Canada is a country known for its thriving economy, diverse culture, and exceptional quality of life. With a welcoming approach to immigration, Canada offers several pathways for skilled workers, students, business owners, and semi-skilled workers to become permanent residents. One of the most prominent pathways to Canadian immigration is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), which allows skilled individuals to live and work in a specific province or territory of their choice. If you’re interested in immigrating to Canada through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) via Express Entry, this detailed guide will walk you through every step of the process.
What is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)?
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is designed to allow Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals who wish to immigrate to Canada and who meet the labor market needs of the province. Each province and territory in Canada has its own specific immigration streams and criteria to target skilled workers, businesspeople, semi-skilled workers, and even international students. The main goal of the PNP is to allow provinces and territories to address specific economic needs by selecting immigrants who will contribute to their local economies.
Through the PNP, you can become a permanent resident of Canada by first securing a provincial nomination, which can greatly increase your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence under the Express Entry system.
Eligibility for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
To qualify for the PNP through Express Entry, you must meet several criteria:
- Skills and Education: You must have the necessary education, skills, and work experience to contribute to the economy of the specific province or territory you are applying to.
- Desire to Live in a Specific Province: The PNP is for people who intend to live and work in a particular province or territory, rather than settling in Canada generally.
- Permanent Residency: You must be aiming to become a permanent resident of Canada. This pathway allows you to eventually gain permanent residency if nominated.
Check Your Eligibility For FreeTypes of PNP Streams
Each province and territory in Canada has different streams under their PNP, targeting various categories of people such as:
- Skilled Workers: Individuals with professional expertise and experience in occupations needed in the province.
- Semi-Skilled Workers: Those who have training or experience in semi-skilled occupations, often in sectors like construction, hospitality, and manufacturing.
- Students: International students who have completed their studies in Canada and wish to apply for permanent residence.
- Business Owners: Entrepreneurs and business owners who want to invest or start a business in Canada.
The PNP Through Express Entry: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility for PNP and Express Entry
To begin your immigration journey, ensure you are eligible for one of the following Express Entry programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): For skilled workers with eligible foreign or Canadian work experience.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): For those qualified in a skilled trade.
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For skilled workers with Canadian work experience.
Once you’ve determined that you are eligible for one of these programs, check if you meet the eligibility criteria for the PNP of the specific province or territory. Each province has its own requirements, which can vary depending on the local labor market and economic conditions.
Step 2: Get a Provincial Nomination
After confirming eligibility, you must contact the province or territory where you wish to live and apply for a nomination. To do this:
- Create an Express Entry Profile: You must create an Express Entry profile and select the provinces or territories you are interested in.
- Wait for a Notification of Interest (NOI): If a province or territory is interested in nominating you, they will send you a Notification of Interest (NOI). Once you receive an NOI, you can apply for a provincial nomination.
Step 3: Update Your Express Entry Profile
If you are nominated by a province, update your Express Entry profile to reflect the nomination. The system will automatically award you 600 additional points. These points will significantly increase your chances of being invited to apply for permanent residence.
Step 4: Apply for Permanent Residence
Once you’ve received your Invitation to Apply (ITA), you will be able to submit an online application for permanent residence. The application must be completed within 60 days of receiving the ITA.
What Happens After You Receive a Provincial Nomination?
Once you have received your provincial nomination and updated your profile:
- 600 Additional Points: A provincial nomination adds 600 points to your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, which virtually guarantees that you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence during the next round of invitations.
- Apply for Permanent Residence: With the ITA, you can then apply online for permanent residency. Remember that you must apply within 60 days of receiving your ITA.
- Withdrawn Nomination: If a province withdraws your nomination before you receive an ITA, you must withdraw your Express Entry profile and submit a new one.
PNP Processing Time
The processing time for the PNP Express Entry process is generally 6 months, depending on the specific province and the volume of applications.
Province-Specific PNP Streams
Each province has its own criteria and immigration streams. Below are the provincial websites where you can find more information on their specific PNP streams and eligibility requirements:
- Alberta: Alberta Advantage Immigration Program
- British Columbia: BC Provincial Nominee Program
- Manitoba: Immigrate Manitoba
- New Brunswick: New Brunswick Immigration Streams
- Newfoundland and Labrador: NL Provincial Nominee Program
- Northwest Territories: Immigrate Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia: Live in Nova Scotia
- Ontario: Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program
- Prince Edward Island: PEI Immigration
- Saskatchewan: Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program
- Yukon: Yukon Immigration
Applying for Permanent Residence through Express Entry
Once you receive your nomination, follow the steps below to apply for permanent residence:
- Check Program Requirements: Ensure that you are still eligible for the program you were invited to apply for. If there have been changes in your situation (such as a job offer or language test), update your profile accordingly.
