Each province, apart from Quebec and Nunavut, operates several PNP streams. These streams are designed by the provinces to help meet their unique immigration goals, so the eligibility criteria and application procedures vary. However, PNPs are a popular option because they can be the easiest pathway to Canadian permanent residence.

All decisions regarding Canadian permanent residence must be approved at the national level by the federal government, so Canada’s provinces cannot approve permanent resident status on their own. This is why the provincial programs are considered “nominee” programs.

A successful applicant to a PNP will be nominated by the province to apply to the federal government for permanent residence. This means that immigrating to Canada through a PNP is always step one in a two-part process. First, an interested immigrant is approved at the provincial level and then they must apply to the federal level.

Provinces and Territories

Each of Canada’s provinces and territories, apart from Nunavut and Quebec, operates its own unique Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) designed to meet its economic and demographic needs. Program requirements and application procedures vary greatly between provinces, so interested applicants should consult each of the provinces to determine their eligibility.

• Alberta Self Employed Farmer Stream
• British Columbia
  • British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program ( BC PNP ) :- Entrepreneur Immigration Stream
  • British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program ( BC PNP ) :- Entrepreneur Immigration Stream ( Regional Pilot )
• Manitoba
  • Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program Business Investor Stream ( Entrepreneur Pathway)
  • Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program Business Investor Stream ( Farm Investor Pathway)
• New Brunswick
  • New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program :- Entrepreneurial Stream
  • New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program :- Post Graduate Entrepreneurial Stream
• Nova Scotia Nominee Program
  • Nova Scotia Nominee Program – Entrepreneur Stream
• Northwest Territories Nominee Program- Entrepreneur Business Stream
• Ontario
  • Ontario Immigrant Nominee Stream ( OINP ) Corporate Stream
  • Ontario Immigrant Nominee Stream ( OINP ) Entrepreneur Stream
• Prince Edward Island Nominee Program
• Saskatchewan
  • Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program Entrepreneur Category
  • Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program Farm Owner /Operator Category
• Yukon Business Nominee Program

How to apply for a Provincial Nominee Program in Canada

Step-by-Step guide to applying to a Canadian PNP:

• Find the PNP that is right for you: Consult the list of provinces and territories at the top of this page to determine where you would like to immigrate. Make sure to check the requirements for each PNP to determine your eligibility.
• Apply to your chosen PNP: Submit an application directly to your chosen province or territory.
• Obtain a Provincial Nomination certificate: If your application is successful, the province or territory will nominate you to apply for Canadian permanent residence.
• Submit your application for permanent residence: Apply to the Canadian federal government for permanent residence. If your chosen PNP is aligned with Express Entry, you can do this online. If not, you must submit a paper-based application.

What is the ideal PNP candidate?

The ideal PNP candidate is one that has work experience and skills that help a province respond to labour market or demographic needs. Other factors that may increase one’s chances include:

• Strong ties to the host province (ex. previous work experience, job offer, previous studies, family)
• Work experience in an in-demand occupation
• Strong English proficiency
• Proficiency in French