Provincial Nomination Program (PNP)

PNP programs in Canada, or Provincial Nominee Programs, are immigration pathways that allow provinces and territories (except Quebec and Nunavut) to nominate individuals for Canadian permanent residence based on their skills, work experience, and ability to contribute to the local economy.

What PNPs Are

Each Canadian province and territory operates its own provincial nominee program, with multiple streams designed to address local economic and demographic needs. These programs often target skilled workers, international graduates, entrepreneurs, and in-demand occupations, allowing the regions to select immigrants who are most likely to thrive and remain in that province.

How PNPs Work

The PNP process is a two-step pathway to permanent residence:

  1. An individual applies to a provincial program and, if successful, is nominated by that province.

  2. The nominee then submits an application to the federal government for permanent residency.

Some PNP streams are aligned with the federal Express Entry system ("enhanced" PNPs), which can significantly speed up processing, while others ("base" PNPs) require a paper-based application that may take longer.

Who Is Eligible

Eligibility varies by province and stream, but common requirements include:

  • Relevant work experience or job offers

  • Language proficiency (English or French)

  • Education credentials (often assessed for Canadian equivalency)

  • Intention to settle in the nominating province

Examples of Streams

  • Skills Immigration

  • International Graduate Programs

  • Business or Entrepreneur Streams

  • Healthcare and Occupation-Specific Streams

Each program features its own application process, documentation requirements, and sometimes a points-based assessment or Expression of Interest (EOI) system.

Key Features

  • Fastest-growing route for Canadian economic immigration

  • Some streams do not require a job offer

  • Processing fees and eligibility vary widely between provinces

  • Most require a demonstrated intent to live in the nominating province

PNPs are a major pathway for skilled immigration to Canada and can be an efficient option for those who meet provincial needs and want to settle in a specific region.