The Provincial Nomination Program (PNP) allows provinces to nominate individuals who wish to immigrate to Canada and who are interested in settling in a particular province. Provincial Nomination is an important fast-track option for Canadian Permanent Residency.
Most provinces and territories in Canada can nominate immigrants through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). These immigrants must have the skills, education and work experience to contribute to the economy of that province or territory, and must want to live there.
Each province and territory Foot note * has its own “streams” (immigration programs that target certain groups) and criteria for their PNP. For example, in a program stream, provinces and territories may target students, business people, skilled workers or semi-skilled workers.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply for the PNP you must:
- Apply to a province or territory for a nomination.
- Be nominated by that province or territory.
- Apply to MCIC to become a permanent resident.
Under a PNP Express Entry stream, you will need to complete an Express Entry profile and show that you meet the minimum criteria for Express Entry.
FAQ’S
WHAT IS THE PROVINCIAL NOMINATION PROGRAM?
The Provincial Nomination Program was established by Citizenship and Immigration Canada to allow Canada’s different provinces and territories to select individuals who indicate an interest in settling in a particular province/territory and who will be able to contribute to that province/territories’ economic development.
Most, but not all, provinces and territories of Canada participate in the Provincial Nomination Program.
WHICH PROVINCES PARTICIPATE IN THE PROVINCIAL NOMINATION PROGRAM?
The following provinces participate in the Provincial Nomination Program:
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Ontario
- Prince Edward Island
- Saskatchewan
- Yukon
IS PROVINCIAL NOMINATION A REQUIREMENT FOR CANADA IMMIGRATION?
No. You can obtain a Canada Immigration (Permanent Resident) Visa without Provincial Nomination.
WHAT IS THE ADVANTAGE OF OBTAINING PROVINCIAL NOMINATION?
A Provincial Nomination means that your application for a Canada Immigration Visa will be processed quickly and it provides another way of qualifying for a Canada Immigration (Permanent Resident) Visa apart from the Federal Skilled Worker category of Canadian immigration.
WHERE AND WHEN DOES AN APPLICATION UNDER THE PROVINCIAL NOMINATION PROGRAM GET SUBMITTED?
An application under the Provincial Nomination Program is submitted to the appropriate provincial government office, before submitting an application for a Canada Immigration (Permanent Resident) Visa.
DOES RECEIVING A PROVINCIAL NOMINATION GUARANTEE A CANADA IMMIGRATION VISA?
No. Citizenship and Immigration Canada must be satisfied that a Provincial Nominee meets statutory requirements – health, security and authenticity of documents – before issuing a Canada Immigration Visa.
WHAT CRITERIA DO MOST PROVINCES LOOK FOR IN THEIR NOMINEES?
Most provinces are looking for individuals who will contribute to the province’s economic growth, and are willing to settle in that province. Criteria that provinces take into consideration may include the following:
- Job offer in the province
- Education
- Work experience in critical industries
- English and/or French Language skills
- Close relations in that province
- Ability to adapt to life in that province