PNP Canada programs allow Canadian provinces to nominate individuals for immigration to their province based on criteria set by the provincial government. Successful applicants obtain a provincial nomination, which may then be used to apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence.
Immigrate as a provincial nominee.
Most provinces and territories in Canada can nominate immigrants through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). These immigrants must have the skills, education and work experience to contribute to the economy of that province or territory, and must want to live there.
Each province and territoryFootnote * has its own “streams” (immigration programs that target certain groups) and criteria for their PNP. For example, in a program stream, provinces and territories may target students, business people, skilled workers or semi-skilled workers.
Since January 1, 2015, many provinces and territories have launched new Express Entry streams. Check their websites to learn more about which streams they offer.
The province of Quebec does not have a PNP. See their immigration website to learn more about their programs.
1. Determine your eligibility:
Each province and territory’s streams, eligibility requirements and nomination guidelines for their PNP can change without notice. Check the websites of the provinces or territories for the most up-to-date information.
If you are nominated under a non-Express Entry stream:
you will have to apply through the paper-based process, and if the province or territory finds you eligible and nominates you, you will send an application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
If you are nominated under a province or territory’s Express Entry stream, you must:
meet their requirements, and meet the minimum criteria for Express Entry this includes meeting the requirements of at least one of the immigration programs it covers.
You can use our online tool, Come to Canada, to see if you are eligible. If you are invited to apply for permanent residence, you will submit an online application to IRCC.
Find out more about eligibility for the PNP.
2. Apply
To apply for the PNP you must:
Apply to a province or territory for a nomination, be nominated by that province or territory, then
apply to IRCC to become a permanent resident.
Under a PNP Express Entry stream, you will need to complete an Express Entry profile and show that you meet the minimum criteria for Express Entry.
Learn more about applying to the PNP.
3. Check processing times:
Find out how long it will take IRCC to process your application under the paper-based process (non-Express Entry streams).
If you apply through Express Entry (Express Entry streams), most complete applications for permanent residence will be processed in six months or less. Since Express Entry is a new system, average processing times are not yet available.
4. After you apply: get next steps:
Find out what happens after you apply to come to Canada as a provincial nominee.
Who can apply as a provincial nominee:
Each province and territory has its own streams and criteria for their Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). These can change without notice. You can find out more on the website of the province or territory that interests you.
Eligibility criteria:
The eligibility criteria for the PNP is different based on whether you apply through the paper-based (non-Express Entry streams) or Express Entry (Express Entry streams) process.
If you are applying through the paper-based process:
– You must meet the minimum requirements of one of the province or territory’s non-Express Entry streams.
– You must be nominated under that stream.
– If you are applying through Express Entry
– You must meet the minimum requirements of a province or territory’s Express Entry PNP stream.
– You must be nominated under that stream.
– You must create an Express Entry profile and show that you meet the minimum criteria for Express Entry, including the requirements of one of the immigration programs it covers.
– Use our online tool, Come to Canada, to see if you may be eligible.
Contact the province or territory
To be nominated by a province or territory, you must follow the instructions on their website and contact them directly:
Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland and Labrador
Northwest Territories
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Prince Edward Island
Saskatchewan
Yukon
