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In recent years, Canada has become a new home to more than 400,000 newcomers annually, all immigrating through different immigration programs. On this page, you will learn about Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), which are often used for personal immigration and business immigration. Canada’s provincial nominee programs are tailored to address the unique economic and demographic needs of different regions, making them an attractive option for newcomers considering immigration to Canada.
Does securing a Canadian permanent residency sound appealing to you? Do you envisage turning over the page and moving to Canada to start the next chapter of your life? If yes, then this page is for you!
What is PNP Canada?
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP Canada) is an immigration system and a way to respond to Canada’s need for new and urgent immigration which is not met by Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Essentially, as the name suggests, PNP Canada is designed to give the provincial/territorial governments the discretion to invite immigrants depending on labour needs through local discretionary nominations. Under Canada’s PNP programs, applicants obtain permanent residency as a final outcome of their efforts.
There are 80 immigration PNP streams in Canada which seek to provide individuals with Canadian permanent residency. Some territories, such as Quebec and Nuvanut, have their systems – for instance, Quebec has opted to determine its economic immigration selection process.
To put this into context, Canada comprises 10 provinces and 3 territories governed under the Canadian Constitution. Although the federal government is responsible for national immigration laws and regulations through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), provinces also enjoy some freedom regarding immigration through the Provincial Nominee Programs. It is referred to as concurrent jurisdiction over immigration matters.
PNP Canada Requirements: Who Is Eligible for PNP Canada?
The PNP Canada requirements can be divided into:
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Eligibility Criteria: Each province and territory has its own set of criteria. These may include factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. Certain PNP streams are specifically designed to attract and support international students, recognizing them as ideal candidates for immigration.
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Application Process: The process generally involves two steps. First, you must apply to the PNP in the province or territory where you wish to settle. If you are nominated, you can then apply for permanent residence through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
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Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Each province and territory in Canada operates its own PNP, targeting specific groups such as skilled workers, business people, and international graduates. The programs are regularly updated to reflect the changing needs of the labour market and to attract skilled international students studying in Canada.
PNP Business Immigration Canada
Entrepreneurs can enjoy owning and growing a business in Canada through the Business Immigration PNPs. Typically, entrepreneurs need a financial business plan to develop their business and declare their net worth and the capital they are willing to put into the provincial economy. Usually, a net worth of CAD $250,000 will add points to the entrepreneur’s PNP, depending on the province they seek to relocate to. Most times, relevant work experience in managing a business from the same category plays a beneficial role in your application.
Although PNP programs are one of Canada’s most searched-for immigration pathways, they might not be the fastest or the best for you. We strongly suggest you consider the Intra-Company Transfer program, Entrepreneur Work Permit program, Canada’s Start-up visa program, or LMIA work permits when searching for a suitable immigration program.
Entrepreneurs will typically need to hold at least 33.33% shares in a business, and their investment in a province or territory will be set at a certain minimum from as low as CAD $125,000 to as much as CAD $3,000,000. Investment amounts may differ within provinces. For instance, the Vancouver and Abbotsford areas in the Province of British Columbia require that investors bring twice as much net worth and investments as what they would contribute to the other parts of the province. Exploratory visits are usually also recommended, with New Brunswick even setting a term of five business days to complete this activity.
PNP Personal Immigration Canada
Personal Immigration PNPs are available to skilled and semi-skilled workers with certain abilities, industry knowledge, and work experience within their industry to obtain permanent residence with the help of a Canadian province. Not every PNP scheme mandates that candidates ought to have a job offer. However, nominees must meet certain education, linguistic proficiency (English and/or French), age, and medical fitness criteria. Individual nominees should be committed to obtaining permanent residence in their chosen province and will sign paperwork proving their intent to reside. Those invited to the province as a nominee are usually also able to bring their spouses, dependents and/or children.
Workers should pay all PNP and subsequently arising charges. The federal government has designated PNP dates when invitations to nominees are issued through the PNP draw. Following the latest PNP updates, accepted applications, nominations issued and PNP draws is a good practice. It is important to be aware of the average processing times for different types of applications and not reach out for updates unless prompted.
