The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is an immigration pathway in Canada that allows provinces and territories to nominate individuals with skills and qualifications needed for their local labor markets, facilitating their permanent residency in Canada. Each province and territory has its own specific PNP streams tailored to address their unique economic and demographic needs, making it an attractive option for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and students seeking to settle in a particular region of Canada.

How to apply for a Provincial Nominee Program in Canada

Find the PNP that is right for you

Consult the list of provinces and territories to determine where you would like to immigrate. Make sure to check the requirements for each PNP to determine your eligibility.

Apply to your chosen PNP

Submit an application directly to your chosen province or territory.

Obtain a Provincial Nomination certificate

If your application is successful, the province or territory will nominate you to apply for Canadian permanent residence.

Submit your application for permanent residence

Apply to the Canadian federal government for permanent residence. If your chosen PNP is aligned with Express Entry, you can do this online. If not, you must submit a paper-based application.

How to apply through the Express Entry Process

• Create an account and submit an Express Entry profile


• Apply to an Express Entry-aligned PNP


• Receive an Express Entry stream nomination


• Confirm the Express Entry on your profile and receive 600 additional points


• Wait to receive an invitation for permanent residence


• Apply for Canadian permanent residence through the Express Entry system

As all PNPs are specific, the process for making use of and receiving a nomination via the specific access system varies depending on the application.

A few PNPs continually receive programs from certified candidates, so if you are qualified for the PNP you could put up each time you are ready. Other PNPs use an Expression of Interest (EOI) system, where qualified applicants submit a profile that is ranked on a points-based system for the chance to receive an invitation to apply for nomination. Finally, some PNPs invite foreign nationals to submit applications, either by selecting candidates directly from the Express Entry pool or by having interested individuals submit a formal Expression of Interest.

The PNP utility process may be difficult, and applications may be refused if they're submitted incorrectly or if they're incomplete. Applicants need to take care to make sure that applications are completed effectively and submitted via the proper channel.

How many PNPs are there in Canada?

Each of Canada’s provinces and territories, except Quebec and Nunavut, operate its own PNP program with several streams. Altogether, there are more than 80 different provincial nominee programs.