What is a Canada Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)?

 

The Canada Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is a system that allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals for permanent residency based on their specific economic and labor market needs. Each province and territory in Canada has its PNP with criteria tailored to its unique requirements and priorities.

The PNP helps provinces and territories address skill shortages and labor market demands by attracting individuals with the skills and experience needed in their regions.

The program allows provinces and territories to focus on immigration policies that align with their own economic strategies and development goals. The PNP can also help promote more balanced population growth across Canada, encouraging newcomers to settle in regions outside major urban centers.

List of Canadian PNPs with Eligibility Criteria

Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)

The AAIP is known for its pathways for both skilled workers and entrepreneurs; especially a recent focus on attracting tech talent.

Eligibility:

• Skilled workers
• Semi-skilled workers in industries with labor gaps such as agriculture and hospitality
• Entrepreneurs
• International students who have completed their studies in Alberta

Key Requirements:

• Job offer from an Alberta employer (varies by stream)
• Work experience in an eligible occupation
• English and/or French language proficiency

British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)

This program is seen as a gateway to the Canadian city of Vancouver. Highly regarded for its tech sector and international graduate streams, this is a great provincial nominee program for tech workers and entrepreneurs.

Eligibility:

• Skilled workers
• International graduates
• Entrepreneurs

Key Requirements:

• A job offer from a B.C. employer for most streams including skilled workers, health care professionals, and semi-skilled workers
• A degree from a B.C. higher education institution for recent students
• Proof of work experience or business ownership for entrepreneurs as well as a business plan
• English and/or French language proficiency

Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)

This provincial nominee program is popular for its focus on fostering community in the province and its programs related to agriculture.

Eligibility:

• Skilled workers
• International students for the Graduate Internship Pathway or International Student Entrepreneur Pilot
• Business investors

Key Requirements:

• Connection to Manitoba (e.g., previous work or study)
• Job offer
• Proof of close family in the province to substitute a job offer
• A completed master’s or doctorate degree from the Manitoba area to participate in the Graduate Internship Pathway
• For the International Student Entrepreneur Pilot, recent graduates must have started or bought a business in Manitoba.

New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)

This Canadian Provincial Nominee Program is known for its efforts to attract newcomers to support the local economy and fill labor shortages.

Eligibility:

• Skilled workers
• Entrepreneurs
• International graduates

Key Requirements:

• Job offer or business plan
• Language skills
• Work experience

 

Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)

Focused on filling labor gaps and attracting business investment to support local industries.

Eligibility:

• Skilled workers
• International graduates
• Entrepreneurs

Key Requirements:

Job offer from a Newfoundland and Labrador employer, or business investment plan.

 

Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)

Known for its diverse streams and emphasis on helping immigrants integrate into the community.

Eligibility:

• Skilled workers
• Entrepreneurs
• International graduates

Key Requirements:

• Job offer or business plan
• Relevant work experience
• Or relevant education

 

Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)

One of the most popular PNPs due to Ontario’s large economy and diverse job market.

Eligibility:

• Skilled workers
• International graduates
• Entrepreneurs

Key Requirements:

• Job offer from an Ontario employer or a business plan for entrepreneurs
• Work experience or education

 

Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)

Known for its welcoming approach and emphasis on community involvement.

Eligibility:

• Skilled workers
• Entrepreneurs
• International graduates

Key Requirements:

• Job offer from a PEI employer, or a viable business plan

 

Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)

Offers pathways for both high-skilled workers and those with entrepreneurial aspirations; popular for its balanced approach to immigration

Eligibility:

• Skilled workers
• International graduates
• Entrepreneurs

Key Requirements:

• Job offer or business plan
• Relevant work experience or education

 

Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)

Known for its focus on attracting skilled workers to support economic development in the territories.

Eligibility:

• Skilled workers
• Business owners
• International graduates

Key Requirements:

• Job offer from a Northwest Territories employer or business investment in the province

 

Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)

Popular for its focus on regional economic development and its support for small businesses.

Eligibility:

• Skilled workers
• Business owners
• International graduates

Key Requirements:

• Job offer or business investment
• Relevant work experience or education

Best Canadian Provincial Program in 2024

Each province has a unique set of requirements and benefits. Depending on various factors specific to your situation, including your skills, work experience, education, and long-term goals, the “best” Provincial Nominee Program might change.