How to Apply for PNP in Canada?
You can apply for a PNP program by:
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Applying to a PNP program directly – the province will review your application based on the selection criteria and the points system. If you are found to be a suitable candidate, the province will give you a nomination letter, which you can use to apply for PR;
OR
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Applying through the Express Entry System, a federal program – your profile will be visible to all provinces and territories in this case. If selected, you will receive an invitation to apply for an Express Entry stream of that province’s or territory’s PNP.
Processing times for PNP applications can vary depending on application complexity, program type, and province. Factors such as applicant volume and changes in federal nomination availability can also impact these application processing times.
If you are successful for at least one year of your PNP application in either of the pathways, you will be granted 600 points under the Comprehensive Ranking System. You will be able to use these points in your Express Entry application.
A preliminary piece of advice before making your final decision is first to give your very best in researching the labour market and employment in demand out of the province you intend to immigrate to. There is no point going for a certain role in a chosen province or territory if you cannot meet the PNP requirements, let alone if the region does not need people from your area of employment.
Bearing this in mind, you will then have to decide which province you will apply to in order to be nominated for PNP. You can familiarize yourself with the different streams in this page’s ‘List of Programs’ section below, where you can access each stream’s application guide and forms through the provided links.
PNP Canada Costs
PNP Canada costs are reflected in the provinces’ discretionary immigration powers, so prices vary. This section only refers to application fees paid to the government and associate expenses – it does not include investment costs or lawyer fees for business PNP streams. You can estimate your PNP business immigration costs with our fee calculator.
There are several free-of-charge PNP programs, though provinces tend to provide PNPs for minimal fees ranging between $250 and $350. These fees apply to the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program, the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program, the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program and the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program.
Medium-priced PNP programs include a $500 fee for the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program and Quebec schemes capped at $785, the latter of which may be supplemented by $168 each for the primary applicant’s spouse/partner and child to move to Canada. The most expensive PNPs include the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program ($1,150) and the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program, which can be topped at $2,000 and no less than $1,500.
Due to extra expenditures, PNP fees range between $2,300 and $3,800. Let us take Quebec as an example of additional fees:
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Mandatory visa fees ($550 for the applicant and their spouse and $150 for dependents);
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Right to Permanent Residence Fees ($490);
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Language tests ($300);
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Police verification fees ($100);
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Medical examination payments ($450 for adults and $200 less for children); and
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Government fees ($225 per child, jumping to $1,325 per adult).
In other words – it is advisable to have enough savings to cover the total costs, not just the PNP fees.
PNP Canada Processing Time
The PNP PR processing time depends on the applicants’ entry type and the province to which they have applied.
An Express Entry PNP applicant will receive priority in their application review, so their PNP Express Entry would take about 5 to 6 months. This shorter average processing time contrasts with the 12 to 24 months for standard non-Express Entry applications, which always come second on the province’s list.
Quebec, a province with distinctive PNP eligibility requirements, previously processed PNP nominations in just 20 days, although it has instead elected to adopt the maximum 6-month processing model.
Understanding the average processing times for different types of applications is important to avoid unnecessary follow-ups. Express Entry applications generally take about 6 months, while paper-based applications associated with base PNPs can take up to 18 months.
PNP Canada: List of Programs Available for Applicants
This section provides a convenient summary of all PNP programs across Canadian provinces. They are divided into PNPs for individuals, businesses, and farm owners.
