The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is a migration pathway for those who want to obtain Permanent Residence status in Canada and who wish to live in a specific province. 55,000 new PNP applications are expected to be granted in 2025, 2026 and 2027, a 50% reduction from the 110,000 quota set for 2024.
Each participating Canadian province and territory has its own “streams” (immigration programs aimed at specific groups), each with their own requirements. For example, a particular province or territory’s stream may target one or more of the following groups:
- students
- business people
- skilled workers
- semi-skilled workers
Provinces, Territories and PNP programs
Each province and territory decides for itself how best to use the PNP to support its own economic objectives. Application requirements and processes can also differ depending on which regional program you are considering applying for, so please ensure you have reviewed the guidance for the specific province or territory you are interested in moving to.
The following Canadian provinces and territories currently offer PNP programs:
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Ontario
- Prince Edward Island
- Saskatchewan
- Yukon
Please note that the province of Quebec does not have a provincial nominee program as they operate their own separate migration program.
How can I apply for the Provincial Nominee Program?
The quickest way to apply for the Provincial Nominee Program is via the Express Entry system.
First, you should check and make sure you meet the requirements of the province or territory in which you wish to live. You should also check if you meet the eligibility requirements for one of the following programs:
You will then need to decide whether to:
- seek a nomination directly from your chosen province or territory
- create an Express Entry profile and select multiple provinces or territories you are interested in moving to
If you choose to seek a nomination directly, you can either apply via the Express Entry system or using the regular application portal for permanent residence applications. If you apply via Express Entry, you will have to score enough points in order to be invited to apply for a nomination by a province or territory.
Applications for permanent residence under the Provincial Nominee Program cost at least CAD $1525. Express Entry applications are typically procesed in around six months, while non-Express Entry applications can take around 13 months to receive a decision.
What does the Provincial Nominee Program offer?
Successful applicants will be granted permanent residence in Canada, entitling them to:
- live, study and work anywhere in Canada
- receive most social benefits available to Canadian citizens, including public healthcare coverage