How the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Works Across Canada for Permanent Residence

Canada is a beautiful and welcoming country with rich cultural and social diversity. Every province and territory in Canada has its own unique characteristics and many are abundant with natural resources. The country has a stable political and banking system recognized globally. Economic opportunities are widely available.

There are a total of 10 Canadian provinces from the west to east: British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador and Prince Edward Island.

There are 3 territories to the north and from west to east that include: the Yukon Territory, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.

Most provinces and territories in Canada offer their own Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) for foreign nationals who want to live and work in a specific province or territory. 

There are different benefits to moving to different provinces. For example, British Columbia is the westernmost province of Canada with scenic coastlines and the most temperate weather in Canada. 

Alberta is famous for its crude oil industry, the Calgary Stampede, and the Rocky Mountains range. 

Within Manitoba, the town of Churchill is ranked among the 3 best places in the world to observe the Northern Lights known as the Aurora Borealis.

Except for the territory of Nunavut and the province of Quebec, each province has its own PNP with a signed agreement alongside the federal government body of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

The PNPs allow provinces to nominate their own candidates for provincial nomination based on their potential to meet the labour market needs of their respective regions, populace and economies.

The PNPs each operate as multiple immigration pathways for foreign skilled workers who wish to apply for permanent residency in a chosen province or territory with all the pathways contributing to the benefit of the entire country.

What are the Different Provincial Nominee Programs Offered by Canadian Provinces and Territories?

Out of the 10 Canadian provinces and 3 territories, all have their own PNP except Quebec and Nunavut:

• BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
• Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
• Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)
• Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
• Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
• New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)
• Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
• Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)
• Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)
• Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)
• Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)

See Quebec Immigration if you would like to immigrate to the province. Quebec has its own specialized immigration streams for foreign nationals.

What are the Eligibility Requirements of the Different PNPs Offered by Canadian Provinces and Territories?

The eligibility criteria for every PNP is different based on the specific labor market needs relevant to each province.

For some PNPs, applicants require nomination from a prospective employer from that province and are eligible to receive a letter of support for a temporary work permit. 

Employers in the province who wish to hire foreign skilled workers through the PNPs must meet certain criteria to qualify.

Pilot programs under several PNPs often target semi and low-skilled workers to meet the variety of the labor market gaps in the province. There are also Provincial Business Programs available that are designed to attract international entrepreneurial talent, innovation, and investment. They also offer permanent residency opportunities to enterprising international graduates.

What is the Process to Apply for a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)?

Every PNP has its own specific immigration goals. Therefore, the eligibility criteria and application process vary based on the province or territory. However, to qualify for permanent residency through the PNPs, you must receive the provincial nomination.

Only a successful applicant can apply for permanent residency at the IRCC. It is a 2 step process. You will also be required to clear all the criminal and medical admissibility requirements to gain permanent residency at the federal level.

Generally, you can apply for Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) if:

• You have a valid job offer from a designated employer in the province or territory; or
• You are currently residing in the province as an international student or a temporary foreign worker

There are also Express Entry linked PNP streams that are enhanced PNPs that can be beneficial if you don’t have enough Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points when applying directly to Express Entry.

Provincial Nominee Processing Time

The processing time for permanent residence as a Provincial Nominee applicant is between 15 to 19 months. If the applicant is applying online via Express Entry, the processing time is 6 months.

Provincial Nominee Refusal

These are some of the top reasons for why a Provincial Nominee candidate may be refused: 

1. The nomination certificate has expired prior to applying for permanent residence
2. Lack of intent to reside in the nominating province or territory
3. Material change in nomination conditions
4. Immigration-linked investment scheme