| Name of Alberta PNP | Type | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta Opportunity Stream | Individuals | Not aligned with the Express Entry option, this PNP is for skilled workers presently employed the province. |
| Alberta General Express Entry Stream | Individuals | Aligned with the Express Entry option (score of at least 300), this PNP requires employment history in the province or alternatively a family connection of citizenship/permanent residency in the province. |
| Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway | Individuals | Aligned with the Express Entry system, this PNP is available to workers from 38 professions currently working in Alberta or having a job offer in the province. |
| Rural Renewal Stream | Individuals | Not associated with the Express Entry system, this PNP requires a job/job offer in a rural part of the province, where the candidates intend to reside and be part of a rural community. |
| Farm Stream | Business | This Stream is available for those who wish to become Alberta Farmers. Does not require any work experience in the province. |
| Graduate Entrepreneur Stream | Business | This Stream is for graduates from domestic universities and foreign institutions who wish to start a business in the province. Does not require any work experience in the province. |
| Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream | Business | This Stream is for graduates from domestic universities and foreign institutions who wish to start a business in the province. Does not require any work experience in the province. |
| Rural Entrepreneur Stream | Business | This Stream is for those who want to purchase a rural business. Does not require any work experience in the province. |
| Name of BC PNP | Type | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker | Individuals | There are several sub-streams under this category costing $1,150 and taking 2 to 3 months to process: the Skilled Worker Category, the Healthcare Professional Category, the International Graduate Category, the International Post-Graduate Category and the Entry Level and Semi-Skilled Worker Category.* * The first four sub-streams are covered under both the Skilled Worker and the Express Entry categories. |
| Express Entry BC Stream | Individuals | Same as above |
| Entrepreneur Stream | Business | Base Category |
| Name of Manitoba PNP | Type | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker in Manitoba | Individuals | Nominees can choose between the Manitoba Work Experience Pathway and the Employer Direct Recruitment Pathway, pay $500 and wait six months for the nomination to be processed. |
| Skilled Worker Overseas | Individuals | The two sub-streams (the Manitoba Express Entry Pathway and the Human Capital Pathway cover In-Demand Occupations), cost $500 and take six months for the nomination to be processed. |
| International Education Stream | Individuals | Designed to help graduates receive permanent residence, the Career Employment Pathway ($500), the Graduate Internship Pathway: ($500) and the International Student Entrepreneur Pathway ($2,500) each take six months to process. |
| Morden Community Driven Initiative | Individuals | Morden received a city classification only in 2012 and is located 112 km southwest of Winnipeg and attempts to attract immigrants to grow its c.10,000 residents. |
| Manitoba Business Investor Stream | Business | Covers entrepreneurs and farmers, costs $2,500 and takes six months for the nomination to be processed. |
| Name of NB PNP | Type | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Express Entry Stream | Individuals | Temporarily suspended since May 2022. |
| Skilled Workers Stream | Individuals | Nominees must have secured full-time job offers on a permanent contract. |
| Strategic Initiative Stream | Individuals | Available to Francophone workers. |
| Atlantic Immigration Program | Individuals | New Brunswick, as one of the four Atlantic provinces, can hire foreign employees that are not able to fit with their profession locally. |
| Business Immigration Stream | Business | Requires that nominees invest $300,000 and have $600,000 in net worth. |
| Name of NL PNP | Type | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Express Entry Skilled Worker | Individuals | Cost $250 and take just 25 days to be processed. |
| Skilled Worker Category | Individuals | Same as above. |
| International Graduate Category | Individuals | Free of charge and take just 25 days to be processed. |
| Atlantic Immigration Pilot | Individuals | Newfoundland and Labrador, as one of the four Atlantic provinces, can hire foreign employees that are not able to fit with their profession locally. |
| International Entrepreneur Category | Business | The processing time is fluid and costs $1,000; nominees must be able to invest $200,000 and have $600,000 in net worth. |
| International Graduate Entrepreneur Category | Business | Nominees must pay $250 and must have graduated from the Memorial University of College of the North Atlantic in the last two years (two-year programs and above are recognized only). |
| Name of NS PNP | Type | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Nova Scotia Experience (Express Entry) | Individuals | Express Entry stream selects highly skilled individuals who wish to live in Nova Scotia permanently. Applicants must have at least one year of experience working in Nova Scotia in a high skilled occupation. |
| Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities | Individuals | Labour Market Priorities stream selects candidates in the federal Express Entry system who meet provincial labour market needs to apply for nomination. |
| Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities for Physicians | Individuals | The Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities stream for Physicians selects physicians to apply for nomination through the federal Express Entry system. Only candidates with an approved offer from the Nova Scotia Health Authority or the IWK Health Centre who receive a Letter of Interest from the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration may apply. |
| Skilled Worker Stream | Individuals | This Stream helps employers recruit foreign workers and recently graduated international students whose skills are needed in Nova Scotia. An employer can only hire foreign workers for positions they have been unable to fill with permanent residents or Canadian citizens. |
| Occupation In-Demand Stream | Individuals | The Occupations in Demand stream targets specific NOC C and D occupations that are in high labour market demand in Nova Scotia. |
| International Graduates In-Demand | Individuals | The International Graduates in Demand stream is for recent international graduates whose skills and education match specific National Occupational Classification (NOC) job categories. |
| Physician Stream | Individuals | This Stream assists Nova Scotia’s public health authorities – the Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) and the Izaak Walton Killam Health Centre (IWK) – to hire general practitioners, family physicians, and specialist physicians to work in Nova Scotia. |
| Entrepreneur Stream | Business | The Entrepreneur Stream is for experienced business owners or senior business managers who want to live in Nova Scotia. They must start a new business or buy an existing business and must actively participate in the day-to-day management of the business. |
| International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream | Business | The International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream is for recent graduates of a Nova Scotia university or the Nova Scotia Community College. They must have already started or bought a Nova Scotia business and operated it for at least a year. |
| Name of Ontario PNP | Type | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Human Capital Category | Individuals | Covers Skilled Workers, French speakers and Skilled Traders. |
| Masters or PhD Category | Individuals | View the Masters stream |
| Employer Job Offering Category | Individuals | Includes Students ($1,500; max. 120 days’ processing time) and In-Demand and Foreign Workers ($1,500 - $2,000; max. 90 days’ processing time; price depends on whether the job is outside of Toronto or not). |
| Entrepreneur Stream | Business | Nominees must have $400,000-$800,000 depending on whether they will do business inside or outside of the Great Toronto Area; an Economic Assessment must be completed. |
| Name of PEI PNP | Type | Details |
|---|---|---|
| PEI PNP Express Entry | Individuals | PDF guide. |
| Labour Impact Category | Individuals | PDF guide. |
| Business Impact Category | Business | PDF guide. |
| Name of Saskatchewan PNP | Type | Details |
|---|---|---|
| International Skilled Worker | Individuals | The ISW PNP features several sub-categories: Tech Talent Pathway, Employment Offer, Occupations In Demand and Saskatchewan Express Entry at a price of $350, taking 4-37 weeks to receive a nomination. |
| Saskatchewan Experience | Individuals | Covers six sub-categories, including students, truck drivers, agriculture workers and people in the healthcare/hospitability sectors. The processing time is remarkably quick: two weeks. |
| Entrepreneur | Business | Takes 14 weeks to process and the nomination covers farm owners and investors with half a million Canadian dollars net worth (there exist several sub-entrepreneur pathways with different requirements, e.g. for young investors). Costs $2,500. |
| Farm owner/operator | Business | Same as above. |
| International Graduate Entrepreneur | Business | Nominees should be aged 21 and have completed their education in a local institution. There are exceptions as to who is eligible to apply, e.g. illegal residents. |
| Name of NWT PNP | Type | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Express Entry for Skilled Workers | Individuals | Nomination of foreign nationals through these sub-PNPs: Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades and the Canadian Experience Class. |
| Skilled Worker | Individuals | Nomination of foreign nationals who have worked for six months in the Northwest Territories. |
| Entry-level/Semi-skilled Occupations | Individuals | Shortage job nominations for people with six months’ work experience in the Northwest Territories. |
| Business Stream | Business | Those eligible for the Northwest Territories Business PNP need to prove they can acquire/create and develop a business, provide a deposit, have a net worth of $250,000 to $500,000 (contingent on you business is in or out of Yellowknife) and invest between $150,000 to $300,000 (contingent on whether you business is in or out of Yellowknife) |
| Name of Yukon PNP | Type | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Yukon Express Entry | Individuals | For skilled foreign workers. |
| Skilled Worker | Individuals | For skilled foreign workers. |
| Critical Impact Worker | Individuals | Unskilled or semi-skilled foreign workers in occupations of high demand. |
| Yukon Community Pilot | Individuals | Can work for multiple Yukon employers and in multiple communities. |
| Business Nominee | Business | Available to those who have substantial capital to start or join the running of a business. |
The Best PNP Programs in Canada for Foreign Nationals
The two most popular PNP programs are the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) and the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP).
