Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Canada: How It Works and How to Apply
In this guide
Quick answer: The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) lets Canadian provinces and territories nominate people whose skills, education and work experience suit their local economy and who want to live there and become permanent residents. Each province sets its own streams and requirements. A nomination through an Express Entry-linked stream adds 600 points to your Express Entry score.
What is the Provincial Nominee Program?
According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the PNP lets provinces and territories nominate people, such as business people and skilled workers, who have what their economy needs and plan to settle in that province or territory. Each one has its own requirements and decides how many people it can nominate each year.
Which provinces and territories take part?
Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, the Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan and Yukon. Quebec and Nunavut do not have programs under the PNP, and Quebec runs its own selection of immigrants.
How do you apply through the PNP?
There are two routes, and the province or territory tells you which one applies to its stream.
| Route | Who it suits | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Express Entry | You qualify for the province’s stream and a federal Express Entry program | If nominated, you create your Express Entry profile and receive 600 extra points, which helps you get invited to apply for permanent residence. |
| Non-Express Entry | You qualify for the province’s stream but not a federal Express Entry program | You apply for permanent residence through the paper-based or separate non-Express Entry process. |
Step by step
- Pick a province whose stream matches your job, education and experience.
- Read that province’s own eligibility rules on its official immigration website.
- Apply to the province for nomination.
- If nominated, apply to IRCC for permanent residence by the route the province specifies.
How long does it take?
IRCC says processing times can increase when more people apply than there are spaces under the Immigration Levels Plan. Times vary with the application type, whether it is complete, how easily information can be verified and how quickly you respond to requests. Check the live processing-time tool on the IRCC website, as it changes.
Common mistakes
- Assuming every province has the same rules.
- Applying to the province without a real plan to live there.
- Forgetting the federal step: nomination is not permanent residence by itself.
- Targeting Quebec or Nunavut under the PNP.
FAQ
Do I need Express Entry to use the PNP?
No. There is a non-Express Entry route for people who qualify for a provincial stream but not a federal program.
How many points does a nomination add?
600 extra points on your Express Entry score.
Where can I read the overall system?
Our Express Entry explainer covers the federal side.
Key takeaways
- Each province or territory sets its own streams and quotas.
- Express Entry-linked nominations add 600 points.
- Quebec and Nunavut are not part of the PNP.
Related guides
- Moving abroad checklist
- First 90 days in a new country
- Express Entry explained
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- IRCC secure account
Last updated: October 2026. General information, not immigration advice. Always confirm on the official IRCC and provincial websites.
Sources
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada: Provincial Nominee Program