Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

shimjoongs
Sep 29
2 min read

💡What is Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)?

The PNP is a program under Canada’s constitution where immigration is jointly managed by the federal and provincial governments.If you apply through a province’s nomination stream under Express Entry, receiving a provincial nomination will add an extra 600 CRS points to your profile in the federal Express Entry system—virtually guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

➡️ In simple terms: Each province nominates eligible applicants based on its own economic and labor market needs, giving them a pathway to permanent residency.

➡️ While applicants must intend to live in the nominating province initially, once permanent residency is granted, they are free to move anywhere in Canada (including Quebec).

Two main types of PNP streams

Work Experience Stream: Requires local work experience, often suitable for international graduates in the province.
Business/Investment Stream: In many provinces, these lead first to a temporary visa. Only upon meeting business requirements can applicants transition to permanent residence. Quotas are very limited.

📃 Factors considered by provinces

Job offer in the nominating province
Education level
Relevant skills, education, and work experience that support provincial economic growth
Work experience
English or French language ability
Strong ties to the province
Adaptability to life in the province

🌟 Who should consider PNP?

Applicants with low CRS scores who cannot qualify directly through federal Express Entry
Those with existing work, study, or family ties in a province
Skilled professionals whose occupations appear on a province’s in-demand list

👀 Application Pathways

Paper-based application (non-Express Entry):

Apply directly to a province. Once nominated, submit a permanent residence application to IRCC. Processing time is longer but not tied to the Express Entry system.

Express Entry-aligned PNP:

Create an Express Entry profile and apply through a provincial Express Entry stream. Successful nominees receive an additional 600 CRS points, greatly increasing the chance of receiving an ITA.