Immigrate to Canada via Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

How Many PNP Programs Are There in Canada?

Every province and territory in Canada, except Quebec, has its own Provincial Nominee Program. Each PNP has different streams that target specific groups of people, such as skilled workers, international graduates, businesspeople, and more. Below are the major PNPs in Canada:

Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)

• Streams: Alberta Opportunity, Alberta Express Entry, Self-Employed Farmer
• Alberta nominates individuals who meet their eligibility requirements and show a genuine intention to live and work in the province.

British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)

• Streams: Skills Immigration, Express Entry BC, Entrepreneur Immigration
• This PNP focuses on skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs who can contribute to British Columbia’s growing economy.

Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)

• Streams: Skilled Workers in Manitoba, Skilled Workers Overseas, International Education, Business Investor
• Manitoba invites skilled workers, recent graduates, and businesspeople who are prepared to settle and build their lives in the province.

Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)

• Streams: In-Demand Skills, Ph.D. Graduate, French-Speaking Skilled Worker, Human Capital Priorities, Skilled Trades, Entrepreneur
• Ontario’s PNP targets foreign workers, students, and entrepreneurs who are ready to contribute to the economy of Canada’s most populous province.

Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)

• Streams: International Skilled Worker, Saskatchewan Experience, Entrepreneur, and Farm
• SINP helps skilled immigrants and businesspeople settle in Saskatchewan by offering them a path to permanent residency.

Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)

• Streams: Express Entry, Labour Impact, Business Impact
• PEI nominates candidates with the skills needed to support the province’s workforce and economy.

New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)

• Streams: Skilled Workers with Employer Support, Express Entry Labour Market, Post-Graduate Entrepreneurial, Entrepreneur
• New Brunswick nominates skilled workers and entrepreneurs who meet the province’s needs and are fluent in English or French.

Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)

• Streams: Express Entry Skilled Worker, Skilled Worker, International Graduate
• NLPNP offers pathways for skilled immigrants and recent graduates to settle and work in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)

• Streams: Labour Market Priorities, Entrepreneur, International Graduate Entrepreneur, Skilled Worker, Occupations in Demand, Express Entry
• Nova Scotia’s PNP attracts skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and graduates who can contribute to the province’s labor force.

Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)

• Streams: Yukon Express Entry, Critical Impact Worker, Skilled Worker, Business Nominee
• Yukon nominates foreign workers and businesspeople to help build the local economy.

Am I Eligible for Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)?

• Skills and Experience: Many PNPs look for immigrants with experience in jobs that are in-demand in the province.
• Education: Higher education levels can improve your eligibility.
• Language Proficiency: Strong English or French skills are often required.
• Connection to the Province: Some PNPs prioritize applicants who have a connection to the province, like a job offer, family ties, or prior study or work experience in the area.

How to Apply for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)?

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

First, check the eligibility criteria for the PNP in the province where you want to live. Each PNP has its own requirements based on the needs of the local labor market.

Step 2: Submit Your PNP Application

Once you determine your eligibility, submit an application to the province. If your application is successful, you’ll receive a Provincial Nomination Certificate.

Step 3: Apply for Permanent Residency

After receiving your provincial nomination, you can apply for Permanent Residency (PR) with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). If your PNP is linked to Express Entry, you can apply online. If not, you’ll need to apply through a paper-based process.

Applying for PNP Through the Paper-Based Process

If your province’s PNP is not linked to Express Entry, you’ll need to apply through the traditional paper-based process. Here’s what you need to do:

• Once you get your provincial nomination, submit your paper application for permanent residency to IRCC.
• You’ll also need to provide a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) and undergo a medical examination.
• Paper-based applications take longer to process, typically around 18 months.

Applying for PNP Through the Express Entry Process

If your province’s PNP is linked to Express Entry, you can follow the online process:

1. Create an Express Entry profile and indicate that you have a provincial nomination.
2. After your nomination is confirmed, you’ll receive 600 additional CRS points in the Express Entry pool.
3. These points will almost guarantee that you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR in the next round of Express Entry invitations.

Processing Time for PNP Applications

• Express Entry Linked Streams: Typically processed within 6 to 8 months.
• Non-Express Entry (Paper-Based) Streams: These applications can take anywhere from 1 to 2 years.