Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Individuals interested in emigrating to a specific Canadian province or territory can use the provincial nominee programs (PNPs) to gain permanent residence in Canada. Find how to immigrate to Canada as a provincial nominee and get the most up-to-date information about the Canadian PNP.
PNPs pathway to Canadian permanent residency
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) Guide
Each province and territory in Canada has its own PNP tailored to its individual economic and demographic needs.
The number of invitations for PNP candidates is increased by the Canadian federal government every year. These programs are the most popular way to immigrate to Canada for economic reasons.
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These figures were last updated on MONDAY, 7th NOVEMBER 2022, at 3:45 PM GMT +4
Provincial Nominee Overview
Except for Quebec and Nunavut, each province has multiple PNP streams. The provinces created these streams to help them fulfil their own immigration goals, hence the qualifying requirements and application procedures differ. PNPs, on the other hand, are a popular choice because they might be the quickest route to permanent residency in Canada.
Canada's provinces cannot approve permanent resident status on their own, since all decisions on permanent residency in Canada must be approved at the national level by the federal government. As a result, the provincial programs are referred to as "nominee" programs.
A successful PNP applicant will be nominated by the province to apply for permanent residency with the federal government. This means that applying for a PNP is always the first step in a two-phase process. An interested immigrant must first be authorized at the provincial level before applying to the federal level.
Except for Nunavut and Quebec, each of Canada's provinces and territories has its own Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) to suit its economic and demographic demands. Because program requirements and application procedures differ significantly between provinces, interested applicants should check with each one to see if they are eligible.
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Ontario
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Saskatchewan
- Yukon
Except for Quebec and Nunavut, each province and territory in Canada has its PNP program with multiple streams. There are over 80 different provincial nominee programs in total.
Canada established Express Entry in 2015 as a system for managing permanent residence applications through the same major economic immigration programs. Since then, numerous provinces and territories in Canada have created 'improved' PNP streams that are compatible with Express Entry. This means that in order to achieve the PNP eligibility standards, some PNPs require an applicant to have an Express Entry profile.
If an application is nominated through a PNP that is Express Entry-aligned, the applicant can earn 600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, virtually ensuring that they will obtain an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residence in the next Express Entry draw. Alternatively, if an applicant receives a nomination through a PNP that is not connected with Express Entry, they must apply for permanent residence as a provincial nominee using a non-Express Entry federal application. Non-Express Entry federal permanent residence applications can take a lengthy time to process compared to computerized Express Entry applications.
Depending on the program, the cost of immigrating through a Provincial Nominee Program ranges between $2,300 and $3,800 CAD. Some provinces do not impose processing fees to applicants, while others, such as Ontario, charge up to $1,500 CAD.
- Language tests: Average cost – $300
- Biometrics:Â $85/person
- Government fees:Â $1,325/adult & $225/child
- Police clearance certificates: average cost – $100/Country
- Provincial Nominee Program processing fees:Â Up to $1500 CADÂ
- Medical examination fees: average cost – $450/adult & $250/child
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) (if applicable): Average cost – $200
Total cost: Between ~$2,300 – $3,800 CAD
There are numerous Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) available to international candidates who do not have a job offer in Canada. Candidates with skills or work experience that can assist the province in responding to the labour market or demographic shortfalls are often targeted for these programs.
PNP qualifying criteria differ from province to province. Because PNPs are part of an economic immigration policy, they are usually designed to attract people who can quickly contribute to the economy and are likely to stay in the province.
As a result, several PNPs give preference to immigrants with experience in in-demand occupations in their province. Other PNPs prefer immigrants who have a personal link to the province, such as a relative, because they are more likely to stay.
Young applicants with great language abilities, high levels of education, and skilled work experience, as with most economic immigration programs, are more likely to succeed. Otherwise, the above-mentioned list of PNPs must be consulted to determine the qualifying criteria for each program individually.
The time it takes to process nomination applications varies by province, however, it usually takes a few months. It takes two steps to apply for permanent residency in Canada through the PNP program.
To begin, you must apply to the province. You must next submit your application to the federal government once that has been authorized.
Only the federal government has the authority to grant you Canadian permanent residence. Whether you filed a 'basic' or 'enhanced' PNP application will determine how quickly your permanent residence application is processed.
