Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

PNP Program Overview:

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate immigrants who want to live and work permanently in a particular province or territory. Each province/territory runs its own PNP streams (programs). The main streams are for skilled workers and entrepreneurs. Many streams align with Canada’s Express Entry system to get permanent residence faster.

Non-Express Entry PNP (also known as Regular PNP):

Some PNP programs do not require an Express Entry profile for application. These programs are referred to as “Regular PNP”. While the nomination process varies for each program, the general steps are as follows:

1. Apply for the province’s nomination.
2. If nominated, apply for Canadian permanent residence with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

It is important to note that Regular PNP permanent residence applications take much longer to process than applications submitted through Express Entry.

Express Entry-PNP:

Nominations through Express Entry-aligned streams guarantee 600 additional points for permanent residence through Express Entry, and the general steps are as follows:

1. Create an Express Entry Profile.
2. Apply for the province’s nomination under the Express Entry stream.
3. Once nominated, confirm the 600 additional points added to the Express Entry profile.
4. Apply for Canadian permanent residence through the Express Entry system.

Top PNP Programs are:

1. Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)

• Employer Job Offer Stream (Foreign Worker, International Students, In-Demand Skills).
• Master Graduate stream or PhD Graduate Stream
• Human Capital Priorities Stream

2. British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)

• Skilled Worker 
• Health Authority 
• International Graduate
• International Post-Graduate 
• Program Priorities (Childcare, Construction, Healthcare, Technology, Veterinary care)

3. Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)

• Tourism and Hospitality Stream
• Alberta Opportunity Stream
• Alberta Express Entry Stream

4. Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)

• International Skilled Worker Category
• Saskatchewan Experience Category
• Entrepreneur Category
• Farm Owner and Operator Category

5. Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)

• Skilled Worker Stream
• International Education Stream
• Business Investor Stream

6. Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)

• Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities
• International Graduate Entrepreneur 
• International Graduates in Demand
• Skilled Worker
• Entrepreneur
• Critical Construction Worker Pilot

Program Summary:

As policies differ across provinces, it’s crucial for applicants to ascertain their eligibility before initiating the application process. Generally, immigrants through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) can effectively integrate owing to their educational background and alignment of employment with local labor markets. When applying for the PNP, applicants must not only fulfill eligibility criteria but also express their commitment to residing in the province.