How the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) works

 

This program is for workers who

  • have the skills, education and work experience to contribute to the economy of a specific province or territory
  • want to live in that province and
  • want to become permanent residents of Canada

Each province and territory has its own “streams” (immigration programs that target certain groups) and requirements. For example, in a program stream, provinces and territories may target

  • students
  • business people
  • skilled workers
  • semi-skilled workers

Understand the application options

How you will apply depends on which Provincial Nominee Program stream you’re applying to. You might need to apply using the non-Express Entry process, or through Express Entry.

As part of the process, you will have to pass a medical exam and get a police check (certificate). Everyone must have these checks, no matter where they plan to live in Canada.

Non-Express Entry process

In the non-Express Entry process:

  • you apply to the province or territory for nomination under a non-Express Entry stream.
  • you need to meet the eligibility requirements of the province that nominates you.
  • if you’re nominated, you apply for permanent residence online
  • you have to get a
  • application processing times are longer than through Express Entry.

  • National Occupational Classification 2021

    On November 16, 2022, we switched to the 2021 version of the National Occupational Classification (NOC).

Express Entry process

In the online Express Entry process, there are 2 ways to apply:

  • You contact the province or territory and apply for a nomination under an Express Entry stream.

  • If the province or territory agrees to nominate you, you create an Express Entry profile (or update your profile if you already have one) and show you have been nominated.

    OR

  • You create an Express Entry profile and show the provinces and territories you’re interested in.
  • If a province or territory sends a “notification of interest” to your account, you contact them directly.
  • You apply to their Express Entry stream.
    • If you’re nominated, the province or territory will send a nomination certificate to your account, and you accept it electronically.
    •  

Choose a province or territory

To be nominated by a province or territory, you must follow the instructions on their website and contact them directly:

The criteria by province and territory vary and can change without notice.