Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows provinces and territories to select skilled workers, graduates, and entrepreneurs who meet their specific labour market needs. Applicants first apply to a province or territory for a nomination, and once nominated, they can apply to the federal government for permanent residence. This can be done either through the Express Entry system (enhanced/EE-aligned) or through the non-Express Entry (base) PNP route. A provincial nomination through an Express Entry–aligned stream adds 600 points to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, which almost always guarantees an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
Enhanced Streams (Express Entry–Aligned)
These streams are linked to the federal Express Entry system. Applicants must have an active Express Entry profile. A provincial nomination through an enhanced stream grants an additional 600 CRS points, which almost guarantees an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. Examples include Ontario Express Entry streams, Alberta Express Entry, and British Columbia Express Entry BC (EEBC).
Base Streams (Non–Express Entry)
These streams operate outside of Express Entry. Applicants apply directly to a province or territory, and if nominated, they submit a paper or online permanent residence application to IRCC under the Provincial Nominee class.
Common Categories Across Provinces
| Province | EE-aligned (examples) | Base (examples) |
| Alberta (AAIP) | Alberta Express Entry Stream | Alberta Opportunity Stream; Rural Renewal Stream |
| British Columbia (BC PNP) | Express Entry BC (EEBC) options under Skills Immigration | Skills Immigration (non-EE), Entrepreneur Immigration |
| Ontario (OINP) | Human Capital Priorities (EE); French-Speaking Skilled Worker (EE); Skilled Trades (EE) | Employer Job Offer streams; Masters/PhD Graduate; Entrepreneur |
| Prince Edward Island (PEI PNP) | PEI Express Entry | Labour Impact; Business Work Permit |
| Saskatchewan (SINP) | International Skilled Worker – Express Entry | ISW – Occupations in Demand/Employment Offer (Entrepreneur/Farm closed Mar 27, 2025) |
| Manitoba (MPNP) | (EE alignment only if specified by MB draws) | Skilled Worker in MB/Overseas; International Education; Business Investor |
| New Brunswick (NBPNP) | NB Express Entry | Skilled Worker; Critical Worker Pilot |
| Newfoundland & Labrador (NLPNP) | Express Entry – Skilled Worker | Skilled Worker; International Graduate; Entrepreneur |
| Nova Scotia (NSNP) | Labour Market Priorities (EE); Nova Scotia Experience (EE) | Skilled Worker; Occupations in Demand; (Entrepreneur availability varies) |
| Northwest Territories (NTNP) | NWT Express Entry (Skilled Worker) | Skilled Worker; Entry Level/Semi-Skilled; Francophone; Business |
| Yukon (YNP) | Yukon Express Entry | Skilled Worker; Critical Impact Worker; Business Nominee |
Language Proficiency
Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English or French through approved tests such as IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF. Minimum scores vary by stream, but most require at least Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4–7, with higher levels for skilled occupations.
Education Credentials
A completed secondary or post-secondary qualification is generally required. For candidates applying through Express Entry–aligned streams, an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is needed to verify foreign degrees, diplomas, or certificates.
Work Experience
Provinces typically require at least one year of full-time skilled work experience in a relevant occupation. The exact years and type of work depend on the specific PNP stream and local labour needs.
Job Offer Requirement
Some PNP streams require a valid job offer from a Canadian employer approved by the province, while others (such as certain Express Entry–aligned streams) may not.
Other Requirements
Meet age thresholds, often favouring younger candidates.
Demonstrate adaptability factors, such as prior Canadian study or work experience.
Show proof of sufficient settlement funds to support yourself and dependants.
Intention to live and work in the nominating province or territory.
| Month | No. of draws | Total no. of Invitations |
| October | 1 | 485 |
| September | NA | NA |
| August | 1 | 16 |
| July | 1 | 17 |
| June | NA | NA |
| May | 2 | 108 |
| April | 1 | 5 |
| March | 1 | 13 |
| February | NA | NA |
| January | 1 | 10 |
Step 1: Choose your province and stream
Identify the province/territory that matches your occupation, language level, and job-offer status. Decide between an Express Entry–aligned (enhanced) stream or a base (non–Express Entry) stream.
Step 2: Check eligibility and prepare documents
Confirm language scores (IELTS/CELPIP or TEF), education (ECA if EE-aligned), skilled work experience, funds, and intent to reside. Gather passport, certificates/transcripts, employment proofs, and civil documents.
Step 3: Submit your application for provincial nomination
Enhanced stream: Create an Express Entry profile first (or update an existing one), then follow the province’s EOI/notification process.
