Canada Provincial Nominee Programs
The Canadian Provincial Nominee Program provides a route for individuals to work an settle in Canada. Provinces and territories have the authority to nominate quaified candidates for Canadian permanent residency through the Provincial Nominee Program. Additionally, applicants who possess a PNP are granted an extra 600CRS points upon entering the Express Entry pool.
What are Provincial Nominee Programs?
The Provincial Nominee Program is an immigration route that allows applicants to live and work in the provinces and territories. Each province and territory has its own set of criteria that are designed to fulfill labor gaps and its immigration needs. All the decisions related to Canadian immigration must be approved by the national authority. An individual who successfully applies to a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) will receive a nomination from the province, allowing them to submit an application to the federal government for Canada PR.
This indicates that the process of immigrating to Canada via a PNP consists of two distinct phases, with the initial phase involving approval at the provincial level, followed by a subsequent application at the federal level.
Provinces and territories
Apart from Nunavut and Quebec, each province and territory has its own eligibility criteria designed to meet its economic needs. Before applying for the Canada PNP programs, it is essential to consider their eligibility. The names of the provinces are:
Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador
Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, and Yukon.
How to apply for a Canadian Provincial Nominee Program?
- Select the Appropriate PNP
- Review the list of provinces and territories to determine your desired immigration destination. Meet the eligibility criteria for each Canada PNP to find your qualifications.
- Submit Your Application to the Selected PNP
- Directly send your application to the province or territory of your choice.
- Receive a Provincial Nomination
- You must receive a provincial nomination, and that province or territory will nominate you for permanent residency in Canada.
- File Your Application for Permanent Residence
- Apply to the federal government of Canada for permanent residency. If your PNP is compatible with Express Entry, you may complete this process online.
How to apply through the ‘base’ PNP process?
Those PNPs who do not need Express Entry are called ‘base.’ The nomination process is different for each program; the process includes
- Apply for nomination
- If nominated, apply for Canada PR through the official Portal.
Once you have been nominated by a Canadian province or territory, you can submit your application for Canadian permanent residency.
How to apply through the Express Entry Process?
- To apply through the Express Entry process, individuals need to create an account and submit their Express Entry profile.
- Apply to the provincial nominee program, allied with the Express Entry.
- Receive an Express Entry nomination.
- Confirm the Express Entry on your profile for the Canada PNP and get 600 additional points.
- Wait for an invitation to apply for permanent residency.
- Once an individual gets the invitations to apply for the Canada PR through the Express Entry system.
How many PNPs are there in Canada?
There are over 80 different provinces. Each province and territory has its own set of criteria to address specific labor needs, except for Quebec and Nunavut.
Express Entry Provincial Nominee Programs
Express Entry was introduced in 2015 to manage permanent residency applications through the three major economic immigration programs. Since then, several PNPs have developed enhanced PNP streams that are allied with the press entry, and due to that, it is important for individuals to have an Express Entry profile to meet the PNP and eligibility requirements.
Individuals getting a nomination through an Express Entry PNP can gain 600 additional points to the CRS score that can increase their chance of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residency. If individuals do not get nominations from the Express Entry PNP, then they need to submit a non-Express Entry federal application to apply for permanent residency.
Cost to immigrate through a PNP
The cost to immigrate through the Canada PNP ranges from $2,300 to CAD 3,800, depending upon the PNP program you choose.
- Language assessments: Average expense – $300
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) (if applicable): Average expense – $200
- Biometrics: $85 per individual
- Government fees: $1,325 for adults and $225 for children
- Medical examination costs: average expense – $450 for adults and $250 for children
- Police clearance certificates: average expense – $100 per country
- Provincial Nominee Program processing fees: Up to $1,500
Requirements for Canada’s PNPs
To qualify for a Canadian Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), you typically need to show that you possess the necessary skills, education, and work experience to aid in the economic development of a particular province or territory, and you must have the intention to reside there.
Processing time for a PNP application
The processing time for a Canada PNP program takes around 6 to 10 months to process the application.
Provincial Nominee Program Application Process
How are Provincial Nominee Program points calculated?
The points for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) are determined by several factors, such as age, education, work experience, language skills, and adaptability. While each province possesses its own distinct PNP point calculator, the fundamental points are the same.
How can I increase my chances of receiving a nomination?
You can increase your chances of receiving a nomination by submitting your Express Entry profile and focusing on improving your qualifications, work experience, and language proficiency.
How to calculate your PNP points
Individuals can calculate their points by meeting their eligibility based on the provinces requirements they are interested in. Generally, the PNB points considered factors like age, education, work experience, and language proficiency.
Do I need an ECA report for PNPs?
Yes, you do need an educational conventional assessment report, as many Canadian PNP programs require an ECA that demonstrates your educational qualification is equivalent to a Canadian one.
How does the PNP application process work?
The PNP application process differs based on the specific program through which an applicant is applying. There are three key types of PNP processes:
- Expression of Interest (EOI) process
- Some provinces require submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) profile to the program’s candidate pool. Subsequently, the province conducts Expression of Interest draws, inviting candidates to apply for nomination.
- Notification of Interest (NOI) process
- Other nominee programs directly invite individuals from the Express Entry pool, even if they have not submitted an application. These programs generally focus on candidates possessing particular work experience or skills that align with labor market demands.
- Apply directly to the program
- Few PNP programs permit the eligible candidates to apply directly for nomination.
Documents required for a PNP
- Language proficiency test result
- Educational credential assessment (ECA) reports
- Work experience proof
- Evidence of sufficient funds
- Civil documents
- Status documents
Summary
In recent years, Canada has welcomed over 400,000 newcomers each year, all arriving through various immigration programs. These programs are designed to meet the specific economic and demographic requirements of different regions, rendering them a compelling choice for newcomers contemplating immigration to Canada.
Izago Immigration is the best immigration consultant in Delhi, who can assist you in immigrating to Canada through the best route and with the best guidance. Our immigration professional possesses comprehensive knowledge and will ensure you receive the best assistance for your dreams abroad.


