Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) Explained: A Pathway to Permanent Residency

Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) offer one of the most reliable and flexible routes to permanent residency. While the Express Entry system handles federal immigration, the PNPs allow provinces and territories to select candidates who meet their specific labour market needs.

If you don’t have a high Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, or if you have skills that match a particular region’s demand, a provincial nomination can make all the difference.

What Is a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)?

Each Canadian province and territory (except Quebec and Nunavut) operates its own immigration program in coordination with the federal government.
These programs are designed to attract skilled workers, tradespeople, and entrepreneurs who can fill local job shortages and contribute to regional economic growth.

A nomination from a province adds 600 additional points to your CRS score — almost guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

Why Choose the PNP Route?

Here are some of the biggest advantages of applying through a Provincial Nominee Program:

• Higher chances of selection: Even with a modest CRS score, a provincial nomination can boost your profile significantly.
• Targeted opportunities: Provinces often focus on specific industries like healthcare, construction, IT, or trades.
• Work and settle in a preferred location: You can live and work in the province that best fits your lifestyle and career goals.
• Pathway for both Express Entry and non-Express Entry candidates: Most PNPs offer options for both streams.

How the PNP Works (Step by Step)

Step 1: Choose a Province or Territory

Start by identifying which province aligns with your skills and experience.
Some examples include:

• British Columbia (BC PNP) – Focuses on tech, healthcare, trades, and hospitality.
• Ontario (OINP) – Prioritizes skilled professionals, international graduates, and French-speaking candidates.
• Alberta (AAIP) – Welcomes candidates with close ties to Alberta and work experience in high-demand occupations.
• Saskatchewan (SINP) – Ideal for skilled trades and agriculture roles.
• Nova Scotia (NSNP) – Targets healthcare, education, and skilled professionals.

Each province updates its demand list regularly to reflect labour-market needs.

Step 2: Apply for Provincial Nomination

You can apply in one of two ways:

• Express Entry-linked PNP:
  If you already have an Express Entry profile, you can be nominated by a province through the federal system.
  Once you accept the nomination, you’ll automatically receive 600 CRS points, leading to an ITA in the next draw.
• Direct-to-Province (non-Express Entry) Stream:
  Some PNPs allow candidates to apply directly to the province. If approved, you’ll receive a nomination certificate and can then apply to IRCC for PR through a paper-based process.

Step 3: Receive Your Nomination and Apply for PR

Once nominated, you’ll receive a Nomination Certificate from the province or territory.
If your application is Express Entry-linked, you can accept the nomination electronically through your IRCC profile.
Then, you’ll receive your Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

For paper-based streams, you’ll submit your application directly to IRCC with your provincial certificate attached.

Popular Provincial Nominee Streams (2025 Highlights)

• BC PNP Skills Immigration – for international workers and graduates in high-demand sectors.
• Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) – offers multiple pathways:
  • Human Capital Priorities Stream – for skilled professionals under Express Entry with CRS scores above the federal cut-off.
  • Employer Job Offer Streams – for workers with a valid job offer from an Ontario employer in skilled or in-demand occupations.
  • International Student Stream – for graduates from eligible Ontario colleges or universities who wish to remain and work in Ontario.
• Alberta Express Entry Stream – for candidates with strong ties to Alberta or occupations supporting economic growth.
• Saskatchewan Occupation In-Demand Stream – for trades and technical professionals.
• Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities – for healthcare and education professionals.