This Canadapass page offers a comprehensive guide to navigating Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Established in 1998, the PNP is a key pathway for skilled workers to immigrate to Canada, contributing to the growth and diversification of provincial economies. Explore this page to learn more about the PNP, its eligibility criteria, and the
benefits it offers.
Provincial Nominee Program
(PNP)
Canada’s immigration system involves collaboration between the federal government and each province/territory. This partnership facilitates the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), empowering provinces and territories to select individuals seeking Canadian immigration who wish to settle in their specific locations. Exceptions exist for Nunavut in the North and Quebec, which operates under its own immigration selection criteria.
The primary goal of the PNP is to distribute the benefits of immigration more evenly across Canada. Before its 1998 launch, most immigrants settled in Ontario, Quebec, or British Columbia. Since then, with the PNP’s support, provinces like Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and the Atlantic provinces (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador) have seen increased immigration success.
PNP streams align with the federal Express
Entry system in two ways:
●Enhanced Nominations:
PNP streams aligned with Express Entry award successful applicants an
additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, virtually
guaranteeing an invitation to apply for permanent residence. These applications
also benefit from faster processing, typically within six months.
●Base Streams:
Applicants can directly apply to specific PNP streams. Upon receiving a
provincial nomination, their permanent residence application proceeds through
the federal government.
This structure provides flexibility for both applicants and provinces, offering diverse pathways to Canadian permanent
residency.
Alberta
Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) offers pathways for skilled workers and entrepreneurs to obtain Canadian permanent residence through a provincial nomination. Formerly known as the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP), the program operates under eight
streams divided into two main categories:
●Worker streams: These
streams are designed for skilled workers who have secured employment in Alberta
or who possess in-demand skills and experience aligned with the province’s
economic needs.
●Entrepreneur streams:
These streams cater to individuals who plan to establish or invest in
businesses in Alberta, contributing to the province’s economic development.
To qualify for a provincial nomination through the AAIP, foreign nationals must meet specific criteria outlined in their chosen stream. Additionally, they must demonstrate a genuine intention to reside in Alberta after obtaining permanent residence.
British
Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) provides pathways for skilled workers, international graduates, and other professionals to obtain Canadian permanent residence through a provincial nomination. The program operates through three main streams:
●Skills Immigration:
This stream offers options for skilled workers with relevant education,
experience, and job offers in British Columbia.
●Express Entry BC: This
stream allows skilled workers in eligible occupations with the required
Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score to apply for a provincial nomination
through the federal Express Entry system.
●Entrepreneur
Immigration: This stream focuses on attracting individuals who plan to establish or invest in businesses in British Columbia, contributing to the province’s economic development.
Each stream has specific eligibility criteria and target categories that align with British Columbia’s economic needs. By nominating individuals with desired skills and expertise, the BC PNP aims to support the province’s labor market and contribute to its economic growth.
Manitoba
Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) offers pathways for skilled workers and their families to immigrate to Canada and permanently reside in Manitoba. The program consists of several streams targeting individuals with skills and experience needed to contribute to the province’s economy.
The MPNP is currently undergoing a process of renewal to ensure it remains effective in meeting Manitoba’s labor market needs and attracting skilled talent. As part of this process, updates and changes to the program may be implemented in the future.
New Brunswick Provincial
Nominee Program (NBPNP)
The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) offers skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and international graduates pathways to obtain Canadian permanent residence through a provincial nomination. The program consists of several streams designed to attract individuals with skills and experience in demand within New Brunswick’s economy.
These streams include:
● Skilled Worker Stream:
This stream targets skilled workers who have secured employment in New Brunswick or possess in-demand skills aligned with the province’s economic needs.
● Skilled Worker –
Express Entry Stream: This stream allows skilled workers in eligible
occupations with the required Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score to apply for a provincial nomination through the federal Express Entry system.
● International Graduate
Stream: This stream offers opportunities for international graduates who have completed a post-secondary program in New Brunswick and wish to establish their careers in the province.
● Entrepreneur Stream:
This stream focuses on attracting individuals who plan to establish or invest in businesses in New Brunswick, contributing to the province’s economic development.
By nominating individuals with desired skills
and expertise, the NBPNP aims to strengthen New Brunswick’s labor market and
contribute to its economic growth.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)
The Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) provides pathways to Canadian permanent residence for
skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs who wish to settle and contribute to the province’s economic growth.
Who is eligible?
To be eligible for the NLPNP, applicants must meet specific criteria outlined in their chosen stream. These criteria typically include:
● Skilled Workers:
○ Having a full-time job
offer in a TEER 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 occupation in Newfoundland and Labrador.
○ Possessing the
necessary qualifications, training, and skills for the job.
○ Demonstrating the
intention and ability to settle permanently in Newfoundland and Labrador.
● International Graduates:
○ Having graduated from a recognized post-secondary institution in Newfoundland and Labrador.
○ Possessing the
necessary skills and experience to secure employment in the province.
○ Demonstrating the
intention and ability to settle permanently in Newfoundland and Labrador.
● Entrepreneurs:
○ Having a viable business plan for establishing or investing in a business in Newfoundland and Labrador.
○ Possessing the necessary skills, experience, and financial resources to successfully operate the business.
○ Demonstrating the intention and ability to settle permanently in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Nova Scotia
Nominee Program (NSNP)
The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) offers skilled workers, international graduates, entrepreneurs, and professionals a pathway to permanent residence in the province. Designed to address Nova
Scotia’s economic and labor market needs, the program features various
immigration streams catering to diverse skillsets and backgrounds.
Key features of the NSNP:
● Multiple immigration streams: The program offers several immigration streams tailored to specific
profiles, including skilled workers, international graduates, and
entrepreneurs.
● Express Entry alignment: Three NSNP streams are directly linked to Canada’s Express Entry system, potentially providing faster processing times for eligible candidates.
● Permanent residence pathway: Successful NSNP nominees receive a nomination certificate, significantly enhancing their chances of obtaining permanent resident status in
Canada.
Ontario
Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) is a provincial program that supports skilled workers, international students, andentrepreneurs in immigrating to Ontario as permanent residents. Through the OINP, individuals can be nominated by the province for permanent residency ifthey meet specific criteria related to their skills, experience, education, and intention to settle in Ontario.
Prince
Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)
The Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) facilitates immigration to Prince Edward Island for individuals with skills, education, and business experience who are seeking permanent residency in Canada. The program focuses on attracting skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs who demonstrate a genuine intention to reside and contribute to the Island’s economy.
Saskatchewan
Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) supports immigration to Saskatchewan for skilled workers and entrepreneurs seeking permanent residency in Canada. The program nominates individuals who meet specific criteria through various pathways, including the popular International Skilled Worker: Express Entry and Occupation In-Demand categories.
Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)
The Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) offers pathways for skilled workers and entrepreneurs seeking permanent residency in Canada by settling in the Northwest Territories. The program operates through two primary streams: Employer Driven and Business. The Employer Driven stream further consists of three distinct options, including one aligned with the federal Express Entry system for skilled workers.
Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)
The Yukon Nominee Program (YNP) is a federal-provincial program created by the Yukon Territory government to help employers nominate skilled workers and entrepreneurs for permanent residency in Canada. The program allows eligible employers in Yukon to attract and retain foreign talent to address the territory’s unique labour market needs.