Canada
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) processing time
Non-Express-Entry PNP federal-stage processing commonly runs 11–18 months; the preceding provincial nomination stage is separate and varies by province.
Typical window
11 months – 1.5 years
Government fees
Provincial fees vary; federal fees as for Express Entry.
Last checked
20 April 2026
What drives the timeline
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) sits in the skilled migration category. Typical duration: Permanent residence.. Indicative government fees: Provincial fees vary; federal fees as for Express Entry..
- Does not require a sponsor.
- Leads to settlement / permanent residence.
- Suited for: Candidates with strong provincial ties or job offers, Francophone applicants in French-minority provinces.
Primary source
IRCC — Check processing times
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-processing-times.html
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) take to process?
Non-Express-Entry PNP federal-stage processing commonly runs 11–18 months; the preceding provincial nomination stage is separate and varies by province. These figures come from IRCC — Check processing times and were last verified on 2026-04-20. Always confirm on the primary source before acting.
Is there a priority or premium service that speeds this up?
Refer to the linked primary source for current priority / premium options; availability changes frequently and varies by consular post.
Can you guarantee my application will fall inside this window?
No. Processing times are indicative and depend on case complexity, biometrics scheduling, sponsor-side delays, source country, public-holiday calendars, and policy shifts. The linked source is the only authoritative reference on the day you apply.