform activities for which on-the-job training may be involved, but that are vital to the economy of the province.

Provincial and Territorial PNPs

Canada’s Provincial and Territorial Nominee Programs (PNPs) allow individual provinces and territories to nominate immigrants who meet local labour market needs and support regional economic growth.

✔️ British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)

✔️ Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)

✔️ New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)

✔️ Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)

✔️ Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)

✔️ Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)

✔️ Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)

✔️ Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)

✔️ Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)

• British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)

B.C. focuses on attracting talent in tech and healthcare through targeted draws and operates a fast-track option for high-demand occupations under the BC PNP Tech stream. Offers categories for skilled workers, healthcare professionals, international graduates, and entrepreneurs.

• Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)

The program emphasizes connections to Manitoba through prior education, work experience, or family ties, and supports regional development by nominating candidates outside the capital. It is for skilled workers, international graduates, and business investors.

• New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)

NBPNP holds occupation-specific draws, often targeting roles in IT, healthcare, and trades, and offers pathways for those who attend New Brunswick's virtual or in-person recruitment events. Aims at skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and international graduates.

• Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)

Nova Scotia conducts occupation-targeted draws under the Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities Stream and favors French-speaking and healthcare professionals. Provides options for skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs.

• Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)

OINP frequently issues targeted Notifications of Interest (NOIs) for tech, health, and finance occupations under its Human Capital Priorities Stream aligned with Express Entry. It includes streams for skilled workers, international graduates, and business investors

• Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)

PEI PNP regularly holds draws for candidates with employment offers in sectors like healthcare, trades, and food processing, and encourages settlement in rural areas. It focuses on skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs.

• Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)

Alberta Advantage Immigration Program(AAIP), earlier known as  Alberta Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), prioritizes candidates who can fill labor shortages in key industries like healthcare, agriculture, and tech. Alberta also allows Express Entry candidates to be nominated directly through its aligned stream. Includes streams for skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs.

• Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)

This province is actively seeking professionals in technology, healthcare, and ocean sciences through its Priority Skills NL stream, which targets candidates without job offers but with high-demand skills.
Offers pathways for skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs.

• Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)

The Yukon Community Pilot allows candidates to work for multiple employers in participating communities, making it easier to support regional economic needs and population growth. This program is designed for business applicants and skilled workers.

Eligibility Criteria for Canada PNP in 2025

Eligibility varies by province, but most streams share common basic requirements. Here's a general overview:

Requirements for PNP in 2025

To apply successfully, applicants typically need the following:

• Language test results: You must submit IELTS (General), CELPIP, or TEF scores that meet the specified minimum CLB requirements.
  
  

• Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign education
  
  

• Proof of work experience with letters from previous employers
  
  

• Job offer, if required by the specific stream
  
  

• Valid passport
  
  

• Settlement fund documents, such as bank statements
  
  

• Police clearance certificates are required for any country where you’ve lived for six months or more after turning 18.

  
  

• Medical examination by an IRCC-approved physician
  

How to Apply for a PNP: Step-by-Step Process

The application process can be done in two ways -

Express Entry PNP Process

1. Assess whether you meet the requirements for one of the federal Express Entry programs.

   
   

2. Create an Express Entry profile.
   
   

3. Apply to a provincial Express Entry-aligned stream or wait for a Notification of Interest (NOI).

   
   

4. To formally indicate your interest in the province, accept the provincial nomination within your Express Entry profile.

   
   

5. Once accepted, you’ll receive 600 additional points under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which almost guarantees an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in the next Express Entry draw.

   
   

6. After receiving your ITA, you must submit a complete application for permanent residency to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) within 60 days.

Non-Express Entry PNP Process

1. Apply directly to a province’s base stream.
   
   

2. If selected, receive a provincial nomination certificate.
   
   

3. Submit a paper application for PR to IRCC.
   
   

4. Wait for processing, which includes background and medical checks.
   
   

5. Receive your PR confirmation once approved.
   

Benefits of the Canada PNP

• Increased PR success rate: A provincial nomination adds 600 points to your CRS score.
  
  

• Targeted immigration: Provinces select candidates aligned with their specific labor needs.
  
  

• Faster pathway via Express Entry: Enhanced streams can lead to PR in under 6 months.
  
  

• Settlement assistance: Many provinces provide integration support and job matching services.

• Job Offer Not Required: Certain streams allow applicants to apply without needing a job offer.

Most Asked Question: Do I Need a Job Offer to Apply for the Canada PNP?

You don't always need a job offer to apply for the Canada PNP. While many PNP streams do require a valid full-time job offer, several popular streams don’t. For example:

• The Ontario Human Capital Priorities Stream, aligned with Express Entry, does not mandate a job offer for eligibility.

  
  

• Saskatchewan Express Entry and Occupations In-Demand Streams often nominate applicants without job offers.

  
  

• Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities Stream selects candidates directly from the Express Entry pool based on in-demand occupations.

Processing Time in 2025

Processing times for Canada’s PNP in 2025 depend on the application stream, with timelines varying between Express Entry-aligned and base applications. Processing time for Canada PNP  ranges from 6 months (for enhanced streams like Ontario’s Human Capital Priorities and Alberta’s Express Entry Stream ) to 15–21 months (for base streams like  Manitoba’s Skilled Worker Overseas).

Cost of Canada PNP

The cost of applying for the Canada Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) varies by province and includes several federal processing and biometric fees.

The cost of applying through a Canada PNP varies by province, but on average, applicants can expect to spend between CAD 2,500 and CAD 4,000, including both provincial fees and federal immigration charges.

Major Updates to Canada’s PNP in 2025

• Reduced PNP Targets

Canada’s 2025–2027 Immigration Plan significantly cut national PNP allocations, down by nearly 50%. Provinces now have fewer nominations to offer, pushing them to streamline their programs.

• Shift to EOI Systems

Many provinces are adopting Expression of Interest (EOI) systems to better target skilled candidates, replacing older first-come-first-served models.

• BC’s Focused Intake

British Columbia will prioritize 1,100 new applications in 2025—mainly for healthcare, tech, and entrepreneurs—while the rest of its 4,000 spots are reserved for pending applications.

• Manitoba’s Work Permit Policy

Manitoba now allows certain PNP applicants to apply for temporary work permits while waiting for PR decisions. This policy is in effect until December 31, 2025.

• Ontario Program Tweaks

Ontario has expanded eligibility under its Employer Job Offer stream and adjusted its Human Capital stream to attract high-demand talent, including self-employed doctors.