Many PNPs require that applicants have an active profile in the Express Entry pool. However, there are exceptions to this where some provinces issue nominations to applicants who do not have Express Entry eligibility. These programs vary in their eligibility requirements, so it is best to consult with a representative to discuss your eligibility. All PNPs resulting in a nomination require that the applicant then submit a permanent resident application to the federal government.
The federal permanent residency application must be submitted through a different portal or by paper if the PNP is not aligned with Express Entry. A non-Express Entry PNP application will usually take longer to process.
In addition to other language and education criteria, provinces and territories frequently seek applicants with job experience that fulfils the needs of their specific labour market. Each province has its own language competence, education, and skill set criteria. You must also show that you will be able to contribute to the local economy and that you have a genuine desire to reside in that province or area to qualify.
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Easiest provinces to get PR in 2022
Depending on your situation, provincial nominee programs may be the most convenient option to obtain permanent residence in Canada. So, which provinces make it the simplest for non-Canadians to obtain permanent residency? There are many nominee programs, each with its eligibility criteria. Provinces can use PNPs to adapt to their specific immigration demands. PNPs are designed to fill labour shortages; thus, candidates with experience in high-demand occupations will be prioritized.
We are frequently asked which Canadian Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is the simplest for international applicants. While many PNPs require candidates to have a connection to their provinces – such as a job offer, work experience, or a degree – some programs invite candidates solely based on their ability to fill labour or demographic gaps. These are the four provinces where foreign applicants will have the greatest chance of obtaining permanent residency in Canada in 2022:
Saskatchewan, located in Canada’s prairie area, has been a favourite immigration destination due to its strong economic growth and job prospects. Saskatchewan’s International Skilled Worker PNP’s Occupations In-Demand and Express Entry streams are meant to attract employees with experience in the province’s most in-demand occupations. These International Skilled Worker streams use an Expression of Interest (EOI) approach to hand-pick candidates.
To file an EOI, candidates must have at least one year of experience in an occupation not on SINP’s Excluded Occupations List. Interested candidates must have completed a post-secondary educational credential of at least one year and speak English or French. Any candidate that meets Saskatchewan’s minimal qualifying criteria, including scoring a minimum of 60 points on their Points Assessment Grid, may submit an EOI profile. Submitted profiles are then considered in one of SINP’s EOI draws. Only candidates with the highest competitive SINP score and in-demand professions are invited to SINP EOI draws.
Candidates eligible for Express Entry can apply for their permanent residence application to be processed faster through the Saskatchewan Express Entry stream. Those who do not meet the Express Entry eligibility requirements can apply for the Saskatchewan Occupations In-Demand stream.
To file an EOI, candidates must have at least one year of experience in an occupation not on SINP’s Excluded Occupations List. Interested candidates must have completed a post-secondary educational credential of at least one year and speak English or French. Any candidate that meets Saskatchewan’s minimal qualifying criteria, including scoring a minimum of 60 points on their Points Assessment Grid, may submit an EOI profile. Submitted profiles are then considered in one of SINP’s EOI draws. Only candidates with the highest competitive SINP score and in-demand professions are invited to SINP EOI draws.
Candidates eligible for Express Entry can apply for their permanent residence application to be processed faster through the Saskatchewan Express Entry stream. Those who do not meet the Express Entry eligibility requirements can apply for the Saskatchewan Occupations In-Demand stream.
Alberta, Canada’s western province, is home to some of the country’s most prosperous cities, including Calgary and Edmonton. Alberta is a desirable province for newcomers because of its booming employment market and excellent educational system. The Alberta Express Entry stream chooses candidates for a provincial nomination from the federal Express Entry pool.
One of the key advantages of this stream is that Express Entry candidates with CRS scores as low as 300 are considered, which implies that more individuals in the pool will be eligible for a Notification of Interest from the province.
It’s important to note that a CRS score of more than 300 does not ensure acceptance into Alberta’s Express Entry program. The Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program releases the CRS score of the lowest-ranking candidate from each round of invites, but the additional targeted criteria are not. The following factors may improve a candidate’s chances:
– A qualifying relative who is an Alberta permanent resident or citizen
– A job offer or work experience in Alberta
– A finished post-secondary credential from a Canadian university.
Many newcomers are drawn to the bustling city of Toronto and its growing tech-jobs sector, making Ontario Canada’s most popular destination for immigrants. As a result, the province has a considerable quota for assisting newcomers in obtaining permanent residency through PNP streams. Despite having one of the largest immigrant quotas in the country, Ontario wants to bring in even more newcomers. To help address the province’s labour shortfall, Ontario’s Labour Minister Monte McNaughton recently proposed that the number of immigrants authorized under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) be increased from 9,000 to 18,000 people.
