The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows the Canadian provinces and territories to nominate people for permanent residence if they meet specific labour market needs of the province or territory in question. Every province and territory (except Quebec and Nunavut) runs its own programs, targeting specific occupations, industries, and skill levels.

Workers can qualify under the PNP in various types of employment, such as skilled workers, semi-skilled workers, investors and international student graduates.

Application process

There are two ways applications for permanent residence submitted by applicants in the PNP can be processed. People can be “nominated” through either the:

• Express Entry electronic application (e-application) process for “enhanced” nominations – meaning you need an Express Entry profile first, or
• Non-Express Entry application process for “base” nominations (paper-based or online) meaning you apply directly to the province

Applicants who qualify under the PNP have a huge advantage, adding 600 points to their Express Entry profile, greatly increasing their chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence.

Provincial programs

• Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
• British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
• Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
• Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
• Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
• New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)
• Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
• Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)
• Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)
• Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)
• Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)

Quebec operates the Quebec Skilled Worker Program. Since Nunavut doesn’t have a Provincial Nominee Program, people cannot get nominated specifically for Nunavut; thy must meet federal criteria or be sponsored by family.

Many provinces also offer entrepreneur and business streams for people who want to start a new business or invest in one within the province. Visit 6647 How do business people apply to immigrate to Canada? for more information.

For more information on the PNP, visit IRCC.

A criminal record will delay, and can even prevent you from getting your immigration status. To erase your criminal record, call toll-free 1-888-808-3628 or learn more at Pardon Partners. It’s easier than you think.

Get legal help

For strategic guidance on expanding your business to Canada—whether through the C11, ICT, LMIA, or investment-driven pathways — contact our preferred immigration lawyer, Sobirovs Law Firm at 1-416-895-3926 or wecare@sobirovs.com. The Sobirovs team helps entrepreneurs navigate Canada’s business immigration system with clarity and a structured plan for long-term success.

								
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