Canada · skilled migration · Leads to settlement
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Province-led permanent residence streams giving a 600 CRS boost when aligned with Express Entry.
- Processing time
- Variable: provincial stage 3–12 months, federal stage 6 months post-ITA.
- Government fees
- Provincial fees vary; federal fees as for Express Entry.
- Typical duration
- Permanent residence.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
Overview
PNPs allow provinces to select candidates aligned with local labour needs. Streams range from employer-driven (a provincial job offer) to Express-Entry-linked (which awards a 600-point CRS uplift, effectively guaranteeing an ITA). Each province runs its own portal and selection rules.
Recent changes to this route
- Canada: PR fees rise (30 Apr 2026), category-based Express Entry, Start-up Visa closed, arranged-employment points removed30 April 2026
A run of IRCC changes through 2025-26 reshaped Express Entry economics and closed the Start-up Visa to new applicants.
Guidance by nationality
Specific information for applicants from these countries. Don’t see yours? The general eligibility criteria above apply to everyone.
Indian applicants
Indian nationals are heavily represented in provincial streams, particularly Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) Ma…
Filipino applicants
Filipino applicants are prominent in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Atlantic PNP streams tied to healthcare and trucking. Pr…
Nigerian applicants
Nigerian applicants concentrate in Atlantic Immigration Programme (AIP) and Saskatchewan/Manitoba healthcare streams. Pr…
Brazilian applicants
Brazilian applicants use PNP particularly via Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW), BC PNP Tech, and Atlantic streams where Frenc…
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Eligibility under the specific provincial stream (e.g., Ontario Tech Draw, BC PNP Tech, Alberta Opportunity Stream).
- ✓If Express-Entry linked: qualifying EE profile.
Common blockers
- !Stream not open at time of application (PNP streams pause/reopen frequently).
Typical evidence
- ·Provincial nomination certificate.
Application pathway
Identify relevant stream
Match profile to specific provincial stream.
Apply provincially
Provincial portal; receive nomination.
Apply federally with 600-point boost if EE-linked
Federal stage under Express Entry rules.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicantFind PNP application path ↗
Applicants use this IRCC page to choose the correct provincial stream before the federal PR stage.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · verified
Fees and processing time
Indicative government fees: Provincial fees vary; federal fees as for Express Entry.. A decision then typically takes 11 months – 18 months. Both change over time, so the dedicated pages below carry the itemised breakdown and the current official figures.
Also explored by
Compare Canada with
Related routes
Frequently asked questions
Can I choose any province for PNP?+
Each province runs its own streams with different eligibility (often requiring a genuine connection via work, study, or job offer). Candidates must intend to reside in the nominating province.
Does a provincial nomination guarantee an Express Entry invitation?+
An Express-Entry-linked provincial nomination awards a 600-point CRS uplift, which effectively guarantees an Invitation to Apply. You must have a qualifying Express Entry profile to use this route.
How long does a Provincial Nominee Program application take end to end?+
Timelines vary: the provincial nomination stage typically runs 3 to 12 months, and the federal stage takes about 6 months after the Invitation to Apply. PNP streams also pause and reopen frequently, which affects when you can apply.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
Find a regulated advisor →