Canada · Processing time
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): how long does it take?
By Sam Parks · Last checked:
Source auto-reconfirmed 14 July 2026 by the daily automated check (figure unchanged since last review).
Non-Express-Entry PNP federal-stage processing commonly runs 11–18 months; the preceding provincial nomination stage is separate and varies by province.
How long does the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) take to process in Canada?
The typical published decision window is 11 months – 18 months from a complete application. Non-Express-Entry PNP federal-stage processing commonly runs 11–18 months; the preceding provincial nomination stage is separate and varies by province.
Verified against IRCC — Check processing times on 1 June 2026.
Typical wait
11 months – 18 months
from complete application
Government fees
Federal IRCC fees: CAD 1,590 principal applicant including RPRF + CAD 85 biometrics; province-specific fees vary. Ontario Express Entry streams publish CAD 1,500; Alberta worker streams publish CAD 1,500 plus a CAD 135 Worker EOI fee.
Last checked
1 June 2026
Reality vs official timing
- Official clock
- Official window only
- Delay trigger
- After 18 months
- Source checked
- 1 June 2026
Use 11 months – 18 months as the published decision window; delays usually start after the upper end if the source has not issued a newer figure.
What is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)?
Province-led permanent residence streams giving a 600 CRS boost when aligned with Express Entry.
PNPs allow provinces and territories to nominate candidates aligned with local labour needs and residence intent. For Express Entry-linked PNP, IRCC says the candidate must qualify for both the provincial stream and one federal Express Entry program; a confirmed nomination adds 600 CRS points, which normally makes the federal invitation the easy part. Costs are split: province-specific nomination fees first, then federal permanent-residence fees, biometrics and any proof-of-funds, language-test, ECA, medical, police-certificate or translation costs.
- Sponsorship: No job offer or employer sponsor is required.
- Settlement: This route can lead to permanent residence.
- Typical permit length: Permanent residence.
- Indicative government fees: Federal IRCC fees: CAD 1,590 principal applicant including RPRF + CAD 85 biometrics; province-specific fees vary. Ontario Express Entry streams publish CAD 1,500; Alberta worker streams publish CAD 1,500 plus a CAD 135 Worker EOI fee.
How to read this estimate
The 11 months – 18 months window is the time IRCC — Check processing times typically associates with the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) — measured from a complete, correctly-lodged application through to a decision, not from when you start gathering documents.
- Collecting documents, getting qualifications recognised, and booking consular appointments all happen before the clock starts.
- If the authority requests more information, the clock pauses until you reply — so a fast, complete response keeps your place in the queue.
- Processing times shift with application volumes and policy changes. The IRCC — Check processing times page linked below is the only figure that is current on the day you apply.
Official source
IRCC — Check processing times
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-processing-times.html
Cite or reuse this dataset
This figure is free to reuse under CC BY 4.0. Cite the Visa Atlas page for the compiled, dated dataset, and cite the official source for the underlying government rule.
Suggested citation
Visa Atlas, "Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) processing time dataset", https://visaatlas.org/processing-times/canada/pnp. Last verified 1 June 2026.
- JSON endpoint
- https://visaatlas.org/api/public/processing-times
Primary source (1)
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) take to process?+
The typical wait is 11 months – 18 months from submitting a complete application. 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 2026-06-01. Always confirm on the primary source before you apply.
When does the 11 months – 18 months clock start?+
The clock starts when IRCC — Check processing times receives a complete, valid application — not when you begin collecting documents. Gathering evidence, getting qualifications recognised, and booking consular appointments all happen before the window starts.
Is there a way to speed up the decision?+
Some Canada routes offer a priority or premium service for an additional fee. Check the linked primary source for current options — availability changes and varies by consular post.
What makes an application take longer than expected?+
The most common reasons for delays beyond the published window are: missing or incorrect documents, a request for more information (which pauses the clock until you reply), background or medical checks, and consular appointment backlogs in your country. Submitting a complete, well-organised application on day one is the single biggest thing you can do to stay inside the published window.
When should I treat my Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) application as delayed?+
Wait until you have passed the upper end of the published window (11 months – 18 months) before treating it as delayed. At that point, a single polite status enquiry through the official channel is reasonable. Do not chase repeatedly, as this tends to slow a case rather than speed it up.
Next steps
Reviewed by Sam Parks, Editor and lead researcher.