Ontario’s Human Capital Priorities stream is an excellent choice for persons living outside of Canada. This stream gives preference to qualified candidates who will be able to fill skilled job openings in the province. The Human Capital Priorities also use the federal Express Entry system. Candidates must have an active Express Entry profile with a CRS score of 400 or higher to be considered. Ontario examines all Express Entry profiles and invites specific profiles to apply to the PNP, often based on a group of NOC codes and a specific CRS range.
Under the Human Capital Priorities stream, Ontario invited 6,259 candidates in 2021. About half of the invitees were chosen using OINP’s targeted tech draw. Ontario offers a PNP route for French-Speaking Skilled Workers with Express Entry profiles. This program may be a good fit if you have intermediate to advanced French skills. Because of its large immigration quotas, Ontario organizes frequent draws, making it one of the simplest provinces in Canada to get permanent residency for qualified applicants.
Ontario’s Human Capital Priorities stream is an excellent choice for persons living outside of Canada. This stream gives preference to qualified candidates who will be able to fill skilled job openings in the province. The Human Capital Priorities also use the federal Express Entry system. Candidates must have an active Express Entry profile with a CRS score of 400 or higher to be considered. Ontario examines all Express Entry profiles and invites specific profiles to apply to the PNP, often based on a group of NOC codes and a specific CRS range.
Under the Human Capital Priorities stream, Ontario invited 6,259 candidates in 2021. About half of the invitees were chosen using OINP’s targeted tech draw. Ontario offers a PNP route for French-Speaking Skilled Workers with Express Entry profiles. This program may be a good fit if you have intermediate to advanced French skills. Because of its large immigration quotas, Ontario organizes frequent draws, making it one of the simplest provinces in Canada to get permanent residency for qualified applicants.
Nova Scotia is a province on Canada’s east coast, bordering the Atlantic Ocean. The province’s proximity to the seaside, inexpensive cost of living, and laid-back lifestyle make it an ideal choice for many potential newcomers. Candidates are also chosen directly from the Express Entry pool by Nova Scotia’s Labour Market Priorities. This stream is regarded as one of the easier PNPs for international candidates to obtain PR because it frequently accepts profiles with no ties to the province.
Nova Scotia needs to make the occupations or criteria they will be targeting public before their admission rounds. However, they frequently accept people who have no ties to the province. Candidates must have an active Express Entry profile and express their interest in Nova Scotia to be considered. Those who get an invitation from Nova Scotia can apply for the possibility of being nominated by the province. Successful nominees receive an additional 600 points toward their CRS score because the stream uses the Express Entry method. These extra points almost guarantee an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in a federal Express Entry lottery.
Nova Scotia needs to make the occupations or criteria they will be targeting public before their admission rounds. However, they frequently accept people who have no ties to the province. Candidates must have an active Express Entry profile and express their interest in Nova Scotia to be considered. Those who get an invitation from Nova Scotia can apply for the possibility of being nominated by the province. Successful nominees receive an additional 600 points toward their CRS score because the stream uses the Express Entry method. These extra points almost guarantee an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in a federal Express Entry lottery.
With over 80 PNPs to select from, we understand how difficult it may be to decide which immigration program is right for you. It cannot be easy to know where to begin because the easiest province to obtain PR in Canada is often determined by your unique profile. If you have any questions concerning Canada’s PNPs or other options to immigrate to Canada, please don’t hesitate to contact us!
Do you want to see if you’re eligible for any PNPs? Reach out to us, and one of our immigration specialists will assist you with our case.
Do you want to see if you’re eligible for any PNPs? Reach out to us, and one of our immigration specialists will assist you with our case.
How to apply for a Provincial Nominee Program in Canada
1- Choose the PNP that’s best for you: To select where you want to immigrate, look at the list of provinces and territories at the top of this page. Check the qualifying conditions for each PNP to see whether you qualify.
2- Apply to the PNP of your choice: Directly apply to the province or territory of your choice.
3- Obtain a Certificate of Provincial Nomination: If your application is approved, the province or territory will sponsor you for permanent residence in Canada.
4- Submit your permanent residency application: Make an application for permanent residence with the Canadian federal government. This can be done online if your preferred PNP is compatible with Express Entry.
