The Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) in Canada are immigration programs designed to allow Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals who wish to immigrate to a specific province or territory based on their skills, work experience, and other factors.
Each Canadian province and territory has its own PNP, complete with unique eligibility requirements and application procedures. The Canadian Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is the main route for skilled workers to immigrate to Canada. If you match the requirements, the province or territory will designate you, at which point you can apply for Canadian permanent residency. Without a work offer, one might seek permanent residency in Canada through these PNPs. For these PNP streams, you must be eligible and meet the prerequisites.
Canada PNP program is also a fantastic substitute for the Canadian Federal skilled worker visa (PR), not only as many CEC applicants would benefit just as much. The candidates who are unable to achieve the minimal requirements to qualify for a Canadian PR can benefit from the provincial nominee schemes. Once an applicant meets the eligibility requirements for a specific PNP stream, they may be eligible to receive a provincial nomination. Provincial nominations are typically issued to candidates who demonstrate the skills and qualifications needed in the local labor market of the province or territory. Each PNP stream has its own nomination criteria, and the number of nominations available varies by province or territory.
Many PNPs are linked to the federal Express Entry system, which is an online immigration application management system on federal level. To be considered for a PNP through Express Entry, candidates must create an Express Entry profile and meet the eligibility criteria of at least one of the federal economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, or the Canadian Experience Class.
What Provinces in Canada Offer PNPs?
Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) – AINP offers various streams for:
- skilled workers
- international graduates
- entrepreneurs
- self-employed individuals who want to settle in Alberta
British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) – BCPNP provides pathways for:
- Skilled workers
- international graduates
- entrepreneurs
- individuals in specific targeted occupations to immigrate to British Columbia
Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) – MPNP offers streams for:
- skilled workers
- international graduates
- business investors
- farm investors who wish to settle in Manitoba
Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) – NLPNP provides streams for:
- Skilled workers
- international graduates
- entrepreneurs
- individuals in specialized categories to immigrate to Newfoundland and Labrador
New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) – NBPNP has streams for:
- Skilled workers
- entrepreneurs
- international graduates who want to live and work in New Brunswick
Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSPNP) – NSNP has streams for:
- Skilled workers
- entrepreneurs
- international graduates
- individuals in targeted occupations who wish to settle in Nova Scotia
Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)– NTNP offers pathways for:
- Skilled workers
- Critical impact workers
- Business owners/operators who want to love and work in Northwest Territories
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) – OINP offers various streams for:
- Skilled workers
- International students
- Entrepreneurs
- Individuals with specific work experience to settle in Ontario
Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) – PEI PNP provides pathways for:
- Skilled workers
- International students
- Entrepreneurs
- Individuals with specific targeted sectors to immigrate to Prince Edward Island
Quebec Skilled Workers Program (QSWP) – QSWP has streams for:
- Skilled workers
- International students
- Entrepreneurs
- Self-employers
- Individuals in specific occupations to settle in Quebec
Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) – SINP has streams for:
- Skilled worker
- International students
- Entrepreneurs
- Individuals in specific occupations to settle in Saskatchewan
Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)– YNP has streams for:
- Skilled workers
- Critical impact workers
- Entrepreneurs who want to settle in Yukon
How to apply for the Canadian Provincial Nominee Program?
- Eligibility: Review the eligibility criteria for the specific PNP stream you are interested in. Each province or territory has its own requirements regarding education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability factors.
- Express Entry: Determine if the PNP stream you are targeting is aligned with the federal Express Entry system. If so, create an Express Entry profile and ensure you meet the eligibility criteria of at least one of the federal economic immigration programs. This can provide additional points to your Express Entry profile, which immediately increases your chances of receiving Invitation to Apply. This can provide additional points to your Express Entry profile, which immediately increases your chances of receiving Invitation to Apply.
- Provincial Nomination: Research the nomination criteria specific to the PNP stream you are applying through. If you meet the eligibility requirements, you may receive the so-called Provincial Nomination Certificate, which will allow you to apply for permanent residency with the federal government through the appropriate immigration program, such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program or the Canadian Experience Class.
- Application Submission: Gather all the necessary supporting documents, such as identification, marriage certificate (if applicable), Birth Certificates, language test results, educational credentials (Transcripts and Diplomas, ECA), proof of funds may be needed, police certificates and work experience documentation (Letters of reference from previous and current Employers, pay stubs). Ensure your application meets the requirements of the PNP stream and submit it to the respective provincial or territorial PNP office.
- Medical and Security Checks: Undergo medical examinations to meet the health requirements for immigration to Canada. Additionally, undergo background checks to assess security risks associated with you and your accompanying family members.
- Visa Issuance: If your application is approved, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) document. You will use this document to officially land in Canada.
It’s important to note that the processing times and specific requirements may vary for each province or territory and can change over time.
If you want to have a seamless process and want to avoid the risk of being rejected due to not having properly prepared documentation, consult a legal professional who will help you to understand the process and give you directions which province can be the best option for your application.
