Provincial Nominee Programs

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Provincial nominee programmes (PNPs) in Canada provide a road to Canadian permanent residency for those who wish to immigrate to a specific Canadian province or territory.
Each Canadian province and territory has its own PNP that is tailored to its own economic and demographic requirements.
No longer can you do it, yet you can still do it.
The Canadian federal government raises the amount of invitations for PNP candidates every year. These programmes are the fastest-growing route to economic immigration in Canada.

What are Provincial Nominee Programs?

Except for Quebec and Nunavut, each province has many PNP streams. These streams are intended by the provinces to help accomplish their particular immigration goals, hence the qualifying requirements and application procedures vary. PNPs, on the other hand, are a popular alternative because they might be the quickest route to Canadian permanent residence.
Because the federal government must approve all decisions on Canadian permanent residence at the national level, Canada's provinces cannot grant permanent resident status on their own. This is why provincial programmes are referred to as "nominee" programmes.
A successful applicant to a PNP will be nominated by the province to apply to the federal government for permanent residency. This means that applying for a PNP to immigrate to Canada is always the first step in a two-phase process. An interested immigrant must first be authorised at the provincial level before applying to the federal level.

Provinces and Territories

Except for Nunavut and Quebec, each of Canada's provinces and territories has its own unique Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) tailored to satisfy its economic and demographic needs. Program requirements and application procedures differ widely between provinces, so prospective applicants should check with each province to see if they are eligible.

How to apply for a Provincial Nominee Program in Canada

Step-by-Step guide to applying to a Canadian PNP:

• 1. Identify which PNP is best for you: Refer to the list of provinces and territories at the top of this page to determine where you want to immigrate. Check the eligibility requirements for each PNP to ensure your eligibility.
• 2. Apply to your preferred PNP: Submit an application to your preferred province or territory.
• 3. Obtain a Provincial Nomination certificate: If your application is successful, the province or territory will nominate you to apply for Canadian permanent residency.
• 4. Submit your application for permanent residence: Apply to the Canadian federal government for permanent residence. If your chosen PNP is matched with Express Entry, you can accomplish this online. Otherwise, you must submit a paper-based application.

An applicant cannot count work experience earned while enrolled in full-time education in Canada.

How to apply to through the 'base' PNP process

To apply for some PNPs, you do not need an Express Entry profile. These are known as 'basic' PNPs. While the nomination process varies for every programme, the fundamental procedure is crucial.
After being nominated by a Canadian province or territory, you can apply for Canadian permanent residency through Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada's online Permanent Residence Portal.
Permanent residence applications submitted through the Base PNP take substantially longer to process than electronic applications submitted through Express Entry. While a permanent resident application submitted through Express Entry takes an average of 6 months to process, a paper-based application takes an average of 18 months.

How to apply through the Express Entry Process

• Make an account and fill up an Express Entry profile.
• Apply to a PNP aligned with Express Entry.
• Receive a nomination for the Express Entry stream
• Confirm Express Entry on your profile to gain 600 bonus points.
• Wait to get an invitation for permanent residence
• Apply for permanent residence in Canada through the Express Entry method.

How many PNPs are there in Canada?

Except for Quebec and Nunavut, each province and territory in Canada has its own PNP programme with multiple streams. There are around 80 different provincial nominee schemes in total.

Express Entry Provincial Nominee Programs

Canada launched Express Entry in 2015 as a method for managing applications for permanent residence through the same major economic immigration categories. Many Canadian provinces and territories have since produced 'improved' PNP streams that are compatible with Express Entry. Applicants must meet the following criteria in order to be considered for the position of NP.
If an application is nominated through an Express Entry-aligned PNP, the applicant can then claim 600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, virtually ensuring they will obtain an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residence in the following Express Entry draw.Alternately, if an applicant receives a nomination through a PNP which is not connected with Express Entry, then they must submit a non-Express Entry federal application for permanent residence as a provincial nominee. Non-Express Entry federal permanent residency applications can take much longer to process than computerised Express Entry applications.

How much does it cost to immigrate through a PNP?

The cost of immigrating through a Provincial Nominee Program is between $2,300 and $3,800 CAD, depending on the programme. Some provinces do not charge applicants processing costs, however other provinces, such as Ontario, charge as much as $1,500 CAD
1. Language tests: Average cost – $300
2. Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) (if applicable): Average cost – $200
3. Biometrics: $85/person
4. Government fees: $1,325/adult & $225/child
5. Medical examination fees: average cost – $450/adult & $250/child
6. Police clearance certificates: average cost – $100/country
7. Provincial Nominee Program processing fees: Up to $1500 CAD
Total cost: Between ~$2,300 – $3,800 CAD

Can I immigrate through a PNP without a job offer?

