Provincial Nominee Program

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) lets Canada's provinces and territories nominate skilled workers, graduates and, in some cases, entrepreneurs for permanent residence based on their own local labour-market needs. Every province and territory except Quebec and Nunavut runs its own PNP, each with multiple streams.

The PNP exists because national programs cannot capture every regional shortage. A nurse in demand in Saskatchewan, a tech worker sought in British Columbia, or a tradesperson needed in Manitoba may all find a provincial stream tailored to them.

There are two broad PNP routes. Enhanced (or Express Entry-aligned) streams nominate candidates already in the Express Entry pool - a provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points, which all but guarantees an Invitation to Apply in the next draw. Base streams operate outside Express Entry, with the province assessing and nominating you directly before you apply to IRCC for permanent residence.

In 2026, with general Express Entry cut-offs competitive and the system under reform, the PNP is one of the most reliable ways for candidates with moderate CRS scores to secure Canadian permanent residence.

Eligibility depends entirely on the province and the stream. Each province sets its own criteria around occupation, work experience, education, language ability, connection to the province and intention to settle there.

Many streams target specific in-demand occupations or invite candidates from the Express Entry pool whose profiles match provincial priorities. Some require a job offer from a provincial employer; others, particularly Express Entry-aligned skilled-worker streams, do not. A genuine connection to the province - past study, work, family, or simply a credible plan to settle - strengthens most applications. For enhanced streams you must first meet the criteria of an Express Entry program (FSW, CEC or FST) and be in the pool. Check the specific stream's requirements, as they change frequently.

The process has two stages: provincial nomination, then federal permanent residence. First, identify a province and stream that fits your profile. Some streams require you to submit an Expression of Interest and wait to be invited by the province; others let you apply directly when the stream is open.

For enhanced streams, you create or maintain an Express Entry profile; the province can then send you a Notification of Interest, and you apply for the provincial nomination. For base streams, you apply directly to the province.

If the province approves you, it issues a nomination certificate. For enhanced streams, you accept the nomination in your Express Entry profile, gain 600 CRS points, and receive an Invitation to Apply in a subsequent draw, then file your PR application within 60 days. For base streams, you submit a paper-based or online PR application to IRCC with the nomination certificate. In both cases you provide language results, work references, police certificates and a medical examination.

Costs combine provincial and federal fees. Many provinces charge a nomination application fee - these range from zero in some provinces to over CAD 1,500 in others, depending on the stream. Federal PR fees include the processing fee and the Right of Permanent Residence Fee, plus biometrics at CAD 85 per person. Add a language test (CAD 300-360), an Educational Credential Assessment (CAD 200-300), a medical examination (CAD 200-450 per person) and police certificates. Most streams also require proof of settlement funds. Budget for document translations and, for some streams, a settlement-funds verification.

Timelines vary widely by province and route. Provincial nomination processing can take a few months. For enhanced PNP streams, once you hold a nomination and the 600 CRS points, an Invitation to Apply follows quickly, and IRCC then processes the PR application - Express Entry-aligned cases are generally completed within about six months. Base (non-Express Entry) PNP applications to IRCC typically take longer, often well over a year. Check your chosen province's current published processing times.

A PNP nomination leads to permanent residence, granting the right to live and work anywhere in Canada - although the program is built on a genuine intention to settle in your nominating province. You can include or sponsor eligible family members and access healthcare and social services.

Permanent residents must meet the residency obligation of at least 730 days of physical presence in Canada within every five-year period. After three years (1,095 days) of physical presence within the preceding five years, plus language and other requirements, you can apply for Canadian citizenship. Settling in your nominating province as planned is important both for your own integration and for the integrity of the program; many provinces offer newcomer support services to help you establish yourself.