Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Who it's for

Each province and territory (except Quebec and Nunavut) runs its own immigration streams targeting in-demand occupations, recent graduates of local schools, entrepreneurs, and family connections. If your work experience matches a stream's requirements you can apply directly to the province.

Two paths

• Base PNP: apply directly to the province, then submit a separate paper application to IRCC after nomination. Slower (~18 months) but available without an Express Entry profile.
• Enhanced (EE-aligned) PNP: nomination is added to your Express Entry profile and gives +600 CRS points, effectively guaranteeing an ITA at the next draw. Faster (~6 months from ITA) but requires meeting EE base eligibility too.

Common stream categories

• Skilled worker streams — usually mirror Express Entry plus a regional connection
• International graduate streams — for graduates of in-province colleges and universities
• Tech-talent streams — fast-track for in-demand IT/engineering occupations (BC, Ontario, Alberta)
• Entrepreneur and self-employed streams — for those investing in or starting a business
• In-demand occupation streams — pulled from periodic provincial labour-market scans

Application steps

• Identify a stream matching your occupation, education, and target province
• Submit an Expression of Interest to that province
• If invited, submit a full provincial application with documentation
• After nomination, file the federal PR application through IRCC (Express Entry or paper)
• Once approved, land in Canada and become a permanent resident — but you're expected to settle in the nominating province