There are numerous Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) available to overseas candidates who do not have a job offer in Canada. These programmes often seek people who have skills or work experience that will assist the province in filling labour market or demographic gaps.

Am I eligible for a Canadian PNP?

If you have a connection to a province or work experience or skills that are indicated as in-demand, you may be eligible for a Canadian PNP.
The eligibility criteria for PNPs differ by province. PNPs are usually designed in such a way that they attract employees who can easily contribute to the economy and have a high possibility of remaining in that province because they are part of an economic immigration plan. As a result, certain PNPs prioritise immigrants with experience in in-demand occupations in that province. Other PNPs prefer immigrants with a connection to the province, such as a relative, because it improves the likelihood that they will stay in the province.

What are the requirements for Canada’s PNPs?

Provinces and territories frequently seek applicants with job experience relevant to their own labour market, in addition to other language and education criteria.
Each province has its own eligibility standards for language proficiency, education, and skill set. To qualify, you must also show that you will be able to contribute to the local economy and that you have a genuine desire to settle in that province or territory.

What is the processing time for a PNP application?

Processing dates for nomination applications vary by province, however they normally take a few months.
It takes two steps to apply for Canadian permanent residence through a PNP programme. You must first apply to the province. You must next submit your application to the federal government once that has been authorised. Only the federal government may grant you Canadian permanent residency. The length of time it takes to process your permanent residence application will be determined by whether you submitted a 'basic' or 'enhanced' PNP application.

Can I qualify for a PNP if I don’t qualify for Express Entry?

Many PNPs need applicants to have an active Express Entry profile. There are several exceptions, such as when provinces nominate people who do not qualify for Express Entry. Because the eligibility requirements for these programmes differ, it is recommended to speak with a representative to discuss your eligibility. All PNPs that result in a nomination need the candidate filing a permanent residence application with the federal government.
If the PNP is not compatible with Express Entry, the federal permanent residency application must be submitted via a different portal or on paper. Non-Express Entry PNP applications often take longer to process.

Provincial Nominee Program Updates Tracker

Each province and territory in Canada has its own set of immigration policies known as Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). No two PNPs are precisely the same because each province has varied demographic and labour needs. Programs may be available at various periods of the year and for varying lengths of time. Because PNPs are continually changing, return to this page frequently for the most up-to-date information on all of Canada's PNPs.

How are Provincial Nominee Program points calculated?

Because each province has its own qualifying rules, multiple point systems are used to determine who can apply or receive an invitation. Points are usually awarded based on a combination of age, employment experience, education, language skills, and ties to the province. Not all nominee programmes employ a points system to rank their candidates.

How can I increase my chances of receiving a nomination?

You can boost your chances of earning a provincial nomination simply by completing an Express Entry profile. Provinces routinely search the Express Entry pool for profiles that can assist fill labour or demographic needs. Making sure your profile is strong and shows your interest in several provinces might also assist you get invited through an Express Entry PNP.
Because many PNPs need candidates to have a link to the province, studying or working in Canada can also benefit.

How does my IELTS score affect my PNP chances?

When evaluating eligibility or whether a candidate receives an invitation in a PNP draw, several provinces evaluate an applicant's language exam score. Most programmes will take this into account as part of their minimum qualifying requirements or, if relevant, as part of their scoring methodology.

How to calculate your PNP points

To calculate your PNP points, you must first understand the eligibility criteria of the province programme you are applying through, as well as whether and how points are awarded to possible nomination candidates. If the programme you're applying to has a scoring system, you can compute your points against each factor to establish your score.

Do I need an ECA report for PNPs?

Most PNPs require an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report to show an applicant's foreign credentials' Canadian equivalency. Check the qualifying requirements for the programme you're applying for to see if you need an ECA.
In some areas, you must additionally authorise the organisation to share the conclusions of your ECA report with the PNP.

Documents required for a PNP

Candidates must produce documents proving their eligibility for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) to which they are applying. Generally, most provinces require.
Many PNPs also need evidence that the candidate plans to live in their province after getting nominated. Other documents may be necessary depending on the programme for which you are applying.

• - language results;
• - educational credential assessment (ECA) reports;
• - proof of work experience;
• - proof of settlement funds;
• - civil documents; and
• - status documents