To apply for some PNPs, you don’t need an Express Entry profile. These are referred to as ‘basic’ PNPs. While each program’s nomination procedure is unique, the following steps are generally followed:
1- Make an application for a nomination
2- Apply for permanent residence in Canada using the Permanent Residence Portal if nominated.
You can apply for Canadian permanent residency through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s online Permanent Residence Portal after being nominated by a Canadian province or territory.
Permanent residency applications submitted through the Base PNP take substantially longer to process than those submitted through Express Entry. A permanent resident application submitted through Express Entry takes an average of 6 months to process, while a paper-based application takes an average of 18 months to process.
1- Create an account and fill out a profile for Express Entry.
2- Apply to a PNP that is aligned with Express Entry.
3- Receive a nomination for the Express Entry stream
4- Confirm your Express Entry status on your profile to earn 600 bonus points.
5- Wait for a permanent residence invitation to arrive.
6- Use the Express Entry system to apply for permanent residence in Canada.
Provincial Nominee Program Application Process
Because each province has its qualifying criteria, they employ different point systems to determine who is eligible to apply or receive an invitation. Age, work experience, education, language, and ties to the province are often used to assign points. Not all nominee programs score their candidates using a points system.
You can improve your chances of earning a provincial nomination simply by completing an Express Entry profile. Provinces search through the Express Entry pool on a regular basis, inviting profiles that can assist fill labour or demographic shortfalls. Having a solid profile that shows your interest in many provinces might also improve your chances of being invited through an Express Entry PNP. Because many PNPs need candidates to have a tie to the province, studying or working in Canada can help you have a better chance.
A PNP candidate with job experience and abilities that assist a province in responding to the labour market or demographic demands is excellent. Other elements that could improve one’s chances are:
– Strong ties to the province in which the event is being held (ex. previous work experience, job offer, previous studies, family)
– Work experience in a high-demand field
– Strong command of the English language
– French fluency is required.
– Strong ties to the province in which the event is being held (ex. previous work experience, job offer, previous studies, family)
– Work experience in a high-demand field
– Strong command of the English language
– French fluency is required.
When evaluating eligibility or whether a candidate obtains an invitation to a PNP draw, many provinces take into account the applicant’s language exam score. Most programs will take this into account as part of their minimum qualifying requirements or, if relevant, as part of their scoring methodology.
When evaluating eligibility or whether a candidate obtains an invitation to a PNP draw, many provinces take into account the applicant’s language exam score. Most programs will take this into account as part of their minimum qualifying requirements or, if relevant, as part of their scoring methodology.
Most PNPs require an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report showing that an applicant’s overseas qualifications are equivalent in Canada. Check the qualifying requirements for the program you’re applying for to see if you’re eligible for an ECA.
In some areas, you must additionally give the organization permission to discuss the results of your ECA report with the PNP.
Questions? You’re covered
An "Invitation to Apply" (also known as a "Notification of Interest" or "Letter of Interest") is a province's invitation to apply for nomination. Provinces shall provide applicants with a deadline for submitting their application when they issue an invitation. The deadline varies based on the program via which an applicant is invited.
To apply for most Provincial Nominee Programs, you must have at least one year of work experience. Some nominated programs for post-graduate students, on the other hand, do not require work experience or a job offer to apply. The Ontario Masters Graduate stream, Ontario PhD Graduate stream, and British Columbia International Post-Graduate stream are examples of these programs.
To demonstrate competency in one of Canada's official languages, almost all PNPs require candidates to take a specified French or English language exam. If you want to immigrate to a specific province, check the language criteria for the program you want to apply for to see what degree of language ability is required.
Eligibility checkup
Check if you are eligible to immigrate to Canada through Provincial Nominee Program
Find out what is required from you for the Canadian PNP program. Please fill out our free assessment form, and one of our immigration specialists will call you to discuss your immigration to Canada.
Canada Provincial Nominee Application Process - Apply with RMS
1 1
STEP 1
Find out your Eligibility for PN Programs
Are you eligible for Provincial Nomination programs? Contact us to discuss your eligibility status and PNP options.
2 2
STEP 2
Complete your PNP Application Process in Time
Once your application has been reviewed, you will be issued a certificate of Provincial Nomination, provided you meet the necessary criteria.
3 3
STEP 3
Submit your Complete PR Application
It’s time to apply to the federal government for Canadian permanent resident status. Our processing officers are available to offer you expert assistance.