Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
How the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) works
This program is for workers who:
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have the skills, education and work experience to contribute to the economy of a specific province or territory
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want to live in that province, and
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want to become permanent residents of Canada
Each province and territory has its own “streams” (immigration programs that target certain groups) and requirements. For example, in a program stream, provinces and territories may target:
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students
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business people
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skilled workers
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semi-skilled workers
Understand the application options
How you will apply depends on which Provincial Nominee Program stream you’re applying to. You might need to apply using the paper-based process, or by the online process through Express Entry.
As part of the process, you will have to pass a medical exam and get a police check (certificate). Everyone must have these checks, no matter where they plan to live in Canada.
Paper-based process
In the paper-based process:
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You apply to the province or territory for nomination under a non-Express Entry stream.
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You need to meet the eligibility requirements of the province that nominates you.
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Once you have been nominated, you submit a paper application for permanent residence to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
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You have to pass a medical exam and get a police check (certificate). Everyone must have these checks, no matter where you plan to live in Canada.
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Application processing times are longer than through Express Entry.
Express Entry process
In the online Express Entry process, there are 2 ways to apply:
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You contact the province or territory and apply for a nomination under an Express Entry stream.
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If the province or territory agrees to nominate you, you create an Express Entry profile (or update your profile if you already have one) and show you have been nominated.
OR
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You create an Express Entry profile and show the provinces and territories you’re interested in.
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If a province or territory sends you a “notification of interest” to your account, you contact them directly.
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You apply to their Express Entry stream:
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If you’re nominated, the province will offer it to you through your account, and you accept it electronically.
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In both cases:
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You must meet the eligibility requirements of the province or territory. And,
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You must submit an Express Entry profile and show that you meet the minimum criteria for Express Entry, including being eligible for one of the immigration programs it covers.
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If you are invited to apply, you submit an electronic application to IRCC.
Choose a province or territory
To be nominated by a province or territory you must follow the instructions on their website and contact them directly:
The criteria by province and territory vary and can change without notice.