Provincial Nominee Program

Through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), provinces and territories in Canada can propose people who possess the qualifications and experience required to support their local economies. Because the PNP is tailored to the unique labor market requirements of each province and territory, the application procedure and eligibility requirements may change according on where you are applying.

Under the PNP, candidates can apply for permanent residency by following two main pathways:

A province or territory may use the Express Entry mechanism to propose candidates. Through this route, applicants can use the federal Express Entry system, which gives applicants priority based on their qualifications and experience, to apply for permanent residency.
Non-Express Entry PNP: Interested parties may submit a direct nomination application to a province or territory. This route is intended for applicants who do not choose to go through the federal system or who do not meet the requirements to be eligible for the Express Entry program.

In general, applicants must meet the eligibility requirements for the particular PNP stream they are seeking for in addition to having a valid work offer from a company in the province or territory to which they are applying. Language ability, schooling, prior employment history, and other characteristics unique to the province or territory may be required to meet the eligibility requirements.

Following their nomination by a province or territory, candidates may apply to the federal government for permanent residency. While PNP application processing times can vary, most applications are completed in six months or less.