- Submit Your Application: You have 60 calendar days from the time you receive your ITA to submit your application for permanent residence online.
- Declining an Invitation: If you decide not to accept the invitation to apply for permanent residence, you can decline it. Your profile will be returned to the Express Entry pool, but there is no guarantee of receiving another invitation.
The PNP Through Non-Express Entry: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Get Nominated by a Province or Territory
Choose where you want to live in Canada and apply for nomination from that province or territory. Read more
2. Apply for Permanent Residence
Prepare the necessary documents and submit your application online. Read more
Fees
Application fees begin at $1,525 in 2025.
How to Apply
Step 1: Apply Online for Permanent Residence
Once nominated, apply for permanent residence through the Permanent Residence Portal.
Forms to complete:
- Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008)
- Schedule A – Background/Declaration (IMM 5669)
- Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)
- Supplementary Information – Your travels (IMM 5562)
Download and upload additional forms as required.
For all forms and further details, visit the official Canada immigration page.
Step 2: Pay Application Fees
Application fees start at $1,525 and may include:
- Processing fees for the applicant and dependents.
- Right of Permanent Residence Fee upon application approval.
- Biometrics fee for fingerprint and photo collection.
Third-party fees may also apply for:
- Medical exams
- Police certificates
- Educational credential assessments
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Ensure all forms are filled out correctly, signed, and supported by the required documents. You must include your provincial nomination certificate.
Post-Application Process
After submitting your application, you will receive an acknowledgment of receipt (AOR) and application number. Processing typically takes 13 months and includes submitting biometrics, medical exams, and police certificates.
What to Do After Applying
- Keep track of application status using your AOR number.
- Respond to requests for additional documents or information.
- Ensure your personal information is up-to-date to avoid delays.
After Approval
If your application is approved, you’ll receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and possibly a permanent resident visa (if needed). You’ll also be given instructions for your next steps.
Preparing for Arrival in Canada
Once your application is approved, ensure you have all necessary documents:
- Valid passport or travel documents
- Proof of funds to support yourself and your family
Check the Canada Border Services Agency website for guidance on what you can bring into the country.
SEP Immigration is dedicated to helping individuals navigate the complex immigration process to Canada. Led by Sepehr Falahati, a licensed member of the CICC and IRB, SEP Immigration specializes in providing expert guidance for Permanent Residency applications. Whether you’re already in Canada facing immigration challenges or are abroad and looking to immigrate, we offer tailored support to meet your needs. Our team ensures a smooth application process, helping you every step of the way with licensed expertise and professional care.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)?
The PNP enables Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals for permanent residency who possess skills and experience needed in their local labor markets.
How do I apply to immigrate to Canada as a provincial nominee?
To apply, you must first apply to the PNP in the province or territory where you wish to settle. If nominated, you can then apply for permanent residency through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Do I need a job offer to apply for the PNP?
While some PNP streams require a valid job offer from a Canadian employer, others do not. Eligibility criteria vary by province and stream.
What are the eligibility requirements for the PNP?
Eligibility requirements differ by province and stream but generally include factors such as work experience, education, language proficiency, and the intention to reside in the nominating province.
How long does the PNP application process take?
Processing times vary depending on the province and the specific stream. It’s advisable to consult the official website of the relevant provincial immigration authority for the most current information.
Can I apply to multiple PNP streams simultaneously?
Yes, you can apply to multiple PNP streams, provided you meet the eligibility criteria for each. However, you can only accept one nomination.
Is a provincial nomination a guarantee of permanent residency?
A provincial nomination significantly enhances your chances of obtaining permanent residency, but you must still meet federal eligibility requirements and pass medical and security checks.
Can I change employers after receiving a PNP nomination?
If you have an open work permit, you may change employers. However, if your work permit is employer-specific, you may need to apply for a new permit to change employers.
Do I need to have studied in Canada to be eligible for the PNP?
No, studying in Canada is not a requirement for all PNP streams. Eligibility criteria vary, and some streams may require Canadian education or work experience.
What is the difference between the PNP and Express Entry?
The PNP is a provincial program that allows provinces to nominate individuals for permanent residency, while Express Entry is a federal system for managing applications for permanent residency. Some PNP streams are aligned with Express Entry, allowing for faster processing.