Here is a list of the different Provincial Nominee Programs that are noted for less rigorous applicant requirements, fast processing times, and pathways to permanent residency.

Provincial Nominee Programs with “Easier” Requirements

Saskatchewan Immigrant Program (SINP)Nominee

Stream: International Skilled Worker: Occupation In-Demand.

Why It’s Considered Easy:

The Occupation In-Demand stream does not require a job offer. It targets skilled workers with experience in high-demand occupations in Saskatchewan, making it accessible for those who meet the criteria.

 

Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)

Stream: Labour Impact Category.

Why It’s Considered Easy:

This category does not always require a job offer, depending on the specific stream and applicant profile. It’s designed for individuals who have experience in in-demand occupations.

 

Provincial Nominee Programs with Fastest Processing Times

 

Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)

Stream: Alberta Express Entry Stream.

Why It’s Considered Easy:

This stream is aligned with the federal Express Entry system. If you are already in the Express Entry pool and meet the criteria, it can be relatively straightforward to receive a nomination from Alberta, especially if you have experience or skills in demand

 

Provincial Nominee Programs with Fastest Path to Permanent Residency

If you’re looking for a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) with a fast pathway to permanent residency, you’ll want to focus on programs that are closely linked with the federal Express Entry system.
These programs often provide the quickest routes due to their integration with Express Entry, which streamlines both provincial and federal processing. Here are some of the PNPs known for relatively fast pathways to permanent residency:

 

1. British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)

 

Stream: Express Entry BC.

Processing Time:

The BC PNP Express Entry stream is known for its efficient processing times. Once you receive a provincial nomination, the federal Express Entry system can process your application for permanent residency in about 6 months.

Features:

This stream is aligned with the Express Entry system, which helps speed up the overall processing time. It targets skilled workers, international graduates, and individuals with job offers in BC.

 

2. Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)

Stream: Ontario Express Entry Stream

Processing Time:
OINP has a relatively quick processing time for its Express Entry-linked streams. After receiving a provincial nomination, the Express Entry system typically processes the permanent residency application within about 6 months.

 

3. Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)

Stream: Alberta Express Entry Stream.

Processing Time:

Similar to BC and Ontario, the AINP’s Express Entry stream benefits from the streamlined processing of the Express Entry system. The time from provincial nomination to permanent residency is typically around 6 months.

 

4. Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)

Stream: International Skilled Worker: Express Entry.

Processing Time:

The SINP’s Express Entry stream also benefits from the federal Express Entry system’s efficiency. Processing times from provincial nomination to permanent residency are generally around 6 months.

Important to note:

This stream targets skilled workers who are already in the Express Entry pool and have work experience in high-demand occupations in Saskatchewan.

 

5. Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)

Stream: Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry

Processing Time:

This stream is designed for skilled workers with a connection to Nova Scotia. The processing times for Nova Scotia’s Express Entry-linked nominations are typically fast, within 6 months, benefiting from the federal system’s efficiency.

 

Provincial Nominee Programs with Low Draw Scores

 

As of 2024, here are some PNPs and streams known for having relatively lower draw scores or more accessible entry requirements:

 

1. Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)

Stream: International Skilled Worker: Occupation In-Demand

Typical Draw Scores:

SINP’s Occupation In-Demand stream is often noted for having lower score thresholds compared to some other provinces. Draw scores for this stream can vary, but it is generally accessible for those with relevant work experience in high-demand occupations.

 

2. Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)

Stream: Skilled Worker Overseas Stream

Typical Draw Scores:

The MPNP’s Skilled Worker Overseas Stream often has lower score requirements, particularly if you have a connection to Manitoba or work in an occupation in demand. Manitoba uses a points-based system that evaluates factors such as work experience, education, and language proficiency.

 

3. Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)

Stream: Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry

Typical Draw Scores:

The Nova Scotia Demand stream targets skilled workers with specific experience. While Nova Scotia does issue invites through Express Entry, the criteria for some categories may have lower thresholds compared to other provinces.

 

4. Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)

Stream: Alberta Express Entry Stream

Typical Draw Scores:

Alberta’s Express Entry Stream has historically had lower score requirements compared to other PNPs. Alberta often selects candidates with lower Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores, especially those who have experience in in-demand occupations or are working in Alberta.

