Provincial Nominee Program
Under Canadian immigration law, a province or territory can nominate and select foreign nationals to apply for permanent residence in Canada.
The federal and provincial governments share concurrent jurisdiction over immigration policies particularly the selection of candidates for permanent residence under the economic class.
From West to East, there are ten Canadian provinces: Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island.
To the North and West, there are three territories: the Yukon Territory, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.
Each province or territory has its own immigration programs (PNP) agreed upon with the federal government. This means the provinces have a say in who comes into the province based on economic needs.
The PNPs are occupationally and commercially driven, though the occupation list and business category vary depending on the province and their selection criteria.
The PNP offers provinces and territories the benefit and luxury of targeted recruiting (for example, students, business immigrants and skilled workers) and selection of foreign nationals who can help meet specific local labour market needs.
Skilled Worker Category of PNPs
General Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible you must receive a Provincial Nomination and pass criminal background checks and medical admissibility requirements.
Generally, you can apply for PNPs if:
- You have a valid job offer from a designated employer or territory; or
- You are currently residing in the province as an international student or a temporary foreign worker.
Additionally, each PNP has at least one immigration stream fastened to the federal Express Entry system. Provincial nominations issued under Express Entry-aligned streams are known as 'enhanced nominations'.
What are the Benefits of Applying through Express Entry Aligned PNP Stream?
The advantages of enhanced PNP streams include;
- Giving Express Entry applicant 600 more Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, essentially guaranteeing them a permanent residence invitation undera Express Entry
- The processing time under these streams is more quickly, typically within six months.
- You can apply to more than one province or territory.
Categories of Qualifying Occupation under PNPs
- Administrative Assistants
- Advertising, marketing, and public relations
- Agriculture (Landscaping and horticulture technicians)
- Engineers
- Finance and Accounting
- Information Technology
- Law (paralegal and related occupations)
- Medicine and Health (licensed practical nurses, registered nurses)
- Teachers (college and vocational instructor)
- Trades (heavy duty equipment mechanics, automotive technicians, gas fitters)
- Labourers (manufacturing, processing, metal fabricators)
Candidates apply through EE to one or more provinces
Province/teritory issues notification of interest
Candidates apply through EE to one or more provinces
Candidates apply through EE to one or more provinces
Candidates apply through EE to one or more provinces
Candidates apply through EE to one or more provinces
Province/teritory issues notification of interest
Candidates apply through EE to one or more provinces
Candidates apply through EE to one or more provinces
Candidates apply through EE to one or more provinces
Keep in mind that not everything about the Provincial Nominee Programs can are discussed on the website.
We encourage applicants with work experience and qualifications who want to apply for permanent residence in a specific province to contact us .
We can assist you in navigating the PNP application process of any province of your choice.
- Ontario
- Alberta
- Manitoba
- Saskatchewan
- Northwest Territories
- Quebec
- Nova Scotia
- British Columbia
- Prince Edward Island
- New Brunswick
- New Foundland and Labrador