Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are a vital part of Canada’s immigration system, offering a fast and efficient path to permanent residency for skilled workers and entrepreneurs who meet the specific needs of Canadian provinces and territories.

In 2023, over 330,000 people are expected to immigrate to Canada through a PNP, making them one of the most popular and accessible immigration programs in the country.

Discover how to become a Canadian permanent resident through a Provincial Nominee Program, including the latest news and changes to the programs.

What are Provincial Nominee Programs?

Canadian provinces and territories with Provincial Nominee Programs

How to apply for a Provincial Nominee Program in Canada?

1. Choose the right PNP for you. There are over 80 different PNP streams across Canada, each with its own unique eligibility requirements. Before you start your application, it is important to research the different PNP streams available and choose the one that is the best fit for your skills, experience, and goals.

2. Meet the eligibility requirements. Once you have chosen a PNP stream, carefully review the eligibility requirements. Make sure that you meet all of the requirements before you start your application.

3. Gather your supporting documentation. In addition to the basic application requirements, you will also need to submit supporting documentation such as your resume, educational transcripts, language test results, and job offer (if applicable). Make sure to start gathering your supporting documentation early, as it can take some time to obtain it all.

4. Submit your application. Once you have gathered all of the required documentation, you can submit your application online or by mail. Be sure to submit your application on time and to follow all of the instructions carefully.

5. Wait for a decision. Once you have submitted your application, it will be reviewed by the province or territory. If your application is successful, you will be issued a nomination certificate. You will then be able to apply for a Canadian permanent resident visa.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) and Express Entry

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) and Express Entry are two of the most popular immigration programs in Canada. PNPs allow provinces and territories to nominate immigrants who meet their specific labor market needs, while Express Entry is a points-based system for skilled workers and entrepreneurs to immigrate to Canada.

How PNPs and Express Entry work together?

PNPs and Express Entry are integrated programs, meaning that PNP nominees can receive additional points in the Express Entry pool, which can increase their chances of being invited to apply for permanent residence.

In order to be eligible for PNP Express Entry points, a PNP nominee must:

• Have a valid nomination certificate from a participating province or territory
• Submit their Express Entry profile within six months of receiving their nomination certificate
• Meet the minimum eligibility requirements for Express Entry

If a PNP nominee is successful in their Express Entry application, they will be granted permanent residence in Canada.

Benefits of immigrating to Canada through a PNP and Express Entry

There are a number of benefits to immigrating to Canada through a PNP and Express Entry, including:

• Faster processing times: PNP applications are typically processed faster than other immigration applications.
• More flexible eligibility requirements: PNP programs often have more flexible eligibility requirements than other immigration programs. For example, some PNP programs do not require applicants to have a job offer in Canada.
• The ability to live and work in the province of your choice: Once you have obtained a PNP nomination, you will be able to live and work in the province of your choice.
• A pathway to permanent residency: A successful PNP and Express Entry application will give you permanent residency in Canada.

How to apply for a PNP and Express Entry?

If you are interested in immigrating to Canada through a PNP and Express Entry, you should first visit the website of the province or territory where you wish to settle to learn more about their PNP program and how to apply.

Once you have identified a PNP program that you are eligible for, you can start the application process. The application process will vary depending on the province or territory, but it will typically involve submitting the following:

• Personal information (e.g., name, date of birth, contact information)
• Educational and work experience credentials
• Proof of language proficiency
• A nomination certificate from the province or territory

Once you have submitted your PNP application, it will be reviewed by the province or territory. If your application is successful, you will be issued a nomination certificate. You can then submit your Express Entry profile and receive additional points in the pool.

If you are successful in your Express Entry application, you will be invited to apply for permanent residence in Canada.

Cost of immigrating to Canada through a Provincial Nominee Program

Total cost: Between $2,300 and $3,800 CAD, depending on the province and the applicant’s circumstances.

How to immigrate to Canada through a Provincial Nominee Program without a job offer?

1. Choose a PNP that allows for immigration without a job offer. Not all PNPs allow for this, so it is important to research the specific requirements of each PNP before applying. Here are some PNPs that allow for immigration without a job offer:

   • Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)
   • Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
   • Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
   • Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
   • Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSNIPP)

2. Meet the eligibility requirements for the PNP. These requirements will vary depending on the PNP, but they may include having a certain level of education, work experience, and language skills. You can find the specific eligibility requirements for each PNP on the website of the Government of Canada.

3. Submit an application to the PNP. The application process will also vary depending on the PNP, but it will typically involve submitting a number of documents, such as your passport, educational transcripts, and work experience letters. You can find the application process for each PNP on the website of the Government of Canada.

4. If you are invited to apply for provincial nomination, you will need to submit a permanent residence application to the Government of Canada.

What are the requirements for Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)?

The requirements for Canada’s PNPs vary depending on the province or territory, but they generally include the following:

• Education: Most PNPs require applicants to have a post-secondary education, such as a diploma, degree, or certificate.
• Work experience: Most PNPs also require applicants to have a certain amount of work experience in a skilled occupation.
• Language skills: All PNPs require applicants to have a certain level of proficiency in English or French.
• Age: Most PNPs have a minimum age requirement, which is typically 18 years old.
• Settlement funds: Most PNPs require applicants to show that they have enough money to support themselves and their families for a period of time after arriving in Canada.

❊ Some PNPs may also have additional requirements, such as a job offer from a Canadian employer or a connection to the province or territory

How long does it take to process a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) application?

The processing time for a PNP application varies depending on the province or territory, but it typically takes a few months. For example, the Alberta Provincial Nominee Program (AINP) states that it aims to process most PNP applications within 3-4 months. However, the actual processing time may be longer or shorter, depending on the complexity of the application and the volume of applications being processed.

Once you have been nominated by a province or territory, you will need to submit a permanent residence application to the Government of Canada. The processing time for permanent residence applications also varies, but it is currently around 6 months for most applications.