Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): What You Need to Know

Canada's Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) offer an excellent pathway for individuals
seeking to become permanent residents. These programs allow provinces and territories to
nominate individuals who wish to immigrate to Canada and are interested in settling in a
particular province. Here's everything you need to know about PNPs, how they work, and the
benefits of applying through a PNP.

What are Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)?

PNPs are designed to address the specific economic needs of each province and territory.
Each PNP has its own unique criteria and streams, targeting various categories of immigrants
such as skilled workers, semi-skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and international graduates.

Different PNPs Available

1. Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)

Streams: Alberta Opportunity Stream, Alberta Express Entry Stream, Self-Employed
Farmer Stream.
Focus: Skilled workers, graduates, and farmers.
2. British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
Streams: Skills Immigration, Express Entry BC, Entrepreneur Immigration.
Focus: Skilled workers, healthcare professionals, international graduates,
entrepreneurs.
3. Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
Streams: Skilled Worker Stream, International Education Stream, Business Investor
Stream.
Focus: Skilled workers, business investors, international students.
4. New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)
Streams: Express Entry Labour Market Stream, Skilled Workers Stream,
Entrepreneurial Stream.
Focus: Skilled workers, entrepreneurs.
5. Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)
Streams: Skilled Worker, International Graduate, International Entrepreneur,
International Graduate Entrepreneur.
Focus: Skilled workers, graduates, entrepreneurs.
6. Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
Streams: Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry, Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities,
Entrepreneur, International Graduate Entrepreneur.
Focus: Skilled workers, entrepreneurs, graduates.
7. Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
Streams: Human Capital Priorities Stream, Employer Job Offer, Entrepreneur Stream.
Focus: Skilled workers, graduates, entrepreneurs.
8. Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)
Streams: Express Entry, Labour Impact Category, Business Impact Category.
Focus: Skilled workers, graduates, business investors.
 9. Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
Streams: International Skilled Worker, Saskatchewan Experience, Entrepreneur and
Farm.
Focus: Skilled workers, entrepreneurs, farmers.
10. Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)
Streams: Skilled Worker, Critical Impact Worker, Business Nominee.
Focus: Skilled workers, business investors.

How Do PNPs Work?

1. Determine Eligibility: Each PNP has specific eligibility criteria, such as work experience,
education, language proficiency, and a genuine intention to settle in the province.
2. Choose a Stream: Based on your profile, select the most suitable stream within the
province’s PNP.
3. Application Process:
Direct Application: Apply directly to the province if you meet the criteria.
Express Entry-linked PNPs: If you have an Express Entry profile, you can receive a
provincial nomination which significantly boosts your Comprehensive Ranking System
(CRS) score.
4. Provincial Nomination: If your application is successful, you receive a provincial
nomination. For Express Entry candidates, this adds 600 points to your CRS score,
practically guaranteeing an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
5. Apply for Permanent Residence: Use your provincial nomination to apply to the federal
government for permanent residence.

Benefits of Applying Through a PNP

1. Increased CRS Score: A provincial nomination through an Express Entry-linked PNP adds
600 points to your CRS score, almost ensuring an ITA.
2. Specific Targeting: PNPs allow provinces to address their specific labor market needs,
making them ideal for candidates with skills and experience in demand.
3. Lower CRS Requirements: Some PNP streams have lower CRS score requirements than
the federal Express Entry system.
4. Diverse Pathways: With various streams for workers, graduates, and entrepreneurs,
there’s a pathway for many different profiles.
5. Permanent Residency: Successful nomination leads to Canadian permanent residency,
providing a pathway to Canadian citizenship.
6. Regional Benefits: Living in less populated provinces can offer a better quality of life,
with lower cost of living and strong community support.

Applying through a PNP can be a strategic move for many immigration candidates. By
understanding the various programs and their benefits, you can choose the best path to
achieve your dream of living and working in Canada. If you need assistance navigating the
complexities of PNPs, consider consulting with a professional immigration consultant to
maximize your chances of success.