Base stream: Apply directly to the province via its online portal (or as instructed).
Step 4: Receive the provincial nomination
Enhanced stream: The nomination is issued through your EE profile and adds +600 CRS points.
Base stream: You receive a nomination letter/certificate from the province.
Step 5: Apply for Permanent Residence (IRCC)
Enhanced stream: With the +600 CRS, accept the ITA and submit your PR application through Express Entry within the deadline.
Base stream: Submit a PR application to IRCC under the Provincial Nominee class via the designated portal.
Step 6: Complete medicals, biometrics, and police checks
Attend biometrics, complete medical examinations with panel physicians, and provide police certificates for required countries. Respond promptly to any additional document requests.
Step 7: PR decision and landing
IRCC finalizes security/eligibility checks and issues a decision. If approved, complete landing formalities and settle in the nominating province or territory.
| Fee Type | Typical Cost (CAD) |
| Federal PR Application (IRCC) | $1,525 |
| Language Test (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF) | $300 – $400 |
| Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) | ≈ $256 |
| Medical Examination | $200 – $400 |
| Provincial Nominee Program Application Fee | $0 – $1,500+ |
The processing times for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) vary depending on whether the stream is Express Entry–aligned (enhanced) or a base PNP stream. Once nominated, applicants must also apply to the federal government (IRCC) for permanent residence, which has its own processing timelines.
| Application Type | Average Processing Time |
| Provincial Nomination – Express Entry–aligned streams | Varies by province; most nominations are issued within a few months, depending on demand and intake capacity. |
| Provincial Nomination – Base PNP streams | Varies by province; typically 6–12 months for nomination decisions, depending on stream and application volume. |
| Federal PR application (after nomination) – Express Entry aligned | Target of around 6 months for most complete applications. |
| Federal PR application (after nomination) – Base PNP | Typically 18–20 months for final decision. |
Note: These timelines are average estimates published by IRCC and provincial governments for 80% of applications. The exact processing times differ by province, stream, and individual application completeness.
Canada PNP vs Express Entry
Other Immigration Pathways
| Pathway | Pros | Cons |
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | - Tailored to provincial labour demand - Multiple streams available - CRS boost (+600 points) if Express Entry–aligned | - Longer processing times for some streams - Job offer required in certain categories - Mobility limited to nominating province initially |
| Express Entry (Federal) | - Faster average processing (around 6 months) - Flexibility to live/work anywhere in Canada - No nomination needed if CRS score is high | - Competitive cut-off scores - Limited chances if CRS is below threshold |
| Other Pathways (Quebec, Atlantic, Work Permits) | - Options specific to regions like Quebec or Atlantic provinces - Employer-driven or graduate pathways - Opportunity to gain Canadian work experience before PR | - Narrower eligibility criteria - Employer or region dependence - Restrictions tied to location or program rules |
| Month | Provinces | No. of draws | Total no. of Invitations |
| October | Newfoundland and Labrador | 1 | 125 |
| Ontario | 3 | 1,680 | |
| Manitoba | 1 | 862 | |
| Alberta | 3 | 1,324 | |
| British Columbia | 1 | 485 | |
| September | Manitoba | 2 | 4,258 |
| Alberta | 10 | 2,819 | |
| PEI | 1 | 129 | |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 2 | 570 | |
| Ontario | 5 | 4,536 | |
| August | Manitoba | 2 | 114 |
| Alberta | 4 | 693 | |
| British Columbia | 1 | 16 | |
| Ontario | 3 | 468 | |
| PEI | 1 | 132 | |
| New Brunswick | 4 | 1,052 | |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 2 | 433 | |
| July | Manitoba | 1 | 67 |
| Alberta | 8 | 433 | |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 2 | 509 | |
| British Columbia | 1 | 17 | |
| June | Alberta | 8 | 291 |
| PEI | 1 | 52 | |
| Manitoba | 2 | 528 | |
| New Brunswick | 4 | 608 | |
| Ontario | 6 | 3,791 | |
| May | Newfoundland and Labrador | 2 | 733 |
| Alberta | 6 | 414 | |
| British Columbia | 2 | 108 | |
| PEI | 1 | 168 | |
| Manitoba | 3 | 118 | |
| April | Newfoundland and Labrador | 1 | 256 |
| Alberta | 7 | 246 | |
| New Brunswick | 2 | 477 | |
| British Columbia | 1 | 5 | |
| PEI | 1 | 168 | |
| Manitoba | 2 | 31 | |
| March | Alberta | 2 | 17 |
| PEI | 1 | 124 | |
| British Columbia | 1 | 13 | |
| New Brunswick | 1 | 498 | |
| Manitoba | 2 | 219 | |
| February | Alberta | 10 | 551 |
| PEI | 1 | 87 | |
