Provincial Nominee Program
How Canada's Provincial Nominee Programs work: streams, Express Entry-linked nominations, employer-driven pathways and province-by-province considerations.
Provincial Nominee Programs let provinces and territories nominate candidates who meet local labour market needs. A nomination can lead to permanent residence, and an Express Entry-linked nomination adds substantial CRS points. Each province runs its own streams, criteria and intake schedules, which change frequently.
Key facts
| Who nominates | Provinces and territories (except Quebec) |
|---|---|
| Two routes | Express Entry-linked (enhanced) and base (paper-based) |
| Common stream types | Skilled worker, graduate, employer-driven, entrepreneur |
| Intake | Varies by province — verify current openings |
Who may qualify?
- Skilled workers with in-demand occupations in a specific province
- Graduates of provincial post-secondary institutions
- Workers with a job offer from a provincial employer
- Express Entry candidates matching a province's targeted draw
Eligibility requirements
- Meeting a specific provincial stream's criteria
- Intention to live and work in the nominating province
- Language, education and work experience thresholds set by the stream
- Federal admissibility requirements at the PR stage
How it works: step by step
- 1
Identify target provinces
Match your occupation, education and connections to provincial priorities.
- 2
Register or apply
Some streams use expressions of interest; others accept direct applications during intake windows.
- 3
Obtain a nomination
Respond to invitations and submit a complete provincial application.
- 4
Apply for PR
File the federal PR application through Express Entry or the paper-based route.
Expert insight
PNP streams open and close with little notice. Having documents, language results and reference letters prepared in advance is often the deciding factor in whether you can act on a short intake window.
Alternative pathways
Frequently asked questions
Immigration programs, fees and processing times change frequently. This page is general information, not immigration advice. Verify current requirements with official Government of Canada sources or speak with our RCIC.