Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) in Canada, launched in 1998 are the priority of several foreign workers who have skills, education and work experience. Applicants are supposed to contribute to the economy of a specific province or territory and meet labour needs. A candidate must be willing to live in that particular province/territory and ultimately want to become a permanent resident of Canada.

PNP Canada is a pathway to obtain Canada’s PR. First candidate needs to submit an EOI (Expression of Interest) to the desired province/territory (PT) and then a Notification of Interest (NOI) is issued by the government.

Next, the candidate accepts and signs the NOI then sends it back to PT by attaching the necessary documents with it. PT examines the application and issues a provincial/territorial nomination. Specific time is given to the applicant to apply Permanent Residence of Canada to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Canada is a broad landmass consisting of 10 provinces and 3 territories

You can apply for Canada Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) immigration by choosing any province or territory mentioned below as per your suitability.

Processing Time and Fees of Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Provincial Nominee Programs(PNPs)	Estimated Processing Time	Application Fees
Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)	It may take 1-2 years if you applied under the non-Express Entry system OR If you applied through Express Entry, however, it will take around six months.	CAD 500-3,500 (depending on the stream you selected)
British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP)		CAD 1,150-3,500 (depending on the selected stream)
Ontario Immigration Nominee Program (OINP)		For the Business Stream, the fee is CAD 3,500 or for the other streams CAD 1,500 to CAD 2,000.
Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)		CAD 500 or for Investor/Farm Investor Pathway
Saskatchewan Immigration Nominee Program (SINP)		CAD 350
Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)		For the International Entrepreneur Stream, the fee is CAD 1,000 or for the other streams CAD 250.
Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSPNP)		N/A
New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NB PNP)		CAD 250
Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)		For the business stream, the fee is CAD 2,800, or not applicable for the other streams.
Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEIPNP)		CAD 300
Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)		N/A

Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)

Alberta, rich in minerals and home to 600 lakes, is a province situated in the western part of Canada. Alberta issues nominations to recent graduates, business people, entrepreneurs and skilled workers. The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program Offers 8 streams divided into two major programs mentioned below.

British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)

British Columbia is the western most and third-most populous province in Canada. BC has diverse geography, high standard of living and abundant job opportunities. If applicants meet the eligibility criteria, BC issue nominations to recent graduates, entrepreneurs, business people, skilled and semi-skilled workers, tech workers, healthcare professionals and truck drivers. There are three major programs to choose under BC Provincial Nominee Program.

Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)

Manitoba is situated in the longitudinal centre of Canada and is the fifth-most populous province. Manitoba’s capital and largest city is Winnipeg where Legislative Assembly of Manitoba and the Provincial Court are also situated. Skilled workers, recent graduates from Manitoba institutes and business people can obtain nominations; three major programs are offered by Manitoba PNP Program.

New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NB PNP)

New Brunswick, located on Canada’s East coast, is one of the four Atlantic Provinces;  its official languages are both English and French. New immigrants have the option of settling in small communities or larger cities like Fredericton, Saint John, and Moncton. If Skilled workers, business people and experienced truck drivers meet eligibility criteria and have valid job offer form NB employer, they can obtain nomination from New Brunswick, below are the streams available under NB PNP.

• NB Express Entry Stream
• NB Skilled Workers Stream
• NB Business Immigration Stream
• NB Strategic Initiative Stream for French speaking immigrants
• Atlantic Immigration Program
• NB Transport Truck Driver-NOC 7511

Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)

Newfoundland and Labrador is the easternmost province and one of the Atlantic Provinces of Canada. Capital city of NL is St. John’s which is largest and home to almost 40 percent of the province’s population. NL PNP is an economic immigration program created for skilled immigrants and their families who want to live and work in NL, following are the pathways under which applicants may get nominated.

• NL Express Entry Skilled Worker
• Skilled Worker Category
• NL International Graduate
• NL Priority Skills Category
• International Entrepreneur Category
• International Graduate Entrepreneur Category
• Atlantic Immigration Program

Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSPNP)

Nova Scotia is one of the three Maritime Provinces and one of the four Atlantic Provinces. The Jobs in-Demand stream under NS PNP focuses on NOC C and D occupations that are in great demand in Nova Scotia’s labour market. Moreover, a valid job offer from Nova Scotia employer is also required. Halifax is Nova Scotia’s capital and largest city, above all it is home to roughly 45 percent of the province’s population. Being eligible under any of the streams stated below may allow an applicant to immigrate to Canada.

• Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities
• Labour Market Priorities for physicians
• Physician
• Entrepreneur
• International Graduate Entrepreneur
• International Graduates In Demand
• Skilled Worker
• Occupations In Demand
• Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry
• Atlantic Immigration Program

Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)

Northwest Territories is located in northern part of Canada, Yellowknife is its capital and only city in the province. There are two major programs under NTNP, which are Business Stream and Employer Driven Stream. Business stream is currently paused however the Employer Driven Stream could be beneficial for candidates who have a valid job offer from NT employer. Below are the streams under Employer Driven Stream.

• Skilled Worker Stream
• Entry Level/Semi-Skilled Occupations
• NWT Express Entry

Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)

Ontario is situated in central Canada, which is the most populous province with around 38% of the country’s population, Toronto (capital of Ontario) and Ottawa (capital of Canada), the major cities of Canada, also represent Ontario. The OINP accepts Expression of Interest from foreign workers, international students, and anyone who has the required abilities, experience, and education to meet the province’s nomination programs. Streams under OINP are divided into four major programs mentioned below.

Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEIPNP)

Prince Edward Island is the smallest province in Canada, in terms of both size and population, though it is most densely populated. Applicants are chosen for nomination based on their desire to live and work in PEI, as well as their financial ability to do so. Priority is given to entrepreneurs and applicants qualified to work in areas with skill shortages. PEIPNP offer three main programs and different streams under them.

Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)

Saskatchewan is located in western Canada which is in the middle of three Prairie Provinces, with Saskatoon as the province’s largest city and Regina as the provincial capital. Job offer is not obligatory for SINP, applicants who are highly skilled in an in-demand occupation could attain the nomination from the province by fulfilling eligibility criteria, SINP offers three major programs to choose from.

Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)

Yukon is the smallest territory located in the westernmost part of Canada. The capital city of this territory is Whitehorse. Applicants from inside or outside Canada can apply for Yukon Nominee Program; most importantly they need to meet specific requirements and must have a valid job offer from Yukon employer, following are the programs under YNP.

• Yukon Express Entry
• Skilled Worker
• Critical Impact Worker
• Business Nominee
• Yukon Community Pilot

All and all there are more than 80 streams under Provincial Nominee Programs  (PNP) in Canada, every province and territory has their own streams for nominations except Quebec and Nunavut. Applicants living inland or outland Canada can choose province/territory and stream as per their suitability.

Federal Government of Canada takes the final immigration decision as a result PNP programs Canada is a two step process; firstly, the provincial government issues nomination to the applicant, and then the Canadian federal government approves the permanent residence of candidate.

Provincial nomination programs in Canada focus on certain groups:

• Students
• Business people
• Skilled workers
• Semi-skilled workers
• Entrepreneurs

All Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) in Canada have one stream which works in collaboration with federal Express Entry program; nominations which are issued under these streams are known as Enhanced Nominations. Candidates obtain 600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points in their profile, which means a certainty to obtaining an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in the upcoming round of the Express Entry draw.

Another way is Base Nomination, in which Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) streams are applied directly and after obtaining nomination from province/territory, federal government processes permanent residence application.

In simple words…

If you are eligible for Express Entry profile

• First, submit your profile into the Express Entry pool by sending the Expression of Interest (EOI) to a particular province or territory (PT).
• If that province/territory observes that your current occupation mentioned in your Express Entry profile is beneficial for their economic development, they will send you a Notification of Interest (NOI).
• You will need to accept and sign NOI, then send its copy to PT government by attaching other necessary documents. After considering your application, PT will approve your provincial nomination.
• This nomination will be a boon to your Express Entry profile; you will obtain additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points.
• You will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from the federal government through Express Entry then you need to follow process and submit documents.
• Once you meet all the requirements, your PR of Canada will be issued to you.

If you are ineligible for Express Entry profile

• Consider other streams in that particular province/territory where you want to migrate.
• Streams could be appropriate on the basis of your studies (international or national), work experience, availability of funds, business skills or skills to upgrade rural areas of that particular province/territory (PT).
• It is imperative to choose right stream and appropriate PT for migration.
• Here, you will apply directly to PT government by sending Expression of Interest (EOI) under a specific stream.
• After examining your profile PT government will provide you the nomination.
• You will be given specific time to apply PR by attaching that nomination and other necessary documents to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Applications linked with Express Entry (Enhanced Nominations) consume less processing time, generally 6 months, whereas others (Base Nominations) could be lengthy, like 1-2 years or even more. You are required to pass a medical exam and obtain a police check certificate whilst applying for any PNP programs. Until you obtain approval of permanent residence, you cannot migrate to another PT on the basis of issued nomination.

Necessary documents for Canada Provincial Nomination Programs

• Passport
• Birth certificate
• Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
• Employment records
• Proof of funds
• Medical exam certificate
• Police clearance certificate
• Language proficiency result (IELTS/CELPIP/TCF/TEF)
• Digital photo

(or any other necessary documents specified by specific province/territory)

Who can apply for Provincial Nominee Programs in Canada?

Foreign nationals who can fulfill the specific labour market needs of provinces or territories of Canada can apply under PNP. All provinces/territories have their own unique streams and requirements thus applicants must meet the eligibility criteria

Some programs require job offers and some need investment by entrepreneurs/business people. Even candidates are offered streams in which they can live and work in rural areas and contribute to upgrade them because Canadian provinces and territories are emphasizing to enhance the development of rural areas. From one province to the next, the selection procedure and requirements for obtaining a Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) Canada visa are different.

Advantages of Canada PNP immigration

• Opportunity to choose from more than 80 streams
• Allowed to relocate after 6 months
• Accelerated immigration processing
• Permanently reside and work in Canada
• Sponsor relatives for temporary or permanent stay after obtaining Canadian PR
• Free education and health facilities
• Plenty of job opportunities
• Higher standard of living

A minor error in PNP profile could forbid you to proceed with your application, since requirements and processing of provinces and territories vary. As PNP standards are very high and complicated, it is advised to seek the assistance of immigration professionals to avoid any foreseen trouble.

Career Plus Immigration Consultants are known for their honesty, wisdom and diligent efforts. Our experienced immigration lawyers in Canada and professional team in India have been serving their clients since 1999. Contact us and explore the best way to immigrate Canada without any obstacles.