Provincial Nomination Program

PNPs are immigration programs that are run and managed by individual provinces of Canada. Apart from Nunavut and Quebec, each of the Canadian provinces has its own periodic immigration quota and PNP stream depending on the individual labor market situation.

Provincial Nomination Programs (PNP) were introduced back in 1998, and currently, there are over 80 different PNPs offered by the Canadian provinces. Ontario, British Columbia, Atlantic provinces (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador) and Prairie provinces (Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba) participate in the PNP. IRCC allows the provinces to set their own selection process and eligibility requirements to fulfill their specific labor market needs.

Although PNPs have become very attractive for skilled global candidates, you must remember that since provinces are authorized to set their own rules, they frequently update the policies and programs.

What are the PNP categories?

There are two broad categories of PNPs in Canada:
  • Paper-based programs outside Express Entry
  • PNP through Express Entry.

How does PNP through Express Entry work?

  • Step 1 – Indicate your interest: When you create an Expression of Interest (EOI) on the Express Entry portal, you will be able to indicate the provinces you are interested in settling in.
  • Step 2 – Province invites you:If you indicate a province, your profile will be visible in the internal system. If your overall qualifications match with their provincial labor market demand, they can choose to invite you to submit a full PNP application.
  • Step 3 – Submit PNP application: This invitation from the province is called Notification of Interest (NOI), which you receive through your Express Entry profile. Upon receiving the NOI, you will be able to navigate to the province’s own application portal and submit your full application.
  • Step 4 – Receive nomination:  If your application is successful you will receive a provincial nomination.
  • Step 5 – Additional scores in Express Entry: A Provincial nomination will give you 600 additional points on your Express Entry profile, making the probability of receiving an ITA in the next draw almost certain. This is the most substantial benefit of applying through PNP under Express Entry!


There are few PNPs, however, that have a slightly different pathway. In those provinces, you can apply directly through their website without receiving any NOI. Once they award you a nomination, you can link it to your Express Entry profile and get the 600 additional points.

Provincial Nomination Programs

The following PNPs are functional at present:
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