The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals for permanent residence who have the skills, education, and work experience to contribute to that province's economy. A provincial nomination adds 600 points to your Express Entry CRS score, effectively guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
How PNP Works
Each province and territory (except Quebec and Nunavut) operates its own PNP with unique streams and criteria. There are two main pathways through PNP:
- Enhanced streams (tied to Express Entry): Apply through your Express Entry profile. If nominated, you receive 600 CRS points. Applications processed within 6 months.
- Base streams (non-Express Entry): Apply directly to the province. If nominated, apply directly to IRCC for PR. Processing takes 12–18+ months.
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
Ontario
Ontario runs one of the largest PNP in Canada. Key streams include:
- Human Capital Priorities Stream: Express Entry candidates with NOC 0, A, or B experience in priority occupations
- Employer Job Offer streams: For candidates with a job offer from an Ontario employer
- Masters Graduate Stream: For recent Ontario masters graduates
- PhD Graduate Stream: For PhD graduates from Ontario universities
- Regional Immigration Pilot streams: For smaller communities across Ontario
British Columbia PNP (BC PNP)
British Columbia
- Skills Immigration streams: Skilled Worker, International Graduate, Healthcare Professional
- Express Entry BC: Tied to federal Express Entry pool
- Tech Pilot: Fast-track for tech workers in 29 in-demand occupations. See our BC PNP Tech Pilot guide
- Entrepreneur Immigration: For experienced business people
Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
Alberta
- Alberta Opportunity Stream: For workers in in-demand occupations with job offers in Alberta
- Express Entry Accelerated Tech Pathway: For tech workers in Express Entry pool
- Rural Renewal Stream: For rural communities across Alberta
- Self-Employed Farmer Stream: For experienced farm operators
Read our detailed Alberta Advantage Immigration Program guide.
Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
Saskatchewan
- International Skilled Worker — Occupations In-Demand: For workers in high-demand occupations (no job offer required for some)
- International Skilled Worker — Express Entry: Linked to federal Express Entry
- Saskatchewan Experience Category: For workers already employed in Saskatchewan
- Entrepreneur and Farm streams
Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
Manitoba
- Skilled Workers in Manitoba: For those with a job offer from a Manitoba employer
- Skilled Workers Overseas: For those with a connection to Manitoba (former residents, family members, etc.)
- International Education Stream: For recent Manitoba graduates
- Business Investor Stream
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI, Newfoundland
The Atlantic Immigration Program is a federal-provincial initiative for skilled workers and international graduates who want to settle in Atlantic Canada. Each Atlantic province designates employers who can hire international workers. Key benefits: faster processing, community-based settlement support, less competition than Ontario or BC.
Quebec — Not a PNP Province
Quebec manages its own immigration system and does not participate in the PNP. The main pathway for skilled workers to Quebec is the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP), also known as the Regular Skilled Worker Program. Quebec uses its own points grid (Grille de sélection) and has a separate federal stage through the Canada–Quebec Accord.
Tips for Maximizing Your PNP Chances
- Research provincial labour market needs: Each province prioritizes different occupations. Find the best match for your NOC code.
- Consider smaller provinces: Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Atlantic provinces often have lower point thresholds and more targeted draws
- Get a job offer first: Employer job offer streams give you direct access regardless of CRS score
- Study in Canada: International graduates from Canadian institutions get direct access to graduate streams in most provinces
- Register interest in multiple provinces simultaneously: Allowed and recommended
Financial Setup After PNP Nomination
Once you receive a provincial nomination and your PR application is approved, your financial setup in Canada follows the same path as all newcomers. Start with a bank account, get your SIN, and apply for credit. KOHO is a popular choice for new arrivals. See our newcomer financial guide.