How many CRS points does a provincial nomination add?
An enhanced provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points to an Express Entry profile. That normally places a candidate above the cut-off in a Provincial Nominee Program round.
An enhanced provincial nomination adds 600 points to an Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System score. Because the maximum core score without a nomination is far lower, a nominated candidate normally sits above the published cut-off in a Provincial Nominee Program round. The nomination must be accepted in the Express Entry profile to apply, and IRCC still decides eligibility and admissibility after an invitation.
Key facts
| Points added | 600, for an enhanced (Express Entry-aligned) nomination |
|---|---|
| Base nomination | Zero CRS points — applied for directly to IRCC, outside Express Entry |
| Applies when | The nomination is accepted in the Express Entry profile |
| Round type | IRCC holds dedicated Provincial Nominee Program rounds |
| Still required | Program eligibility, admissibility and full document review |
Who may qualify?
- Express Entry candidates nominated through a province's enhanced stream
- Candidates with an occupation, job offer or study/work history a province is actively targeting
- Candidates whose base CRS score is too low for general rounds
Eligibility requirements
- Eligibility for Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class or Federal Skilled Trades
- An enhanced nomination from a participating province or territory
- Acceptance of the nomination in the Express Entry profile before the round
How it works: step by step
- 1
Check which provinces target your profile
Streams differ by occupation, language, connection to the province and job offer.
- 2
Keep the Express Entry profile active
An enhanced nomination only adds points to a live profile.
- 3
Accept the nomination in the profile
The 600 points apply only once the nomination is accepted electronically.
- 4
Prepare for the province's intent to reside
Enhanced streams expect a genuine intention to settle in the nominating province.
Expert insight
RCIC strategy consideration: pursuing a nomination and improving language results are not alternatives. Nomination timelines are outside your control, so candidates who keep raising their core score often receive an invitation before a nomination is decided.
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.