 

5. Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)

Stream: Labour Impact Category

Typical Draw Scores: For candidates with work experience in PEI or those who have established ties to the province, lower scores are required than within the Labour Impact Category as well as other Provincial Nominee Programs.

 

Canada PNP vs Express Entry – What is the difference?

 

The Canada Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and the Express Entry system are two distinct pathways for immigrating to Canada, each with its processes and purposes.

The Express Entry system is a federal system that manages applications for permanent residency under three federal economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class.

The PNP program is more locally focused. Designed to address specific labor market needs and economic priorities of individual provinces and territories.
While Express Entry candidates are assessed based on a points-based system, the PNP programs are focused on the specific needs of each province to determine candidate eligibility. Canadian provinces and territories can nominate candidates based on local needs, and these nominees apply for permanent residency through the federal government.

For PNP programs, the time it takes to get a provincial nomination can vary, depending on the province and the specific stream. The overall processing time for Express Entry candidates is generally faster, with a standard processing time of around six months from the date of submission of a complete application.

 

 

FAQs about Canada PNPs

 

1. Which PNP stream is the easiest?

 

Determining the “easiest” Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) to apply for can depend on several factors, including your qualifications, occupation, and personal circumstances.

 

2. Can I apply for Express entry when on PNP?

 

Yes, you can apply for Express Entry while being involved in a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Many PNPs are designed to work in conjunction with Express Entry, and receiving a provincial nomination can significantly boost your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency through Express Entry. A provincial nomination adds significant value to your Express Entry profile, often leading to a faster pathway to permanent residency.

 

3. Can I apply for a PNP with an active work permit?

 

Yes, you can apply for a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) while holding an active work permit. Many provinces and territories in Canada have streams within their PNPs that specifically target individuals already working in Canada on a temporary work permit.

 

Eligibility for PNP Streams:

Work Experience Requirement:

Many PNP streams require candidates to have work experience in the province or territory. If you’re on a work permit and working in a province, you may be eligible for streams that are designed for temporary workers.

 

Stream-Specific Criteria:
Each province has its criteria and streams. For example, some streams require you to work in a specific occupation or have a certain amount of work experience.

 

Types of PNP Streams for Work Permit Holders:

Employer-Driven Streams:
Some provinces have employer-driven streams where you need a job offer from an employer in the province to be eligible. If you’re already working for an employer in the province, this can be an advantage.

 

Skilled Worker Streams:
Many provinces have streams for skilled workers, where having Canadian work experience can strengthen your application.

 

International Graduate Streams:
If you have recently graduated from a Canadian educational institution and are on a work permit, you may be eligible for streams that target recent graduates.

 

Application Process:

Apply to the Province:
Submit an application to the province or territory under the relevant stream. Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria and provide all required documentation.

 

Receive a Provincial Nomination:
If the province or territory approves your application, you will receive a provincial nomination certificate.

 

Apply for Permanent Residency:
Use the provincial nomination to apply for permanent residency through Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). You may do this either through the Express Entry system (if you are in the Express Entry pool) or directly through a paper-based process.

 

Maintain Status:
Ensure that your work permit remains valid throughout the application process. If your work permit expires, it may affect your ability to continue working and maintain your status.

 

Stream-Specific Requirements:
Carefully review the specific requirements for the PNP stream you are applying for, as requirements can vary significantly between provinces and streams.

 

4. Can my spouse work if I am on PNP?

 

Yes, but it depends on the specifics. Once you become a permanent resident, your spouse can work freely in Canada without needing a separate work permit.

Your spouse can work if you are on a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), but their ability to work will depend on several factors, including the status of your PNP application, the type of PNP you are involved in, and the work permit status of your spouse.

If you are on a work permit and have received a provincial nomination, your spouse may be eligible to apply for an open work permit. An open work permit allows your spouse to work for any employer in Canada and is typically available to spouses of skilled workers with valid work permits.

If you are in the process of applying for permanent residency through the PNP, your spouse’s work authorization will depend on their current status.

If your spouse is already in Canada and you are on a work permit, they can apply for an open work permit based on your work permit status and the PNP nomination.

If your spouse is outside Canada, they may apply for a work permit if they have a valid job offer in Canada, or if they qualify for an open work permit as your dependent.