Provincial Nomination (PNP)

Overview

Provincial Nominee Programs

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is one of Canada's most important immigration pathways. It allows provinces and territories to nominate individuals who wish to immigrate to Canada and settle in a specific province.

Most provinces and territories in Canada participate in the PNP, offering streams tailored to their economic needs and labor market demands. These streams target skilled workers, semi-skilled workers, international graduates, entrepreneurs, and investors.

Obtaining a provincial nomination significantly strengthens an Express Entry profile by adding 600 points to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, virtually guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. Even outside Express Entry, a provincial nomination can serve as the basis for a paper-based permanent residence application.

At Grandview Immigration, we help you identify the provinces and streams where you are most competitive and guide you through the nomination process from start to finish.

Process

How PNP Works

The PNP operates through two main pathways, each with its own application process and timeline:

Express Entry-Linked Streams: Applicants first create an Express Entry profile. Provinces then search the Express Entry pool and issue Notifications of Interest (NOIs) to candidates who meet their criteria. Other provinces require candidates to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) directly to the province before consideration. Once nominated, the candidate receives 600 additional CRS points.

Base (Non-Express Entry) Streams: Applicants apply directly to the province through a paper-based or online provincial portal. If nominated, the province issues a nomination certificate, and the applicant then submits a permanent residence application to IRCC. Processing times for the federal portion are generally longer than Express Entry.

The typical PNP application process includes:

1. Research and Select a Province

   Identify provinces and streams that match your qualifications, occupation, and settlement goals.

2. Submit Expression of Interest

   Register your interest with the province through their EOI system or Express Entry profile.

3. Receive Provincial Nomination

   If selected, receive a provincial nomination certificate for your PR application.

4. Apply for Permanent Residence

   Submit your PR application to IRCC with the nomination 600 CRS points or nomination certificate.

Streams

Popular PNP Streams

Each province operates its own set of immigration streams. Here are some of the most popular and accessible PNP streams available across Canada:

• Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) — Human Capital Priorities, Skilled Trades, Masters and PhD Graduate streams
• British Columbia PNP (BC PNP) — Skills Immigration for workers and graduates, Tech Pilot, and Entrepreneur streams
• Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) — Alberta Opportunity Stream, Express Entry Stream, and Rural Renewal Stream
• Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) — International Skilled Worker, Saskatchewan Experience, and Entrepreneur categories
• Manitoba PNP (MPNP) — Skilled Workers in Manitoba, Skilled Workers Overseas, and Business Investor Stream
• Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) — Labour Market Priorities, Skilled Worker, and International Graduate Entrepreneur streams
• Atlantic Provinces — New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, PEI, and Newfoundland streams through both PNP and the Atlantic Immigration Program

Each stream has unique eligibility criteria regarding work experience, education, language proficiency, job offers, and settlement funds. Our team stays current with all provincial program updates to provide you with accurate and strategic advice.