| Manitoba | 2 | 117 | |
| Ontario | 1 | 4 | |
| January | Ontario | 1 | 4 |
| British Columbia | 1 | 10 | |
| PEI | 1 | 22 | |
| Manitoba | 2 | 325 |
| 102,244 Invitations Issued in 2025 | |||||||||||
| Express Entry/ Province Draw | Jan | Feb | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | Total |
| Express Entry | 5821 | 11,601 | 13,261 | 1246 | 2511 | 7,405 | 7,558 | 6,417 | 10,018 | 5,845 | 71,683 |
| Manitoba | 325 | 117 | 219 | 4 | 118 | 528 | 86 | 114 | 4258 | 862 | 6,631 |
| British Columbia | 10 | NA | 13 | NA | 108 | NA | 17 | 16 | NA | 485 | 649 |
| Ontario | 4 | NA | NA | NA | NA | 3791 | NA | 468 | 4536 | 1680 | 10,479 |
| Alberta | NA | 551 | 17 | 246 | 414 | 291 | 433 | 693 | 2819 | 1324 | 6788 |
| Prince Edward Island | 22 | 87 | 124 | NA | 168 | 52 | 39 | 132 | 129 | NA | 753 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | NA | NA | NA | 256 | 733 | NA | 509 | 433 | 570 | 125 | 2626 |
| New Brunswick | NA | NA | 498 | 477 | NA | 608 | 1052 | NA | NA | NA | 2635 |
| Total | 6,182 | 12,356 | 14,132 | 2,229 | 4,052 | 12,675 | 8,642 | 9,325 | 22,330 | 10,321 | 1,02,244 |
Securing a provincial nomination through the PNP can significantly expedite the permanent residency application process, offering a dual advantage: a substantial increase in CRS points within the Express Entry system and the opportunity to apply directly to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence.
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The Canada Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is a key pathway for skilled workers, graduates, and entrepreneurs to become permanent residents of Canada. Through PNPs, provinces and territories can nominate candidates who meet their labour market needs and are willing to live in that province. Each PNP has unique eligibility requirements, focusing on in-demand occupations, work experience, or educational backgrounds. Once nominated, candidates can apply for permanent residency with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This program helps Canada spread immigration benefits across regions, encouraging newcomers to settle in provinces beyond the main urban centres like Toronto and Vancouver.
Currently, 11 Canadian provinces and territories operate their own Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). These include Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories. Each has multiple streams targeting skilled workers, entrepreneurs, or graduates. Quebec and Nunavut do not participate in the PNP; Quebec runs its own immigration system with separate selection criteria. The wide availability of PNPs across Canada ensures that skilled migrants can choose pathways aligned with their education, experience, and settlement goals, making PNPs one of the most flexible immigration options.
For international graduates, many provinces offer dedicated streams such as the Ontario International Graduate Stream, British Columbia International Post-Graduate Stream, or the Manitoba International Education Stream. These programs are designed to retain talented students trained in Canada. For UK applicants or other foreign-educated professionals, the choice depends on work experience and occupation. Saskatchewan and Alberta are popular for overseas applicants due to their occupation-in-demand lists. Ontario also attracts many skilled professionals through its Human Capital Priorities Stream. Ultimately, the “best” PNP stream depends on whether you studied in Canada, your profession, and your long-term settlement plans.
Language requirements for PNPs vary by province and stream, but most skilled worker categories require a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 in English or French. This usually translates to an IELTS score of 6.0 in each band or equivalent scores in CELPIP or TEF. Some provincial streams, particularly for semi-skilled or entry-level occupations, may accept a CLB 4–5. Higher scores not only strengthen your PNP application but also increase your chances in the Express Entry pool if your nomination is aligned with it. Strong language proficiency also helps with faster settlement in Canada.
After receiving a provincial nomination, you move to the final stage of the immigration process. If you applied through a paper-based PNP, you must submit your permanent residency application to IRCC with all supporting documents. If your nomination is linked to Express Entry, 600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points are added to your profile, almost guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in the next draw. After submitting your PR application, IRCC conducts medical, security, and background checks. Once approved, you receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), allowing you to settle in your nominated province.
