Provincial Nominee Programs offer alternative pathways to Canadian permanent residence outside Express Entry. This comprehensive guide compares all provincial programs to help you choose the best option.
What are Provincial Nominee Programs?
PNPs allow Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals for permanent residence based on local labor market needs. A provincial nomination adds 600 points to your Express Entry CRS score, virtually guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply.
Overview of All PNPs
Canada has 11 provincial/territorial nominee programs:
- Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
- British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
- Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
- Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
- Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
- Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
- New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)
- Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)
- Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)
- Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)
- Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)
Note: Quebec has its own immigration system (Quebec Skilled Worker Program), not a PNP.
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
Key Streams
Express Entry Streams:
- Human Capital Priorities (HCP): Periodic draws from Express Entry pool
- French-Speaking Skilled Worker: For French speakers in pool
- Skilled Trades: For trades workers in Express Entry
Employer Job Offer Streams:
- Foreign Worker: Job offer required
- International Student: Recent Ontario graduates
- In-Demand Skills: For agriculture and construction workers
Requirements
- Valid Express Entry profile (for EE streams)
- Minimum CRS typically 450-470 for HCP draws
- Job offer (for employer streams)
- Settlement funds
Processing Time
- 60-90 days after nomination
- Then 6 months for federal PR
2025 Allocation: ~18,000 nominations
Best For
- French speakers
- Tech professionals
- Healthcare workers
- Those with Ontario job offers
British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
Key Streams
Skills Immigration:
- Skilled Worker: Job offer in skilled occupation
- Healthcare Professional: Priority for healthcare
- International Graduate: BC education
- International Post-Graduate: Master's/PhD from BC
- Entry Level and Semi-Skilled: Specific sectors
Express Entry BC (EEBC):
- Mirror streams with Express Entry profile
Entrepreneur Immigration: For business owners
BC PNP Tech Pilot
- 29 priority tech occupations
- Weekly draws
- Faster processing
Requirements
- Job offer (most streams)
- Minimum wage varies by NOC
- BC connection preferred
- Points-based ranking system
Processing Time
- 2-3 months for provincial nomination
- 6 months for federal processing
2025 Allocation: ~12,000-15,000 nominations
Best For
- Tech workers
- Healthcare professionals
- BC graduates
- Those in priority occupations
Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
Key Streams
Express Entry Stream:
- Candidates in Express Entry pool
- Connection to Alberta (work experience, job offer, or family)
- Minimum CRS 300
Accelerated Tech Pathway:
- Tech occupations
- Faster processing
- Lower CRS requirements
Rural Renewal Stream:
- Jobs in designated rural communities
- Community endorsement required
Tourism and Hospitality Stream: NEW 2024
- Workers in tourism/hospitality sectors
Requirements
- Depends on stream
- Generally need Alberta connection
- Job offer (some streams)
- English CLB 5-7 depending on occupation
Processing Time
- 4-6 months for provincial nomination
- 6 months federal
2025 Allocation: ~9,750 nominations
Best For
- Tech workers
- Those with Alberta work experience
- Rural job offers
- Tourism/hospitality professionals
Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
Key Streams
International Skilled Worker:
- Express Entry: In Express Entry pool
- Occupation In-Demand: For in-demand occupations
- Saskatchewan Experience: SK work experience
Saskatchewan Experience:
- Existing Work Permit Holders
- Health Professionals
- Hospitality Sector Projects
- Long Haul Truck Drivers
- Students
Entrepreneur and Farm:
- Business streams
Requirements
- Points-based (minimum 60 points for some streams)
- 1 year work experience in eligible occupation
- Language: CLB 4-7 depending on NOC
- Settlement funds
- Educational credentials
Processing Time
- 15-20 weeks for nomination
- 6 months federal
2025 Allocation: ~7,500 nominations
Best For
- In-demand occupations (check SINP list)
- Healthcare workers
- Truck drivers
- Lower CRS scores (can be competitive with 60+ points)
Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
Key Streams
Skilled Workers in Manitoba:
- Manitoba Work Experience: 6 months Manitoba work
- Employer Direct Recruitment: Job offers
- Manitoba Graduate Internship: Recent graduates
Skilled Workers Overseas:
- Manitoba connections required
- Invitation from MPNP
International Education Stream:
- Manitoba graduates
- Career employment pathway
- Graduate internship pathway
- International student entrepreneur
Requirements
- Connection to Manitoba (work, study, family, or invitation)
- Settlement plan
- Language: CLB 4-7
- Points-based
Processing Time
- 6 months for provincial nomination
- 6 months federal
2025 Allocation: ~6,500 nominations
Best For
- Manitoba graduates
- Manitoba work experience
- Those with family in Manitoba
- International students
Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
Key Streams
Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry:
- In Express Entry pool
- Nova Scotia job offer or recent work experience
Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities:
- Targets specific occupations/criteria from Express Entry pool
Skilled Worker: Job offer stream
Occupations in Demand: Specific occupations
International Graduate in Demand: NS graduates
Physician: For doctors
Entrepreneur: Business stream
Requirements
- Varies by stream
- Generally need job offer or NS connection
- Express Entry profile (for EE streams)
- Language varies (CLB 5-7)
Processing Time
- 3 months for nomination
- 6 months federal
2025 Allocation: ~5,340 nominations
Best For
- Healthcare professionals (especially physicians)
- Recent NS graduates
- Those with job offers
- Specific in-demand occupations
Atlantic Provinces (NB, PEI, NL)
New Brunswick PNP (NBPNP)
- Express Entry Labour Market Stream
- Skilled Workers with Employer Support
- Strategic Initiative (invitation only)
- 2025 Allocation: ~3,100 nominations
Prince Edward Island PNP (PEI PNP)
- Express Entry
- Labour Impact (Critical Worker, Skilled Worker, International Graduate)
- Business Impact
- 2025 Allocation: ~2,000 nominations
Newfoundland and Labrador PNP (NLPNP)
- Express Entry Skilled Worker
- Skilled Worker Category
- International Graduate
- International Entrepreneur
- 2025 Allocation: ~1,650 nominations
Best For
- Atlantic region job offers
- International graduates from Atlantic schools
- Those seeking lower competition
- Healthcare and trades workers
Northern Territories
Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)
Streams:
- Express Entry
- Skilled Worker
- Critical Impact Worker (semi-skilled)
- Business Stream
2025 Allocation: ~600 nominations
Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)
Streams:
- Skilled Worker
- Critical Impact Worker
- Express Entry
- Business Nominee
2025 Allocation: ~425 nominations
Best For
- Those willing to live in remote areas
- Unique job opportunities
- Less competition
- Adventure seekers
Strategy Guide: Choosing the Right PNP
Consider Your Profile
High CRS (450+):
- May not need PNP
- Consider PNP for faster processing or specific province preference
Medium CRS (400-449):
- Ontario HCP or BC draws
- Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities
- Alberta Express Entry
Lower CRS (300-399):
- Saskatchewan
- Alberta (with connection)
- Atlantic provinces
- Northern territories
No Express Entry Profile:
- Employer job offer streams
- International graduate streams
- Saskatchewan Occupation In-Demand
By Occupation
Tech Workers:
- BC Tech Pilot
- Alberta Accelerated Tech
- Ontario HCP
Healthcare:
- BC Healthcare Professional
- Nova Scotia Physician
- Saskatchewan Health Professionals
Trades:
- Ontario Skilled Trades
- Saskatchewan
- Atlantic provinces
French Speakers:
- Ontario French-Speaking stream
- New Brunswick (bilingual province)
By Connection
Job Offer:
- Province where job is located
- Consider employer support for PNP
Education in Canada:
- Province where you studied
- International graduate streams
Family:
- Manitoba (family connection stream)
- Province where family resides
Previous Work:
- Province where you worked
- Experience streams
Application Process
General Steps (Varies by Province)
- Check Eligibility: Review specific stream requirements
- Expression of Interest (EOI) or Direct Application
- Receive Nomination Invitation (for EOI systems)
- Submit Full Application to Province
- Receive Provincial Nomination (if approved)
- Accept Nomination in Express Entry (if applicable) or Apply for PR
- Submit Federal PR Application
- Receive PR Decision
Timeline Summary
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Provincial nomination | 2-6 months |
| Federal PR (with nomination) | 6 months |
| Total | 8-12 months |
Costs
Provincial Application Fees
- Range: CAD $0 - $2,500 depending on province
- Most common: CAD $1,500 - $2,000
Federal PR After Nomination
- Main applicant: CAD $1,525
- Right of PR Fee: CAD $515
- Spouse: CAD $1,525
- Children: CAD $260 each
Other Costs
- Language tests: CAD $320-$450
- ECA: CAD $220-$350
- Medical exams: CAD $300-$550 per person
- Biometrics: CAD $85 per person
Total Estimated: CAD $5,000-$8,000
PNP Success Tips
- Research Thoroughly: Each province has unique requirements
- Multiple Applications: Apply to several provinces if eligible
- Job Networking: Connect with employers in target province
- Build Connection: Visit, network, or study in target province
- Language Scores: Maximize CLB scores
- Documentation: Keep employment and education records organized
- Stay Updated: PNP criteria change frequently
- Monitor Draws: Some provinces announce draw criteria
- Compliance: Be prepared to settle in nominating province
- Professional Help: Consider immigration consultant for complex cases
Common Mistakes
- Applying Without Connection: Some provinces require connection
- Ignoring Settlement Plans: Must show intention to settle
- Insufficient Language Scores: Meet minimum requirements
- Wrong NOC Code: Ensure occupation aligns with requirements
- Missing Draws: Some streams have limited spots - act fast
- Incomplete Applications: Submit all required documents
- Fraudulent Job Offers: Only accept legitimate offers
2025 PNP Trends
- Increased Tech Focus: More tech-specific streams
- Healthcare Priority: Ongoing demand for healthcare workers
- Francophone Advantage: French-language pathways expanding
- Regional Distribution: Incentives for smaller provinces
- Expression of Interest: More provinces using EOI systems
- Wage Thresholds: Some provinces introducing minimum wage requirements
- Faster Processing: Several provinces improving processing times
Use our PNP eligibility tool to find which provincial programs match your profile and get personalized recommendations.