Ontario’s PNP is attractive because Ontario is home to four of Canada’s ten wealthiest cities, including the capital, Ottawa. Its streams include ‘Business,’ ‘Employer Job Offer,’ and ‘Human Capital,’ available to investors, healthcare professionals, students, Ph.D. graduates, and French speakers, among others.
BCPNP has three main streams: workers, entrepreneurs, and Express Entry candidates. Special PR and work permit options are offered to individuals in aviation (pilots) and technology sectors. Other provinces, like Alberta, offer specific PR pathways for recent graduates and international students and tech talent pathways.
Frequently Asked Questions About PNP in Canada
Below are answers to common questions about Canada’s PNP.
Is Canada PNP easy?
Yes, obtaining a PNP is relatively straightforward. Unlike other immigration pathways managed exclusively by Canada’s federal government, the PNP enjoys local government support. Its popularity stems from the numerous streams, province-specific flexibility, and quicker processing times. However, for business immigration, federal immigration programs may offer quicker and more certain outcomes.
Does Canada PNP guarantee PR?
Likely yes, if you meet all requirements. Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program aims to attract skilled immigrants and retain them, effectively providing a fast track to permanent residency (PR).
Can I apply for the PNP from outside Canada?
Yes, you can apply for PNP from abroad by either directly contacting your chosen province or receiving a nomination from the province. Afterwards, you’ll create an Express Entry profile.
How does PNP work?
PNP is an immigration pathway for international students, entrepreneurs, and skilled or semi-skilled workers seeking permanent residency in Canada. After receiving or requesting a provincial nomination, you must follow the PNP application procedures through Express Entry or a paper-based application.
You will need to confirm PNP fees depending on the province, your category (worker or entrepreneur), and cover associated costs such as medical and language tests.
How long does it take to get a PNP nomination?
The preferred method is via Express Entry, reducing processing to about 6 months. Paper-based applications can take up to 2 years. However, with over 80 PNP streams across 13 provinces and territories, timelines vary; some streams, like British Columbia’s Entry-Level and Semi-Skilled Worker Category, take only 2 to 3 months.
What is provincial nomination in Express Entry?
Express Entry provincial nomination provides 600 bonus Comprehensive Ranking System points, greatly enhancing your chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Known as enhanced nomination, this significantly boosts your immigration prospects.
Can I apply for multiple PNPs in Canada?
Yes, you can apply for PNP nominations in two provinces or territories. However, choose carefully since each province requires signing a statement of intent or commitment, legally binding you to your choice.
Can I move provinces after receiving PNP?
The Canadian government expects immigrants to commit to their nominated province. Moving elsewhere soon after obtaining PNP is undesirable and may result in refusal or revocation of PR due to misrepresentation. You might even face deportation or a 5-year entry ban.
Carefully consider your provincial choice, evaluating economic opportunities and personal fit. Ideally, settle in your preferred province initially; after some time and receiving PR, you can move to another province if necessary.
Can my family come to Canada with me if I obtain a provincial nomination?
Generally, administrative guidelines do not stop your closest family members (spouse and dependents/children) from following in your footsteps and moving to Canada. However, bringing your extended family (parents, grandparents, siblings, nieces/nephews, cousins, aunts/uncles, etc.) to Canada may be a bit more difficult. Sometimes, only certain categories of workers can invite their families. For example, skilled workers can bring their families, unlike semi-skilled workers.
If you have any doubts about whether your family can come to Canada with you after you obtain a provincial nomination, it is always best to consult with an immigration lawyer.
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