Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP): A Guide to Provincial Nomination in Canada
Canada's provinces and territories can nominate people for permanent residence who fit their local labour needs. Each province runs its own program with its own streams, rules and intake method. Quebec is different: it selects its own economic immigrants under a separate system.
Two ways a nomination works
- Express Entry-aligned streams. You need an Express Entry profile and must meet a federal program's requirements. A nomination adds 600 points to your CRS score, which usually leads to an invitation in the next round that includes nominees.
- Base streams. These sit outside Express Entry. The province nominates you and you then apply to IRCC separately, which usually takes longer but often has broader eligibility.
A nomination is not permanent residence. The province selects you, and IRCC still decides your application.
What changed in 2026
Provincial allocations are tighter, and provinces are selecting more narrowly. Common priorities include healthcare, construction and trades, technology, and rural or regional needs. IRCC has also set aside federal spaces for provinces to nominate practising physicians and French-speaking candidates. Several provinces have redesigned their programs this year, so older guides may describe streams that no longer exist.
Provinces covered in our guides
- Ontario (OINP)
- British Columbia (BC PNP)
- Alberta (AAIP)
- Saskatchewan (SINP)
- Manitoba (MPNP)
- Atlantic Immigration Program, a federal program for New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
Also see the Rural Community Immigration Pilot and the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot.
How to choose a province
- Look for a real connection: a job offer, current work or study, family, or a direct invitation. Most provinces now require one.
- Match your occupation to the province's priorities and its excluded lists.
- Check language and education minimums, which vary by stream.
- Compare your options against your Express Entry score and category-based rounds. A province is not always your best route.
Get help from a licensed consultant
Choosing a stream is where mistakes are costly, because streams close, change rules, or run limited intake windows. I can review your background and tell you honestly which routes fit. No consultant can guarantee a nomination or an approval.
Frequently asked questions
Does a provincial nomination guarantee permanent residence? No. A nomination lets you apply to IRCC, which makes the final decision.
Do I need a job offer? For most provincial streams, yes, or a strong connection to the province. Some streams allow applications without one, for example certain in-demand occupation categories.
Can I apply to more than one province? Some programs allow it, but you generally must settle in the province that nominates you.
Is it better than Express Entry? It depends on your score and connections. A nomination can help candidates with lower Express Entry scores.
Sources: IRCC, Provincial Nominee Program pages; provincial government websites.
This page is general information, not legal advice on your situation.